The ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ is a transformative initiative of the Government of India aimed at empowering SC students to achieve academic excellence and pursue higher education. Launched with the objective of reducing financial barriers, the scheme provides scholarships to meritorious SC students pursuing professional and higher education courses at renowned institutions across India.
The overall number of scholarships would be capped at 21,500 for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. It has been tabulated as per the year-wise availability of scholarship opportunities:
Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students
| Number of Available Scholarship Opportunities | Financial Year (FY) |
| 4100 | 2021-22 |
| 4200 | 2022-23 |
| 4300 | 2023-24 |
| 4400 | 2024-25 |
| 4500 | 2025-26 |
The tentative number of fresh slots are indicated in the following table which can be increased with the approval of the selection committee in the event of increasing demands for fresh slots by the existing or prospective empanelled institutes and availability of funds:
| Financial Year (FY) | Number of Fresh Scholarship Opportunities |
| 2021-22 | 1500 |
| 2022-23 | 1600 |
| 2023-24 | 1700 |
| 2024-25 | 1800 |
| 2025-26 | 1900 |
In this article, we will delve into the key features of the Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students, eligibility criteria, the courses covered, and how students can apply for the benefits under this scheme.
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Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students – Objectives
The primary objective of the ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ is to promote academic growth among the students from the Scheduled Caste communities by offering them financial assistance for their education. The scheme specifically targets students who are bright and deserving but face financial constraints. By covering the cost of education at premier institutions, the scheme ensures that students from marginalised communities gain access to quality education and are able to compete on a level playing field. The scheme will cover SC students for pursuing studies beyond Class 12 and will operate in all the institutions notified by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for financial year 2023-24 to 2025-26. The scholarship, once awarded, will continue till the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory performance of the student. The scheme supports SC students in pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields, including engineering, medicine, law, management, and the social sciences.
Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students – Key Features
The ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ offers comprehensive financial assistance to SC students. Some of the key features include the following:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage: The scheme provides financial support for the complete tuition fee of students. For institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and other top-tier institutions, this covers up to ₹2 lakh per annum. Additionally, an academic allowance of ₹86,000 is provided in the first year of study and ₹41,000 in every subsequent year to cover essential expenses like living costs, books, and a personal computer.
- Non-Tuition Costs Coverage: Along with tuition fees, the ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ scheme also provides financial assistance for other related expenses such as:
- Living Expenses: An amount of ₹2,220 per month is provided for living expenses for the entire duration of the course.
- Books and Stationery: The students receive ₹3,000 per annum for purchasing books and stationery.
- Computer and Accessories: A one-time grant of ₹45,000 is provided for the purchase of a personal computer, including accessories.
- Number of Scholarships: The scheme offers 1,700 new scholarships each year, ensuring that a substantial number of students can benefit from this initiative.
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Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students – Eligibility Criteria
In order to avail the benefits of the ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’, the students must fulfill specific eligibility criteria. Key eligibility conditions include the following:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) Category: Only the students from the Scheduled Caste (SC) categories are eligible to apply under this scheme.
- Family Income: The total annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8 lakh. Income certificates must be provided to support this claim.
- Admission to Top Institutions: The student must have secured admission to a full-time course at a premier institution recognized under the scheme. This includes institutions of national importance, reputed universities, and other top colleges.
- Academic Performance: The student should have successfully completed their previous qualifying examination and should be pursuing a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a full-time program.
- Siblings: The benefit of the scheme is restricted to a maximum of two siblings in a family.
- Merit-Based Selection: If the number of eligible students exceeds the available scholarships, the selection is made based on inter-se merit.
- Girl Students: 30% of the scholarships are reserved for eligible SC girl students. If there are not enough girl applicants, the slots are transferred to eligible boys based on merit.
Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students – List of Institutions Covered
The ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ is available to students pursuing their education in the institutions of national importance and other top-tier institutions across India. The scheme covers a wide variety of top institutions, including those accredited by NAAC A++ or A+ or ranked in the Top 100 NIRF institutions. Some of the institutions covered under the scheme include the following:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- National Law Universities (NLUs)
- Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)
- Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
- Government Medical Colleges
- National Institutes of Fashion Technology (NIFTs)
- Indian Institutes of Science (IISc)
A comprehensive list of eligible institutions is provided in the official scheme document, and the students must confirm that their chosen institution is included.
Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students – Application Process
The application process for the ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ is entirely online, ensuring ease of access for students across the country. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for the scholarship is mentioned below.
