In this article we sincerely attempt to explore available scholarship opportunities offered by the State Government of Kerala for the 2025-26 academic session including their eligibility criteria, benefits, and necessary documentation.
Kerala Scholarships: Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship Award
The Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship Award (PJMS) award is an initiative of the Department of Minority Welfare that is targeted at the students belonging to religious minority communities residing in Kerala.
Eligibility Criteria
- This is open to natives of Kerala belonging to a minority community (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsis, and Jains).
- Applicants must be pursuing studies in a government/aided school.
- They must have secured a minimum of 80% in undergraduate and 75% in postgraduate studies according to their levels of study.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than ₹8,00,000.
Benefits
The Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship Award offers the following benefits:
- ₹10,000 to those applicants who have secured A-Plus in all subjects in the SSLC examination.
- ₹15,000 to those scoring 80% in higher secondary or 75% in vocational higher secondary courses respectively.
Application Timeline – The application deadline for the current academic session was active until 7th January 2025 and the current application window stands closed.
Kerala Scholarships: C H Muhammedkoya Scholarship
The C H Muhammedkoya Scholarship (CHMS) is offered by the Department of Minority Welfare. The scholarship is targeted towards females belonging to religious minority communities of the state, who are pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.
Eligibility Criteria
- This opportunity is open to domiciled female residents of Kerala belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities.
- Applicants must be pursuing graduate or higher-level courses in a government/government-aided institution.
- They should have secured 50% marks or more in the qualifying examination.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than ₹8,00,000.
- Students admitted to self-financing colleges on a merit basis are also eligible for this scholarship.
Benefits
The scholarship benefits available for the students pursuing the given courses under this scholarship are as follows:
- Undergraduation: ₹5,000 per year
- Postgraduation: ₹6,000 per year
- Professional Courses: ₹7,000 per year
(Note: Please note that only the students residing in recognised hostels will receive a stipend of ₹13,000 per year, and they are ineligible for any other benefits.)
Required Documents
- Certificate and marksheet of previous qualifying examination
- Income certificate
- Photo and signature
- Caste certificate
- Domicile certificate
Application Timeline – The application window for the current academic session is active until 3rd February 2025.
Kerala Scholarships: APJ Abdul Kalaam Scholarship
The APJ Abdul Kalaam Scholarship (APJAK) offers critical support to minority students. The scholarship is offered to those securing admission in govt-approved institutions on merit, with priority to those hailing from BPL families. It also reserves 30% of funds for female students from disadvantaged backgrounds facing hurdles in accessing higher education.
Eligibility Criteria
- This is open to domiciled residents of Kerala belonging to minority communities viz. Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi.
- Applicants must be pursuing a 3-year diploma course in a government/aided/government-approved self-financing polytechnic.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than ₹8,00,000.
(Note: Preference will be given to BPL applicants.)
Benefits
The scholarship offers ₹6,000 per annum for 3 years during the duration of the diploma course.
Required Documents
- Marksheet/certificates
- Income certificate
- Domicile certificate
- Caste certificate
Application Timeline – The application window for the current academic session is active until 3rd February 2025.
Kerala Scholarships: Mother Teresa Scholarship
The Mother Teresa Scholarship scholarship is aimed towards students pursuing a diploma in nursing and paramedical course from a government, government-aided, and government-recognised private institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
- This opportunity is also open to domiciled residents of Kerala belonging to minority communities viz. Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi.
- Applicants must have secured admission in nursing or paramedical courses on a merit basis.
- They must have secured 45% marks or more in qualifying examinations.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than ₹8,00,000.
- For students belonging to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category, there is no income criteria applicable.
Benefits
This scholarship offers an amount of ₹15,000 per annum, with 50% of the scholarship slots reserved for female students. This percentage can be allotted to male candidates if an adequate number of female candidates are not available.
Required Documents
- Registration form of the applicants
- Copy of mark list of SSLC, PLASTA/VHSE etc.
