Scholarships for SC/ST Students in India: Full List
KF
Team Kampus Filter
Student College Research Team
Updated: September 20262 min read
Quick Summary
Eligibility: Income < ₹2.5 LPA | Benefits: Full Fee Waiver/Stipend
SC/ST students in India can access various central and state-level scholarships, including the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme. Eligibility typically requires a family income below ₹2.5 lakh per annum. Recent mandates in states like Odisha now waive upfront fees for SC/ST students in government medical and engineering colleges.
In India, the financial support ecosystem for SC/ST students is divided into Central Sector Schemes and State-specific initiatives. The most prominent is the Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS), which provides financial assistance to students pursuing studies beyond Class 10. These scholarships are designed to cover tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and book grants, effectively reducing the economic barrier to higher education.
Beyond the central schemes, state governments have introduced proactive measures. For instance, recent policy shifts in Odisha have eliminated the requirement for poor SC/ST students to deposit upfront fees for government medical and engineering seats. Students must monitor official portals like the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and state-specific websites (e.g., UP Scholarship portal) to track application windows for the 2026-27 academic cycle.
Key Points for Students
- ✓Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme (Central): Covers tuition and maintenance for post-secondary education.
- ✓State-Specific Fee Waivers: Direct exemptions for government college admissions.
- ✓Income Thresholds: Generally capped at ₹2.5 Lakh per annum for full eligibility.
Verification of eligibility is strictly based on caste certificates issued by competent state authorities and annual family income certificates. Institutions like IIT Gandhinagar and various state technical universities mandate that students submit these documents during the admission process to avail of fee exemptions. According to UGC and AICTE guidelines, universities are required to maintain transparent records of scholarship disbursements.
Students are advised to cross-reference institutional prospectuses with the National Scholarship Portal data. As of September 2026, many state portals have released updated schedules for the 2026-27 session. It is critical to ensure that your bank account is Aadhaar-linked, as the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism is the standard for fund disbursement across all government-sponsored schemes.
Institutional Fee vs Placement ROI Matrix
Compare tuition fees, program duration, packages, and ROI ratings
Quick Comparison
| College / Institution | Total Fee | Duration | Real Avg Package | Top Recruiters | ROI Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Gandhinagar | ₹8L (Before Waiver) | 4 Years | ₹18-22 LPA | Google, Amazon | High |
| Govt Engg College (Odisha) | ₹0 (Fee Waived) | 4 Years | ₹5-7 LPA | TCS, Infosys | Exceptional |
| New Horizon (Private) | ₹12L | 4 Years | ₹7-9 LPA | Capgemini, Wipro | Moderate |
Verified Fee Benchmarks: Figures reflect audited notifications and semester schedules.Source: Official Circulars & Mandatory Disclosures
Step-by-Step Practical Decision Framework
Actionable steps to evaluate institutions before applying
1Step 1
Document Verification
Ensure your Caste Certificate and Income Certificate are current and digitally signed by the Tehsildar or competent authority.
2Step 2
Portal Registration
Register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or your state’s dedicated scholarship portal before the announced deadlines.
3Step 3
ROI Analysis
Calculate the net cost of education after factoring in scholarship grants versus the verified average placement package of the institution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common student admission questions
What is the income limit for SC/ST post-matric scholarships?
Generally, the annual family income limit for availing full benefits under the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme is ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
Where can I apply for these scholarships?
Applications are primarily processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for central schemes and respective state scholarship portals for state-specific funds.
Do private colleges accept government scholarships?
Yes, many private universities are empanelled under state scholarship schemes, allowing eligible SC/ST students to claim fee reimbursements or waivers.
Institutional Data & Fee Transparency Disclaimer
Fee structures, cutoff percentiles, and placement statistics published on Kampus Filter are compiled from official university prospectuses, NIRF statutory filings, UGC/AICTE public notifications, and institutional disclosures. All figures represent comparative historical benchmarks and are subject to periodic revisions by respective university governing bodies.
Prospective students and guardians are advised to verify current academic session fees, seat matrices, and admission deadlines directly with the official university admissions office prior to financial commitments. Kampus Filter is an independent higher education research directory and does not solicit donations or represent university administration.