Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students

What is Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students?

Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Government of India) that provides financial assistance to SC students pursuing education after Class 10 (post-matriculation). This includes Class 11, 12, undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and professional courses.

The scheme covers:

• Full tuition fee reimbursement
• Maintenance allowance for monthly living expenses
• Additional allowances for books, study materials

Who is Eligible?

• Must belong to Scheduled Caste (SC)
• Annual family income must be below ₹2.5 lakh
• Must be post-matriculation level (Class 11 and above) — government or approved private institution
• Not availing any other government scholarship for the same course
• Should not have failed or have a gap year in studies (unless with valid reason)

Scholarship Amount

Maintenance Allowance (per month):

Plus:

• Full tuition fee — paid directly to institution
• Books/stationery allowance: ₹1,000 (Group I/II) to ₹500 (Group III)
• Study tour, thesis, equipment allowances — for eligible courses

How to Apply — Step by Step

New Application

1. Go to scholarships.gov.in (National Scholarship Portal)
2. Click "New Registration"
3. Select "State → Scholarship" — choose your state and then "Post Matric Scholarship for SC"
4. Fill in personal details, category (SC), income details, institution details
5. Upload documents (see below)
6. Submit → note Application ID

Important: Apply early — most states have October–November deadlines for the current academic year.

Renewal (Continuing Students)

1. Log in to scholarships.gov.in with existing credentials
2. Click "Renewal Application"
3. Verify / update details (new year marksheet, institution details)
4. Submit renewal before deadline

Documents Required

1. Caste certificate — SC certificate from competent state authority (Tehsildar/SDM)
2. Income certificate — from competent authority (annual family income below ₹2.5L)
3. Aadhaar card of student
4. Previous year marksheet (for renewal) / Class 10 marksheet (for fresh applicants)
5. Admission proof / bonafide certificate from institution
6. Bank passbook (student's own account — Aadhaar-linked for DBT)
7. Fee receipt from institution (current year)
8. Passport-size photograph

State-Specific Implementation

The scheme is centrally funded but implemented by state governments. This means:

• Each state has its own portal/window within NSP
• Deadline and processing time varies by state
• Payment comes from your state government's social welfare department

States like UP, MP, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra have large SC beneficiary counts. Check your state government's scholarship portal for state-specific forms or portals running parallel to NSP.

Check Payment Status

1. Log in to scholarships.gov.in
2. Go to "Track Status" → enter application ID
3. Or check your bank account — DBT transfers show as "SC PMS [state]" or similar

Common Issues and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the scholarship cover hostels outside the institution?

Private hostel accommodation is generally not reimbursed. The scheme covers accommodation at institution-recognized hostels. Day scholars receive a lower maintenance allowance.

I changed college mid-year. What do I do?

Update your institution details on the scholarship portal immediately. Contact your district social welfare office for guidance on continuation of benefits.

Can I apply if my family income is exactly ₹2.5 lakh?

The limit is below ₹2.5 lakh — if the certificate shows ₹2.5L or above, you are not eligible. Some states have a slightly different threshold — check your state-specific scholarship guidelines.

My father is deceased. Whose income counts?

In case of the father's death, the mother's income (or the main earner's income) is considered. Submit the death certificate of the father along with the income certificate of the actual earner.

I am doing a 3-year LLB after BA. Does the scholarship continue?

Yes — post-graduation and professional courses like LLB, MBA, MCA are covered. Apply for PMS for each new course enrollment.

Is there an age limit?

No official age limit for SC Post Matric Scholarship — the focus is on the course level and income, not age.

Official Links

• Apply here: scholarships.gov.in
• Ministry of Social Justice: socialjustice.gov.in
• NSP helpdesk: 0120-6619540 / helpdesk@nsp.gov.in
• Your state's social welfare department for state-specific queries