Government Schemes and Scholarships for SC & ST Students in India 2026–27: Complete State-Wise Guide

Last verified: August 2026

If you are an SC or ST student from a financially struggling family, there may be much more help available than you realize.

Government assistance can include:

Pre-matric scholarships
Post-matric scholarships
College scholarships
Top Class Education
Fellowships
Overseas scholarships
Free coaching
Hostels
Fee assistance
Educational loans and interest support
Skill development
Employment assistance
Self-employment and entrepreneurship programmes
Tribal residential schools
Welfare and livelihood programmes

This guide explains where SC and ST students should start and what to check in all 28 states and 8 Union Territories.

Important: SC and ST eligibility, income limits, scholarship amounts, deadlines and document requirements vary by scheme. Always verify the latest official notification before applying.

Start Here: National Scholarship Portal

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is one of the most important places for students to check.

The portal is currently open for Academic Year 2026–27. NSP states that students can apply for one merit-based scholarship and one or more welfare-based scholarships, subject to the eligibility requirements of the individual schemes.

NSP also requires a One-Time Registration (OTR) number for scholarship applications.

Official portal

National Scholarship Portal

Major Central Government Schemes for SC Students

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment currently lists several important SC education schemes.

1. Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

This is intended to support SC students at the pre-matric stage.

The current Central scheme covers eligible SC students in Classes IX and X, with implementation through States and Union Territories.

This can be particularly important for families struggling to keep children in school.

2. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

The Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (PMS-SC) is one of the major Central interventions for SC students pursuing education after Class 10.

The Ministry states that the scheme focuses particularly on increasing higher-education participation among SC students from the poorest households. It is implemented through the student's State/UT of domicile.

It can cover eligible studies beyond the matriculation level, subject to the scheme's conditions.

Who should check this?

Class 11–12 students
College students
Professional-course students
Students pursuing higher education

3. Top Class Education for SC Students

This is particularly important for SC students who gain admission to notified/empanelled institutions.

The current 2026–27 guidelines are published by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme provides financial support for SC students pursuing studies beyond Class 12 in notified institutions.

Don't make this mistake

Don't assume that because you are SC you automatically receive Top Class Education.

The institution and course must meet the scheme's current conditions.

4. National Fellowship for SC Students

SC students pursuing higher research should investigate the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC).

The Ministry states that the fellowship supports SC students pursuing PhD-level higher education in eligible fields and institutions, with new slots available each year.

5. National Overseas Scholarship

SC students from eligible low-income backgrounds who want to pursue higher education abroad should investigate the National Overseas Scholarship.

The current 2026–27 scheme covers eligible SC candidates as well as certain other specified categories. The official scheme states that 30% of scholarships for each selection year are earmarked for female candidates.

This is especially important for students who assume studying abroad is automatically impossible because their family cannot afford it.

6. Free Coaching for SC Students

The Ministry currently lists Free Coaching for SCs, OBCs and beneficiaries of PM CARES Children Scheme among its schemes. NSP currently shows the 2026–27 application window for this welfare-based scheme.

This can be relevant to students preparing for eligible competitive examinations.

Major Central Government Schemes for ST Students

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs currently operates dedicated scholarship programmes for ST students.

Its scholarship division lists:

Pre-Matric Scholarship
Post-Matric Scholarship
National Scholarship
National Fellowship
National Overseas Scholarship

and states that around 30 lakh ST students are being covered through scholarship assistance through DBT.

1. Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students

The Central Government operates a Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students for Classes IX–X.

The Ministry's current financial records show the scheme continuing into the 2026–27 period.

Applications are implemented through the relevant State/UT system or NSP, depending on the scheme arrangements.

2. Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students

This is extremely important for ST students after Class 10.

The Ministry states that the scheme applies to eligible students studying recognized courses at or above the matriculation level.

Its published criteria include a parental income threshold and reimbursement/maintenance assistance subject to the applicable rules. The Ministry also states that priority is given to girls.

