The Kerala Scholarship for Transgender Students 2025 is a progressive initiative launched by the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, to ensure that transgender students are not denied educational opportunities due to financial or societal constraints. With this scheme, the state aims to empower transgender youth, foster inclusivity, and support their academic journey from Class 7 to Postgraduate or Professional courses.
Key Highlights
• State: Kerala
• Launched By: Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala
• Beneficiaries: Transgender students studying from Class 7 onwards
• Scholarship Amount: ₹1000 to ₹2000/month (for 10 months)
• Application Mode: Online via SUNEETHI Portal and Offline (Institution-based)
• Income Limit: No income limit
• Scholarship Frequency: Annually (10 months per academic year)
Benefits
The scholarship offers monthly financial assistance for 10 months per academic year, based on the student’s academic level:
| Education Level | Monthly Scholarship | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Class 7 to Class 10 | ₹1000 | 10 months |
| Plus One & Plus Two | ₹1500 | 10 months |
| Diploma, Degree, PG, or Professional Course | ₹2000 | 10 months |
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicant must identify as transgender
• Must be a permanent resident of Kerala
• Must be enrolled in a State Government, Aided, or Self-Financing institution
• Must be studying in Class 7 or above, up to Post-Graduation or Professional level
• No income limit applicable
• Must not be a defaulter in the current academic session
Exclusions
• Applicants not enrolled in formal educational institutions
• Non-residents of Kerala
• Incomplete or unverified applications
• Failure to produce transgender status affidavit or required certificates
Application Process
Online Application (Via SUNEETHI Portal)
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Visit the official portal: SUNEETHI – Online Service Application Portal
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Click on “One Time Registration.”
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Enter name, email ID, mobile number, and verify via OTP
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Complete your profile with personal, contact, and identity details
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Log in using your mobile number and password under “Citizen Login.”
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Choose the Transgender Scholarship scheme and click “Apply Now.”
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Fill out all details and upload the required documents
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Submit the form and save the acknowledgment number
Offline Application
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Collect the application form from your educational institution or the District Social Justice Office.
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Fill the form and attach all necessary documents.s
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Submit to the Principal/Head of the institution for verification and forwarding to the Social Justice Department
Documents Required
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID)
• Mobile Number & Email ID
• Passport-size photograph
• Self-Declaration Affidavit (confirming transgender identity)
• Bank account details (First page of passbook)
• Ration Card (if applicable)
• Certificate from the Head of Institution (proof of enrollment)
• Educational mark sheets/certificates
• For minors: Parents’ certificate
• For adults without ID: Self-attested certificate
• Any other relevant supporting documents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the “Scholarship for Transgender Students” scheme?
Under the scheme, the scholarship is to be provided to Transgender students from 7th standard onwards studying in State Government/ Government aided/ Self Financing schools/colleges.
Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala
Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
Transgender student who is studying in the 7th Class to Diploma/Degree/PG Level in State Government/ Government aided/ Self Financing schools/colleges are eligible to apply under the scheme.
Q: Is this scheme only for transgender students?
Yes, this scheme is only for transgender students.
Q: Is this scheme only for a resident of Kerala State?
Yes, the applicant should be a permanent resident of Kerala State.
Q: Is there any income limit to apply under the scheme?
No, there is no income limit.
Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
Under the scheme, scholarships of ₹1000/-, ₹1500/- & ₹2000/- may be given to transgender students who are studying in 7th Class to Diploma/Degree/PG Level in State Government/ Government aided/ Self Financing schools/colleges.
Q: For how many months are the scholarships given to the students in a year?
10 months
Q: How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
The applicant may apply in both online and offline modes.
Q: Where can I find the application form to apply in offline mode?
The application form may be downloaded from the official website of the Social Justice Department, Kerala. http://sjd.kerala.gov.in/DOCUMENTS/Downloadables/Application%20Forms/11673.pdf
Q: How can an applicant apply online under the scheme?
For online application, the applicant should visit the Official Portal – the applicant needs to visit SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal. https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in
Sources and References
• Official Website
• Scholarship Notifications and Guidelines
• Application Form