Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students — full tuition and allowance in top institutions
Government of India (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)
Overview
A Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment scholarship for meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students studying beyond Class XII in 'Top Class' institutions notified by the Ministry.
It covers full tuition fees and non-refundable charges (capped at Rs 2 lakh a year in private institutions), plus an academic allowance for living expenses, books, stationery and a computer/laptop — Rs 86,000 in the first year and Rs 41,000 in each later year. Once awarded, it continues to the end of the course subject to satisfactory performance.
Annual family income must be up to Rs 8 lakh. Each institution has a fixed number of slots, at least 30% of them for girls; the institution selects students by the entrance examination merit list. For 2026-27, applications on the National Scholarship Portal are open until 30 November 2026.
At a glance
- Administering authority
- Government of India (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)
- Scholarship type
- Category-based
- Education level
- Undergraduate, Postgraduate
- Course / institution conditions
- Full-time prescribed courses in 'Top Class' institutions notified by the Ministry; each institution has a fixed number of slots.
- Income limit
- Annual family income up to ₹8,00,000 — Total annual family income from all sources up to Rs 8.00 lakh.
- Category
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
Benefits
- Full tuition fee and non-refundable charges (capped at Rs 2 lakh a year in private institutions)
- Academic allowance: Rs 86,000 in the first year and Rs 41,000 in each later year — for living expenses, books, stationery, a computer/laptop, etc.
- Payable as soon as the student is admitted and starts classes
Eligibility
- Scheduled Caste (SC) student
- Annual family income up to Rs 8 lakh
- Admitted to a full-time course in a notified institution under its general selection criteria
- Selected within the institution's slots by entrance examination merit
- At least 30% of slots reserved for SC girl students
Other eligible SC students in the institution who do not get a slot can apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship.
Important dates
| Application opens | 1 Jun 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 30 Nov 2026 |
Renewal conditions
Once awarded, it continues until the course ends, subject to satisfactory performance.
Required documents
- SC caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Admission rank and fee details
- Bank account details
How to apply
- Complete OTR on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) and log in
- Apply for 'Central Sector Scholarship Of Top Class Education For SC Students'
- Upload income and caste certificates, bank account, admission rank and fee details
- The institution verifies the details and forwards the application to the Ministry
- The last date for 2026-27 is 30 November 2026
Last updated: 1 Nov 2026
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