Check this if you are:

In Class 11–12
In college
In a professional course
In higher education

3. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students

ST students pursuing higher education should investigate the Central fellowship/scholarship programme.

The Ministry's 2026–27 financial records show an active National Fellowship and Scholarship scheme for higher education of ST students.

4. National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students

ST students planning eligible higher studies abroad should check the current National Overseas Scholarship scheme administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Eligibility, fields of study, income conditions and selection requirements must be checked against the current notification.

5. Eklavya Model Residential Schools

For eligible ST children, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) can be extremely important.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs continues to fund EMRS as a major tribal-education programme; its 2026–27 financial information lists a substantial allocation for EMRS.

Parents should investigate whether an eligible EMRS is available in their area and whether the child meets the current admission conditions.

SC vs ST: Don't Apply to the Wrong Scheme

This is important.

If you are SC

Start with:

SC scholarship → State scholarship → NSP → Social Justice Department

If you are ST

Start with:

ST scholarship → State/Tribal Welfare Department → NSP → Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Don't assume an SC scheme automatically applies to ST students or vice versa.

Documents to Keep Ready

The exact list differs by scheme, but students should generally prepare:

Aadhaar
OTR number where required
Caste certificate
Income certificate
Domicile/residence certificate where required
Previous marksheets
Admission certificate
Bonafide certificate
Bank account details
Fee receipt
Passport photograph
Disability certificate if applicable
Hostel certificate where applicable
Previous scholarship details for renewal

Important

Your caste certificate and income certificate should be valid and correctly recorded.

A spelling difference between your Aadhaar, school records and caste certificate can create unnecessary problems.

State-Wise SC & ST Scholarship Guide

1. Andhra Pradesh

SC Students

Check:

Social Welfare Department
Jnanabhumi
Post-Matric Scholarship
Fee reimbursement
Pre-matric assistance
NSP
Central SC schemes

ST Students

Check:

Tribal Welfare Department
Jnanabhumi
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Fee reimbursement
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

Also investigate

Hostels
Residential education
Skill development
Competitive-exam coaching
Higher education assistance

2. Arunachal Pradesh

SC students

Check the applicable state welfare schemes and NSP.

ST students

Pay particular attention to:

Tribal Welfare
ST scholarships
Pre-matric assistance
Post-matric assistance
Higher education scholarships
Residential education
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs programmes

For many students in the North-East, Central and regional schemes may be particularly important.

3. Assam

Check:

SC

Social Welfare
SC scholarships
Post-matric assistance
State scholarships
NSP

ST

Tribal welfare
ST pre-matric scholarship
ST post-matric scholarship
Higher education assistance
NSP

Also investigate schemes for students from low-income households regardless of category.

4. Bihar

SC students

Check:

SC welfare
Post-matric scholarships
Pre-matric scholarships
State scholarship systems
NSP

ST students

Check:

Tribal welfare
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
State schemes
NSP

Students from poor families

Also check:

Fee assistance
Hostels
Free coaching
Educational assistance

5. Chhattisgarh

SC

Check:

Social Welfare
SC scholarships
Post-matric schemes
State scholarship portal
NSP

ST

Check:

Tribal Welfare
ST scholarships
Pre/post-matric schemes
Residential education
NSP

Tribal students should also investigate schemes connected to tribal development and education.

6. Goa

SC/ST students should check:

Social Welfare
Tribal Welfare
Education Department
State scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP
Central schemes

Students should not assume that Goa has only merit scholarships.

