SMILE Scholarship Scheme

The SMILE – Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons is a transformative initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. This scheme provides financial scholarships to transgender students from Classes IX to XII, empowering them to pursue education with dignity and confidence. With growing awareness of inclusion, this scheme plays a pivotal role in bridging the education gap among marginalized communities.

Short Summary

• Scheme Name: SMILE – Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons
• Implementing Body: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
• Target Beneficiaries: Transgender students (Classes IX to XII)
• Education Levels Covered: Secondary (IX–X) and Senior Secondary (XI–XII), including ITI & polytechnic
• Scholarship Amount: ₹13,500 per annum (one-time yearly payment)
• Application Mode: Online via http://transgender.dosje.gov.in
• Identification Requirement: Transgender Certificate issued through National Portal

Objectives of the Scheme

• Reduce dropouts among transgender students in secondary and senior secondary levels
• Enable transgender youth to pursue academic, vocational, or technical education
• Foster confidence and inclusion through education
• Support students facing physical, emotional, and financial barriers in society

Benefits

• ₹13,500 per year for eligible transgender students in Classes IX–XII
• Coverage extended to:

• Government/recognized schools

• ITI & vocational courses (affiliated to NCVT)

• Polytechnic and other technical institutions
  • Preference given to Post-Matric applicants (Classes XI–XII)
  • Direct benefit transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account

Eligibility Criteria

• Must identify as a Transgender Person
• Should possess a Transgender Certificate issued via the National Portal
• Must be a regular full-time student in:

• Government/recognized secondary or senior secondary schools

• Recognized vocational/technical institutions (ITI, polytechnics)
  • Must be an Indian national
  • Cannot be availing any other central/state government-funded scholarship for the same purpose
  • Selection is merit-based, depending on marks from the previous academic year

Exclusions

• Certificate/diploma courses less than one year are not covered
• Students who fail to maintain discipline, regular attendance, or are found providing false information may be debarred
• Repeat students are not eligible for the same class level again

Application Process

Step-by-Step Online Process

1. Visit the official portal: http://transgender.dosje.gov.in

2. Click “Registration”, fill in basic details to receive login credentials via email

3. Login with email ID and password → Go to Dashboard → Click on “Scholarship”

4. Select Education Level (IX–XII/ITI) → Click “Get Application Number”

5. Complete Master Application Form with:

   • Profile details

   • Educational background

   • Bank details (Aadhaar-linked)

   • Upload documents

6. Upload:

   • Passport-size photo

   • Signature of student and parent/guardian

   • Transgender Certificate and ID

7. Finalize application → Submit the form

Documents Required

For Fresh Application

• Self-attested passport-size photo
• Transgender Identity Certificate (via National Portal)
• Declaration by parent/guardian confirming no other scholarship is availed
• Previous academic year’s mark sheet (attested)
• Aadhaar card (self-attested)
• Transfer Certificate (if applicable)
• Institution verification form (signed by school/college)
• Aadhaar-linked bank account details

For Renewal

• Certificate of previous academic score with qualifying marks
• Attestation by the institution

How to Get a Transgender Certificate (If Not Yet Issued)

1. Visit http://transgender.dosje.gov.in

2. Click “Register Here” → Fill name, email, phone, district, state → Submit

3. Login credentials sent to email

4. Login → Click “New Application” → Choose New Certificate

5. Fill in personal details, educational background, income, assigned gender, and supporting documents

6. Upload relevant identity and medical documents, address proof

7. Submit form → Track approval online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What Is The Frequency Of Scholarship?
  Scholarship shall be given in bulk once every academic year.
• Do I Have To Apply For Renewal Every Year?
  Yes. One Need To Submit Certificate Of Previous Academic Score Not Less Than Qualifying Marks Attested By Institute.

Sources and References

• Official Portal
• Guidelines
• User Manual