SC/ST Scholarship Guide 2026 — Central & State Schemes
SC and ST scholarships in 2026: pre-matric (Class 9–10), post-matric and Top Class Education schemes — amounts, income limits and where to apply.
SC and ST students can get a pre-matric scholarship in Classes 9–10 and a post-matric scholarship from Class 11 to postgraduate level, both for families earning up to ₹2.5 lakh a year, plus Top Class Education scholarships for leading institutions. Many students miss out simply because nobody told them to apply. Here is what each scheme gives and how to apply.
Central Government Schemes
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC (Class 9–10) — ₹3,500 a year for day scholars, ₹7,000 for hostellers (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)
- Post-Matric Scholarship for SC — compulsory fees plus an annual academic allowance that depends on your course and whether you live in a hostel
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST (Class 9–10) — monthly allowance for day scholars and hostellers (Ministry of Tribal Affairs)
- Post-Matric Scholarship for ST — compulsory fees plus maintenance allowance
- Top Class Education for SC and ST students — full tuition and living costs at notified top institutions such as IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs and national law universities
- National Fellowships for SC and ST students — for PhD research, at the UGC JRF/SRF rates (₹37,000/₹42,000 a month since 2023)
Income Criteria
- Pre-Matric and Post-Matric (SC and ST) — family income up to ₹2.5 lakh a year. In March 2026 the Ministry of Social Justice told a parliamentary committee it plans to raise the SC post-matric limit to ₹4.5 lakh; check your state portal for the limit that applies to your application.
- Top Class Education for SC — family income up to ₹8 lakh a year
- Top Class Education for ST — family income up to ₹6 lakh a year
Documents Required
- Caste certificate — issued by SDM/Tehsildar
- Income certificate — recent, issued by competent authority
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account — in the student's name, Aadhaar-seeded for direct benefit transfer
- Previous year marksheet
- Institution bonafide certificate
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Start freeBased on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Ministry of Tribal Affairs scheme guidelines. Amounts and income limits are revised from time to time — check your state portal.
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Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST?
It pays compulsory non-refundable fees plus an annual academic allowance to SC and ST students from Class 11 up to postgraduate study. Family income must be up to ₹2.5 lakh a year. The Centre and the states share the cost, and states run the application.
Can SC/ST students get full fee waivers?
Often, yes. The post-matric scholarship pays compulsory fees, IITs waive tuition fully for SC and ST students, and many other central institutions have similar waivers. Check your institute's fee rules.
Where do I apply?
Most states run SC and ST pre- and post-matric scholarships on their own scholarship portals (for example MahaDBT in Maharashtra or the UP scholarship portal); some use the National Scholarship Portal. Your school or college will tell you which portal your state uses. Deadlines are usually in the autumn.