7. Gujarat

SC

Check:

Social Justice and Empowerment
State scholarship services
Post-matric assistance
Fee support
NSP
Central SC scholarships

ST

Check:

Tribal Development Department
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Residential education
NSP
Central ST schemes

8. Haryana

SC/ST students should check:

State scholarship portal
Welfare departments
Pre-matric scholarships
Post-matric scholarships
Higher education assistance
NSP
Central schemes

9. Himachal Pradesh

SC

Check:

Social Justice & Empowerment
SC scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP

ST

Check:

Tribal Development
ST scholarships
Pre/post-matric assistance
NSP
Central Tribal Affairs schemes

10. Jharkhand

Jharkhand students should investigate:

SC

e-Kalyan
SC welfare
Post-matric scholarships
NSP

ST

e-Kalyan
Tribal Welfare
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Residential education
NSP

For tribal students, check both state and Central Ministry of Tribal Affairs programmes.

11. Karnataka

SC

Check:

Social Welfare Department
State Scholarship Portal
Post-matric scholarship
Fee reimbursement
NSP
Central SC scholarships

ST

Check:

Tribal Welfare Department
State Scholarship Portal
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP
Central ST scholarships

Students should also ask their college about hostel and fee assistance.

12. Kerala

SC

Check:

SC Development Department
State scholarship services
Post-matric assistance
NSP

ST

Check:

ST Development Department
Tribal Welfare
Post-matric scholarship
Residential education
NSP

Also investigate scholarships for students pursuing professional courses.

13. Madhya Pradesh

SC

Check:

Social Justice Department
Scholarship Portal
Post-matric assistance
Higher education schemes
NSP

ST

Check:

Tribal Affairs Department
ST scholarship
Residential education
Post-matric assistance
NSP

14. Maharashtra

Maharashtra students should check the state's scholarship system and relevant welfare departments.

SC students

Check:

Social Justice Department
MahaDBT
SC post-matric scholarship
Fee reimbursement
Hostel assistance
NSP
Central SC schemes

ST students

Check:

Tribal Development Department
MahaDBT
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Hostel/residential education
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

Don't stop at scholarships

Also investigate:

Hostels
Fee reimbursement
Coaching
Higher education assistance
Skill development

15. Manipur

SC

Check:

Social Welfare
Education Department
SC scholarship schemes
NSP

ST

Check:

Tribal welfare
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Higher education
NSP

16. Meghalaya

Because Meghalaya has a large tribal population, ST students should pay particular attention to:

Tribal welfare
ST pre-matric scholarship
ST post-matric scholarship
Higher education assistance
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes
North-East opportunities

SC students should check the applicable state and Central schemes.

17. Mizoram

ST students should investigate:

Tribal welfare
ST scholarships
Pre-matric assistance
Post-matric assistance
Higher education
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs programmes

SC students should check applicable state and Central schemes.

18. Nagaland

ST students should check:

Tribal Welfare
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Higher education
NSP
National Fellowship
National Overseas Scholarship
North-East opportunities

Students should also investigate the NEC scholarship where they meet the conditions.

19. Odisha

SC

Check:

ST & SC Development Department
State Scholarship Portal
Pre/post-matric schemes
Higher education assistance
NSP

ST

Check:

ST & SC Development Department
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Residential education
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

20. Punjab

SC students should check:

SC welfare
Post-matric scholarship
State scholarship portal
NSP
Central SC schemes

ST students should check whether any applicable state/Central ST schemes apply to their circumstances and also review NSP.

21. Rajasthan

SC

Check:

Social Justice and Empowerment Department
Scholarship Portal
SC post-matric scholarship
NSP

ST

Check:

Tribal Area Development Department
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs programmes

22. Sikkim

ST students should investigate:

Tribal welfare
ST scholarships
Higher education assistance
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes
North-East opportunities where applicable

SC students should check applicable state and Central scholarships.

23. Tamil Nadu

SC

Check:

Adi Dravidar Welfare Department
SC scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Higher education
NSP

ST

Check:

Tribal Welfare Department
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

Also investigate hostel and educational assistance.

24. Telangana

SC students

Start with:

Social Welfare Department
ePASS Telangana
SC post-matric scholarships
Fee reimbursement
Pre-matric assistance
NSP
Central SC schemes

ST students

Start with:

Tribal Welfare Department
ePASS Telangana
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Fee reimbursement
NSP
Central ST schemes

Particularly important

Don't assume that ePASS is the only source of help.

