Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students
Typically opens August–December each academic year. Dates change annually — always verify on NSP.
- Amount
- ₹230–₹1,200 per month (hostellers), ₹160–₹750 per month (day scholars)
- Who can apply
- SC students studying at post-matriculation level (class 11 up to PhD) in recognized institutions.
- Income limit
- Family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year
- Study level
- Class 11-12, College / UG, Postgraduate, PhD / Research
- Apply through
- NSP (scholarships.gov.in)
- Notes
- One of the largest central scholarship schemes for SC students.
About this scholarship
The Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students is a major centrally sponsored scheme designed to support students from Scheduled Caste communities pursuing higher education. It covers education from Class 11 up to PhD level, including technical, vocational, and professional degree courses. The scheme is aimed at students who might otherwise be forced to drop out due to financial constraints, ensuring they can complete their studies. Selection relies on meeting the category and income criteria, rather than a competitive merit cut-off, making it highly accessible to eligible students. It provides a maintenance allowance to help with living costs and reimburses compulsory non-refundable fees. The scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of the course, but it does not continue automatically. Students are required to renew their application every academic year on the portal, showing that they have successfully advanced to the next year of their programme.
Documents you need
- Income certificate
- Scheduled Caste community certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook
- Previous year marksheet
- Fee receipt or admission proof
- Passport-size photograph
How to apply
- Register or log in on the National Scholarship Portal as a fresh or renewal applicant.
- Select the Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Fill in your academic details and upload the required documents exactly as specified.
Why applications get rejected
- Assuming the fee reimbursement covers everything; it only covers compulsory non-refundable fees.
- Failing to link your Aadhaar card with your bank account, causing the direct benefit transfer to fail.
- Forgetting to submit the hard copies to your college, leading to the application lapsing without institute verification.
Common questions
What is the income limit for the SC post matric scholarship?
Family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year. Check the official portal for any recent revisions.
Do I get the money directly or does it go to the college?
The maintenance allowance is typically paid via Direct Benefit Transfer to your bank account, while the fee component might be routed to your institution or directly to you depending on state rules.
Can I apply if I failed a year?
Generally, if you fail and repeat a year, you do not receive the scholarship for the repeated year. You may be eligible again once you are promoted.
New to the National Scholarship Portal? Read our step-by-step guide to applying on NSP.
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