AI SummaryIncentive for the Inter Caste Marriage Couple supports couples in Karnataka by giving financial help to those who enter into inter-caste marriages between the Scheduled Caste community and other Hindu communities. Social Welfare Department keeps this scheme open for eligible couples in 2026, and the online application facility is available on the official portal.
The scheme encourages social harmony and helps build a more inclusive society by breaking down caste barriers. When an individual from the Scheduled Caste community marries a partner from the Hindu non-SC community, the couple can get a cash incentive to start married life with financial stability.
Incentive for the Inter Caste Marriage Couple - Overview
Social Welfare Department of Karnataka runs this scheme for couples where one partner belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and the other is a Hindu from a different caste. The main aim is to reduce caste-based discrimination and support couples who choose to marry outside their caste.
The incentive amount is paid in two equal parts. One half is given as cash, and the other half is kept as a fixed deposit for a term of three years. This way the couple gets both immediate support and long-term savings.
Any couple that meets the eligibility conditions can apply online using the Aadhaar card of either partner. After registration, the department does a spot verification before releasing the payment to the joint bank account of the couple.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Incentive for the Inter Caste Marriage Couple |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Karnataka |
| Category | Social welfare and empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash incentive |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare Department |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Help Line | 9482300400 |
Benefits
This scheme gives meaningful cash support to eligible couples in their early married life. The incentive depends on which partner belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.
| Category | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| SC man marrying outside the caste | ₹2,50,000 |
| SC woman marrying outside the caste | ₹3,00,000 |
To make sure the money brings long-term security, the department releases the total amount in two equal parts. 50% is paid in cash, and the remaining 50% is placed in a fixed deposit for a term of three years.
Eligibility
Before applying, the couple should check the conditions set by the department. The following points decide who can get the benefit:
- Both partners should follow the Hindu religion, and the couple should be permanent residents of Karnataka.
- One partner must belong to the Scheduled Caste community while the other belongs to a different Hindu caste.
- The marriage must have taken place on or after April 1, 2018, and the combined annual household income should not exceed ₹5,00,000.
- The bride should be between 18 and 42 years and the groom between 21 and 45 years of age at the time of marriage.
Application Process
Eligible couples can apply online through the official Social Welfare Department portal. Follow these steps to submit the application:
STEP 1 - Visit the Inter Caste Marriage incentive page on the official portal and click on the Register option.
STEP 2 - Register using the Aadhaar card number of either partner and provide all the required information.
STEP 3 - Upload the required documents such as the caste certificate, income certificate, marriage certificate and a marriage photograph.
STEP 4 - After registration, an SMS is sent to the couple, and they can print the acknowledgement form as proof of application.
STEP 5 - Social Welfare Department carries out a spot verification of the details, and once verified, the incentive is credited to the joint bank account of the couple in instalments.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while filling the online application. Each uploaded file should not exceed 1 MB.
- Aadhaar card of either partner
- Caste certificate with the 15 digit RD number
- Income certificate with the 15 digit RD number
- Marriage registration certificate as proof of marriage
- Scanned photograph of the couple after marriage
References
More details and the online application link are available on the official Social Welfare Department services portal. For any help, the department runs a 24x7 help line at 9482300400.
FAQ's
What is the amount for an SC man marrying outside his caste?
An SC man is eligible for an incentive of ₹2,50,000.
How much support will an SC woman get if she marries a partner from another caste?
An SC woman is eligible for an incentive of ₹3,00,000.
How does the department divide the incentive amount?
The total incentive is split into two equal halves. 50% is given as cash and the remaining 50% is placed in a fixed deposit for three years.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Couples where one partner belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and the other is a Hindu from a different caste, both residing in Karnataka, can apply.
Are there age limits for applicants?
Yes, the bride must be between 18 and 42 years and the groom between 21 and 45 years at the time of marriage.
Is there a religious requirement for the non-SC partner?
Yes, the non-SC partner must follow the Hindu religion to qualify for the benefit.
Is there a date restriction for the marriage?
The marriage must have taken place on or after April 1, 2018.
What happens after I apply?
After submission, the department does a spot verification and then releases the incentive to the joint bank account of the couple.