The Central Government’s Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students (PMS-SC) is the country’s largest scholarship scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students. It is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme — the States implement it, and the cost is shared 60:40 by the Centre and the States (90:10 for North-Eastern States). It is for study after Class 11 — Classes 11–12, ITI, diploma, graduation, post-graduation, professional and PhD. Note: this is the SC students’ scheme; the ST Post-Matric Scholarship is a separate scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the OBC one runs under PM YASASVI.
How much help is given
The scholarship has two parts. First — the institution’s compulsory fees (non-refundable), tuition fee included, paid at the rate fixed by the State’s fee fixation committee. Second — a yearly academic allowance, fixed by course group and by hosteller or day-scholar status. Group 1 (degree/PG professional courses — medicine, engineering, management, law, CA): hostellers ₹13500, day scholars ₹7000 a year; Group 2 (other professional courses): ₹9500 and ₹6500; Group 3 (general courses — BA, BSc, BCom, MA, MSc): ₹6000 and ₹3000; Group 4 (Classes 11–12, ITI, polytechnic): ₹4000 and ₹2500 a year. Divyang students get 10% extra allowance.
Who is eligible
It goes to SC students studying a recognised course in a recognised institution, where the qualifying level is Matriculation (Class 10) or above. The parents’ income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh a year — the income certificate needs to be given only once, at admission, for courses running more than one year. The student must be an Indian citizen and hold a valid SC category certificate. Students on correspondence or online courses are not eligible for the academic allowance.
How to apply
Applications go through the student’s State of permanent residence — apply online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP, scholarships.gov.in) or the State portal. The State checks eligibility, and the scholarship is then sent directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account by DBT. Dates differ every year and from State to State — check the latest schedule on the NSP or the State portal.
Funding and important points
The cost is shared 60:40 by the Centre and the States; for North-Eastern States, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh it is 90:10, and for Union Territories without a legislature the Centre bears the full cost. The scheme was revamped in 2020-21, with ₹35534 crore provided from 2021-22 to 2025-26 — check the current session’s position on the NSP or the State portal. Do not pay anyone for applying; take information only from the NSP, the State portal or the Ministry website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does the Post-Matric Scholarship give SC students?
A: Compulsory fee reimbursement and a yearly allowance of ₹2500 to ₹13500 depending on the course, paid by DBT straight to the bank account.
Q2: What is the income limit?
A: The parents’ income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh a year.
Q3: Which students can apply?
A: SC students studying a recognised course after Class 11 in a recognised institution.
Q4: Where do I apply?
A: Online on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or the State portal — check the latest dates there.
Useful links
- Ministry of Social Justice — PMS-SC: https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/25
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/
- Post-Matric Scholarship (SC) on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pmsfss
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
Leave a Reply