- Copy of allotment memo
- First page of the bank passbook of the applicant (including his own ‘Name, Account Number, Branch Code, Branch Address’).
- Copy of Aadhaar Card or NPR card.
- Copy of nativity certificate
- Copy of community certificate or minority certificate
- Income certificate (Assal) obtained from village office
- Copy of ration card
For the Attention of Heads of Institutions:
- Verification of the tasks submitted by the applicants.
- Verified applications must be approved online by the head of the institution.
- Income certificate (ASSAL) and allotment memo enclosed with the application.
- The head of the institution should ensure the status of all documents.
- The bank account-related documents (Account No., IFSC Code, Bank with Branch Name (latest)) should be verified by the head of the institution separately.
- Applications must be scrutinised and approved by the Head of Institution by the date specified in the notification.
Application Timeline – The application deadline for the current academic session was active until 17th January 2025 and the current application window stands closed.
Also Read: Kerala E-Grantz – A Web-Based Grant Distribution Portal
Kerala Scholarships: CA/ICWA/CS Scholarship
The CA/ICWA/CS Scholarship supports students from minority communities pursuing higher education in CA/ICWA/CS courses.
Eligibility Criteria
- This is open to domiciled residents of Kerala belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi minority communities.
- Applicants must have secured 60% marks or more in qualifying examinations.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than ₹8,00,000.
Benefits
This scholarship offers an amount of ₹15,000 per annum for the final course.
Application Timeline – The application deadline for the current academic session stands closed.
Kerala Scholarships: ITC/ITI Fee Reimbursement Scholarship
The ITC/ITI Fee Reimbursement Scholarship targets students residing in the State of Kerala and pursuing their studies in government-approved ITC/ITI institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
- This is open to domiciled residents of Kerala hailing from minority communities viz. Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi.
- Applicants must be pursuing studies in government-approved ITC/ITI institutions.
- They must have secured 75% marks or more in the current academic year.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than ₹8,00,000.
(Note: For students belonging to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category, there are no income criteria.)
Benefits
The candidates selected for this scholarship will receive the following benefits:
- For one-year course: ₹10,000 (one-time)
- For two-year course: ₹20,000 (one-time)
(Note: 10% of the scholarship is reserved for female students. This percentage can be allotted to male candidates if the adequate number of female candidates are not available.)
Required Documents
- Printout of registration form of the applicants
- Copy of mark list of SSLC, PLASTA/VHSE
- ITI documents (admission card, tuition fee payment receipt, ID card)
- Copy of first page of bank passbook in applicant’s own name
- Copy of Aadhaar card or NPR card
- Domicile certificate
- Copy of community certificate, or minority certificate
- Income certificate (Assal) from Village Office
- Copy of ration card
- Copy of mark list/certificate if mark list is not received
Application Timeline – The application deadline for the current academic session stands closed.
Kerala Scholarships: Civil Service Fee Reimbursement
The Civil Service Fee Reimbursement (CSFR) scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with civil service students pursuing their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to domiciles of Kerala belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi minority communities.
- Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor’s in a government-approved institution.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than ₹8,00,000.
Benefits
Candidates of this scholarship will receive –
- Tuition fee waiver of ₹20,000
- Hostel fee of ₹10,000
Required Documents
- Recent Passport Size Photo
- Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter Card/Etc.
- SSLC/ Plus 2/ VHSE Marksheet
- Domicile Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Bank Account Details
- Residential Certificate
- Minority Caste Certificate
- Government Institution Enrolled Receipt
Application Timeline – The application window for the current academic session is active until 10th February 2025.
Kerala Scholarships: Application Process
Applications for the scholarship opportunities follow their individual timeline. Hence students must check the website for the latest updates. To apply for the Department of Minority Welfare Scholarships, follow the instructions below.
- Visit the official website, register with the necessary information, and log in with valid credentials.
- Now select the scholarship name and click the button to apply.
- Provide all the required details and documents for the application and submit the application before the deadline.
