Gujarat government has updated the Financial Assistance to SC Students Studying in Medical, Engineering and Diploma Course for Purchasing Educational Instrument with higher grant amounts starting from the 2025-26 financial year. This scheme supports eligible Scheduled Caste students in Gujarat by providing direct cash grants to help them buy essential study tools for their medical, engineering, or diploma programs. The updated rates are ₹15,000 for medical students, ₹10,000 for engineering students, and ₹5,000 for diploma students.
Social Justice and Empowerment Department runs this scheme through the Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare, Government of Gujarat. By removing money problems, this support helps students focus on their studies without worrying about the costs of essential learning tools for their professional courses. The assistance is given only during the first year of the course.
Financial Assistance to SC Students Studying in Medical, Engineering and Diploma Course for Purchasing Educational Instrument
This scheme was introduced to empower Scheduled Caste students by providing critical financial aid to purchase high-quality educational equipment and instruments. As of August 2026, the scheme continues to operate under the updated grant rates notified on 03 April 2025 through resolution number SJED/ASO/e-file/17/2024/2295/G. The new budget allocation of ₹0.17 crore was included in the 2025-26 estimates to cover these enhanced benefits.
The application process happens entirely online through the Digital Gujarat Portal. Eligible students must register on the portal, fill in their details, upload required documents, and submit the form. Only one application per student is accepted, and institution details cannot be changed once the form is submitted.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to SC Students Studying in Medical, Engineering and Diploma Course for Purchasing Educational Instrument |
| Launched By | Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare, Government of Gujarat |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Beneficiaries | Scheduled Caste students of Gujarat |
| Course Covered | Medical, Engineering, Diploma |
| Benefit Amount | Medical: ₹15,000 | Engineering: ₹10,000 | Diploma: ₹5,000 |
| Income Limit | ₹6,00,000 per annum |
| Application Mode | Online via Digital Gujarat Portal |
| Official Website | Director SC Welfare, Gujarat |
| Apply Online | Digital Gujarat Portal |
Updated Grant Amounts (2025 Onwards)
The Gujarat government passed a resolution on 03 April 2025 increasing the financial assistance amounts for SC students. Earlier rates have been replaced with the following new amounts:
- Medical students: ₹15,000 (increased from ₹10,000) — This one-time grant can be used to purchase stethoscopes, anatomy models, or other medical study instruments required for the course.
- Engineering students: ₹10,000 (increased from ₹8,000) — This amount helps cover the cost of calculators, lab kits, software licenses, or engineering drawing tools needed during the first year.
- Diploma students: ₹5,000 (increased from ₹3,000) — This grant supports the purchase of practical tools, reference books, or equipment specific to the diploma branch.
All three amounts are paid only once, during the first year of the respective course. There is no recurring payment in subsequent years.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this support, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste community and be a resident of Gujarat state.
- The student must be actively enrolled in a recognized medical, engineering, or diploma course in Gujarat.
- The total annual family income should not exceed ₹6,00,000. For example, if a student's family earns ₹4,00,000 per year, they are well within the limit and can apply.
- Assistance is available in the first year of the course only. Repeating students or those in later years are not eligible.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted through the Digital Gujarat Portal. Follow these steps to complete the process:
STEP 1 — Visit the Digital Gujarat Portal at digitalgujarat.gov.in and click on 'Register' to create your account using your mobile number or email address.
STEP 2 — After registration, log in with your credentials and click on 'My Profile' to fill in all mandatory personal details including name, date of birth, address, and bank information.
STEP 3 — Verify your profile using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. Make sure the phone number is active and reachable.
STEP 4 — Under the 'Scholarship Services' section, select 'SC Scheme' from the available options.
STEP 5 — Choose the relevant financial year (2026-27) and click on 'Continue to Service'. Read the interaction guidelines carefully before proceeding.
STEP 6 — Fill out the application form completely, upload all required documents in the specified format, and click on 'Confirm & Final Submit'. Do not save as draft unless you plan to return later to finish the form.
Important Tips: Your photograph upload is mandatory. Only one application per student is accepted. If multiple applications are submitted from any institute, the application will be rejected. Institution details cannot be changed after submission, so verify everything before final submit.
Required Documents
Gather the following documents before starting your application to ensure a smooth process:
- Passport size photograph (clear and recent)
- Aadhaar Card as identity proof
- Caste Certificate issued by competent authorities
- Income Certificate valid for the current period
- 10th and 12th standard marksheets
- Relevant graduation or last-year marksheets
- Bank passbook front page or a cancelled cheque for DBT payment
- College or school identity card
- Affidavit for gap years if applicable
- Marriage certificate or father's death certificate wherever applicable
- School Leaving Certificate if there is any break in education
References
Official Scheme Page – Director SC Welfare, Gujarat
Government Resolution Dated 03 April 2025 – Enhanced Grant Rates
Digital Gujarat Portal – Application Platform
FAQ's
What type of financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
This scheme provides a one-time cash grant to Scheduled Caste students enrolled in technical courses to help them purchase required educational instruments and study tools.
What are the updated grant amounts for each course?
As per the April 2025 government resolution, Medical students receive ₹15,000, Engineering students receive ₹10,000, and Diploma students receive ₹5,000.
Is there a time limit for this assistance?
Yes, the financial help is provided during the first year of your course only. It is a one-time benefit and not repeated in subsequent years.
Who can apply for this benefit?
Any student belonging to the Scheduled Caste community in Gujarat who is studying in medical, engineering, or diploma programs can apply, subject to the income limit.
What is the income ceiling to be eligible?
Your annual family income must not exceed ₹6,00,000. This limit has remained unchanged since the scheme started.
Where should I submit my application?
You must submit your application online through the Digital Gujarat Portal. Direct offline submissions are not accepted for students studying inside the state.
Can I change my college name after submitting the application?
No, there is no provision to change the institution details once the application is submitted successfully. Fill in the correct college name before clicking final submit.
When was the grant amount increased?
The Gujarat government increased the grant amounts through a resolution dated 03 April 2025 (SJED/ASO/e-file/17/2024/2295/G), effective from the 2025-26 financial year onwards.