The Government of India has enhanced support under the SC/ST/OBC Scholarship Schemes 2025, increasing eligible funding to up to ₹60,000 or ₹48,000 annually, depending on the specific scheme or category. These scholarships aim to offset tuition, maintenance, and academic expenses for post-matric students across reserved categories.(turn0search1turn0search6)
Overview of the New Scholarship Packages
The two-tiered system includes:
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A ₹60,000 per year scholarship (higher-tier) providing full coverage for tuition, hostel, books, and other living costs—often state-specific or targeted at high-cost academic streams.
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A ₹48,000 per year scholarship under central post-matric programs covering tuition, upkeep, and academic materials, accessible to students in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.(turn0search1turn0search6)
These represent increases from earlier ceilings (₹35,000–₹45,000) and respond to inflation and rising educational costs.
Eligibility & Benefits Breakdown
Eligible students must:
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Belong to SC, ST, or OBC categories
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Be an Indian citizen, under 30 years of age
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Secure at least 60% marks in Class 12 (varies by state)
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Have a family income below ₹3.5–4.5 lakh annually
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Be enrolled in recognised institutions from Class 11 through postgraduate or professional courses
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Have Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for DBT disbursal
Financial aid is transferred directly to bank accounts via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).(turn0search6turn0search1)
Purpose & Policy Context
In April 2025, a parliamentary panel urged the government to review and boost scholarship amounts for SC, ST, and OBC students, citing that existing grants were insufficient for current educational expenses. The panel pressed for timely disbursement and larger funding to improve access to quality education.(turn0search5)
The State-JK government also reaffirmed there is no plan to discontinue post-matric schemes for SC/ST students beyond 2025–26, emphasizing continuity of support under approved funding.(turn0search8turn0search9turn0search10)
Funding & Disbursement Mechanism
Under the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme, funding ratios are:
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SC students: 60% central share and 40% state share (except Northeastern states at 90:10)
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ST students: 75% central share and 25% state share
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OBC/EBC: Central funding for national fellowships and reimbursements has significantly increased.(turn0search8turn0search4)
Budget estimates for 2025–26 dedicate ₹6,360 crore for post-matric SC scholarships and ₹1,250 crore for OBC/EBC post-matric scholarships, reflecting sharp increases over 2024–25. National fellowships for OBC rose over three-fold.(turn0search4)
Expected Impact & Reach
These expanded schemes aim to reduce study-related dropouts, especially among vulnerable communities. They support broad academic streams—including arts, science, commerce, engineering, and professional degrees—while helping meritorious students complete their education.
By lowering financial barriers, the scholarships are designed to elevate Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) among SC, ST, and OBC students, in line with national education goals.
Application & Verification Process
Students can apply online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), or through state portals linked to NSP. The digital platform enables application submission, institute-level verification, state approval, and DBT-based sanctioning. Monitoring dashboards facilitate transparency and efficiency.(turn0search1turn0search25)
Applications usually open in early March and close by mid-2025, depending on official announcements. Students are encouraged to track deadlines closely.
Public Reaction and Forward Outlook
The enhanced scholarship caps have been welcomed by educational advocates and student organisations. Many see it as an essential step toward inclusive higher education. Civil society groups expect continued improvements in delivery mechanisms—including shorter processing times and easier eligibility.
As initiatives evolve, several state schemes—like Delhi’s Mukhyamantri Vidhyarthi Pratibha Yojana—continue to expand parallel aid frameworks, ensuring layered support at state and national levels.(turn0search2)
Conclusion
By raising maximum award amounts to ₹60,000 or ₹48,000 annually, the Government’s 2025 Scholarship Schemes significantly strengthen financial support for SC, ST, and OBC students. These steps reflect renewed efforts to bridge education disparity, nurture talent, and pave the way for greater socio-economic mobility among historically disadvantaged groups.