A Telangana SC/ST student should check:

ePASS + NSP + Central Social Justice/Tribal Affairs schemes + college assistance

25. Tripura

ST students should check:

Tribal Welfare
ST pre-matric scholarship
ST post-matric scholarship
Higher education
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

SC students should check applicable state welfare and Central schemes.

26. Uttar Pradesh

SC

Check:

UP Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement
SC pre-matric assistance
SC post-matric assistance
Higher education
NSP
Central SC schemes

ST

Check:

UP Scholarship system
Tribal welfare
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP

Always verify the current academic-year notification.

27. Uttarakhand

SC

Check:

Social Welfare Department
SC scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP

ST

Check:

Tribal Welfare
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

28. West Bengal

SC

Check:

OASIS
SC welfare
Post-matric scholarships
Higher education
NSP

ST

Check:

OASIS where applicable
Tribal welfare
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP

Also check SVMCM and other general scholarships if you meet their eligibility conditions.

Union Territories

29. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

SC/ST students should check:

Social Welfare
Tribal Welfare
Pre-matric scholarships
Post-matric scholarships
NSP
Central schemes

30. Chandigarh

SC/ST students should check:

Social Welfare
Education Department
SC scholarships
Applicable ST schemes
NSP
Central scholarships

31. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

Students should check:

Tribal Welfare
Social Welfare
ST scholarships
SC scholarships where applicable
Post-matric assistance
NSP

32. Delhi

SC/ST students should investigate:

Delhi scholarship schemes
Welfare Department
SC scholarships
ST scholarships where applicable
Post-matric assistance
NSP
Central Government schemes

Students studying in Delhi but domiciled elsewhere must carefully check the domicile requirements of each scheme.

33. Jammu and Kashmir

SC students should check:

Social Welfare
SC scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP
Central schemes

ST students should check:

Tribal Affairs
ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Higher education
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

34. Ladakh

ST students should particularly investigate:

Tribal welfare
ST scholarships
Pre/post-matric assistance
Higher education
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

SC students should check applicable Central and UT schemes.

35. Lakshadweep

SC/ST students should check:

Social Welfare
Tribal welfare where applicable
Education Department
Scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP
Central Government schemes

36. Puducherry

SC/ST students should check:

Social Welfare
Education Department
SC/ST scholarships
Post-matric assistance
Higher education schemes
NSP
Central scholarships

What Poor SC/ST Students Should Do First

If your family has very little money, don't try to apply randomly.

Use this order.

Step 1 — Get your caste certificate

Make sure the certificate is valid and correctly reflects your details.

Step 2 — Get your income certificate

Many scholarships have income conditions.

Step 3 — Register for NSP OTR

NSP requires OTR for scholarship applications.

Step 4 — Check your state scholarship portal

Your state may administer important SC/ST scholarships separately.

Step 5 — Check NSP

Search specifically for:

Step 6 — Check your college

Ask:

"Which SC/ST scholarships and fee-support schemes can I apply for through this institution?"

Step 7 — Check hostels

Poor students may benefit from government/department-supported hostels where eligible.

Step 8 — Check coaching

SC students can investigate the current free-coaching scheme.

Step 9 — Check higher education schemes

If you are entering an IIT, NIT, medical college, law school, university or another notified institution, check whether you qualify for a Top Class scheme.

Step 10 — Save your application number

Never submit an application and then forget about it.

If You Are an SC Student

Your search should look like this:

SC + State + Course + Income + Scholarship

For example:

SC + Telangana + B.Tech + low income

Then check:

ePASS
NSP
Social Welfare
College financial aid
Central SC schemes

If You Are an ST Student

Search:

ST + State + Course + Income + Scholarship

For example:

ST + Maharashtra + B.Sc + low income

Then check:

Tribal Welfare
State scholarship portal
NSP
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
College assistance

If You Are SC/ST and Have a Disability

Don't choose between the two categories automatically.

