Delhi Government Launches Scholarship Schemes for SC, ST, and OBC Students for Academic Year 2025-26
The Government of Delhi has officially announced the opening of applications for its comprehensive scholarship programs designed specifically for students belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories for the upcoming academic year 2025-26. This initiative encompasses five state-funded schemes along with several centrally sponsored programs, all aimed at providing substantial financial support to eligible students enrolled in schools, colleges, and universities across the national capital territory.
Prospective applicants are required to submit their scholarship requests through the dedicated e-district portal, with the final deadline for all submissions set for April 30, 2026. The government has emphasized the importance of timely applications to ensure students do not miss out on these critical educational benefits.
Comprehensive Fee Reimbursement for School Students
One of the flagship schemes offers complete reimbursement of tuition fees and other mandatory charges for SC, ST, and OBC students studying from Class 1 to Class 12 in recognized schools within Delhi. To qualify for this significant financial relief, students must meet specific criteria:
- Annual family income must not exceed Rs 3 lakh
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic performance
- Regular attendance requirements must be fulfilled
Merit-Based Scholarship for Higher Education
The Delhi government has introduced a merit scholarship scheme specifically for SC, ST, and OBC students pursuing professional, technical, and higher education courses. Under this program, eligible students can receive annual financial assistance ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 24,000, with the exact amount determined by their course level and residential status (hosteller or day scholar).
To be eligible for this merit scholarship, students must achieve a minimum of 60 percent marks in their previous academic year, demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence.
Dr BR Ambedkar State Topper Award
In recognition of academic excellence, the Dr BR Ambedkar State Topper Award will provide Rs 25,000 to top-performing students from SC, ST, and OBC categories across various disciplines in universities throughout Delhi. This award serves as both financial support and recognition for outstanding academic achievement among disadvantaged student communities.
Mukhyamantri Vidyarthi Pratibha Yojana Benefits
The Mukhyamantri Vidyarthi Pratibha Yojana offers structured financial assistance to students in higher secondary classes:
- Rs 5,000 per year for students in Classes 9 and 10
- Rs 10,000 per year for students in Classes 11 and 12
These benefits are contingent upon students meeting established income thresholds and academic eligibility requirements, ensuring support reaches those who need it most while maintaining academic standards.
Financial Support for International Education
In a significant expansion of opportunities, the Delhi government is offering financial assistance to SC students aspiring to pursue higher studies abroad at both master's and doctoral levels. The support structure includes:
- Up to Rs 5 lakh per year for eligible students
- Maximum of Rs 10 lakh for master's degree programs
- Maximum of Rs 20 lakh for doctoral studies (PhD)
These international study benefits are subject to specific income limits, age criteria, and other eligibility conditions designed to ensure proper utilization of government resources.
Application Process and Important Guidelines
All scholarship applications must be submitted exclusively through the e-district portal before the April 30, 2026 deadline. The Delhi government advises all prospective applicants to:
- Carefully review all eligibility criteria for their chosen scholarship scheme
- Prepare and verify all required documentation before submission
- Submit applications well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for future reference
These comprehensive scholarship schemes represent a concerted effort by the Delhi government to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds throughout their educational journey—from primary school to advanced higher studies, including international opportunities. The programs are designed to reduce financial barriers and promote educational equity across Delhi's diverse student population.
This information is based on official government notifications and includes inputs from PTI.
