Students from Scheduled Castes can get central government scholarships at school, college and top-institute levels. The main ones are the Pre-Matric Scholarship (Classes 9 and 10), the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students (Class 11 onwards), and the Top Class Education scheme. For the first two the parental income limit is Rs 2.5 lakh a year. This guide explains who qualifies, what you receive and how to apply.
Quick facts
| Scheme | Stage | Income limit | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC | Class 9 and 10 | Rs 2.5 lakh | Rs 3,500 a year (day scholar), Rs 7,000 (hosteller) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC (PMS-SC) | Class 11 onwards | Rs 2.5 lakh (increase proposed) | Compulsory non-refundable fees plus an academic allowance |
| Top Class Education for SC | Selected premier institutes | Rs 8 lakh (per a 2026-27 institute notice for the scheme) | Fees and allowances, as per scheme |
Last checked October 2026. Amounts and limits are revised from time to time.
Pre-matric scholarship for SC (Classes 9 and 10)
- Indian national, domiciled in the state or UT that awards the scholarship.
- Full-time student in Class 9 or 10 in a government or recognised private school with a UDISE code.
- Parent or guardian income not more than Rs 2.5 lakh a year.
- Annual allowance from 2022-23: Rs 3,500 for day scholars and Rs 7,000 for hostellers, with an extra 10 percent for students with disabilities.
- You cannot take another scholarship for the same classes.
The official guidelines say income, domicile and caste details are verified through linked databases such as DigiLocker using Aadhaar, so students are not meant to upload certificates. Some states still ask for papers, so follow your state portal.
Post-matric scholarship for SC students (PMS-SC)
- For SC students from Class 11 onwards in recognised institutions in India.
- Parental income below Rs 2.5 lakh per year.
- Covers compulsory non-refundable fees, including course tuition, and an academic allowance. A Haryana government page, for example, shows monthly rates between Rs 230 and Rs 1,200 depending on course group; your state’s rates can differ.
- The Centre and states share the cost 60:40 since 2020-21.
Reports say the Ministry plans to raise the income limit to Rs 4.5 lakh, set a cap on fees reimbursed and revise state funding, and a Cabinet decision on changes to the scheme has been reported. I could not find final notified rules, so check socialjustice.gov.in and your state portal for what applies this year.
Top Class Education for SC students
This central scheme, listed on NSP, supports SC students at selected top institutions for professional courses. It has a higher income ceiling than other SC schemes. Read the scheme guidelines on scholarships.gov.in for the institute list, income limit and amounts before applying.
Documents
- Aadhaar-linked bank account in your name
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Domicile certificate where required
- Previous class marksheet and current admission or fee proof
- Disability certificate for the extra allowance
How to apply
- Check whether your state uses its own scholarship portal or scholarships.gov.in. Both exist.
- Register, with Aadhaar authentication where the portal requires it (OTR on NSP).
- Choose the correct scheme: pre-matric, post-matric or top class.
- Fill in details, upload documents if asked and submit.
- Your school or college verifies the form; then the district or state officer approves.
- Payment arrives in your bank account by DBT.
Deadline
Dates differ by state and year. For central schemes on NSP, reports mention 31 October 2026 for most schemes in 2026-27. I could not confirm this for every SC scheme, so please check the portal for the current deadline.
Common mistakes
- Applying with an old or wrongly worded caste or income certificate.
- Choosing pre-matric when you are in Class 11 or post-matric when you are in Class 10.
- Taking two scholarships for the same course.
- Bank account not in your name or not Aadhaar-linked.
- Not following up with the institute for verification.
SC scholarships are among the most generous government schemes. Choose the right stage, keep certificates ready and check your state portal early in the session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What scholarships are there for SC students?
Mainly the Pre-Matric (Class 9-10), Post-Matric (Class 11 onwards) and Top Class Education schemes, plus state scholarships.
What is the income limit for SC scholarship?
Rs 2.5 lakh a year of parental income for pre-matric and post-matric at present. A rise to Rs 4.5 lakh for post-matric has been proposed.
How much is the SC pre-matric scholarship?
Rs 3,500 a year for day scholars and Rs 7,000 for hostellers, per the central guidelines.
Where do SC students apply?
On the National Scholarship Portal or on their state’s own scholarship portal, depending on the state.
Can I apply for SC scholarship without a caste certificate?
No. A valid caste certificate is required, although some states verify it digitally through Aadhaar-linked records.
