The scheme “Post Graduate Scholarships for Professional Courses for SC/ST Candidates” has been initiated to provide opportunities to the deprived sections of the society, viz. the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) for undertaking postgraduate level studies in Professional subjects like Engineering & Technology, Management, Pharmacy etc. in recognized Indian Universities/Institutions/Colleges.
Benefits
- Duration of the Scholarship: 2-3 years (based on the PG course duration).
- Scholarship Amount:
- ₹7,800/- per month for ME/M.Tech courses.
- ₹4,500/- per month for other professional courses.
- Renewal of Scholarship: Subject to satisfactory academic performance.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The scholarship is transferred directly to the awardee’s bank account.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must belong to the SC/ST category.
- Must have completed a graduate degree in a relevant professional field.
- Must be admitted to a full-time, regular postgraduate professional course at a recognized Indian University/Institution/College.
- Only first-year PG students are eligible to apply.
- Eligible Institutions:
- Universities/Institutions under UGC Section 2(f) & 12(B).
- Deemed Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
- Central/State-funded Universities & Colleges.
- Institutes of National Importance (IITs, IIMs, NITs, etc.).
- Eligible Courses:
- Professional courses requiring approval from regulatory bodies such as MCI, PCI, AICTE, ICAR, NCTE, INC, etc..
- Exclusions:
- General/OBC category students are NOT eligible.
- Correspondence/Distance education courses are NOT covered.
Renewals & Cancellations
- Scholarship renewal is subject to good conduct and attendance.
- Cancellation of Scholarship if:
- The student fails the first year of PG studies.
- The student discontinues studies for personal reasons.
- False information is provided in the application.
Application Process
Online Application through National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Click on “New Registration” and read the instructions carefully.
- Fill in the mandatory details, including Aadhaar number and mobile number.
- Submit the registration form and verify using OTP.
- Log in using credentials received via email/SMS.
- Select “Post-Graduate Scholarships for Professional Courses for SC/ST Candidates”.
- Complete the application form and upload required documents.
- Click “Submit” and take a printout for reference.
- The application must be verified by the institution where the student is enrolled.
Procedure for Scholarship Disbursement
- The list of selected candidates is sent to the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
- Scholarship funds are transferred directly to the student’s bank account via DBT.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (for identity verification).
- Passport-size Photograph.
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate/Class 10th Marksheet).
- Graduate Degree Mark Sheets & Certificates.
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST).
- Disability Certificate (if applicable).
- Bank Account Details (Aadhaar-linked bank passbook copy).
- Any other document required by the institution/UGC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of this scheme?
A: To provide financial assistance to SC/ST students pursuing postgraduate professional courses in India.
Q: Can students pursuing PG courses through distance education apply?
A: No, the scheme is only for full-time, regular postgraduate professional courses.
Q: Are non-SC/ST students eligible?
A: No, this scheme is only for SC/ST students.
Q: Will awardees receive contingency funds or HRA?
A: No, contingency and HRA are not applicable under this scheme.
Q: Can second-year PG students apply?
A: No, only students in the first year of PG professional courses are eligible.
Q: Can I change my course after being awarded the scholarship?
A: No, change of course is not permitted under this scheme.
Q: How many scholarships are awarded per year?
A: A total of 1,000 scholarships are awarded annually.