Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students: A Boost for Scheduled Caste Community

Assam Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It is aimed at bolstering the Gross Enrolment Ratio of students among the Scheduled Castes community in higher education, especially those hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

This scholarship program provides financial support at the post-matriculation or post-secondary level, enabling students to complete their education. The selection of scholarship recipients is carried out by the respective State Governments/Union Territories, based on domicile criteria of the State. It covers all students, including both current beneficiaries of the scheme including new admissions.

The scholarship program is divided into four groups, covering a wide range of academic programs, including professional courses in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Technology, and Management, among others. 

The scheme provides financial support not only for degree and post-graduate level courses but also for other professional programs earning degrees, diplomas, and certification. Additionally, the program includes graduate and post-graduate courses and post-matriculation non-degree courses.

The article provides comprehensive information about this scholarship program, including eligibility criteria, categories, application process, and renewal conditions.

Assam Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Overview

Particulars	Details
Name of the Scholarship	Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
Scholarship Provider	Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
Beneficiaries	Students Belonging to Scheduled Castes
Awards	Up to ₹13,500
Official Link	scholarships.gov.in

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Scope

• These scholarships are exclusively for studies within India, and the selection of recipients is carried out by the respective State Governments/Union Territories in which the applicant is permanently settled. It is based on the domicile criteria of the State.
• This policy applies to all students, including current beneficiaries of the scheme and new admissions.

Assam Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Categories

Group 1: Group 1 encompasses professional degree and post-graduate programs.

• Professional programs include:
  • Medicine 
  • Engineering
  • Technology 
  • Planning
  • Architecture
  • Design
  • Fashion Technology 
  • Agriculture 
  • Veterinary & Allied Sciences
  • Management
  • Business Finance/Administration
  • Computer Science/Applications
• Post Graduate Diploma courses in various branches of management and medicine.
• Professional qualifications such as: 
  • CA (Chartered Accountant) 
  • CWA (Cost and Works Accountant)
  • CS (Company Secretary)
  • C.F.A. (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• Research programs including M Phil, PhD, and Post-Doctoral Programs such as D.Litt (Doctor of Literature) and D.Sc. (Doctor of Science), within Group 1, Group II, and Group III courses.
• Legal studies, including: 
  • LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws)
  • Integrated LLB Programmes
  • LLM (Master of Laws)

Group 2: Group 2 includes other professional courses viz. degree, diploma, and certification programs.

• Programs leading to a degree, such as:
  • M.Ed
  • M.Pharma
• Diploma and Certificate courses in the following fields:
  • Pharmacy (B.Pharma)
  • Nursing (B.Nursing)
  • Banking and Financial Services (BFS)
  • Other paramedical branches like rehabilitation and diagnostics
• Courses in the following fields:
  • Mass Communication
  • Hotel Management & Catering
  • Travel/Tourism/Hospitality Management
  • Interior Decoration
  • Nutrition & Dietetics
  • Commercial Art and Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, Taxation, etc.)

Note:- These programmes require a minimum entrance qualification of Senior Secondary (10+2) and are also open to students from the vocational streams. Additionally, they include ITI courses and Polytechnic programmes where the minimum entrance qualification is Class 12 pass or above.

Group 3: Group 3 consists of graduate and post-graduate courses that do not fall within the scope of Group 1 or Group 2. This includes courses like: 

• BA
• B.Sc
• B.Com
• MA
• M.Sc
• M.Com
• Others

Group 4: Group 4 includes post-matriculation non-degree courses covering all programmes that necessitate a High School (Class 10) qualification for admission. 