Check whether you may separately qualify for disability-related education assistance in addition to SC/ST-related schemes, subject to the rules of each programme.

If You Are an SC/ST Girl Student

Pay particular attention to:

General scholarships
SC/ST scholarships
Girl-student schemes
Hostels
Higher education scholarships
Skill development
Free coaching

For ST post-matric scholarships, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs states that priority is given to girls under the scheme's published criteria.

If You Are an SC/ST Student Who Wants to Study Abroad

Check:

SC

National Overseas Scholarship

The 2026–27 SC-related NOS scheme is currently published by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

ST

Check the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' National Overseas Scholarship.

Don't assume overseas education is impossible because your family cannot finance tuition yourself.

But don't pay an agent promising guaranteed government funding either.

If You Want to Become a Doctor, Engineer or Professional

Don't search only:

"SC scholarship."

Search:

SC + MBBS scholarship

SC + B.Tech scholarship

ST + engineering scholarship

ST + medical scholarship

SC + professional course scholarship

Then check the scheme's approved institutions and course requirements.

Top Class Education for SC students specifically relates to notified/empanelled institutions, so admission to an eligible institution can be an important factor.

If Your Scholarship Is Rejected

Don't immediately give up.

Check the reason

Common problems can involve:

Incorrect caste certificate
Invalid income certificate
Incorrect bank details
Aadhaar mismatch
Wrong course
Wrong institution
Missing document
Institution verification
Eligibility problem
Domicile issue

Then:

Save the rejection message.
Contact the institution's scholarship/nodal officer.
Contact the state department.
Use NSP's grievance mechanism where applicable.
Keep your application/reference number.

NSP provides scheme-wise nodal officer and grievance officer information.

Beware of Scholarship Scams

SC/ST students from low-income families can be targeted by people promising guaranteed government benefits.

Never give an unknown person:

OTP
UPI PIN
ATM PIN
Banking password
Email password

Never pay someone simply because they say:

"I can guarantee your scholarship."

Use official government portals.

The Most Important Websites

UDID

If you also have a disability:

Official UDID Portal

SC/ST Student Emergency Checklist

Before you give up on your education, check all of these:

[ ] Valid caste certificate
[ ] Income certificate
[ ] Aadhaar
[ ] Bank account
[ ] NSP OTR
[ ] State scholarship portal
[ ] NSP
[ ] Pre-matric scholarship if eligible
[ ] Post-matric scholarship if eligible
[ ] Top Class Education if eligible
[ ] Hostel assistance
[ ] Fee reimbursement
[ ] Free coaching
[ ] College scholarship
[ ] Disability scholarship if applicable
[ ] Fellowship if pursuing research
[ ] Overseas scholarship if planning eligible study abroad
[ ] Skill-development opportunities
[ ] Application number saved
[ ] Scholarship status checked

One Final Message to SC and ST Students

If your family is poor, don't decide that higher education is impossible before checking the schemes available to you.

A scholarship may not cover everything.

One scheme may reject you.

Another may have an income limit you don't meet.

A deadline may pass.

A document may be missing.

That doesn't mean you should stop.

Try the correct state portal.

Check NSP.

Check the Central scheme.

Ask your college.

Check welfare departments.

Look for hostel and fee assistance.

Look for coaching and skill-development support.

And if you qualify for a scheme, apply through the official channel and keep proof of your application.

The purpose of these programmes is to help eligible students continue their education and improve their economic opportunities.

Your caste should not become a reason to stop your education—and your family's financial situation should not stop you from checking every legitimate opportunity available to you.

This guide is intended for information and navigation. SC/ST status alone does not guarantee eligibility. Income, domicile, course, institution, academic requirements and other conditions differ by scheme. Always treat the latest official government notification and portal as the final authority.

🤲 A Heartfelt Dua for My Beloved Father, Shaik Ahmed