The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students through State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Scheme supports eligible students in pursuing post-matriculation and post-secondary education and promotes greater access to educational opportunities.

Applications under the Scheme are invited through designated State scholarship portals or the National Scholarship Portal. As the implementing agencies, States and Union Territories determine the principal arrangements for inviting applications, scrutiny, verification and other implementation processes, with suitable mechanisms established at their level.

The release of the Central share is linked to the disbursement of the corresponding State or Union Territory share and the submission of finally verified beneficiary data on the National Scholarship Portal. This coordinated process is designed to support accurate verification and accountable transfer of scholarship assistance.

The Direct Benefit Transfer under the Scheme was introduced in 2021-22. The system has enabled a simpler and faster flow of funds while strengthening accurate beneficiary targeting, de-duplication, efficiency and transparency. Aadhaar-seeded bank payments have further streamlined the payment process and helped reduce delays in scholarship disbursement.

To expand awareness of the Scheme, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment undertakes outreach through advertisements in national and regional newspapers, social media campaigns and regular follow-up with States and Union Territories. These efforts are intended to help eligible students and their families access timely information about application and implementation processes.

Implementation is reviewed regularly through national-level Chintan Shivirs, regional meetings and national conferences involving stakeholders and officials of States and Union Territories. These consultations provide a platform to review operational issues, strengthen coordination and improve delivery of scholarship benefits.

The Ministry also reviews and revises its schemes in consultation with concerned stakeholders and in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The continuing focus is on accessible application systems, reliable payments, effective implementation and transparent delivery of benefits to eligible Scheduled Caste students across the country.