SC/ST Scholarship Guide 2026 — Central & State Schemes
Complete guide to SC/ST scholarships in India 2026. Pre-matric, post-matric, and top-class education schemes with eligibility and application process.
SC/ST students have access to some of the most comprehensive scholarship schemes in India. Many students miss out because they are not aware of all available options.
Central Government Schemes
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC (Class 9–10) — Rs 3,500–6,000/year + fees
- Post-Matric Scholarship for SC — full fees + Rs 2,300–4,000/month maintenance
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST (Class 9–10) — similar to SC scheme
- Post-Matric Scholarship for ST — full fees + maintenance allowance
- Top Class Education Scheme for SC — covers full fees at IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, top law colleges
- National Fellowship for SC/ST — for PhD researchers, Rs 31,000–35,000/month
- Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship — for ST students pursuing MPhil/PhD
Income Criteria
- Pre-Matric — family income below Rs 2.5 lakh/year
- Post-Matric — family income below Rs 2.5 lakh/year
- Top Class Education — family income below Rs 6 lakh/year
Documents Required
- Caste certificate — issued by SDM/Tehsildar
- Income certificate — recent, issued by competent authority
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook — in student’s name
- Previous year marksheet
- Institution bonafide certificate
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Start Studying — FreeInformation based on Ministry of Social Justice and Tribal Affairs notifications 2025–2026. Last updated: February 2026.
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Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST?
It covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other expenses for SC/ST students studying in Class 11 to postgraduate level. Family income must be below 2.5 lakh/year.
Can SC/ST students get full fee waivers?
Yes. Many central and state schemes cover full tuition fees. IITs, NITs, and central universities also have fee waivers for SC/ST students with family income below threshold.
Where to apply?
National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) for central schemes. State portals for state-specific schemes. Apply before October-November deadline.