About SC/ST Scholarships in India 2026-27 | Complete Guide
The SC/ST Scholarships in India 2026-27 | Complete Guide is provided by Multiple: Ministry of SJE, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, State Governments to support sc / st students pre-matric to phd students.
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Application Status: Open for 2026-27. Last date: October 31, 2026 (most central schemes). Apply at scholarships.gov.in
Scholarship Amount Breakdown
| Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric SC/ST Scholarship | ₹600–3,500/year | Class 9 and 10 |
| Post-Matric SC/ST Scholarship | Full tuition + maintenance allowance | Class 11 to PhD |
| Top Class Scholarship (SC) | Full fee at premium institutes | For IITs/IIMs/AIIMS |
| National Overseas Scholarship | ₹15,000–35,000/month | For studying abroad |
| Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Scholarships | Varies | Various career stages |
Documents Required
- 📄 Aadhaar Card
- 📄 Caste Certificate (SC or ST | issued by Tahsildar/SDM/Competent authority)
- 📄 Income Certificate (current year)
- 📄 Class 10 & 12 marksheets
- 📄 Admission proof (bonafide/enrollment letter)
- 📄 Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked, in student's name)
- 📄 Passport photograph
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Income certificate must be of the current financial year. Bank account must be Aadhaar-linked for DBT to work.
How to Apply | Step by Step
1
Register on NSP (scholarships.gov.in)
2
Select the appropriate SC/ST scholarship based on your level and state
3
Fill in all required details accurately
4
Upload caste certificate and income certificate
5
Submit before the deadline
6
Application verified by institute, district, and state
7
Amount disbursed via DBT
FAQs | SC/ST Scholarships in India 2026-27 | Complete Guide
What is the Top Class Education Scholarship for SC students?+
The Top Class Education Scholarship is for SC students admitted to 266 premier institutions including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, and other top colleges. It covers 100% tuition fee + maintenance allowance of ₹2,220/month. Apply through NSP. Family income limit: ₹4.5 lakh/year.
Is there a scholarship for SC students studying abroad?+
Yes. The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) provides funding for SC/ST students to pursue Master's or PhD programs abroad. It covers ₹15,000–35,000/month living allowance, air travel, tuition fee, and other allowances. Apply through the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Which state has the best scholarships for SC/ST students?+
All states have SC/ST scholarship programs. States like Maharashtra (MahaDBT), Telangana (ePass), Andhra Pradesh (Vidya Deevena), Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have particularly strong state-funded scholarship schemes in addition to central government NSP schemes.