The Central Government’s Top Class Education scheme is for Scheduled Caste (SC) students who study in the country’s notified higher education institutions after Class 12. It is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its purpose is that talented SC students should not give up good education for lack of fees — the government pays the tuition fee and an academic allowance. This is different from PM-YASASVI Top Class School Education (Classes 9–12, OBC/EBC/DNT) — this scheme is for higher education after Class 12.
What is given
The government pays the full tuition fee and non-refundable charges of SC students studying in notified institutions. In private institutions, this support is given within a ceiling of ₹2 lakh per student per year. Along with it, an academic allowance is paid — ₹86,000 in the first year and ₹41,000 every subsequent year. This allowance is for living expenses, books, stationery, and a laptop with accessories. The older figures (₹2,200–₹3,000 a month, ₹5,000 for books, ₹45,000 for a computer) no longer apply.
In which institutions it applies
The scheme applies in 285 notified institutions across the country. These include premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, AIIMS, National Law Universities (NLUs), NIFT, NID and Institutes of Hotel Management (IHM). The student must have secured admission in one of these institutions after Class 12; admission is on merit or through an entrance examination. In 2025-26, a total of 4,500 scholarships were available under this scheme, of which 1,900 were fresh scholarships.
Who can apply
The applicant must be a Scheduled Caste student studying in a notified institution after Class 12. The family’s annual income must not exceed ₹8 lakh — the older ₹6 lakh income limit no longer applies. The student must study regularly in the institution; the scholarship continues for the duration of the course, provided the student progresses to the next class every year.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), scholarships.gov.in. The student must first complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP, then fill the scheme form and upload the caste certificate, income certificate, admission proof and bank account details. For 2026-27, the application window was 1 June to 31 October 2026; check the NSP for the next cycle’s dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much support does the Top Class Education scheme give?
A: Full tuition fee (up to ₹2 lakh a year in private institutions) and an academic allowance — ₹86,000 in the first year and ₹41,000 a year in later years.
Q2: Is this the same as the PM-YASASVI Top Class scheme?
A: No — YASASVI is for OBC, EBC and DNT students in Classes 9 to 12; this scheme is for SC students in higher education after Class 12.
Q3: What is the income limit?
A: The family’s annual income must be up to ₹8 lakh; the older ₹6 lakh limit no longer applies.
Q4: Where do I apply?
A: On the National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in — check dates and eligibility on the portal.
Useful links
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/
- Top Class Education scheme on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/tce-sc
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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