The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India introduced the Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities scholarship program for SwDs pursuing higher education beyond Class 12.
Applicants must be full-time students at one of the ‘notified schools’. The scholarship is for students with disabilities as described in Schedule of the “Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016″—vision, hearing, speech, loco-motor, mental retardation, and others.
The project intends to help SwDs overcome financial, psychological, and physical hurdles to education and decent work.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee and non-refundable charges (up to ₹2.00 lakh per annum for private institutions).
- Living expenses: ₹3,000 per month per student.
- Books and stationery allowance: ₹5,000 per annum per student.
- One-time assistance for a laptop/computer with accessories (UPS and printer) up to ₹30,000 per student.
- One-time assistance for aids and assistive devices (software, mobility aids, etc.) up to ₹30,000 per student.
- Special Allowance: ₹2,000 per month (for Reader, Escort, Helper, or similar assistance based on disability type).
Assistive Devices Covered
For students with visual impairments:
- Braille/Brailler Typewriter
- Laptop with Screen Reading Software
- Laptop with Screen Magnification Software
- Talk Software for Mobile Phones
- DAISY Recorder and Player
For students with hearing impairments:
- Binaural Digital Programmable Hearing Aids
- Mobile Phones with SMS & Accessibility Features
- Laptop with WiFi & Bluetooth Facility
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, the applicant must:
- Be admitted in a full-time course at one of the ‘notified institutions’.
- Have a disability of 40% or above as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Be pursuing a Graduate/Postgraduate degree or diploma.
- Have a total annual family income of ₹6 lakh or less.
- Not be the third sibling availing of this scholarship in the same family.
Exclusions
- Only two children with disabilities per family can receive benefits under this scheme. However, if the second child is a twin, both are eligible.
- If a student is found to have provided false information, the scholarship will be immediately cancelled, and the amount recovered. The student will also be blacklisted from future scholarships.
- Scholarship will be cancelled if a student switches courses without approval from DEPwD.
- Repeating a class/semester will make the student ineligible for further scholarship benefits.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
- Prepare Soft Copies of Required Documents.
- Visit: National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and click “New Registration”.
- Read Guidelines & Accept Terms, then click “Continue”.
- Fill the Registration Form, submit, and note down the Application ID and Password (also sent via SMS).
- Login to Apply:
- Enter Application ID and Password
- Complete OTP verification and set a new password
- Complete Application Form:
- Enter required details
- Upload scanned copies of documents
- Click “Save as Draft” or “Final Submit”
Documents Required
- Income Certificate (certified by a competent authority).
- Domicile Certificate.
- Self-attested Degree/Mark Sheet of the last qualifying exam.
- Fee Receipt of the current academic year.
- Bank Details of the applicant/parent/guardian.
- Aadhaar Number.
- Bonafide Student Certificate from the educational institution.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Certificate of Disability issued by a competent medical authority.
- Declaration Certificate (issued by the Head of Department or a competent university authority).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Am I eligible for this scholarship if two of my siblings are already availing of this scheme?
No, only two children per family can avail of the scholarship. However, if the second child is a twin, both are eligible.
Q2: How will my tuition fee and non-refundable charges be paid?
The full tuition fee and non-refundable charges (up to ₹2 lakh per annum) will be directly transferred to the institution’s bank account.
Q3: Is there a validity period for the scheme benefits?
Yes, benefits continue only if the student progresses academically without failing or repeating any semester.
Q4: What is the mode of scholarship payment?
The scholarship amount is directly credited to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Q5: If multiple students have the same academic scores, how will the last available slot be awarded?
In case of a tie, preference is given to the student with a lower family income.
Q6: Will I be eligible for the scholarship if I fail to get promoted to the next semester?
No, students must pass all semesters to continue receiving the scholarship.
Q7: Is there a reservation for female students?
Yes, 50% of the total scholarships are reserved for female students.
Q8: Can I apply offline for the scholarship?
No, applications are only accepted online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Q9: Is there any application fee?
No, there is no fee for applying to this scholarship scheme.