Empower your higher education with India’s Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST students. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students provides financial aid for studies after Class 10. Our guide covers eligibility, benefits, and the simple application process. Secure your educational future today.
What is the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST?
The Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST students is a financial aid scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (for SCs) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (for STs). The primary objective is to significantly increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of SC/ST students in higher education by providing necessary financial assistance. This scholarship covers a wide range of courses from Class 11 up to Post-Graduation and professional degrees, enabling students from economically weaker backgrounds to complete their education without financial hardship.
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
This scheme is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to support students from the SC community, with a special focus on those from the poorest households.
Key Benefits for SC Students:
The scholarship comprises two main components:
- Compulsory Non-refundable Fees: Full reimbursement of tuition, library, and other mandatory fees as fixed by the state government.
- Academic Allowance: A yearly maintenance allowance paid directly to the student.
| Category of Courses | Hostellers (Yearly) | Day Scholars (Yearly) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: Professional Degrees & PGs (e.g., MBBS, B.Tech, MBA) | ₹ 13,500 | ₹ 7,000 |
| Group 2: Other Professional Degrees/Diplomas | ₹ 9,500 | ₹ 6,500 |
| Group 3: Graduate & Post-Graduate (e.g., B.A, B.Sc, M.Com) | ₹ 6,000 | ₹ 3,000 |
| Group 4: Post-Matric Non-Degree (e.g., Class 11/12, ITI) | ₹ 4,000 | ₹ 2,500 |
- Note 1: Divyang (disabled) students receive an additional 10% allowance.
- Note 2: The academic allowance is linked to the Consumer Price Index and is revised annually.
Check More Details Here
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
Managed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, this scheme provides similar support to students from ST communities to pursue quality education.
Key Benefits for ST Students:
The scholarship includes:
- Compulsory Fee Reimbursement: Payment of all compulsory non-refundable fees.
- Maintenance Stipend: A monthly stipend for living expenses.
| Courses | Hostellers (Monthly/Annually) | Day Scholar (Monthly/Annually) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Degrees & PGs | ₹ 1200 / ₹ 12000 | ₹ 500 / ₹ 5500 |
| Non-Professional Degrees (B.A, B.Sc, etc.) | ₹ 820 / ₹ 8200 | ₹ 530 / ₹ 5300 |
| Vocational, ITI, Polytechnic | ₹ 570 / ₹ 5700 | ₹ 300 / ₹ 3000 |
| Class 11 & 12 (Senior Secondary) | ₹ 380 / ₹ 3800 | ₹ 230 / ₹ 2300 |
- Note 1: An additional disability allowance of ₹ 800/month for hostellers and ₹ 600/month for day scholars is provided.
- Note 2: Scholarship holders under this scheme cannot hold any other scholarship/stipend simultaneously.
Check More Details Here
Who is Eligible for the Scholarship?
While specific criteria are detailed in the guidelines, the common eligibility conditions for both schemes are:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
- Caste: Must belong to a Scheduled Caste (for PMS-SC) or Scheduled Tribe (for PMS-ST) as specified by the State/UT.
- Education: Must have passed the Matriculation (Class 10) or equivalent examination.
- Income: The annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹ 2.5 lakh for SC students and ₹ 2.0 lakh for ST students.
- Study Mode: Students pursuing regular, correspondence, or online courses are eligible.
Also Read: OASIS Scholarship 2025 – Complete Application Guide, Eligibility, and Benefits
How to Apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship?
The application process is entirely online and streamlined through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Registration: Visit the official NSP website. Click on ‘New Registration’ and read the guidelines carefully. Complete the registration using your mobile number for OTP verification.
- Freeship Card (For SC Students): Before admission, eligible SC students must apply for a Freeship Card on the portal. This card allows you to secure admission without pre-paying tuition and hostel fees.
- Scholarship Application: On the day of your admission, log in to the NSP portal with your credentials and fill out the fresh application form.
- Document Upload: Upload the necessary scanned documents.
- Submission: Review and submit your application. Keep track of its status on the portal.
Documents Required
Ensure you have the following documents ready for a smooth application process:
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST)
- Domicile Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Previous Academic Mark Sheet & Certificate
- Bank Account Details (Preferably Aadhaar-linked)
- Admission Proof/Institute Verification
Post-Matric Scholarship FAQs
Q1. What is the main objective of the Post-Matric Scholarship?
Ans: The main objective is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio of SC/ST students in higher education by providing financial assistance to complete post-school education.
Q2. Can I apply if I am pursuing a distance learning course?
Ans: Yes, students pursuing studies through correspondence or online courses are eligible for the scholarship, though they may not receive the academic/maintenance allowance.
Q3. Is there an age limit to apply for this scholarship?
Ans: The ceiling on the age limit for admission is decided by the respective educational institutions.
Q4. What is the income limit for the SC scholarship?
Ans: The parental income should not exceed ₹ 2,50,000 per annum for the SC scholarship and ₹ 2,00,000 for the ST scholarship.
Q5. What is the official website to apply for the scholarship?
Ans: The official website is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).