The Indian government is taking concrete steps to significantly raise the income threshold for Scheduled Caste students seeking scholarships. According to reliable sources, the Centre is preparing to boost the annual income limit from the current Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh. This move aims to bring many more families within the scholarship ambit.
Scholarship Schemes Under Review
Two key scholarship programs are under consideration for this revision. These include the pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for SC students. Both schemes currently require that parents' annual income does not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh from all sources. The proposed hike would mark a substantial increase of Rs 2 lakh.
Current Scholarship Structure
Presently, the post-matric scholarship covers compulsory non-refundable fees like tuition. It also provides academic allowances ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 13,500 annually for hostellers. Day-scholars receive between Rs 2,500 and Rs 7,000 per year. Professional courses attract higher allowances compared to traditional ones. Disability allowances are also included where applicable.
The pre-matric scholarship offers Rs 3,500 per annum to day scholars and Rs 7,000 to hostellers. Children of parents engaged in unclean or hazardous occupations receive Rs 8,000 annually as hostellers, with no income limit applying to them.
Implementation Process
Government sources indicate that a formal note is being prepared. This document will soon circulate to various stakeholders for feedback. Key entities include NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Once comments are received, officials will draft a Cabinet note. The proposal will then proceed to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for final approval.
Historical Context and Impact
The last income limit increase took effect on April 1, 2013. At that time, the threshold rose from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh annually. In the 2013-14 academic year, this change benefited 51.72 lakh SC students through the post-matric scholarship alone.
Recent data shows fluctuating participation. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's annual report for 2024-25 recorded 19.13 lakh beneficiaries under the post-matric scheme as of December 31, 2024. However, the previous year saw much higher numbers at 47.38 lakh students. The pre-matric scheme assisted 7.54 lakh students during the same 2024-25 period.
Funding and Administration
The post-matric scholarship has operated since 1944. For decades, it functioned as a fully centrally sponsored scheme. Current funding follows a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and states. Northeastern states enjoy a more favorable 90:10 arrangement. The pre-matric scholarship, initiated in 1977-78, follows identical funding patterns.
Scope of Proposed Changes
Importantly, sources confirm that similar discussions are not happening for OBC students under their parallel schemes. Scholarship programs for Scheduled Tribe students remain under the purview of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The focus currently rests squarely on expanding access for SC students through this income limit revision.
A senior official emphasized the expected impact. With the increased income limit, significantly more families will qualify for these crucial educational supports. This development represents a potential milestone in educational accessibility for marginalized communities across India.
