Gujarat Post-Matric Scholarships for Scheduled Castes Students

The Post-Matric Scholarships for Scheduled Castes (SC) Students scheme, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, is a centrally sponsored program aimed at supporting higher education for Scheduled Caste students. In Gujarat, it is implemented by the Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare, with a 60:40 funding ratio between the Central and State Governments.

This scheme aims to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of SC students in post-secondary education and supports them financially through academic allowances and non-refundable fee reimbursements.

Short Summary

• Scheme Name: Post-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes Students
• State: Gujarat
• Funding: Centrally Sponsored (60:40 Centre:State)
• Implementing Authority: Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare, Gujarat
• Target Group: SC students studying beyond Class 10
• Mode of Application: Online via Digital Gujarat Portal
• Verification: Aadhaar-based attendance & document validation

Benefits

Additional 10% Allowance is granted for Divyang (Disabled) students
Note: No academic allowance is provided to students pursuing courses via correspondence or online mode.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category
• Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat
• Should have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or higher
• Family income should not exceed ₹2,50,000/year
• Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution
• All children of a parent/guardian are eligible
• Students must not be availing any other scholarship
• Admission through management/NRI/spot quota is not eligible

Duration & Renewal

• Scholarship is renewable annually till completion of the course
• Requires 75% attendance each year
• Attendance will be verified via Aadhaar-based tracking system
• Students promoted without passing will remain eligible
• One additional year support allowed if a student fails but repeats the class

Application Process

Online Application via Digital Gujarat Portal

1. Visit: https://www.digitalgujarat.gov.in

2. Click on ‘Register’, fill in Mobile, Email, Password and submit

3. Login with registered credentials

4. Update your profile and verify via OTP

5. Under “Services” → “Scholarship Services”, select SC Scholarship

6. Choose financial year, then proceed to the application form

7. Fill the form and upload all required documents

8. Click on ‘Save as Draft’, review, and then ‘Confirm & Final Submit’

Documents Required

• Passport-size photo
• Aadhaar Card
• Income Certificate (valid for 3 years)
• 10th / 12th Marksheet
• Caste Certificate
• Fee Receipt of Current Year
• First Page of Bank Passbook / Cancelled Cheque
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Hostel Certificate (if applicable)
• School Leaving Certificate / Marriage / Death Certificate (if applicable)
• College/School Identity Card
• Any other latest marksheets or certificates as required

Important: Only one application per applicant is allowed. Multiple submissions will result in rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the “Post-Matric Scholarships for Scheduled Castes Students” scheme?
  The scheme was launched by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, aimed at providing financial assistance to scheduled caste students for higher education.
• Who implements the scheme in Gujarat?
  The scheme is implemented by the Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare in the state of Gujarat.
• How is the scheme funded?
  It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a sharing ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and States.
• What are the benefits provided under the scheme?
  Benefits include academic allowances ranging from ₹2500/- to ₹13500/- per annum, depending on the level of education and residential status.
• Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
  Eligible applicants are students belonging to the Scheduled Caste category of Gujarat who have passed Matriculation or Higher Secondary exams and whose parents’ income does not exceed ₹2,50,000/- per annum.
• Are students pursuing correspondence or online courses eligible?
  Yes, they are eligible, but only for non-refundable fees without academic allowances.
• Can a student hold multiple scholarships simultaneously?
  No, a scholarship holder under this scheme cannot hold any other scholarship/stipend concurrently.
• What are the conditions for duration and renewal of awards?
  Awards are payable until the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory academic performance and 75% attendance. Renewal is possible with a medical certificate for illness-related absences.
• How is attendance verified for scholarship renewal?
  Attendance is verified through the Aadhaar-based attendance system.
• What happens if a student is promoted or fails a class?
  Students promoted to the next class are eligible for the scholarship of the promoted class. If a student fails, they are eligible for one additional year or the actual period required to complete the course, whichever is lower.
• Where can applicants apply for the scholarship?
  Applicants can apply through the Digital Gujarat Portal: https://www.digitalgujarat.gov.in/.

Sources and References

• Guidelines
• Official Website
• Digital Gujarat Portal