The Distance Education Scholarship is an initiative of the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala to support differently-abled students pursuing Degree and Postgraduate (PG) courses through Open Universities, Distance Education, or Private Registration (in universities within Kerala). The scholarship aims to help students cover expenses such as registration fees, tuition fees, exam fees, and the purchase of study materials.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- Covers Registration Fees, Course Fees, Tuition Fees, Exam Fees, Study Materials, and Books.
- Maximum scholarship amount: ₹10,000/- per year.
- Tenure:
- Scholarship is granted only for the duration of the course.
- Renewal Conditions:
- Only students who appear for their exams every year are eligible for continued financial assistance.
- If a student stops their course midway, they will no longer be eligible for financial assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
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Who Can Apply?
- Permanent residents of Kerala.
- Differently-abled students with a valid disability certificate.
- Students pursuing Degree/PG courses through Open Universities, Distance Education, or Private Registration (in universities inside Kerala).
- Students whose annual family income does not exceed ₹1,00,000/-.
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Additional Notes:
- Only students who appear for exams each year will continue to receive financial assistance.
- If more applications are received, selection will be based on qualifying marks.
- Students receiving financial assistance under any other Central/State Government scholarship schemes are not eligible.
Exclusions
- Students already receiving scholarships from any other Central/State Government schemes.
- Students who discontinue their course midway.
- Students who fail to appear for the exam each year.
Application Process
Mode of Application:
Online Application through SUNEETHI – Online Service Application Portal
Registration Process:
- Visit SUNEETHI Online Service Application Portal.
- Click on “One Time Registration”.
- Enter Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number and click Register.
- Verify mobile number via OTP.
- Fill in profile details and click Register.
Login & Application Process:
- Go to SUNEETHI Portal and click “Citizen Login”.
- Enter Mobile Number and Password and click Sign In.
- Update Personal Details, Identity Cards, and Bank Details.
- On the left pane, select the scheme name and click “Apply Now”.
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form.
- Click Submit.
Note:
- Application must be submitted within 3 months of course registration.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card
- Passport-sized Photo
- Disability Certificate from Medical Board / Disability ID Card
- Educational Certificates
- Copy of Current Course Certificate
- Certificate from Authorized Officer
- Copy of Parent’s Identity Document
- Income Certificate from Revenue Department (showing annual income ≤ ₹1,00,000)
- Copies of Bills/Receipts (Registration Fee, Course Fee, Tuition Fee, Study Materials)
- Previous Year’s Exam Attendance Certificate (for second-year applicants)
- Bank Account Details (Copy of Passbook)
- Any Other Required Document
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Distance Education Scholarship Scheme?
It is a financial assistance program for differently-abled students pursuing Degree/PG courses through Open Universities, Distance Education, or Private Registration in Kerala.
Q: Who is eligible for this scholarship?
- Residents of Kerala.
- Students with disabilities (40% or more).
- Students enrolled in Degree/PG courses via Open Universities, Distance Learning, or Private Registration.
- Students from families with an annual income of ₹1,00,000 or less.
Q: Can students already receiving scholarships from other government schemes apply?
No, students receiving financial assistance from any other Central/State Government scheme are not eligible.
Q: What is the maximum scholarship amount?
The maximum assistance is ₹10,000/- per year, covering tuition fees, exam fees, and study materials.
Q: Will the scholarship be given every year?
Yes, but only if the student appears for exams each year.
Q: What happens if a student discontinues their course?
They will no longer be eligible for financial assistance.
Q: How can a student apply?
Students can apply through the SUNEETHI Online Service Application Portal.
Q: By when should the application be submitted?
Within 3 months of course registration.