New Delhi, Aug 20: The Government continues to strengthen educational support for Scheduled Caste students through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarships for Scheduled Castes. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing post-matriculation and post-secondary education.
The Revised Budget Estimate under the scheme stood at Rs 5,400 crore in 2023–24, Rs 5,500 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 6,000 crore in 2025–26. The corresponding actual expenditure was Rs 5,475.42 crore, Rs 5,581.52 crore and Rs 6,208.08 crore, respectively.
Central assistance released to States and Union Territories amounted to Rs 5,475.43 crore in 2023–24, Rs 5,562.26 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 6,186.95 crore in 2025–26. The State and Union Territory-wise releases reflect the demand-driven nature of the scheme and the verified scholarship requirements submitted by the respective implementing authorities.
Since the introduction of Direct Benefit Transfer in 2021–22, the Central share of the scholarship amount has been disbursed directly into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of beneficiaries. This mechanism has facilitated a simpler and faster flow of funds while enhancing transparency in scholarship delivery.
The scheme is open-ended and demand-driven. The release of the Central share is contingent upon the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration releasing its share and uploading the finally verified data of eligible beneficiaries on the National Scholarship Portal.
States and Union Territories serve as the implementing agencies for the scheme. Issues relating to implementation, including delays in scholarship disbursal, are regularly reviewed and taken up with the concerned stakeholders to facilitate timely processing and release of benefits to eligible students.
The Government remains committed to promoting equitable access to higher education and supporting Scheduled Caste students in pursuing their academic aspirations.
