Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education for SC Students
Typically opens August–December. Verify on NSP each year.
- Amount
- Full tuition, living allowance and book allowance at top institutions
- Who can apply
- SC students admitted to notified institutes of excellence (IITs, IIMs, NITs, and other premier institutions).
- Income limit
- Family income below ₹8 lakh per year
- Study level
- College / UG, Postgraduate
- Apply through
- NSP (scholarships.gov.in)
- Notes
- Covers the full cost of study at India's top institutes.
About this scholarship
The Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students is a premium central sector scheme designed to promote excellence among Scheduled Caste students by funding their studies in India's premier educational institutions. The scheme covers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses at notified institutions of excellence, such as IITs, IIMs, NITs, and top central universities. The aim is to ensure that brilliant SC students who secure admission to these highly competitive institutes are not held back by severe financial constraints. Selection is based on the merit list generated from the entrance exam ranks (like JEE or CAT) or the institution's own admission criteria, with a strict cap on the number of scholarships per institute. It provides comprehensive financial backing, covering full tuition fees, living expenses, books, and even a computer grant. The scholarship covers the entire duration of the course, provided the student renews it annually and maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Documents you need
- Proof of admission to a notified premier institution
- SC caste certificate
- Family income certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook
- Fee receipt
How to apply
- Secure admission into one of the notified "Top Class" institutions listed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Register and apply on the National Scholarship Portal as a fresh applicant.
- Upload your admission proof and fee details, ensuring your institute verifies the application online.
Why applications get rejected
- Applying for the scheme while studying at a college that is not on the ministry's officially notified list of Top Class institutions.
- Purchasing a computer that exceeds the maximum grant limit and expecting full reimbursement.
- Failing to renew the scholarship every year on the NSP, which halts the funding.
Common questions
What is the income limit for the Top Class SC scholarship?
The total family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.
Does this scholarship cover private engineering colleges?
It only covers institutions specifically notified by the ministry, which includes some top private institutes like BITS Pilani, but check the official list first.
New to the National Scholarship Portal? Read our step-by-step guide to applying on NSP.
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