The Post Matric Scholarship For Scheduled Caste scheme in Punjab aims to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste students at the post-matriculation or post-secondary stage. Its objective is to enable these students to complete their education by easing the financial burden on their families. Scholarships are granted only to those students whose parents or guardians have an annual income of up to Rs. 2,50,000. Awardees are selected by the respective State Government or Union Territory based on domicile criteria, and the scheme covers both current beneficiaries and fresh admissions.
Scope
- Geographical Limitation:
Scholarships are available for studies conducted in India only. - Selection:
Awardees are selected by the State Government/UT to which the applicant permanently belongs. - Courses Covered:
The scheme supports students pursuing a wide range of courses in different groups:- Group 1: Degree and Post Graduate professional courses (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Management, etc.), Post Graduate Diploma courses, CA, CWA, CS, I.C.F.A., M.Phil, PhD, and Post-Doctoral programs.
- Group 2: Other professional courses leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate (e.g., Pharmacy, Nursing, para-medical courses, Mass Communication, Hotel Management, ITI, Polytechnic, etc.).
- Group 3: Graduate and Post Graduate courses not covered under Groups 1 & 2 (e.g., BA, B.Sc., B.Com, MA, M.Sc., M.Com).
- Group 4: All post-matriculation (Post Class X level) non-degree courses, including both general and vocational streams.
Note: The list of courses is indicative and may be expanded by the State/UT as per established standards.
Benefits
The scholarship comprises two main components:
- Compulsory Non-Refundable Fees:
Includes tuition and other fees fixed by the Fee Fixation/Rationalization Committee of the State Government. - Academic Allowance:
The annual academic allowance varies by the category of course and whether the student is a hosteller or a day scholar:
| Category of Courses | Hostellers (₹/Year) | Day Scholars (₹/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: Degree & Post Graduate professional courses | ₹1,35,000 | ₹7,000 |
| Group 2: Other Professional Courses (Degree/Diploma/Certificate) | ₹9,500 | ₹6,500 |
| Group 3: Graduate and Post Graduate courses (Others) | ₹6,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Group 4: Post-matriculation non-degree courses | ₹4,000 | ₹2,500 |
Additional Notes:
- Divyang (differently-abled) students receive an extra 10% allowance.
- Students pursuing CA/CWA/CS/I.C.F.A. are treated as day scholars.
- Students studying through correspondence/online courses are ineligible for the academic allowance.
- The academic allowance scheme is applicable from AY 2021-22; earlier guidelines apply for AY 2020-21.
Eligibility
- Nationality & Category:
Open to Indian nationals belonging to Scheduled Castes as specified by the State/UT domicile. - Educational Qualification:
Applicants must have passed the matriculation, higher secondary, or any higher examination from a recognized board or university. - Income Limit:
The total income of the parent/guardian from all sources should not exceed Rs. 2,50,000 per annum. An income certificate (issued by the State-designated authority) is required at the time of admission for courses extending beyond one year. - Regular Admission:
Candidates must be enrolled in regular courses at a government or government-recognized institution. - Exclusivity:
Students receiving any other scholarship or stipend are not eligible under this scheme. If a student is awarded multiple scholarships, they must opt for the one that is more beneficial.
Exclusions:
- Students who switch subjects at the same educational level (e.g., pursuing B.Com after B.A. or MA in one subject after MA in another) are not eligible.
- Admission through arbitrary or non-transparent processes (e.g., management quota, spot admissions) is not eligible for reimbursement of fees.
Application Process
Online Application Steps:
- Visit the Official Website:
Access the designated portal for scholarship applications. - Registration:
Click on the registration link and complete the registration process by filling out the required details. - Fill the Application Form:
Select the appropriate application form, enter all required information, and upload the necessary documents or certificates. - Submission:
Review your application, and once all mandatory fields (marked with an asterisk *) are filled, submit the application.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Permanent Address/Resident Proof
- Academic Mark Sheet: Most recent marks or passing certificate.
- Proof of Admission: Admission letter or other relevant proof.
- Passport-Size Photographs: Three recent copies.
- Bank Passbook: Details must include the name of the account holder.
- Income Certificate: Issued by the appropriate revenue authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Post Matric Scholarship For Scheduled Caste Scheme?
A: It is a scholarship scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to Scheduled Caste students in Punjab at the post-matriculation level to help them complete their education.
Q2: What is the eligibility criteria?
A: Applicants must be Indian nationals from Scheduled Castes, have passed the matriculation or higher examination, belong to a family with an annual income not exceeding Rs. 2,50,000, and be enrolled in a regular course at a government or government-recognized institution.
Q3: Which documents are required?
A: Required documents include an Aadhaar card, resident proof, academic mark sheets, admission proof, passport-size photographs, bank passbook, and an income certificate.
Q4: How do I apply online?
A: Visit the official scholarship website, complete the registration process, fill out the application form, upload all necessary documents, and then submit the application.
Q5: What are the benefits under the scheme?
A: Benefits include the reimbursement of non-refundable fees (tuition, etc.) and an academic allowance that varies according to the category of the course and whether the student is a hosteller or a day scholar.