The Punjab government has announced the reopening of the Dr B R Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship portal for the upcoming academic year 2025-26, providing renewed hope for thousands of Scheduled Caste students across the state.
Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur confirmed on Friday that the online application window will remain active until December 29, giving eligible students ample time to submit their applications for crucial financial support.
Massive Outreach Targets 2.7 Lakh Students
The state administration has set an ambitious target to extend the scholarship benefits to 2,70,000 students during the 2025-26 academic session. This initiative underscores Punjab's commitment to educational inclusivity and social empowerment.
According to the latest updates, the portal has already received 2,49,620 applications, demonstrating significant student interest. Of these submissions, 1,26,722 cases have successfully passed the verification process, indicating robust system functionality.
Financial Assistance Already Reaching Students
The scholarship program has already begun making a tangible impact, with 19,871 students receiving financial disbursements from the state quota during the current academic year. Minister Kaur assured that the remaining eligible beneficiaries will be covered shortly, ensuring no deserving student misses out on support.
Under this comprehensive scheme, newly enrolled students receive free-ship cards that enable them to avail fee waivers and secure admissions in recognized educational institutions according to prescribed norms.
Streamlined Process for Maximum Reach
Dr Baljit Kaur emphasized that Punjab remains fully dedicated to ensuring the academic, social, and economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste students through this initiative. The portal reopening is specifically designed to facilitate timely financial assistance while streamlining the entire application process.
Clear directives have been issued to all district administrations, educational institutions, and nodal agencies to ensure maximum outreach of the scheme. This coordinated effort aims to guarantee that no eligible student is deprived of the scholarship benefits due to lack of awareness or procedural complexities.
The minister reiterated that the state government is committed to removing financial barriers that might prevent talented SC students from pursuing higher education, thereby fostering greater social equity and academic excellence across Punjab.