Kerala Scholarships: Contact Details
Contact: Supervisor, Directorate of Minority Welfare, 4th Floor, Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram – 695033.
Number – (0471) 2300524.
Also Read: Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Scheme
Kerala Scholarships: Study Abroad Scholarships
The Kerala Overseas Scholarship provides financial assistance to Other Backward Class (OBC) students. The Backward Classes Development Department (BCDD) offers this opportunity to meritorious students pursuing higher studies in top-rated international institutions in the following fields:
- Engineering
- Management
- Pure Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Law
Eligibility Criteria
- This is applicable to permanent residents of Kerala who are below 40 years on the date of application.
- Applicants must have secured a Bachelor’s degree with 60% or higher marks, or an equivalent first-class grade.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than ₹6,00,000.
(Note: Applicants who hold work experience in fields relevant to their studies will receive preference for this scholarship.)
Benefits
The scholarship offers the following benefits to its candidates:
- A maximum scholarship of ₹10,00,000 for 3 years or for the course duration.
- To and fro airfare from India to the location nearest to the institution abroad.
- Reimbursement of the actual course fees.
- A maintenance allowance of up to USD $14,000.
Required Documents
- A valid visa/passport
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Admission Letter
- Recommendation Letter
- Personal Statement
- GRE/GMAT Scores (if applicable)
- Degree Certificates and Marksheets
- SSC and HSC Certificates
- Proof of Age
Application Process and Timeline
- Visit the official E-Grantz website.
- Click ‘One Time Registration’ and follow the instructions to register on the website. Then log in with valid credentials.
- Update the student profile with necessary information such as identification, qualifications, etc.
- After completion of the profile, select the scholarship name. Provide the required information and documents and submit the application.
Application Timeline – The application window for the current academic session 2025-26 is not yet open. Applicants are required to visit the official website of the Backward Classes Development Department for latest information. We will keep you updated.
Also Read: Prize Money Scholarships – Eligibility and Awards
Kerala Scholarships: FAQs
What is the objective of Kerala Minority Scholarships?
Kerala Minority Scholarships aims to extend targeted support to students hailing from minority communities in achieving their academic goals by providing financial assistance.
Which are the notable scholarships offered by the Kerala government?
Some of the key scholarships include the Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship, APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship, C H Muhammedkoya Scholarship, and Mother Teresa Scholarship etc.
Who is eligible for the Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship?
Students belonging to minority communities in the State of Kerala who pursue their studies in government/aided schools, have secured 80% in undergraduate or 75% in postgraduate courses, and have a family income below ₹8 lakh per annum are eligible.
What financial assistance does the APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship provide?
The APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship offers ₹6,000 per annum for three years to students pursuing a diploma course in a government/aided/self-financing polytechnic institution.
Which Kerala scholarship specifically supports female students?
The C H Muhammedkoya Scholarship provides financial aid to female students from minority communities pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.
What is the benefit of the Mother Teresa Scholarship?
It offers ₹15,000 per annum to students pursuing nursing and paramedical courses, with 50% of slots reserved for female students.
What is the financial assistance available under the Kerala Overseas Scholarship?
It offers financial assistance up to ₹10 lakh for three years, airfare, course fee reimbursement, and a maintenance allowance for OBC students pursuing higher education abroad.
Where can students apply for Kerala Minority Scholarships?
Students can apply through the official website of the Directorate of Minority Welfare by registering, selecting the scholarship, and submitting required documents before the deadline.
Do the universities in Kerala offer any scholarships?
Several government and private universities offer funding opportunities to their students on a regular basis. However, the dates and applications for such opportunities vary greatly. Students are advised to search for the latest details on the respective websites.
Is there a way to obtain a minority certificate?
District or appropriate government officials are the competent authority. Applicants are advised to connect using the communication details already provided above.
What is the Kerala E-Grantz Scholarship?
The E-Grantz scholarship(s) is an initiative by the Kerala government to provide financial aid to students from backward classes and minorities pursuing studies at school and post-matric levels.