Scholarship/Merit Scholarship Schools SC/ST/OBC/Min Studying in College/Technical/ Professional Institutions

Scholarship/Merit Scholarship Schools SC/ST/OBC/Min (Studying in College/Technical/ Professional Institutions) gives monthly money help to SC, ST, OBC, and minority students who are studying in higher education courses. The scheme, run by the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minority, Government of NCT of Delhi, supports both hostellers and day scholars with a monthly stipend that ranges from ₹420 to ₹1,860 depending on the course. The Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC has released the scholarship guidelines for the 2025-26 academic year, and applications are being taken online for eligible students.

This scheme is meant to cut the money burden on families so that meritorious students from reserved categories can keep studying in recognised colleges and professional or technical institutions. A student who scores at least 60% in the previous academic year and meets the residency and income rules can apply. For example, a student from the OBC category doing an engineering degree may get monthly support based on the course group, provided the family income stays within the set limit.

Scholarship/Merit Scholarship Schools SC/ST/OBC/Min Studying in College/Technical/ Professional Institutions - Introduction

Merit Scholarship to SC/ST/OBC/Minority students studying in recognised Colleges/Professional/Technical Institutions is a state-level scheme of the Government of NCT of Delhi. It gives a fixed monthly stipend to help students pay for their day to day study needs. The amount depends on the course group and on whether the student lives in a hostel or stays at home.

The scheme is an ongoing one, and the department keeps updating the guidelines and application process every academic year. For the current year, the official guidelines have been published on the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC department website, and students can apply online through the official Delhi government portal. The money is paid directly to the student's bank account after the application is verified by the college or institution.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme gives money help spread across several tiers based on your course group and living status. Hostellers get a higher amount than day scholars because they have to pay for food and stay. The monthly rates for each group are given below.

Please note that if you fail an annual examination, your scholarship amount will drop to 50% unless you have a valid medical ground or were affected by a natural calamity. If you skip the exam on purpose, you may lose the scholarship for the next academic year.

Eligibility

To get this scholarship, you should meet the following conditions:

• Residency: You should be a permanent resident of Delhi, and your caste certificate should be issued by the competent authority of Delhi.
• Category: You should belong to the SC, ST, OBC, or Minority community.
• Enrolment: You should be studying in a recognised college, professional, or technical institution in India.
• Marks: You should have scored at least 60% in your previous academic year.
• Income: If you belong to the OBC or Minority category, your total annual family income should not exceed ₹2,00,000. There is no income limit for SC and ST students.

Application Process

Applications for the Delhi government scholarship schemes are taken online through the official e-District Delhi portal. The department has also published the detailed guidelines for the 2025-26 academic year on the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC website. Follow these steps to apply.

STEP 1 - Go to the official e-District Delhi portal and click on the login or register link on the homepage. Use your Aadhaar card to create a new profile and note down the login ID and password sent to your mobile or email.

STEP 2 - Sign in with your ID and password, then select the Merit Scholarship scheme under the 'Apply Service' tab on the portal.

STEP 3 - Fill the online application form carefully and upload all required documents in the file format and size asked by the portal.

STEP 4 - Submit the form and verify the process using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. Keep the acknowledgement printout for your college to verify.

STEP 5 - Track your application status on the portal and make sure your bank account is linked with Aadhaar so that the money can be transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Documents

You should keep the following documents ready before you start the application:

• Income Certificate: Required only for OBC and Minority students, issued by the competent authorities of GNCTD.
• Caste Certificate: Only for SC/ST/OBC students, issued in the name of the student or father by the competent authority of Delhi.
• Domicile Proof: Needed if your caste certificate is not from GNCTD.
• Residency Proof: Minority students must give residency proof for the last 3 years, such as Aadhaar, Ration Card, or electricity bill.
• Affidavit: Needed if there is an educational gap of up to 3 years.

References

Official Guidelines | Scholarship Schemes 2025-26 Guidelines | Merit Scholarship Details | Welfare of SC/ST/OBC Department

FAQ's

What happens if I fail an exam?

Your scholarship will be reduced to 50% for that period, unless you can give proof of a medical condition or a natural disaster. Skipping the exam on purpose may disqualify you for the next academic year.

Is there an income limit for SC/ST students?

No, there is no income limit for SC/ST students. However, OBC and minority students must keep their annual family income below ₹2,00,000.

Can I receive other stipends?

Yes, you may still get this scholarship even if you are getting stipends from other sources, as long as you inform the awarding authority through your institution.

What is the minimum mark required to join?

You should have scored a minimum of 60% in your previous academic examination to be eligible.

Do I need to be a resident of Delhi?

Yes, permanent residency in Delhi is mandatory for all applicants, and the caste certificate should be issued by the competent authority of Delhi.