AI SummaryPost Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste helps students from poor households in Punjab continue their higher education by covering fees and giving a yearly academic allowance. Punjab government has opened applications for the 2026-27 academic session on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), so eligible Scheduled Caste students can now apply online.
Applications started on 1 July 2026 and the last date to apply is 15 November 2026. This scheme is for students studying at the post-matriculation or post-secondary level, and it aims to raise the number of Scheduled Caste students in colleges and universities across the state.
Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste - Introduction
Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste is run by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab. It provides financial support so that students from the poorest households can complete their studies without the burden of heavy fees. The state government has announced the scheme for the 2026-27 academic year and has asked all eligible students to apply before the deadline.
If parents or guardians have a total annual income of less than ₹2,50,000, the student can apply for this support. For example, if Ramesh, a student from a low-income family, wishes to pursue an engineering degree, this scheme covers his educational costs. These scholarships are strictly for studies within India.
The state government selects awardees based on domicile status. Whether a student is a fresh applicant or already enrolled, this scheme can help. The government has also directed district-level officers to organise awareness camps in villages, towns and remote areas so that every eligible student can complete the application.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Punjab |
| Department | Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities |
| Application Start | 1 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 November 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online (National Scholarship Portal) |
Course Classifications
Courses are divided into groups based on the level of study, and the allowance depends on the group a student belongs to. The groups are listed below.
- Group 1: Professional degree and post-graduate courses like Engineering, Medicine, Management, and PhD programmes.
- Group 2: Other professional degree or diploma courses such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Hotel Management, and ITI courses where the entry requirement is Class XII or higher.
- Group 3: Graduate and post-graduate courses not covered in groups 1 and 2, such as BA, B.Sc, B.Com, MA, and M.Sc.
- Group 4: Post-matriculation, non-degree courses requiring a Class X qualification, including school education (Class XI-XII) and polytechnic diplomas.
Note: The list of courses is indicative, and state authorities may include additional courses based on local standards.
Benefits
The scheme provides support through the payment of required non-refundable fees (like tuition fees) and an annual academic allowance. Below is the breakdown of the academic allowance based on the course group.
| Category of courses | Hostellers (Yearly) | Day Scholars (Yearly) |
| Group 1 | ₹1,35,000 | ₹7,000 |
| Group 2 | ₹9,500 | ₹6,500 |
| Group 3 | ₹6,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Group 4 | ₹4,000 | ₹2,500 |
Divyang students receive an additional 10% allowance. If a student is pursuing professional certifications like CA, ICWA, or CS, the government treats them as a day scholar for allowances. Correspondence and online course students remain ineligible for the academic allowance but may still receive fee reimbursements.
Eligibility
To qualify for Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste, a student must meet the following criteria.
- Must be a citizen of India and a resident of Punjab.
- Must belong to the Scheduled Caste community as defined by the state.
- Must have passed the Matriculation or Higher Secondary examination.
- Family annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000. An income certificate is needed at the time of initial admission.
- Must be pursuing regular studies. Students enrolled in correspondence or distance learning through central or state universities can also apply for non-refundable fee support.
- Must hold an Aadhaar-linked bank account to make sure funds transfer smoothly.
If a student is already receiving another scholarship, they must choose only one. Students should inform their institution's head about the decision. Seats filled through non-transparent management quotas without following state-mandated merit processes are not eligible for reimbursement.
Exclusions
A student is not eligible if they are repeating a stage of education they have already passed in a different subject. For example, if a student already holds a BA degree, enrolling in another BA course will not qualify for support.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026-27 session are being accepted on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Follow these steps to apply.
STEP 1 - Go to the official National Scholarship Portal at National Scholarship Portal and click on the 'New Registration' or 'One Time Registration (OTR)' link on the homepage.
STEP 2 - Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) using your Aadhaar number and verify it with the OTP sent to your mobile number.
STEP 3 - Log in with your OTR number and select the Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste scheme for Punjab.
STEP 4 - Fill in your personal, academic, and financial details correctly and upload all required documents.
STEP 5 - Review the application and submit it online before 15 November 2026. Keep the application number safe for future reference.
Students can also get help at nearby Common Service Centres (CSCs) to complete the application. The Punjab portal at Punjab Scholarship Portal also provides scheme details and registration support.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before starting the application.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Proof of permanent residence.
- Previous academic mark sheets (certificates).
- Proof of current admission.
- Three passport-size photographs.
- Bank passbook showing account details.
References
NDTV News on Punjab Post Matric Scholarship 2026-27
FAQ's
What is Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste?
It is a government scheme that provides financial support to Scheduled Caste students at the post-secondary level, helping them complete their education without money problems.
What is the eligibility criteria?
A student must be an Indian citizen and a Punjab resident, belong to a Scheduled Caste, have passed matriculation or higher, and belong to a family with an annual income below ₹2,50,000.
Which documents are required?
Aadhaar card, residence proof, admission letter, mark sheets, photographs, and bank account information.
How do I apply for the scheme?
Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The last date to apply for the 2026-27 session is 15 November 2026.
What are the benefits I will receive?
The scheme covers mandatory non-refundable fees and provides an annual academic allowance depending on the course group and residential status.