Prathibha Scholarship Programme

Prathibha Scholarship Programme helps brilliant students of Kerala origin to pursue higher studies in basic and natural sciences. Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) runs this scheme for students who have done well in the Higher Secondary Examination. It offers yearly cash support plus access to research orientation programs and national-level internships.

KSCSTE keeps accepting online applications for this scholarship through the official portal every year. The scheme supports students admitted into undergraduate and postgraduate courses in basic or natural sciences at recognized institutions across India. The most recent application cycle for the 2024-25 batch ran from 5 May 2025 to 5 June 2025, and the final rank list for that batch has already been published.

Prathibha Scholarship Programme Details

Prathibha Scholarship Programme recognizes students of Kerala origin who have shown outstanding merit in their higher secondary examinations. Selected students receive financial support to complete undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in basic or natural sciences at recognized institutions anywhere in India.

The scheme aims to build the next generation of scientific talent. By offering scholarships, it encourages bright students to take up careers in research and innovation. Prathibha scholars also get a chance to join the Student Programme for Excellence in Experimental Design (SPEED), where they attend orientation sessions and interact with pioneers in the scientific field.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme gives tiered financial support so that a scholar's study journey stays smooth. As a selected scholar, you receive the following support each year:

Beyond the cash grants, you also get access to science enrichment programs and summer internships at top national and state-level R&D institutions in Kerala. Top scholars compete for summer research opportunities at IISER-Trivandrum. The scheme also sets aside at least 50% of the seats for girl students and 10% for SC/ST candidates.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship, you should meet the following criteria:

• You should be of Kerala origin.
• You should have completed your higher secondary board examination from Kerala.
• You should score at least 90% marks (or the equal grade) in total and in all science subjects combined. For SC/ST candidates, this requirement is 80% marks.
• You should have secured admission into a 3-year B.Sc., a 4-year U.G. course, a 4-year U.G. Honours course, or a 5-year Integrated M.Sc./BS-MS program in basic or natural sciences at any recognized institution in India.

Example: If Ravi secures 92% in his Science group and enters a B.Sc. Physics program, he becomes eligible for the ranking pool.

Application Process

You should complete your online application through the official web portal when registration is open. The portal shows the current registration status and gives download links for the latest notification and guidelines.

STEP 1 - Go to the official Prathibha portal at prathibha.kscste.kerala.gov.in and check whether online registration is open for the current admission year.

STEP 2 - Click on the registration link and enter your name, date of birth, email ID, and higher secondary roll number to begin registration.

STEP 3 - Enter the OTP received on your mobile and set a password of at least 6 characters to finish the online registration.

STEP 4 - Note down the application number that is generated. Use this with your password to log in later.

STEP 5 - After the provisional rank list is published (usually in March or April), upload the required documents to confirm your scholarship.

Documents

You should keep the following required documents ready for verification:

1. Identity proof.
2. Recent passport-sized photographs.
3. Student data-sheet endorsed by the head of your institution.
4. Self-attested copy of higher secondary mark list.
5. Community certificate (for SC/ST applicants).
6. Proof of Kerala origin.
7. Signed terms and conditions form.
8. Bank e-payment form.

Renewal Rules

The scholarship keeps renewing for the 2nd and 3rd years of U.G. and the 2nd year of P.G. only if you meet the minimum credit requirement set by the University Grants Commission under the National Education Policy 2020. You should also submit the previous year mark lists along with a signed renewal data-sheet. The scholarship is valid for a maximum of 5 years covering U.G., U.G. Honours, and P.G. or integrated P.G. courses, subject to renewal norms.

References

Official KSCSTE Page | Prathibha Application Portal | Scheme Guidelines

FAQ's

What is the primary aim of this scheme?

Prathibha Scholarship Programme aims to motivate bright students from Kerala to take up higher education and research in basic and natural sciences.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students of Kerala origin with at least 90% in higher secondary science subjects (80% for SC/ST) who have enrolled in science-based degree courses are eligible.

How is the selection list prepared?

The council selects candidates based on the aggregate marks obtained in their higher secondary science subjects, with weightage given to mathematical, physical, and life sciences.

Is the scholarship renewable?

Yes, you can renew your scholarship throughout your 5-year integrated course or undergraduate and postgraduate journey, provided you meet the required renewal norms and academic performance standards.

What if I am an SC/ST student?

The scheme reserves 10% of total slots for SC/ST students, offering them a more accessible path with a slightly adjusted eligibility threshold of 80%.