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:
| Category | Family income ceiling | Administering ministry |
|---|---|---|
| SC (Post-Matric) | ₹2.5 lakh/year | Social Justice & Empowerment |
| ST (Post-Matric) | ₹2.5 lakh/year | Tribal Affairs |
| OBC (Post-Matric) | ₹1.5 lakh/year | Social Justice & Empowerment |
Central-scheme ceilings as of 2026. Several states run their own post-matric schemes with different income limits and rates — check your state's welfare/backward-classes portal for the version you should apply under.
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.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for the Post-Matric Scholarship?
Under the central schemes, the family-income ceiling is ₹2.5 lakh a year for SC and ST students and ₹1.5 lakh a year for OBC students. State-run post-matric schemes may set different limits, so check your state's welfare portal.
Who can apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship?
SC, ST and OBC students studying a recognised post-matric course (Class 11 onwards, including ITI, diploma, graduation, PG and professional courses) whose family income is within the category ceiling and who hold a valid caste certificate.
How much does the Post-Matric Scholarship pay?
It pays a monthly maintenance allowance (about ₹230–₹1,200 by course group and hosteller/day-scholar status) plus full reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable course fees, credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account by Direct Benefit Transfer.
How do I apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship?
Register on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in), select the Post-Matric Scholarship for your category, upload your caste, income, marksheet and bank documents, and submit for institute and state verification before the deadline.
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