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NEW DELHI: Continuing education after Class 10 can be difficult for SC students when the cost of tuition, books and other academic requirements becomes a burden for their family. Thus, the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (PMS-SC) comes into picture. The scheme is meant for students studying at the post-matriculation or post-secondary level in eligible institutions across India. It is implemented under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to encourage SC students so they can continue their higher education without a second thought. The main purpose of the PMS-SC scholarship is to reduce the financial burden on students and help them complete their studies. The scholarship is available during the academic period for eligible students who meet the prescribed conditions under the scheme.
The Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students is a centrally sponsored scholarship scheme which comes under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. It supports eligible SC students who want to study beyond the matriculation stage. Students are selected and the scholarship is implemented through the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration. The scholarship is provided through the State or UT where the student is considered a resident, as per the applicable domicile rules.
According to the official scheme guidelines, the scholarship is open to Indian nationals belonging to Scheduled Castes who have passed Matriculation, Higher Secondary or another higher examination from a recognised institution or board.
One of the key eligibility conditions is the family income limit. The parents’ or guardians’ income from all sources should not exceed Rs 2.50 lakh during the previous financial year. It is important for candidates to have the income certificate at the time of admission for courses continuing for more than one year.
The PMS-SC scholarship covers a wide range of post-matriculation and post-secondary courses. The official guidelines divide courses into four groups.
Financial Support Covered Under PMS-SC
The scholarship has two main components: compulsory non-refundable fees, including tuition fees as fixed under the applicable State fee-fixation or rationalisation arrangements, and an academic allowance.
Under the official guidelines, the academic allowance varies according to the course group and whether the student is a hosteller or day scholar.
These academic allowance rates are specified in the scheme guidelines as applicable from the academic year 2021-22 to 2025-26. Check PMS for SC Scheme Guidelines.
The scheme also covers students studying through correspondence or online courses, subject to the rules. However, such students do not get the academic allowance. Students should also know that they generally cannot receive PMS-SC along with another scholarship or stipend. If they receive another scholarship, they can choose the one that is more beneficial and inform their institution.
Students looking for Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students 2026, eligibility, application details or other scheme-related information should refer to the official Department of Social Justice and Empowerment website and the National Scholarship Portal. The Ministry’s official website currently has all details of Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students (National Scholarship Portal) among its schemes.
