Access to education is one of the most critical factors in creating an equitable, just, and prosperous society. Unfortunately, centuries of deep-rooted systemic inequalities have prevented many disadvantaged groups in India from realizing their full potential through learning opportunities.
Students from Scheduled Castes continue to face significant obstacles in attaining higher education due to various socioeconomic barriers like poverty, lack of access to resources, and financial constraints. Breaking this cycle of deprivation requires intentional efforts to support talented individuals from SC communities and help them achieve their academic aspirations.
Recognizing education as a driver of social empowerment, the government of India has launched numerous scholarships exclusively for SC students over the years. These pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-based scholarships play a vital role in reducing inequities by covering costs like tuition fees, books, hostel charges, and living expenses. They aim to eliminate financial hurdles that might otherwise prevent deserving SC youth from enrolling in professional degree programs.
In this detailed guide, we profile some of the top scholarship schemes instituted by central and state authorities to benefit SC students across India. By examining eligibility criteria, covered expenses, and application processes, we aim to equip aspiring SC learners with the information needed to avail themselves of this critical governmental support toward realizing their educational dreams. With increased awareness and participation, these scholarships can help usher in a more inclusive and equitable society.
SC Scholarship – Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students of Class 9 & 10
The Pre-Matric SC Scholarship is a government initiative implemented by State Governments and Union Territories to provide financial support to students in Class 9 and 10. This scholarship program aims to reduce the dropout rate and enable these students to continue their education by alleviating financial constraints. The scholarship offers a monthly stipend and book grants.
Scholarship Award:
- Day Scholars: INR 225 per month (for ten months)
- Hostellers: INR 525 per month (for ten months)
- Books and Ad-hoc Grants: INR 750 per annum for Day Scholars, INR 1,000 per annum for Hostellers
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for this SC scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- Parents’ annual income should be at most INR 2.5 lakh per annum.
- Should not receive any other financial assistance from the central government.
- Be a regular student in a government school or a school recognized by the government or Central/State Board of Secondary Education.
Application Process:
Students can apply for this scholarship through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or their respective state portals. Required documents include a passport-size photo, self-attested copies of certificates, caste certificates, income declarations, and more.
Selection Process:
All eligible SC students fulfilling the criteria will be awarded the scholarship. Selection is based on the fulfillment of eligibility conditions.
SC Scholarship – Post-Matric Scholarships
The Post-Matric Scholarships are centrally sponsored schemes implemented through state governments. These scholarships assist Scheduled Caste students pursuing post-matriculation or post-secondary education. The scholarship covers various courses and offers allowances to meet educational expenses.
Scholarship Award:
- Day Scholar Allowance (for ten months): Varies based on the course group.
- Hostellers Allowance (for ten months): Varies based on the course group.
- Readers Allowance (for blind candidates): INR 240
The course groups include degree and postgraduate courses in medicine, engineering, technology, agriculture, etc. Professional, graduate, postgraduate, and post-matriculation level non-degree courses are also covered.
In addition to maintenance allowances, students receive reimbursement for non-refundable fees, study tour charges, thesis typing/printing charges, book allowance, and book bank facilities.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for this SC scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled in post-matriculation or post-secondary courses in recognized institutes/universities/colleges.
- Parents/guardians’ annual family income should not exceed INR 2,50,000 annually.
Application Process:
Students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or their respective state portals. Required documents include self-attested copies of certificates, caste certificates, income declarations, and more.
Selection Process:
All SC candidates are eligible, subject to the application of the means test.
SC Scholarship – Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC
The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) is a prestigious scholarship scheme funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. It is exclusively designed for SC students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs in universities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Scholarship Award:
- M.Phil: INR 31,000 (JRF) for the initial two years, INR 35,000 (SRF) for the remaining tenure
- Ph.D.: INR 31,000 (JRF) for the initial two years, INR 35,000 (SRF) for the remaining tenure
- Engineering and Technology (Ph.D.): INR 10,000 for the initial two years, INR 20,500 for the remaining tenure
- Contingency for Humanities and Social Science (Ph.D.): INR 12,000 for the initial two years, INR 25,000 for the remaining tenure
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): INR 2,000 per month (for physically disabled students)
- Readers Assistance: As per university/institution/college rules
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for this SC scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- Admitted to M.Phil/Ph.D. degree in a recognized university or academic institution.
