Government Strengthens Post-Matric Scholarship Support for Scheduled Caste Students
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has reported significant increases in expenditure for the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarships for Scheduled Caste students. Actual expenditure under the scheme rose from Rs 5,475.42 crore in 2023–24 to Rs 6,208.08 crore in 2025–26, representing a consistent year-over-year increase. The corresponding Revised Budget Estimates were Rs 5,400 crore in 2023–24, Rs 5,500 crore in 2024–25, and Rs 6,000 crore in 2025–26.
Central assistance released to States and Union Territories followed a similar upward trajectory, amounting to Rs 5,475.43 crore in 2023–24, Rs 5,562.26 crore in 2024–25, and Rs 6,186.95 crore in 2025–26. These releases reflect the demand-driven nature of the scheme, with amounts determined by verified scholarship requirements submitted by respective implementing authorities.
The scheme utilizes Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), implemented since 2021–22, which disburses the Central share of scholarship amounts directly into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of beneficiaries. This mechanism has facilitated simpler and faster fund flow while enhancing transparency in scholarship delivery.
The scheme remains open-ended and demand-driven, with release of the Central share contingent upon State Governments or Union Territory Administrations releasing their share and uploading finally verified data of eligible beneficiaries on the National Scholarship Portal. States and Union Territories serve as implementing agencies, and implementation issues including delays in scholarship disbursal are regularly reviewed and addressed with stakeholders to ensure timely processing and release of benefits to eligible students.