In a dedicated endeavor to promote social equity and educational advancement, the Government of India, in partnership with the State Government of Gujarat, administers the Post-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students. This centrally sponsored scheme, implemented by the Director of Scheduled Caste Welfare in Gujarat, is designed to dismantle the financial barriers that often hinder students from SC communities from pursuing higher education. By providing substantial financial assistance for a wide array of courses beyond the matriculation level, the scheme aims to significantly increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and empower students to complete their academic and professional qualifications, thereby fostering long-term socio-economic development.
Dates
- Application Start Date: November 10, 2025
- Application Last Date: December 10, 2025
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary objective is to appreciably increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio of SC students in higher education, with a specific focus on those from the poorest households. The scheme seeks to enable them to complete their post-secondary education by providing comprehensive financial support, thereby opening avenues for better employment opportunities and facilitating their socio-economic upliftment.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Funding Pattern: It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a 60:40 cost-sharing ratio between the Central and State Governments.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Provides financial assistance for tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other academic expenses.
- Wide Course Inclusion: Benefits are available for a diverse range of courses, including professional degrees, diplomas, graduate, and post-graduate studies.
- Support for Divyang Students: An additional 10% allowance is provided for students with disabilities.
- No Family Limit: All children from a single family who meet the eligibility criteria can avail of the scholarship.
- Correspondence Course Eligibility: Students pursuing education through correspondence or distance learning are eligible for fee reimbursement, though not for academic maintenance allowances.
- Single Scholarship Hold: A student cannot hold this scholarship simultaneously with any other government scholarship/stipend.
Scholarship Amount
The academic allowance is categorized as follows:
| Category of Courses | Hostellers (Yearly in ₹) | Day Scholars (Yearly in ₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: Degree & PG Professional Courses | 13,500 | 7,000 |
| Group 2: Other Professional Degree/Diploma | 9,500 | 6,500 |
| Group 3: Graduate & PG Courses (non-professional) | 6,000 | 3,000 |
| Group 4: Post-Matric Non-Degree Courses | 4,000 | 2,500 |
*Note: Students of CA/ICWA/CS are considered day scholars. A 10% extra allowance is granted to Divyang students.*
Eligibility Criteria
- Caste & Domicile: The student must belong to the Scheduled Caste category and be a domicile of Gujarat.
- Academic Qualification: Must have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or an equivalent/higher examination.
- Income Ceiling: The annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000.
- Educational Progression: The scholarship is for progressing to a higher level of education; repeating the same level in a different subject is not permitted.
- Attendance: Must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance, verified through an Aadhaar-based system.
- Admission Channel: Admissions must be through regular, merit-based processes; seats filled through management/NRI quotas are ineligible.
Reservation Policy
The scholarship itself is a form of reservation or affirmative action in the realm of educational funding. It is exclusively reserved for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste community of Gujarat, as per the state’s list of recognized SC categories.
Distribution of Scholarships
The distribution is not automatic. Scholarships are disbursed directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode upon successful verification of the application, documents, and eligibility by the concerned authorities. The award is renewed annually contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and attendance. The release of funds is typically initiated after the scrutiny process is complete for all applicants.
Application Process (Step by Step)
- Portal Registration: Visit the Digital Gujarat portal and complete the registration using a mobile number and email ID.
- Profile Completion: Log in and update the ‘My Profile’ section with all required personal details.
- Service Selection: Navigate to ‘Scholarship Services’ and select the ‘SC Scheme’.
- Financial Year Selection: Choose the relevant academic year (e.g., 2025-26).
- Form Filling: Select the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme and fill out the online application form meticulously.
- Document Upload: Scan and upload all mandatory documents, such as caste certificate, income certificate, mark sheets, fee receipt, and bank details.
- Final Submission: Review the application, agree to the terms, and finally submit it. An application reference number should be generated for future tracking.
