Education plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s future, and financial limitations should never come in the way of academic success. Understanding this need, the Government of Karnataka continues to support eligible students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities through the Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship Scheme. This scholarship recognizes and rewards merit while helping students continue their education without financial burden.
The latest update confirms that the last date to apply for the Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship for the year 2025 is December 31, 2025. The application process is completely online, but students must also complete physical document verification after submitting the form digitally.
Whether you are applying for the first time or are familiar with the portal, this detailed guide will help you understand eligibility rules, required documents, application steps, and scholarship benefits.
What is the Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship?
The Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship is a financial assistance scheme designed to motivate and reward meritorious SC/ST students. The government introduced this scholarship to encourage students to pursue higher education confidently and to reduce the dropout rate among underprivileged groups.
This scheme applies to students who have successfully passed:
- SSLC (Class 10)
- PUC (Class 12)
- Diploma programs
- Undergraduate degrees
- Postgraduate degrees and professional courses
Unlike many scholarships that focus on family income eligibility, this scholarship is primarily merit-based, recognizing students who perform well academically in their first attempt.
Important Dates for 2025 Application
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | Ongoing |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 31, 2025 |
| Submission of Required Documents | After online submission, based on district office schedule |
Students are advised to apply early to avoid technical issues or last-minute delays.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:
Category Requirement
The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
Residency Requirement
The applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
Academic Requirement
Students must have:
- Passed their respective examination in the first attempt, and
- Secured at least 60 percent marks (First Class).
Course Recognition
The course must be taken at a recognized government or private educational institution in Karnataka.
There is no family income limit for this scholarship, making it highly accessible to all eligible SC/ST students who perform well academically.
Scholarship Amount
The scholarship amount varies depending on the level of education completed. Students may receive between ₹7,000 and ₹35,000.
| Level of Education | Estimated Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| SSLC Pass | ₹7,000 |
| PUC Pass | ₹10,000 |
| Diploma Programs | ₹15,000 |
| Undergraduate Degree | ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 |
| Postgraduate / Professional Courses | ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 |
Actual disbursed amounts may vary based on the latest government guidelines, but the above range reflects current verified information.
Application Portal Details
The scholarship application portals are based on the student’s category:
| Category | Portal to Apply |
|---|---|
| SC Students | Seva Sindhu Portal > Social Welfare Department |
| ST Students | Karnataka Tribal Welfare Department Portal |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Below is the complete application procedure to help you apply correctly.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Students should visit the appropriate government portal based on category.
Step 2: Create an Account or Login
New applicants must register using their mobile number and Aadhaar details. Returning users can simply log in.
Step 3: Verify Aadhaar
Enter your Aadhaar number and complete OTP authentication.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
Provide details such as:
- Name and date of birth
- Caste details
- Address
- Course details
- Marks obtained
- Bank account information
Ensure accuracy before proceeding.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
The following documents must be uploaded in the required format (usually under 100 KB):
| Document Required |
|---|
| Passport-size photograph |
| Aadhaar card |
| Caste certificate |
| Marks card of qualifying examination |
| Bank passbook copy |
| Income certificate (if requested) |
Documents must be clear and readable.
Step 6: Submit the Application and Print the Acknowledgment
Once submitted, download and print the acknowledgment slip.
Step 7: Submit Physical Copies for Verification
The printed acknowledgment along with attested photocopies of all documents must be submitted to:
- District Social Welfare Office (SC Applicants)
- Tribal Welfare Office (ST Applicants)
This step is mandatory for application approval.
Why Physical Verification Is Required
Even though the application process begins online, physical verification ensures:
- The authenticity of student records
- Proper identity and caste verification
- Prevention of fraudulent claims
Failure to submit physical documents may result in rejection even if the online application is completed.
Benefits of the Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship
This scholarship offers several advantages:
- Encourages students to excel academically
- Reduces the financial burden of education
- Helps students continue their education confidently
- Supports higher education goals for marginalized communities
- Eliminates the need for private education loans in some cases
Government support plays a significant role in enabling equal opportunities in education.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply well before the deadline
- Ensure all uploaded documents meet size and format requirements
- Provide only accurate academic and personal information
- Use a bank account that belongs to the student
- Keep a photocopy of all submitted documents
