Govt working on raising income limit for SC scholarships to Rs 4.5 lakh from Rs 2.5 lakh

Components of the scholarship include compulsory non-refundable fee, including tuition fee, and an academic allowance between Rs 4,000 and Rs 13,500 per annum for hostellers, and between Rs 2,500 and Rs 7,000 per annum for day-scholars, depending on courses. The allowance is higher for professional courses as compared to traditional ones. Disability allowance is also given, if applicable.

In operation since 1944, post-matric scholarship was a 100 per cent centrally sponsored scheme for several decades. However, the current funding pattern is 60:40 between the Centre and states, except for Northeastern states where the ratio is 90:10. The funding pattern is the same for pre-matric scholarships as well.

The last hike in the income limit to avail these scholarships came into effect on April 1, 2013, when it was enhanced from Rs 2 lakh per annum to Rs 2.5 lakh. In 2013-14, 51.72 lakh SC

students benefited from the post-matric scholarship, documents available on ministry’s website show.

A senior official said, “With increased income limit, more families will come under its ambit.”

According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s annual report for 2024-25 (as on December 31, 2024), 19.13 lakh students benefited from the post-matric scholarship scheme. The number of beneficiaries in the previous year (2023-24), however, was much higher (47.38 lakh).

On the other hand, the pre-matric scholarship scheme for SCs was started in 1977-78, initially only for hostellers and day scholars were brought under its ambit in 1991. The scheme has the same Rs 2.50-lakh income criteria but for the children of parents/guardians engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations, there is no income limit. Under the scheme, Rs 3,500 per annum is given to day scholars and Rs 7,000 to hostellers. For the hosteller-children of parents/guardians engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations, Rs 8,000 per annum are paid. In 2024-25 (till December 31, 2024), 7.54 lakh students benefited from the scheme.

Sources said there is no discussion on increasing income limit for OBC students under a similar scheme available for them. The scholarship schemes for the ST students are managed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.