AI SummaryScholarship for Differently Abled Students is an inclusive educational support scheme by the Kerala Government made for students with at least 40% disability. It gives monthly cash support to eligible scholars from primary school up to professional and postgraduate levels so they can cover their study expenses.
The scheme is open for the 2026-27 academic year and students can apply through the official Suneethi portal of the Social Justice Department. Eligibility, benefit amounts and the application process are explained in detail below.
Scholarship for Differently Abled Students - Introduction
Scholarship for Differently Abled Students is a dedicated program run by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. It supports differently abled students who are studying in schools, colleges, or those pursuing professional, PG courses, or technical training by giving them a monthly scholarship.
Students belonging to specific categories, including blind, deaf, orthopedically handicapped, and those with mental retardation, who hold a disability certificate of 40% or more and have scored at least 40% marks in their previous annual examinations are eligible to apply. The annual family income should stay below ₹36,000.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Scholarship for Differently Abled Students |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice Department |
| Implementing Agency | District Social Justice Office, Kerala |
Benefits
The program gives monthly financial support to students with a 40% or higher disability. The amount changes based on the level of study and whether the student is a day scholar or a hostel student, as shown in the table below:
| Standard | Day Scholars | Hostel Students | Reader's allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 to 4 | ₹300/month | - | ₹200/month |
| Class 5 to 10 | ₹500/month | - | ₹200/month |
| +1, +2, IT Equivalent | ₹750/month | ₹1000/month | ₹300/month |
| Degree, Polytechnic, IT | ₹1000/month | ₹1500/month | ₹400/month |
| Professional, PG courses | ₹1000/month | ₹1500/month | ₹400/month |
Eligibility
To get the benefit of Scholarship for Differently Abled Students, a student needs to meet the following conditions:
- Must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- Must hold a documented disability of 40% or more, covering categories such as blind, deaf, orthopedically handicapped, or mental retardation.
- Must be currently studying in a school, college, or a professional or training course.
- Must have scored at least 40% marks in the previous year's examination.
- Total annual family income should be below ₹36,000.
Application Process
Online
Students can apply online through the SUNEETHI Online Service Application Portal.
STEP 1 - Open the Suneethi portal and select 'One time Registration' on the homepage to create a profile using a mobile number and email address.
STEP 2 - Log in as a citizen and update the profile with academic and bank details.
STEP 3 - Select this scheme from the list and click 'Apply Now' to submit the application form.
Offline
For the offline method, download the official application form from the Social Justice Department website. Fill it out completely and submit it to the nearest District Social Justice Officer. Applications should be submitted within 3 months of the start of the academic year, otherwise they may be rejected.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card or a valid identity document.
- Active mobile number and email address.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Disability certificate issued by a Medical Board.
- Educational qualification certificates.
- Income certificate from the concerned Village Officer.
- Certificate from the Head of Institution.
- Copy of parents' identity documents.
- Copy of the bank passbook for direct benefit transfer.
References
Official Website | Download Application Form | Official Notice/Order | Kerala Disability Scholarship Scheme
FAQ's
What is Scholarship for Differently Abled Students?
It is a financial support scheme by the Social Justice Department, Kerala, for students with 40% or higher disability who are studying in schools, colleges, or professional courses.
Which department manages this scheme?
It is managed by the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala.
Who qualifies for the benefits?
Students with a 40% or more disability who scored at least 40% marks in the previous year, such as a college student who is orthopedically handicapped, are eligible provided they meet the income and residency criteria.
What is the income limit?
Annual family income should be below ₹36,000.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the SUNEETHI portal or submit a physical form to the District Social Justice Office.
What is the deadline?
Submit the application within 3 months of the start of the academic year.