This category comprises courses such as:

• Senior Secondary Certificate (Class 11 and 12) in both general and vocational streams
• ITI courses
• 3-year Diploma courses in Polytechnics, among others

Note:- 

• The list of courses in various groups is provided as a guideline, and States/UTs have the flexibility to add courses based on established standards in their respective regions.
• ‘Compulsory non-refundable fees’ refer to fees that a scholar is obligated to pay to the institution or University/Board for enrollment/registration, tuition, games, union, library, magazine, medical examination, and other mandatory fees. However, this category does not include fees that are refundable, such as caution money or security deposits.
• ‘Demand’ for a year signifies the total funding requirement for the release of scholarships to all eligible students under the scheme, in accordance with their entitlements for that particular year.
• ‘Freeship Card’ is issued by the State Government/UT Administration. It grants eligible students access to scholarships under this scheme and allows them to enrol in an institution without the need for prepayment of tuition and hostel fees. The government covers these fees upon the release of scholarship funds.

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Eligibility of Educational Institutions

1. Participation in the scheme is contingent on educational institutions maintaining the prescribed academic standards. To be eligible for the scheme, the following conditions related to courses, institutional performance, and the Aadhaar-based attendance system must be adhered to by the Institutions/Universities/Colleges:

• Only Institutions/Colleges with the ‘AISHE Code/UDISE Code’ will be considered eligible for the scholarship scheme. Information about the institution’s registration, affiliation, accreditation, courses offered, and the number of approved seats for each course will be automatically retrieved from the AISHE/UDISE server based on the institution’s code and populated on the scholarship portal.
• All higher education institutions participating in the scheme are required to achieve NAAC/NBA accreditation by 2024 to ensure their continuation in the program from the academic year 2025-26 onwards.
• Scholarship benefits are closely tied to an Aadhaar-based attendance system. Therefore, colleges and institutions are mandated to maintain daily attendance records using the Aadhaar system and submit attendance details regularly through the designated portal. This ensures that scholarship disbursements are linked to actual attendance, promoting transparency and accountability in the process.
• Institutions are expected to submit half-yearly self-audited reports to the State Governments in a specified format, which will be provided separately. These reports serve as a means of accountability and transparency in the administration of the scholarship scheme.
• Institutions are required to honour the FREESHIP CARD issued by the State/District Authority through the scholarship portal. This means that eligible students should be admitted to the institution without any insistence on pre-payment of college/tuition fees or hostel fees. 
  • Instead, these fees will be paid by the student upon the release of the scholarship amount by the Government in accordance with the provisions of this scheme. In this context, State Governments will work in coordination with institutions within their respective states to facilitate this process and ensure the smooth implementation of the scheme.

2. Scholarships will be provided for the pursuit of all accredited post-matriculation or post-secondary courses, including Intermediate/Senior Secondary, Diploma, long-term Vocational Training Certification, Graduate, and Post-Graduate Programmes. These courses should be undertaken in recognised institutions, universities, or colleges falling into any of the following nine categories:

• Institutions of National Importance
• Central Universities, State Universities, and Autonomous Colleges officially recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), along with universities/colleges acknowledged under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act.
• Deemed Universities
• All private universities duly recognised by State/Central authorities.
• Private professional institutions affiliated with a recognised Central/State University and subject to oversight by a Fee Fixation Committee as mandated by the Supreme Court of India.
• Recognised schools and colleges offering studies in Class 11 and 12.
• Institutions that grant Diplomas and are recognised by State/UT Governments.
• Vocational training institutes affiliated with the National Council of Vocational Training (NCVT).
• Institutions affiliated or approved by the appropriate bodies such as the National Medical Commission (NMC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), or any regulatory body established by the State/UT/Central Government.

Note:- In the cases where a specific number of seats for a particular course have been officially recognised or authorised by the relevant regulatory authority, the scholarships will be limited to those authorised numbers and the corresponding courses.

