Centre Announces Major Scholarship Boost for SC Students, Annual DBT Transfer up to ₹2 Lakh

The central government has introduced a significant reform aimed at improving higher education opportunities for Scheduled Caste (SC) students. Under the updated guidelines issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, eligible SC students will now receive an annual scholarship of up to ₹2 lakh, directly transferred to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This new policy will be applicable from the academic year 2024–25.

Annual Assistance of Up to ₹2 Lakh for Higher Studies

According to the revised framework of the “High-Quality Education Scholarship Scheme for SC Students,” the government will support tuition fees and all non-refundable academic charges for students pursuing higher education in premier national institutions. This financial aid aims to reduce economic barriers and help students focus on studies rather than financial constraints.

The decision marks one of the government’s strongest steps toward ensuring equal access to education for disadvantaged communities.

DBT Transfer to Ensure Transparency

To ensure transparency and timely payment, the scholarship amount will be deposited directly into students’ bank accounts through DBT. This mechanism eliminates delays and reduces the possibility of mismanagement or fraud, ensuring that the full benefit reaches students without intermediaries.

In addition to covering academic expenses, the scheme includes an extra academic allowance for other essential needs. Students will receive:

• ₹86,000 in the first year, and

• ₹41,000 in subsequent years

This additional support can be used for expenses such as accommodation, books, laptops and other education-related necessities.

Income Limit Fixed at ₹8 Lakh per Year

As per the new guidelines, only students whose family income does not exceed ₹8 lakh annually will be eligible. The government has also clarified that beneficiaries cannot avail multiple scholarships at the same time. Students must choose between this central scheme and any similar scheme offered by state governments.

30% Scholarship Reserved for Girls

In an effort to promote gender parity in higher education, the government has reserved 30% of the total scholarships exclusively for girl students. This provision is expected to encourage more female students from SC communities to pursue top-tier professional courses.

4,400 New Scholarships Approved for 2024–25

For the academic session 2024–25, the government has approved 4,400 new scholarships. Between 2021–22 and 2025–26, a total of 21,500 scholarship allocations have been planned under this scheme. The reservation for girls will continue throughout this period.

Scholarship Available Only at Centrally Recognised Institutions

This financial assistance will be provided only to students who secure admission in centrally notified premier institutions. These include:

• IITs

• IIMs

• AIIMS

• NITs

• National Law Universities

• National Institute of Fashion Technology

• National Institute of Design

• Other accredited national-level institutions

Only first-year students can apply as fresh candidates. However, renewal will be granted annually based on academic performance throughout the course duration.

Two Children per Family Eligible

The guidelines specify that a maximum of two children from a single family can avail the scholarship at any given time. This rule ensures fair distribution and allows more families to benefit from the scheme.

Additionally, if a student changes the institution after selection, their eligibility will be revoked automatically.

Strict Action in Case of Rule Violations

The government has emphasized transparency and accountability. Any violation of the scheme’s guidelines may lead to immediate cancellation of the scholarship. However, students already receiving benefits will continue to be supported until they complete their course, provided they maintain compliance.