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal: The students need to register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in, which is the official platform for application under this scheme.
- Complete the Registration: New users must complete the registration process by providing essential details like their name, date of birth, contact information, and academic records.
- Fill in the Application Form: Once registered, the students must fill out the scholarship application form, providing accurate personal, academic, and financial details.
- Upload Required Documents: The following documents must be uploaded in order to complete the application process:
- Caste certificate (SC certificate)
- Family income certificate (issued by a competent authority)
- Admission letter from the institution
- Previous academic qualification certificates
- Bank account details (for scholarship disbursement)
- Aadhar card or any valid identification proof
- Submission of Application: After filling in all the necessary information and uploading the required documents, the students can submit their application. It is crucial to double-check the details before submission to avoid errors.
- Track Application Status: After submission, the applicants can track the status of their application through the National Scholarship Portal.
Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students – Important Dates and Deadlines
The students applying for the ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ should be mindful of the following key dates:
- Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October, though exact deadlines can vary each year.
- Disbursement of Scholarship: The scholarship benefits are disbursed after verification and approval, with funds credited directly to the student’s bank account.
Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students – Renewal of Scholarship
The ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ allows for renewal of scholarships each academic year, provided the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. To renew the scholarship:
- Fresh scholarship will be awarded only to 1st year students. The sStudents of 2nd/3rd/4th year will not be eligible for selection for fresh scholarship.
- The student must have cleared all subjects in the previous academic year.
- They must continue their education at the same institution and in the same course.
- The annual family income should remain within the prescribed limit (below ₹8 lakh).
The students must apply for renewal on the National Scholarship Portal and submit proof of academic progress to continue receiving benefits.
Last but not the least, the ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ is an excellent opportunity for deserving SC students to help them pursue their higher education without financial constraints. With its wide coverage of tuition fees, living expenses, and related academic costs, the scheme aims to uplift and empower the SC community through education. The students who meet the eligibility criteria should make the best use of this opportunity in order to secure a brighter future through quality education.
If you are a student hailing from the SC communities aspiring to study at a premier institution, we encourage you to explore, apply and avail the benefits available under the ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ and take the first step towards achieving your educational and career goals.
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Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students – FAQs
Who is eligible for the scheme ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’?
It is only the SC students with an annual family income of less than ₹8 lakh and who have gained admission to recognised institutions are eligible.
Which institutions are eligible to be included in the scholarship scheme?
All IIMs, IITs, IIITs, AIIMS, NITs, NIFTs, NIDs, IHMs, NLUs, and other Central Government Institutions are eligible and included under the scheme. The institutions must apply for inclusion or be recommended by the Selection Committee. If an institution is not in these categories, it must be in the current list of NAAC A++/A+ Accredited Institutions, Top 100 NIRF Institutions, or Institutions of National Importance as per MHRD lists.
What are the benefits provided under the scheme ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’?
The scheme covers tuition fees, living expenses, books, and stationery, as well as a one-time grant for purchasing a personal computer.
What is the ceiling on the number of scholarships for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26?
The overall number of scholarships is capped at 21,500 for the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The number of scholarships will incrementally increase each year: 4100 for 2021-22, 4200 for 2022-23, 4300 for 2023-24, 4400 for 2024-25, and 4500 for 2025-26.
What happens if an institution does not apply under the scheme for three consecutive years?
If an institution does not apply under the scheme continuously for three years, it will be removed from the list of notified institutions under the scheme. Additionally, institutions without an AISHE code or KYC with NSP will also be removed, and their scholarship slots will be redistributed to other deserving institutions.
What is the funding pattern for SC students under the scheme?
The SC students admitted to the notified institutions will be awarded scholarships to cover full tuition fees and non-refundable charges (up to Rs. 2 lakh per annum for private institutions). They will also receive an academic allowance of Rs. 86,000 in the first year and Rs. 41,000 in subsequent years to cover living expenses, books, stationery, and a computer/laptop with accessories.
How will the payment of tuition fees and other charges be made to the students?
The tuition fee, non-refundable charges, and academic allowance will be paid directly to the students by the Central Government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The students are required to deposit the fees to their respective institutions within a month of receiving the payment.
How can I apply for the scheme ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’?
Applications can be made on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) by registering and filling in the required details.
Can the scholarship received under the ‘Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students’ be renewed each year?
Yes, it is renewed each year provided the students meet the academic performance criteria and family income conditions.
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