The Prathibha Scholarship Programme 2025 is a prestigious initiative by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE) to encourage bright students from Kerala to pursue higher education in Basic and Natural Sciences. This programme supports meritorious students financially and provides research exposure through summer internships, orientation programs, and collaborations with top science institutes like IISER Thiruvananthapuram.
Key Highlights
• State: Kerala
• Launched by: KSCSTE
• Eligible Courses: B.Sc, Integrated M.Sc., Integrated BS-MS in Basic/Natural Sciences
• Applicable Levels: UG and PG (up to 5 years in total)
• Application Mode: Online via the official Prathibha Portal
• Reservation: 50% for girls, 10% for SC/ST students
• Last Date: Usually between March–April (check kscste.kerala.gov.in)
Benefits
Scholarship Amount
Undergraduate Courses / First 3 Years of Integrated PG
• 1st Year: ₹12,000
• 2nd Year: ₹18,000
• 3rd Year: ₹24,000
Postgraduate Courses / 4th & 5th Years of Integrated PG (subject to min. 75% in UG)
• 4th Year / 1st PG Year: ₹40,000
• 5th Year / 2nd PG Year: ₹60,000
Research Exposure
• Participation in Science Enrichment Programmes
• Summer internships at National & State-level R&D institutes in Kerala
• 8 top scholars (2 from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) selected for special summer programme at IISER Thiruvananthapuram
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be of Kerala origin
• Must have qualified Higher Secondary Examination from Kerala
• Should have a minimum of 90% marks in total and 90% in Science subjects (SC/ST: 80%)
• Must have taken admission in a 3-year UG / 5-year Integrated PG course in Basic/Natural Sciences
• Students are selected at the UG level only, but can continue to PG with 75% in the degree
• Should not be receiving any other major scholarship
Subject Areas Covered
The scholarship is offered for 23 listed subjects under the following broad categories:
• Mathematical Sciences – 30% of scholarships
• Physical Sciences – 40% of scholarships
• Life Sciences – 30% of scholarships
(Triple-major students must choose their subject category for ranking during the application.)
Application Process (Online)
Online Registration
- Go to kscste.kerala.gov.in
- Register using Name, DOB, HSE Roll No, Email & Mobile
- Verify with OTP and create a password
- Receive the application number and login credentials
Submission Process
- Log in to the Prathibha portal
- Fill in the scholarship application form
- Upload documents (see below)
- Submit online and save a copy for reference
Selection Procedure
• Ranking based on total marks in Science subjects in the Higher Secondary Examination
• Applicants grouped under Maths / Physical / Life Sciences based on chosen subject
• Final ranking considers reservation quotas (SC/ST – 10%, Girls – minimum 50%)
• Tie-breaking rules based on subject-wise performance order as per category
• Provisional & Final Rank Lists published on the KSCSTE website
Documents Required
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID)
• Recent Passport-size Photograph
• Self-attested Higher Secondary Mark List
• Community Certificate (for SC/ST)
• Place of Origin Certificate (Kerala origin proof)
• Student Data Sheet signed by applicant & institution head
• Terms & Conditions form, duly signed
• E-payment form (bank account details for DBT)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the aim of this programme?
Prathibha Scholarship Programme is aimed at motivating bright Students to higher studies in Science by awarding Scholarships. - What is the objective of the programme?
The objective of the programme is to motivate aspiring students to higher studies and a career in Science. - Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?
Students of Kerala origin who have scored minimum 90% marks [80% for SC/ST]or equivalent grade in Higher Secondary Examination from Kerala (both in Overall and Science Subjects total) and secured admission for a 3-year U.G/5-year Integrated P.G. programme in the current academic year in any one of the following 23 subjects either as Major/Honours or their combination anywhere in India. - For how many years will the scholarship be given under the programme?
Annual scholarship @ ₹12,000/-, ₹18,000/-, ₹ 24,000/- respectively for 1st, 2nd and 3rd years at U.G. level and @ ₹40,000/- & ₹ 60,000/- respectively for 1st and 2nd years at P.G. level. - What is the maximum grant amount and duration of the scholarship?
Applicants should have qualified Higher Secondary Board Examination with a minimum of 90% marks or equivalent grade for all subjects put together and a minimum of 90% marks or equivalent grade for all Science subjects put together. (For the SC/ST reservation category, the eligibility is stipulated to a minimum of 80% or equivalent grade for all subjects in total and a minimum of 80% marks or equivalent grade for all Science subjects in total). - What is the minimum educational qualification required under the programme?
Applicants should have qualified Higher Secondary Board Examination with a minimum of 90% marks or equivalent grade for all subjects put together and a minimum of 90% marks or equivalent grade for all Science subjects put together. (For the SC/ST reservation category, the eligibility is stipulated to a minimum of 80% marks or equivalent grade for all subjects in total and a minimum of 80% marks or equivalent grade for all Science subjects in total). - Is this scheme only for a resident of Kerala?
Yes, the applicant should be of Kerala origin. - What is the criterion for the election of an applicant under the programme?
Selection is based on the aggregate marks obtained for all science subjects in the Higher Secondary Examination. - Who is eligible to continue the scholarship for a Postgraduate course?
Those students who have availed Prathibha Scholarship for all 3 years of the Undergraduate Course and have qualified Degree Course with a minimum of 75% marks are eligible to continue the scholarship for the Postgraduate course. - Is there any reservation for SC/ST students?
Yes, 10% of the selection is reserved for SC/ST students. - How many scholars will be selected for summer programmes at IISER-Trivandrum?
Eight Prathibha Scholars (two scholars in each of the disciplines- Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) are eligible to be considered for summer programmes at IISER-Trivandrum. - When can an applicant apply under the programme?
The application can be submitted in response to the KSCSTE notification issued every year, normally during January/February. - How can an applicant apply under the programme?
Application for the Prathibha scholarship is accepted only through online submission. Students should apply through the Prathibha scholarship web portal, based on which KSCSTE will prepare the Provisional Selection List (PSL). On publication of PSL by KSCSTE, the selected students should submit the required documents (both in hard & soft copies) for confirmation of scholarship and final selection. The final Rank List (FRL) will be prepared after verification of documents. - What is the social relevance and tangible output of the programme?
The scheme focuses on motivating a core group of bright students, including girls, to Basic Sciences and research. This will help to attract more human resources in Basic Sciences and also will add to the efforts of the State empowerment in Science and Technology. - When will the 1st installment of the Scholarship be released?
On publication of FRL and receipt of Bank account details, KSCSTE will issue sanction order for release of 1st instalment of scholarship to the students on yearly basis. The scholarship will be credited to the bank account of the students through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT).
Contact Information
The Head, Women Scientist Division (WSD)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
Tel: +91-471-2548208
Fax: 0471-2540085
Email: [email protected]
Sources and References
- Official Website
- Scheme Guideline
- Terms & Conditions
- Confirmation Data Sheet
- Instructions for Scholarship Renewal
- Instructions for the Continuation Of Scholarship
- Login Portal