Education can transform lives — but for many students from marginalized communities in India, financial limitations often force them to drop out before completing their studies. To address this, the Government of India introduced the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC/ST/OBC students, ensuring that every deserving learner from these communities can access higher education without worrying about money.
This is one of the most inclusive and widely implemented scholarships in India, and it plays a major role in promoting equality, empowerment, and social justice.
🔍 What is the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme?
The Post-Matric Scholarship is a central and state government-funded initiative launched to support SC, ST, and OBC students studying beyond Class 10. It covers the costs of higher education — from Class 11 to postgraduate or diploma courses — in both private and public institutions.
It’s not just about tuition fees — this scholarship helps cover living expenses, books, transport, and more, allowing students to fully focus on their education and career growth.
👥 Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is based on community category, income level, and academic enrollment.
✅ Category-Based Criteria:
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Must belong to one of the following categories:
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Scheduled Caste (SC)
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Scheduled Tribe (ST)
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Other Backward Classes (OBC) (for OBC-specific Post-Matric Schemes)
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✅ Academic Criteria:
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Must be studying in Class 11 or above (college, ITI, polytechnic, diploma, UG, PG).
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Courses should be recognized by state/central educational boards, universities, or AICTE/UGC-approved institutions.
✅ Income Limit:
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For SC/ST students, annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
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For OBC students, income limit varies by state (generally between ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh).
Note: Only two children from the same family are eligible (exceptions exist for girls and disabled students in some states).
💸 Scholarship Amount & Benefits
The Post-Matric Scholarship covers a wide range of academic expenses depending on the course level and student’s category. Benefits typically include:
For SC/ST Students:
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Tuition fees: Full reimbursement for government institutions; actual fees or up to ₹10,000 per year for private institutions
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Maintenance allowance:
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₹1,200 per month (hostellers)
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₹550 per month (day scholars)
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Additional allowances for:
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Books
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Thesis typing & printing
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Transport (for students with disabilities)
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For OBC Students:
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Tuition fees: Up to ₹750 per annum
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Maintenance allowance:
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₹260 per month (hostellers)
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₹160 per month (day scholars)
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Exact figures may vary slightly depending on the state, course level, and institution type.
📝 How to Apply?
The application process is entirely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
👉 https://scholarships.gov.in
Some states may also have their own scholarship portals (e.g., UP Scholarship Portal, MP Scholarship Portal, Maharashtra DBT Portal).
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Visit NSP and register as a new student.
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Login and choose the appropriate Post-Matric Scholarship based on your category and state.
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Fill out the form with personal, academic, and income details.
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Upload scanned copies of:
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Recent passport-size photo
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Aadhaar card
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Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
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Income certificate
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Mark sheets (previous class)
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Bonafide certificate from institution
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Bank account details (in student’s name)
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Submit your application and save the application ID for future tracking.
📅 Important Dates
| Activity | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | July – August |
| Last Date to Apply | October – November |
| Document Verification | October – December |
| Fund Disbursement | January – March |
Always check the official NSP or your state’s scholarship portal for accurate dates.
🔄 Renewal Process
Students must renew the scholarship every year by submitting:
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Previous year’s mark sheets
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Proof of promotion to the next academic year
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Updated bonafide certificate
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Fresh income certificate (if required by state)
🌟 Why is This Scholarship Important?
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Reduces dropouts among SC/ST/OBC students after Class 10
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Provides financial relief to disadvantaged families
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Encourages higher education, especially among rural and tribal communities
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Supports social equality and upliftment
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Helps build a skilled and educated workforce from every section of society
✅ Final Thoughts
The Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students is more than just financial aid — it’s a powerful tool of empowerment, especially for students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. It ensures that lack of money doesn’t stop talented individuals from achieving academic success and contributing meaningfully to society.
If you or someone you know belongs to an eligible category, make sure to apply on time, submit correct documents, and use this opportunity to take your education and life to the next level.