Also Read: Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students (Class 9th & 10th)

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Eligibility Criteria for Students

Key eligibility criteria for the scholarships are as under:

• Scholarship is available to Indian nationals only.
• Eligibility is limited to candidates who belong to Scheduled Castes, as specified by the States/Union Territories to which the applicant actually belongs to or is domiciled in. Candidates must have successfully passed the Matriculation or Higher Secondary Examination or any higher examination from a recognised University or Board of Secondary Education.
• Scholarships will be granted to students whose parents/guardians’ total income from all sources does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh during the last financial year. An income certificate is required at the time of admission to courses lasting more than one year, and it will be issued by the designated authority as determined by the State Government.
• The respective institutions should determine the age limit criteria for regular admission in different classes.
• Candidates who have already completed one level of education and are pursuing the same level of education in a different subject (e.g., switching from Intermediate Science to Intermediate Arts, or from B.Com to BA, or pursuing MA programme in a different subject after completing their masters in another subject) will not be eligible for the scholarship.
• Students who are pursuing their studies through correspondence/online courses are also eligible. The scholarship scheme will cover non-refundable fees but not the academic allowances.
• All the children of a parent/guardian will be entitled to receive benefits under the scholarship scheme.
• A recipient of a scholarship under this scheme is not allowed to simultaneously hold any other scholarship or stipend. However, if the student is offered another scholarship or stipend, they have the option to choose between the two, selecting the one that is more beneficial to them. It is essential for the students to inform the awarding authority through the Head of the Institution about the choice they have made.
• No scholarship will be disbursed to the student under this scheme from the date they accept another scholarship or stipend. Nevertheless, the student is permitted to accept free lodging, a grant, or ad-hoc financial assistance from the State Government or any other source to purchase books, equipment, or cover expenses related to board and lodging, in addition to the scholarship amount provided under this scheme.
• Scholarships will not be applicable to seats filled through arbitrary and non-transparent processes, which include management quota, NRI quota, spot admissions, etc., that do not adhere to the merit criteria set by the State Government. The fees associated with management quota seats or seats filled through spot admissions in any institution or university will not be reimbursed.
• In the cases where there is uncertainty or a lack of clarity in the classification of seats in the States/UTs, the following criteria may be applied:
• • If there is no arbitrariness or discretion in the admission process, and the course fees are fixed by the Fee Fixation/Fee Rationalization Committee established by the competent authority, these seats may not be considered as Management Quota seats. However, before disbursing scholarships, State Governments must ensure the following:
    • Applicants claiming the scholarship were admitted through a transparent process involving the advertisement for applications, ranking of candidates, selection based on merit lists, and publication of selection lists, or any other transparent procedure as deemed suitable by the State Government.
    • The fees for the courses have been duly approved by the Fee Fixation/Fee Rationalization Committee established by the competent authority.
    • Furthermore, students are encouraged to have Aadhaar-linked bank accounts to facilitate payments through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge.

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Awards & Benefits

The scholarship covers the following components for the entire duration of the course:

• Compulsory non-refundable fees, which includes  tuition fee, as determined by the Fee Fixation/Rationalization Committee of the State Government.
• Academic allowance

Category	Amount for Hostellers (₹)	Amount for Day Scholars (₹)
Group 1: Degree and Post-Graduate Level Professional Courses	13,500	7,000
Group 2: Other Professional Courses Leading to Degree, Diploma, Certification	9,500	6,500
Group 3: Graduate and Post-Graduate Courses Not Covered Under Group 1 and Group 2	6,000	3,000
Group 4: All Post-Matriculation (Post Class X Level) Non-Degree Courses	4,000	2,500

Note:-

• An additional 10% allowance will be provided to students with disabilities (Divyang Students).
• Students pursuing CA (Chartered Accountant), ICWA (Cost and Works Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), or ICFA (Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts) programmes will be considered as day scholars for the purpose of academic allowance. Students enrolled in correspondence/online courses are not eligible for academic allowance.
• The academic allowance will be adjusted in accordance with the Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers. The annual increment will be effective from the month of April, each year and will be determined based on the index for the period from January to December of the preceding year. 
• Furthermore, State Governments have the option to enhance the academic allowance using their own resources if they choose to do so.

