The Scholarship for Differently Abled Students was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala to provide financial assistance to students with disabilities pursuing education from primary level to postgraduate and professional courses. The scheme supports students with disabilities such as blindness, deafness, orthopedic handicap, and mental retardation, who have a disability percentage of 40% or more.
Benefits
The scholarship provides financial support based on the student’s educational level:
| Sl. No. | Standard | Day Scholars (₹/month) | Hostel Students (₹/month) | Reader’s Allowance (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class 1 to 4 | 300 | – | 200 |
| 2 | Class 5 to 10 | 500 | – | 200 |
| 3 | +1, +2, IT Equivalent Courses | 750 | 1000 | 300 |
| 4 | Degree, Polytechnic, Equivalent Training Courses (Implant Training) | 1000 | 1500 | 400 |
| 5 | Professional, PG Courses | 1000 | 1500 | 400 |
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- The applicant must be differently abled with 40% or more disability.
- Disability categories include Blind, Deaf, Orthopedically Handicapped, and Mental Retardation.
- Students must be studying in schools, colleges, or pursuing professional and PG courses.
- The applicant must have secured at least 40% marks in the previous year’s examination.
- The annual family income must be below ₹36,000/-.
Exclusions
- Students who do not meet the minimum disability percentage (40%).
- Students who fail to secure 40% marks in the previous year’s exam.
Application Process
Mode: Online & Offline
Online Application Process
- Visit the SUNEETHI – Online Service Application Portal.
- Click on “One-time Registration” and enter Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number.
- Verify OTP received on the registered mobile number.
- Create a new profile by filling in all mandatory details and click “Register”.
- Login to the portal using the mobile number and password.
- Update profile details such as Personal Information, Contact Details, Identity Cards & Bank Details.
- Select the “Scholarship for Differently Abled Students” scheme and click “Apply Now”.
- Fill in the application form and submit it.
Note: Applications must be submitted within three months after the commencement of the academic year.
Offline Application Process
- Step 01: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicants need to visit the official website of the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, and download the application form.
- Step 02: The applicants need to fill out the application form completely.
- Step 03: The duly filled application forms must be submitted to the concerned District Social Justice Officer.
- Note 01: The applications must be submitted after the commencement of the Academic year (within 3 months).
- Note 02: The Application form must be filled in completely, incomplete as well as late applications will be rejected.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (Identity Proof)
- Mobile Number & Email ID
- Passport-size Photo
- Disability Certificate (Medical Board/Disability ID Card)
- Educational Certificates
- Income Certificate
- Certificate from the Head of the Institution
- Parent’s Identity Document (Aadhaar/PAN)
- Bank Account Passbook Copy
- Other relevant documents, if required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Scholarship for Differently Abled Students Scheme?
It is a financial assistance program by the Kerala Government to support differently abled students in their education.
Q. Which department has launched this scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala.
Q. Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Students who are differently abled (40% or more disability), have secured 40% marks in the previous year, and are residents of Kerala.
Q. What is the minimum percentage of marks required to apply?
The student must have secured at least 40% marks in the previous year’s examination.
Q. Is this scholarship only for differently abled students?
Yes, only students with disabilities (Blind, Deaf, Orthopedically Handicapped, and Mentally Retarded) are eligible.
Q. What is the annual family income limit?
The annual family income should not exceed ₹36,000/-.
Q. How can I apply for this scheme?
Applicants can apply online through the SUNEETHI Portal or visit the Department of Social Justice for offline applications.
Q. How many months will the scholarship be provided?
The scholarship is granted for 10 months in an academic year.
Q. How will I receive the scholarship amount?
The scholarship amount will be directly transferred to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).