Post-Matric Scholarship 2026 — SC, ST & OBC Eligibility, Income Limit & Amount

Income limits by category

The Post-Matric Scholarship is a family of central schemes run by different ministries for each category, each with its own income ceiling:

What the scholarship covers

The benefit has two parts: a monthly maintenance allowance (roughly ₹230–₹1,200 depending on the course group and whether you are a hosteller or day scholar) and full reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable fees charged by the institution. The amount is credited directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account by Direct Benefit Transfer after verification.

Who is eligible

• Post-matric course — Class 11, Class 12, ITI, diploma, graduation, post-graduation or a professional course at a recognised institution.
• Category — belonging to SC, ST or OBC, with a valid caste/community certificate.
• Family income within the category ceiling above.
• One scholarship — you cannot draw two central scholarships for the same period.

How and when to apply

• Register once on the National Scholarship Portal (One-Time Registration) at scholarships.gov.in.
• Select the Post-Matric Scholarship for your category and fill the application.
• Upload the caste certificate, income certificate, previous marksheet, admission/fee proof and bank details.
• Get it verified by your institute and the state/ministry; track the status on the portal.
• The 2026-27 window opened around 1 June 2026 — dates shift yearly, so confirm on the portal. Renewal applicants must reapply each year.