Application Process:
Applicants can submit their applications online through the UGC official website. The application process involves providing personal details, academic qualifications, and research experience and uploading necessary documents.
Required documents include mark sheets, institute certificates, and caste certificates.
Selection Process:
Candidates already admitted to accredited foreign universities or institutions by authorized bodies are eligible. The selection committee evaluates applicants based on the guidelines provided.
SC Scholarship – National Overseas Scholarship for SC
The National Overseas Scholarship is a significant initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. This scholarship supports financially constrained SC students and professionals who aspire to pursue master’s or Ph.D. programs abroad. It covers many fields of study and provides financial assistance for living expenses, research, and travel.
Scholarship Award:
- Annual Maintenance Allowance: Varies by country (USD 15,400 for the US, GBP 9,900 for the UK)
- Research/Teaching Assistantship: Supplemented
- Contingency: Varies by country (USD 1,500 for the US, GBP 1,100 for the UK)
- Incidental Journey Allowance and Equipment Allowance: Actual fees
- VISA Fees, Poll Tax, etc.: Actual fees
- Air Travel, Local Travel, etc.: As applicable
Recipients of this scholarship must execute a bond to ensure they keep their course of study or research the same while availing of the scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for this SC scholarship, students and professionals must meet the following criteria:
- Belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- Be below the age of 35 years.
- Have secured more than 60% marks in their last qualifying examination.
- Annual family income should be at most INR 8,00,000 per annum.
Application Process:
Eligible candidates can apply online through the designated application portal. The application process includes providing personal details, educational history, employment details, and visa information. Additionally, candidates must upload various documents, including caste certificates, birth certificates, photographs, and more.
Selection Process:
Selection is based on whether applicants have already been admitted to one of the accredited foreign universities or institutions by an authorized body in the respective country.
SC Scholarship – Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students
Initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Top Class Education Scheme aims to provide financial support to SC category students who have secured admission at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. This scholarship recognizes and promotes quality education among SC students beyond Class 12.
Scholarship Award:
- Full Tuition Fee and Non-Refundable Charges: Up to INR 2 lakh per annum (for private sector institutions) and up to INR 3,72,000 per annum (for private sector flying clubs for Commercial Pilot Training and Type Rating Courses).
- Living Expenses: INR 2,220 per month
- Books and Stationery Charge: Up to INR 3,000 per annum
- One-Time Assistance for Computer/Laptop with UPS and Printer: INR 45,000
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for this SC scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Completed Class 12.
- Admitted to a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course in a recognized institution through general selection criteria.
- Belong to a family with an annual income not exceeding INR 6 lakh from all sources.
Application Process:
Students can apply for this scholarship by registering on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and providing the necessary details. Additionally, they must upload documents such as caste certificates, income certificates, bank account details, proof of admission, and more.
Selection Process:
The scholarship is awarded to students in:
- IIMs, IITs, IIITs, AIIMS, NITs, NIFTs, NIDs, Indian Institute of Hotel Management, National Law Universities, and other Central Government Institutions.
- Institutions accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with A++ and A+ ratings.
- Top 100 institutions as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
- Institutions of National Importance are listed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).
- Government and CPSE-run institutes approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation for Commercial Pilot Training and Type Rating Courses.
Conclusion
In a nation as diverse as India, ensuring equal access to education is a noble goal and a necessity for progress. SC scholarships are potent tools in this quest, providing bright and deserving students with opportunities to reach their full potential. The government’s commitment to these scholarship programs reflects a vision of a more inclusive and equitable society where talent knows no boundaries. Aspiring SC students should take full advantage of these opportunities to realize their dreams and contribute to the nation’s growth. Doing so brings us one step closer to a brighter, more equal future for all.
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