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Freeship Card & Process of Issue

To ensure that eligible students can secure admission in institutions without having to make upfront payments for tuition and hostel fees, a FREESHIP CARD will be issued by the State Government following the procedure outlined below:

• The FREESHIP CARD grants the student the eligibility to enrol in an institution without the need for prepayment of fees. However, it is conditioned on the understanding that once the scholarship amount is released to the student’s account, the institution will be notified to collect the fees from the student.
• In preparation for admission and well in advance of the expected admission date, the student should register for the issuance of a FREESHIP CARD on the respective scholarship portal. 
  • During this registration process, the student will provide details such as their Aadhaar number, the name of the course they intend to pursue (MBBS, B.Sc, Class XI, etc.), and an undertaking that they will settle the cost of institution’s charges within 7 working days from the date of receiving the scholarship amount in their account. 
  • The registration of FREESHIP CARDS will be open throughout the year.
• The verification of income, caste, and merit details will be automatically conducted through linked online databases for immediate verification. This process is designed to be entirely paperless. 
  • Until this system is fully implemented, students may scan and upload the required documents, which include a passport-size photograph, copies of certificates for diplomas and degrees earned, a caste certificate duly signed by the authorised officer, and a valid income certificate issued by the competent authority as prescribed by the State Government.
• After a student registers on the portal and they are found eligible, all States/Union Territories will complete the verification process within 30 days from the receipt of the registration request from the students. 
  • Subsequently, they will issue the FREESHIP CARD through the IT portal, indicating the course for which the application is made. 
  • This ensures that eligible students are not denied admission due to delays in paying tuition fees. The student should be able to download the FREESHIP CARD directly from the portal.
• Once the complete digitization of all required certificates is achieved, such FREESHIP CARDS will be automatically generated immediately upon registration if the student is found eligible.
• The FREESHIP CARD will be digitally signed. For admission purposes, the FREESHIP CARD will remain valid for a period of one year from the date of issue.
• If a student wishes to change their course before enrolling in an institution, they can do so by logging onto the IT portal, and a new FREESHIP CARD will be automatically issued for all eligible students.
• For the purpose of renewal, there is no requirement for fresh registration for the FREESHIP CARD. A card that has been issued to a student for renewal will remain valid for the entire duration of the course, ensuring continuity of support throughout the student’s educational program.

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Scholarship Application & Verification

• All institutions must ensure that students admitted to their institution with issued FREESHIP CARDS apply for the scholarship programme on the same day as their admission.
• On the day of admission, the institution should verify on the scholarship portal that the student has been admitted to the institution in the same course as mentioned on the FREESHIP CARD and is now a legitimate student of the institution.
• In the case of students qualified under the renewal category, the student’s scholarship will be auto-renewed based on attendance records and confirmation received from the institution that the student has been promoted to the next class and has returned to the same course, either as a hosteller or day scholar, as the case may be.

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Duration & Renewal of Awards

• The scholarship, once awarded, will be disbursed until the completion of the course, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and maintaining an attendance of at least 75% in each academic year. The attendance will be verified through the Aadhaar-based attendance system.
• In the event of a scholar being unable to appear in the annual examination due to illness, the scholarship may be renewed upon submission of a medical certificate from the prescribed authority, with acceptance by the institution/college.
• If a student advances to a higher class based on the regulations of the university/institution, even without passing the lower class initially, they can qualify for the scholarship meant for the higher class if they meet eligibility criteria. Also, if a student fails a class but re-enrolls and completes it, they can receive the scholarship for one more year or the actual duration, whichever is shorter.

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Other Conditions for the Award

• If a student is discovered to have secured a scholarship through false statements, their scholarship will be immediately revoked, and the scholarship funds already disbursed may be reclaimed, subject to the decision of the relevant State Governments. The student in question will be blacklisted and made permanently ineligible for scholarship programmes under any scheme.
• If a scholarship recipient quits pursuing their studies for which they have received the scholarship award during the academic year, they must repay the scholarship amount in accordance with the decision of the State Government.
• The Government of India reserves the right to modify the provisions of this scheme at any time.

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – How to Apply?

