AI SummaryDistance Education Scholarship for Disabled Students Pursuing Degree and PG Courses is a state-level scheme of the Department of Social Justice, Kerala, offering money help to differently abled students who study through open universities, distance learning, or private registration. In 2026, applications for the scheme are accepted online through the Suneethi portal, and it covers degree and postgraduate courses.
Eligible students get financial support to meet registration fees, course fees, tuition costs, examination fees, and the cost of books and study materials. Maximum support under the scheme is ₹10,000, and the amount is fixed based on the duration of the course.
Distance Education Scholarship for Disabled Students Pursuing Degree and PG Courses - Introduction
This scheme is a helping hand for differently abled learners in Kerala who choose distance or online mode for higher studies. It covers degree and postgraduate programs offered through universities in India or abroad, using open university, distance education, or private registration mode.
Money help covers registration, course, tuition, and examination fees, along with the cost of books and study materials. Payment is released based on the course duration, and continued support depends on appearing for the annual examinations.
As per the official scheme page and the Kerala e-services dashboard, the service was updated in May 2026 and remains open for applications. The same department also runs Kerala Disability Scholarship Scheme for disabled students studying in schools and colleges.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Distance Education Scholarship for Disabled Students Pursuing Degree and PG Courses |
| Level | State |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| Nodal Agency | Social Justice Department, Kerala |
| Benefit Type | Financial Support |
| Maximum Benefit | ₹10,000 |
| Application Mode | Online through Suneethi portal |
| Official Website | sjd.kerala.gov.in |
Benefits
This scheme covers the main study costs of differently abled students pursuing higher education through distance or online mode.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum Support | ₹10,000 |
Support is valid only for the active duration of the course.
Eligibility
Check the following criteria before applying for this scholarship.
- Applicant should be a permanent resident of Kerala with valid proof of residence.
- Applicant should be a student with a recognised disability, supported by a disability certificate or disability ID card.
- Applicant should be pursuing a degree or PG course through universities in India or abroad using distance education, online mode, or private registration.
- Total family income should not exceed ₹1,00,000 per year. For instance, a family earning ₹90,000 annually qualifies, while a family earning ₹1,10,000 does not.
- Applicant should appear for the annual examinations to remain eligible for support in later years.
- Course fee structure has to be uploaded along with the application.
Selection priority is given based on qualifying marks when the number of applicants is high. If a student discontinues the course midway, further support stops.
Exclusions
Applicants already getting financial support from any other state or central government scholarship scheme are not eligible. This also covers sibling schemes of the department, like Scholarship for Differently Abled Students.
Application Process
Online Application
Online is the standard way to apply for this scheme through the Suneethi portal.
STEP 1 - Go to the SUNEETHI Online Service Portal and complete the one-time registration using a mobile number and email.
STEP 2 - Log in to the dashboard and update personal, contact, and bank details.
STEP 3 - Find Scholarship for Disabled students pursuing Degree, PG courses (Distance Education) in the scheme list and click Apply Now.
STEP 4 - Fill in course and university details, upload the course fee structure, and attach the required documents.
STEP 5 - Submit the application and note the application number for future reference.
Offline Application
If online application is not possible, download the application form from the official Social Justice Department website, fill it completely, and submit it to the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO). The CDPO verifies the documents before forwarding the application to the District Social Justice Office.
Important: Applications must be submitted within 6 months from the date of admission. Submitting after this window may lead to rejection.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before starting the application.
- Aadhaar Card copy.
- Valid email and mobile number.
- Passport size photograph.
- Disability certificate issued by a Medical Board or Disability ID card.
- Educational qualification certificates.
- Proof of current course enrollment, including documents registered in the university.
- Certificate from an Authorized Officer.
- Copy of parent's identity document.
- Income certificate from a revenue official.
- Counter-signed bills and receipts for registration, course, and tuition fees, and for purchased books and study materials.
- Proof of appearing for the previous year's examination, for second-year students onwards.
- Copy of bank passbook.
References
Official Website | Download Application Form | Official Order/Notice | SUNEETHI Online Service Portal
FAQ's
What is this scholarship scheme?
It is a money help scheme for differently abled students pursuing degree or PG courses through distance education, online mode, or private registration. It covers registration, course, tuition, and exam fees, along with study material costs up to ₹10,000.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, manages this scheme.
Who qualifies for the support?
Differently abled students who are permanent residents of Kerala and enrolled in degree or PG courses through universities in India or abroad, using distance, online, or private registration mode, qualify.
Is there a disability criteria?
Yes, the scheme is only for students with a recognised disability.
Is the scheme restricted to Kerala residents?
Yes, an applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
Is annual support guaranteed?
No, students must appear for the annual examinations to get support in later years.
How much is the benefit amount?
A student can get up to ₹10,000 per course, depending on the course duration.
Are there income limits?
Yes, total family income should not exceed ₹1,00,000 per year.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted within 6 months from the date of admission.