The Government of India has launched the SC, ST, OBC Scholarship 2025, a fantastic opportunity for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to get financial help for their education. Applications are now open on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in, with up to ₹48,000 per year sent directly to students’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This scholarship supports students from Class 9 to postgraduate levels, making it easier to cover school fees, books, and other expenses. Apply before October 31, 2025, to secure your chance for a brighter future!
Why This Scholarship Matters
The SC, ST, OBC Scholarship 2025 is designed to help students from marginalized communities continue their education without money worries. Many talented students drop out due to financial problems, but this scheme ensures they can keep studying. By providing up to ₹48,000 annually, it covers costs like tuition, hostel fees, and study materials. This support not only helps students but also boosts their confidence to aim for big careers in fields like engineering, medicine, or government jobs. It’s a step toward equal education for all.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the SC, ST, OBC Scholarship 2025, students must meet simple eligibility rules. The scholarship is open to Indian citizens studying in recognized schools or colleges. Here’s what you need to know:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Category | Must belong to SC, ST, or OBC category |
| Age | Under 30 years old |
| Academic Performance | At least 60% marks in Class 12 or equivalent |
| Family Income | Less than ₹2.5 lakh/year (SC/ST), ₹1.5 lakh/year (OBC) |
| Bank Account | Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account |
Students already receiving another central scholarship cannot apply. Always check state-specific rules, as some states may have slightly different income limits.
How to Apply Online
Applying for the scholarship is easy through the National Scholarship Portal. Follow these steps to complete your application in minutes:
- Visit scholarships.gov.in and click “New Registration.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number, name, mobile number, and email to get a One-Time Registration (OTR) number.
- Log in with your OTR and choose the scholarship type (Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, or Merit-cum-Means).
- Fill in your details, like caste, income, and academic records.
- Upload required documents and submit the form.
- Track your application status on the portal using your OTR number.
The application process started on June 2, 2025, and the last date to apply is October 31, 2025. Make sure your bank account is active and linked to Aadhaar for DBT.
Documents You Need
To apply, you’ll need to upload a few documents to prove your eligibility. Keep digital copies ready to avoid delays. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Aadhaar card for identity verification.
- Caste certificate to confirm SC, ST, or OBC status.
- Income certificate showing family income within the limit.
- Class 12 marksheet or latest academic certificate.
- Bank passbook with Aadhaar-linked account details.
- Passport-sized photo for the application form.
If your Aadhaar isn’t linked to your bank account, visit your bank or Aadhaar center to fix it before applying.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit your application, it goes through verification by your school or college and district authorities. If approved, the scholarship amount is sent directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT, ensuring quick and transparent payment. For Pre-Matric students (Class 9–10), you may get monthly stipends up to ₹500 plus an annual grant. Post-Matric students (Class 11 and above) can receive up to ₹48,000 per year, depending on the course. You’ll need to renew the scholarship each year by submitting updated documents. If your application is rejected, you’ll be informed of the reason and can correct errors through the NSP or state portals like Odisha’s scholarship.odisha.gov.in or Maharashtra’s mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in.
Tips for a Smooth Application
To make your application process easy, apply early to avoid last-minute issues. Double-check your Aadhaar and bank details to ensure smooth DBT payments. Keep your caste and income certificates updated, as outdated documents can lead to rejection. Visit scholarships.gov.in regularly for updates on deadlines or extensions. Some states, like Delhi, use their own portals (e.g., edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in), so check if your state has a specific platform. For help, contact the NSP helpline at 0120-6619540 or your local scholarship office. This scholarship is your chance to study without financial stress—apply now and take a big step toward your dreams