Steps for filling out the application form of the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students are as follows:

Step 1: Registration as New Users

• First-time applicants need to register with the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
• To begin, they should navigate to the ‘Applicant Corner’ section and select the ‘New Registration’ tab.

• Candidates are required to provide all the necessary information in the registration form and then click on ‘Register’ to complete the registration process.
• Upon successful registration, a unique student application ID and password will be generated, and these details will be sent to the registered mobile number of the applicants.

Step 2: Logging in to NSP

• After registration, applicants must log in to the NSP using the newly generated ID and password.

• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the registered mobile number in order to change the password for added security.

Step 3: Accessing the Application Form

• Once the password is updated, candidates will be directed to the ‘Applicant’s Dashboard’ page.
• On the Applicant’s Dashboard page, applicants should click on ‘Application Form’ to begin the application process.

Step 4: Providing Details

• Applicants should provide all the necessary information, including registration, and academic details, basic personal information, contact details, and scheme-specific information.

Step 5: Document Upload

• They should ensure that all the required supporting documents, such as those verifying their identity and academic eligibility, are uploaded as part of the application process.

Step 6: Saving as Draft

• It is recommended that applicants save the partially filled application form as a draft at various stages of completion of the application.
• This will allow the applicants to review every detail and ensure accuracy before final submission.

Step 7: Final Submission

• To complete the scholarship application process, candidates should carefully review all the entered information.
• Once satisfied, they can click on the ‘Submit’ button to submit the fully filled and reviewed application form.

Note:- To apply for the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students through the Buddy4study portal, please click here. For more details about the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students, kindly refer to the official notification.

Also Read: Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for the Wards of RPF/RPSF

Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who grants the scholarship award under the scheme Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students?

The Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students is awarded by the respective State Governments/Union Territories based on their domicile criteria. It covers a wide range of academic programmes, including professional courses, graduate, and post-graduate courses, and post-matriculation non-degree courses.

What are the categories of academic programmes covered under the Assam        Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students?

The scholarship program is divided into four groups, including degree and post-graduate level professional courses, other professional courses leading to earning of degrees, diploma, certification. It also includes graduate and post-graduate courses not covered under the first two groups in addition to post-matriculation non-degree courses.

Which educational institutions are eligible for participation under the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students scheme?

Educational institutions participating under the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students scheme must maintain prescribed academic standards. They must have the AISHE Code/UDISE Code. Institutions must also work towards achieving NAAC/NBA accreditation by 2024.

What are the key eligibility criteria for students applying under the scheme Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students?

To become eligible under the scheme Assam Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students, students must be Indian nationals from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. Their annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh. The scholarship is available for various stages of education, however, there are certain exceptions.

Are students allowed to simultaneously hold the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students along with another scholarship award or stipend?

No, a recipient under the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students is not allowed to hold another scholarship award or stipend simultaneously. However, students can choose between the two if offered another scholarship, selecting the one more beneficial.

Which components are included in the benefits provided under the Assam    Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students?

The Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students covers compulsory non-refundable fees and an academic allowance. The amount varies on the basis of the category of academic programs.

How can eligible students secure admission without upfront payments for tuition and hostel fees?

Eligible students are issued a FREESHIP CARD by the State Government. This card allows them to enrol in an institution without prepayment of fees, and the institution collects the fees once the scholarship amount is released to the student’s account.

How can students apply under the scheme Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students?

In order to apply, students should register on the National Scholarship Portal, provide the required details, and upload supporting documents. They must complete the application form and submit it through the portal.

What is duration and renewal criteria defined under the scheme Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students awards?

The Assam Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students is disbursed until the completion of the course, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and maintaining a minimum attendance of 75% each year. Illness-related exceptions may apply. Renewal is also possible if students are promoted to the next class.

What happens if a student secures the scholarship award under the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students through false statements?

If a student secures the Assam Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students through false statements, their scholarship will be revoked, and the scholarship funds may be reclaimed. The student will be made permanently ineligible for scholarship assistance under any scheme.