Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students
₹2,500–₹13,000/year maintenance · Scheduled Caste students · Class 11 through postgraduate
This Central Government scholarship provides financial support to Scheduled Caste (SC) students pursuing post-secondary education in India. Students from families earning up to ₹2.5 lakh per year can receive annual grants covering tuition and accommodation costs depending on their course type. Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
About This Scheme
This Central Government scholarship provides financial support to Scheduled Caste (SC) students pursuing post-secondary education in India. Students from families earning up to ₹2.5 lakh per year can receive annual grants covering tuition and accommodation costs depending on their course type. Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
Full official description
- Objective
- The objective of the scheme is to appreciably increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio of SC students in higher education with a focus on those from the poorest households, by providing financial assistance at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education
- Scope
These scholarships are available for studies in India only and the awardees are selected by the State Government/Union Territory to which the applicant actually belongs (i.e. the State/UT in which permanently settled or domiciled, as per the terms of domicile decided by the State).
This is applicable to all the students who are currently beneficiaries of the scheme as well as fresh admissions.
The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students categorizes courses into four groups:
- Group I: Degree and Post Graduate level courses in Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Planning, Architecture, Design, Fashion Technology, Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, Management, Business Finance/Administration, Computer Science/Applications Commercial Pilot License (including helicopter pilot and multiengine rating) course
- Group II: Post Graduate Diploma courses in various branches of Management & medicine C.A/I.C.W.A. /C.S./I.C.F.A. etc.
- Group III: Graduate and Post Graduate courses not covered under Group 1 & Group 2 B.A / B.Sc. / B.Com etc. M.A/ M.Sc. / M.Com etc.
- Group IV: Management & Catering, Travel/Tourism/Hospitality Management, Interior Decoration, Nutrition & Dietetics, Commercial Art, Financial Services (e.g. Banking, Insurance, Taxation etc.).
Benefits
- Group I (Professional degrees – Medicine, Engineering, Management, etc.): ₹13,000/year for hostellers; ₹7,000/year for day scholars
- Group II (PG Diplomas, CA/CS/ICWA): ₹9,500/year for hostellers; ₹6,500/year for day scholars
- Group III (BA/BSc/BCom and similar): ₹6,000/year for hostellers; ₹3,000/year for day scholars
- Group IV (Non-degree post-Class X courses): ₹4,000/year for hostellers; ₹2,500/year for day scholars
- Divyang (disabled) students receive an additional 10% over the standard allowance
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Edtech and fintech founders building for Tier 2/3 India: this scheme covers hundreds of thousands of SC students annually — understanding how it is disbursed (state-administered via NSP, DBT to bank accounts) reveals both the distribution bottlenecks and the opportunity for last-mile financial products.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian national belonging to a Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Must have passed matriculation or higher examination from a recognized board
- Family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000 per year
- Applicable for post-secondary (post-Class X) studies at recognized institutions
- Studies must be in India; correspondence and online courses are also eligible
- Cannot hold any other scholarship or stipend simultaneously
- All children in a family are entitled to benefits (no sibling restriction)
Exclusions
- Not available to students pursuing a second degree in the same stage (e.g., a second Bachelor's in a different subject after completing one)
- A scholarship holder cannot simultaneously hold any other scholarship or stipend
How to Apply
- Go to scholarships.gov.in and click 'New Registration' under Applicant Corner.
- Read the instructions, accept the terms, and complete mobile OTP-based registration.
- Keep your Aadhaar details and bank account details ready before starting.
- For renewal: go to scholarships.gov.in, click 'Fresh Application', log in with your Application ID and password, and select this scholarship.
- Fill the application form, upload the required documents, and click 'Submit'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this scheme ?
The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
What are the main objective of the scheme?
The objective of the scheme is to appreciably increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio of SC students in higher education with a focus on those from the poorest households, by providing financial assistance at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education
What benefits are provided under the scheme?
Financial Benefits are provided.
What benefits are provided to the Disabled students ?
In addition, a 10% extra allowance shall be given to Divyang (Disabled) students.
Who can get the benefits ?
The scholarships are open to Indian nationals only.
Is other category student also get the benefits ?
Only candidates who belong to Scheduled Castes and have passed the Matriculation, Higher Secondary, or a higher examination of a recognized university or Board of Secondary Education are eligible
What is eligible income criteria ?
Scholarships will be paid to students whose parents' or guardians' income from all sources does not exceed [?] 2,50,000/- per annum.
What is the procedure to apply ?
- Applicant must register them self on NSP portal.
- Login with their credentials and apply.
What documents are required ?
- Photograph.
- Academic Certificate.
- Caste Certificate.
- Income proof.
- Domicile Certificate.
- Bank Account Details.
- Aadhaar Card.
What is the NSP URL ?
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Photograph
- Academic certificate (Class 10 marksheet or equivalent)
- Caste certificate
- Income proof (family income must be under ₹2.5 lakh/year)
- Domicile certificate
- Bank account details
- Aadhaar card