The Government of India has once again opened applications for the SC ST OBC Scholarship 2025-26, bringing a golden opportunity for students from backward and underprivileged communities to continue their education without financial burden. Through this scheme, students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) can receive direct financial assistance to cover tuition fees, hostel expenses, books, and other educational costs. Let’s understand how to apply, who is eligible, and when the last date to apply is.
What Is the SC ST OBC Scholarship 2025-26?
The SC ST OBC Scholarship Scheme is a government-funded program designed to support students from economically weaker backgrounds belonging to reserved categories. The scholarship is implemented both at the central and state levels, ensuring that students from different regions can benefit from financial support for their studies. The program includes Pre-Matric Scholarships for school students (Class 9 and 10) and Post-Matric Scholarships for college, university, and technical course students. The funds are transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring full transparency.
Objective of the Scholarship
The main goal of this scholarship scheme is to reduce dropout rates among SC, ST, and OBC students and help them pursue higher education. Many students are unable to continue studies due to financial struggles, especially those from rural and low-income families. Through this initiative, the government ensures equal access to education, empowering students with better career opportunities in the future. The scholarship not only helps cover academic expenses but also encourages meritorious students to excel in their chosen fields.
Who Is Eligible for SC ST OBC Scholarship 2025-26?
To qualify for the SC ST OBC Scholarship, the student must belong to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or OBC category and be enrolled in a recognized educational institution. The student’s family income should be within the limit prescribed by the government, which generally ranges from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per year, depending on the category and scheme type. Students must have passed the previous examination and should not be availing any other scholarship under a similar government scheme. Both day scholars and hostel residents are eligible to apply, provided they meet the educational and income criteria.
How to Apply for the Scholarship Online
Students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at https://scholarships.gov.in. After visiting the portal, they need to register as a new user, provide their Aadhaar details, verify their mobile number, and log in to fill out the online application form. They must upload scanned copies of required documents such as caste certificate, income certificate, previous year mark sheet, bank passbook, and passport-size photo. Once the form is submitted, it is verified by the student’s educational institution and then by the respective state or central department. Applicants can track their status on the portal using their registered credentials.
Scholarship Amount and Benefits
Under the SC ST OBC Scholarship 2025-26, the government provides different financial benefits based on the level of education and category. Pre-Matric students receive assistance for school fees, uniforms, and study materials, while Post-Matric students are given higher allowances covering tuition, accommodation, and books. The amount can range from a few thousand rupees for school students to several tens of thousands for college and professional course students. The money is credited directly into the student’s bank account through DBT to prevent any delay or misuse.
Last Date to Apply for 2025-26
The last date to apply for the SC ST OBC Scholarship 2025-26 varies slightly across states, but applications on the National Scholarship Portal are open until December 31, 2025 for most schemes. However, students are advised not to wait until the final deadline. Early submission ensures proper verification by the school or college authorities and helps avoid last-minute rejections due to incomplete details or server issues. Once submitted, students can check the real-time status of their application under the “Check Application Status” tab on the NSP portal.
How to Check Scholarship Status
After applying, students can easily track their scholarship progress online. By logging in to the National Scholarship Portal and entering their application ID and password, they can view whether their form has been approved at the institute and district level. If any discrepancy is found, they will receive a notification to correct it before final approval. Once sanctioned, the scholarship amount is transferred to the student’s bank account, and payment details can be verified under the “Payment Status” section on the portal.
Documents Required for Verification
Students must keep a few key documents ready while applying, including an Aadhaar card, caste certificate, income certificate, previous year’s mark sheet, institution verification form, and bank details linked with Aadhaar. The information entered must exactly match the documents, as mismatches can lead to rejection. It’s also important to ensure the bank account is active and under the student’s name to receive funds successfully.
Why You Should Apply Today
The SC ST OBC Scholarship is one of India’s most impactful education support programs. Every year, lakhs of students benefit from this scheme, enabling them to complete their education and secure a better future. Applying early ensures timely verification and disbursement of funds. Students are encouraged to keep all documents ready, apply online through the official NSP portal, and regularly check for updates from their respective state welfare departments.
Conclusion: The SC ST OBC Scholarship 2025-26 is a major step by the government to make education accessible and inclusive for students from economically weaker backgrounds. If you belong to one of these communities, make sure to complete your online application before the last date to secure your benefits. This scholarship can be the foundation of your academic success and future career. Visit https://scholarships.gov.in now, apply online, and take full advantage of this government initiative.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from official government portals and verified educational sources as of November 2025. Scholarship amounts, eligibility, and deadlines may vary depending on state guidelines. Students are advised to confirm details from the official National Scholarship Portal and their state’s education department before applying.
