AI SummaryKerala government runs the Margadeepam Scholarship under the Directorate of Minority Welfare to help students from notified minority communities cover their school expenses. The scheme gives ₹1,500 every academic year to eligible children studying in classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools across the state. As of 2026, the application window for the 2026-27 cycle is expected to open in August with the last date set for 29 September.
The scholarship helps poor families who belong to notified minority groups — Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis — make sure their children can continue schooling without money problems. Over 1.25 lakh students received this support in the last financial year alone, showing how wide its reach has become.
Margadeepam Scholarship 2026-27
The Margadeepam Scholarship is run by the Minority Welfare Department, Government of Kerala. It targets students from minority religious communities who live as permanent residents in the state and study in government or aided schools from class 1st through class 8th. By giving an annual amount of ₹1,500 directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, the scheme takes care of basic educational costs like books, uniforms, and stationery.
The application process happens entirely online through the official portal at margadeepam.kerala.gov.in. Schools register first using their Sampoorna code, then add student details and submit the final list. Students do not upload documents themselves — instead, school heads keep the required papers in safe custody at the institution.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Margadeepam Scholarship |
| Launched By | Directorate of Minority Welfare, Kerala |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Target Beneficiaries | Students in Classes 1 to 8 |
| Benefit Amount | ₹1,500 per academic year |
| Application Mode | Online through schools |
| Official Website | margadeepam.kerala.gov.in |
| Income Limit | ₹2,50,000 per year |
Benefits
Every selected student gets ₹1,500 each academic year. The money goes straight to the student's own Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer. No middleman touches the funds, so there is no delay or deduction.
Applicants must have an active bank account at a nationalized or scheduled bank linked with their Aadhaar number. They should also make sure they are not already getting another scholarship at the same time. A fresh application is required every year to keep receiving the support.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Margadeepam Scholarship, students must meet these conditions:
- The student must be a permanent resident of Kerala and currently enrolled in a government or government-aided school between class 1 and class 8.
- The family total annual income should not go above ₹2,50,000.
- The student must belong to one of the notified minority communities — Muslims, Christians (all sects), Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, or Parsis.
- Female students get 30 percent reservation out of the total scholarships awarded.
Merit Point System
When more applicants than seats are available, a merit point system decides who gets the scholarship. Points are given based on several factors:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Income | Formula: (₹2,50,000 minus Actual Income) divided by ₹25,000 — maximum 10 points |
| Academic Grades | Up to 12 points depending on performance in previous exam |
| Orphan Status | Up to 4 points if both parents are deceased |
| Disability | 4 points for disability of 40 percent or above |
If the student is in class 1, eligibility depends only on family income since there are no marks to consider yet.
Exclusions
A student cannot apply if they are already receiving benefits from any other scholarship scheme. If another member of the same family is already getting this specific scholarship, the rest of the siblings cannot apply either.
Documents Required
School heads must verify and keep copies of the following documents at the institution:
- Income certificate issued by the competent authority showing family annual income below ₹2,50,000.
- Minority or community certificate proving membership in a notified minority religion.
- Student's bank passbook page with Aadhaar linking confirmed.
- Disability certificate of 40 percent or above, only if applicable.
- Death certificate of parent or both parents, only if applicable.
- Latest mark sheet or grade card from the previous academic year.
Application Steps
STEP 1 - Visit the official Margadeepam portal at margadeepam.kerala.gov.in and click on the login section. Government and aided school headmasters can log in using their Sampoorna school code as username and password.
STEP 2 - Add your courses and enter student information using the Sampoorna School Code system. Make sure all details match the school records exactly.
STEP 3 - Enter the scholarship criteria for each student, including their family income, academic grades, orphan status, and disability details where applicable.
STEP 4 - Review the complete student list carefully, verify all entries, and submit the final application through the portal before the deadline.
References
Margadeepam Notification 2025-26 | Official Guidelines | Addendum to Notification | User Manual for Schools
FAQ's
What is the income limit to apply for the scholarship?
Your family total annual income must be ₹2,50,000 or less to qualify for this scheme.
Can I apply if I am in a private unaided school?
No, this scheme covers only students in government or government-aided schools. Private unaided institutions are not part of it.
Is the scholarship amount given every year?
Yes, you receive ₹1,500 each academic year. You must apply fresh every year through your school to continue getting the benefit.
What if I provide false information?
Giving wrong details will lead to immediate cancellation of your scholarship. You will also have to repay any money already received.
Is there any reservation for female students?
Yes, 30 percent of all scholarships are reserved for female students. Remaining seats go to male students.