Top Government Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC Students in India (2025 Edition)
The Government of India has introduced various scholarship schemes to uplift students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These scholarships help SC, ST, and OBC students pursue education without financial stress, promoting equality in access to higher education.
Here is a list of the top government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students in 2025, with details on eligibility, benefits, and application procedures.
1. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
- Eligibility: SC students studying in Class 11 to PhD level
- Income limit: Less than ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Benefits: Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, book grant
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
2. Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
- Eligibility: SC students of Classes 9 and 10
- Income limit: ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Benefits: ₹225–₹525/month for 10 months + ad hoc grant
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
3. National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)
- Eligibility: SC students pursuing MPhil/PhD
- Benefits: ₹31,000–₹35,000/month + contingency grant
- Apply at: socialjustice.gov.in
4. Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students
- Eligibility: SC students admitted to top-ranked institutions (IITs, IIMs, NITs, etc.)
- Benefits: Full tuition fee, living expenses, laptop allowance
- Seats: 1,500 per year
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
5. Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
- Eligibility: ST students from Class 11 to postdoctoral level
- Income limit: ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Benefits: Full tuition fee + maintenance and other allowances
- Apply at: tribal.nic.in
6. National Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST Students
- Eligibility: SC/ST students applying for master’s/PhD abroad
- Income limit: ₹8 lakh/year
- Benefits: Tuition, airfare, living cost, visa fees
- Apply at: nosmsje.gov.in
7. Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
- Eligibility: OBC students of Classes 1 to 10
- Income limit: ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Benefits: ₹100/month (hosteller), ₹50/month (day scholar)
8. Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
- Eligibility: OBC students from Class 11 to PhD
- Income limit: ₹1.5 lakh/year
- Benefits: Tuition fee + maintenance allowance
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
9. National Fellowship for OBC Students
- Eligibility: OBC students pursuing MPhil/PhD
- Benefits: ₹25,000–₹28,000/month + contingency grant
- Apply at: socialjustice.gov.in
10. Top Class Education Scheme for OBC Students
- Eligibility: OBC students admitted to top-tier institutes
- Benefits: Full tuition fee + living allowance + laptop
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
Tips for Applying
- Check eligibility criteria and income limits carefully
- Apply only through official portals like NSP (scholarships.gov.in)
- Submit required documents: caste certificate, income certificate, mark sheets
- Track application status regularly
Conclusion
Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students help bridge the education gap and provide equal opportunities. If you belong to these communities and meet the eligibility, make sure to apply in 2025 through the correct portals. These schemes can be the financial support you need to complete your education and build a better future.