The Vidyasiri Food and Accommodation Scholarship Scheme (VFASS) is a flagship initiative by the Department of Backward Classes Welfare, Government of Karnataka, aimed at supporting post-matric students from backward classes. The scholarship provides financial aid to cover food and accommodation expenses for students who are not enrolled in government or departmental hostels.
By offering a stipend of ₹1,500 per month for 10 months, this scheme helps reduce the financial burden on students and encourages them to pursue higher education without constraints.
Key Highlights
• Launched by: Government of Karnataka
• Department: Backward Classes Welfare Department
• Target Group: Backward Class Post-Matric Students
• Stipend Amount: ₹1,500/month × 10 months = ₹15,000/year
• Mode of Application: Online via SSP Portal
• Mode of Payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Benefits
• Monthly stipend of ₹1,500 for 10 months
• Total annual benefit of ₹15,000
• Helps students manage food and accommodation costs
• Encourages higher education participation among backward class students
• Ensures direct credit to bank accounts via DBT
• Prioritizes merit and means-based selection
• Supports students studying in recognized institutions affiliated with statutory universities in Karnataka
Eligibility Criteria
Students must:
• Be citizens of India and permanent residents of Karnataka
• Belong to the Backward Classes listed by the State/Central Government
• Be pursuing post-matric courses in government/aided/private recognized institutions affiliated to statutory universities
• Have not secured admission in any government or departmental hostel
• Have linked their Aadhaar to their bank account
• Meet the income limit criteria based on their category (as per government norms)
• Have minimum marks as specified for fresh and renewal applicants
• Maintain a minimum of 75% attendance
Exclusions
• Students enrolled in the same course more than once
• Postgraduate medical students practicing medicine
• Students who have changed courses more than once
Application Process (Online via SSP Portal)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Visit the SSP Portal: https://ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
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Register and log in using Aadhaar and OTP
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Fill in personal, academic, and bank details accurately
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Upload the required documents (see list below)
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Print the application form after submission
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Submit the hard copy of the application and documents to the college administration
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The application is verified at multiple levels:
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College Principal
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Taluk Backward Classes Welfare Officer
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District Welfare Officer
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Based on eligibility, merit, and budget, the stipend is approved and disbursed
Documents Required
• Aadhaar card (linked to bank account)
• Bank account details (with IFSC)
• Caste certificate
• Income certificate
• Previous year’s mark card
• Medical certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Vidyasiri-Food and Accommodation Scholarship Scheme?
Vidyasiri-Food and Accommodation Scholarship Scheme is a government initiative in Karnataka that provides financial assistance to students belonging to backward classes pursuing post-matric courses to support their food and accommodation expenses. - Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Students who are citizens of India, permanent residents of Karnataka, and belong to backward classes listed by the Government of India or the State Government are eligible. They must be pursuing post-matric courses in recognized institutions and have not secured admission in any departmental or government-funded student hostel. - How much stipend is provided under this scheme?
Eligible students receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 1,500 for a period of 10 months, amounting to a total of Rs. 15,000 per academic year. - How are the grants allocated under this scheme?
The grants are allocated based on category-wise reservations, with a certain percentage allocated to each category: Category-1 (15%), Category-2A (53%), Category-3A (14%), and Category-3B (18%). - How can I apply for the Vidyasiri-Food and Accommodation Scholarship Scheme?
The application process is online. You need to submit your application through the SSP software and also submit the required documents to your college. - What are the eligibility criteria for fresh and renewal students?
Fresh students from Category-1 must have secured a minimum of 40% marks in the previous year’s annual examination, while those from Category-2A, 3A, and 3B must have secured a minimum of 50% marks. For renewal students, the minimum marks required are 50% for Category-1 and 60% for Category-2A, 3A, and 3 BB. - Can I apply if I have changed courses more than once?
No, students who have changed courses more than once are not eligible for this scheme. - Can male students from the same family apply?
Only two male members from the same family are eligible for the scheme, except for girls, who are not subject to this restriction.