SC Students’ Top Class Education Scholarship: Complete 2025‑26 Scheme Details

This document outlines the Scheme Guidelines for the Scholarship for the academic period 2025‑26, valid from 19 November 2025 to 19 November 2026.The scholarship is designed to support eligible students in furthering their education by providing financial aid, enabling them to cover tuition, maintenance, and related academic costs. The goal of the scholarship scheme is to promote educational equity, support talented students who lack sufficient financial resources, and encourage academic excellence.

Scheme Duration & Validity

• Effective Date: The scheme becomes active on 19 November 2025.
• Closing Date: The scheme remains valid until 19 November 2026 for the current cycle.
• Renewal: Scholarship renewal for the next academic year (if applicable) will be subject to fresh guidelines and a new call for applications.

Financial Coverage (Fee)

• Tuition Support: The scheme covers full or partial tuition fees, depending on the institution and level of study, up to a maximum cap defined in the scholarship policy.
• Maintenance / Living Allowance: A monthly maintenance stipend is provided to cover cost of living (housing, food, transport), which is disbursed via bank transfer.
• One-Time Grants: There may be a one-time grant for academic materials, such as books or study equipment, subject to the approved budget.
• Mode of Payment: All payments will be made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account to ensure transparency and timely disbursement.

Scheme Structure (Scheme Components)

The scholarship scheme for 2025‑26 includes several components:

1. Merit-Based Scholarship: Awards based on academic performance.
2. Need-Based Assistance: Financial aid based on the family’s financial situation.
3. Professional / Technical Course Support: Additional funds for students enrolled in professional or technical programs (e.g., engineering, medicine).
4. Skill-Enhancement Grant: For extracurricular academic activities such as internships, workshops, or certification courses.
5. Mentorship / Networking (if part of scheme): Access to mentors, academic advisors, or peer networks, to guide scholarship recipients.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this scholarship scheme during 2025‑26, applicants must satisfy the following:

1. Academic Criteria:
   • Must have passed the previous qualifying examination (e.g., Class XII for UG, undergraduate degree for PG) with a minimum percentage or GPA as prescribed in the scheme.
   • For renewal (if applicable): minimum required performance in the prior year (e.g., a certain GPA or percentage).
2. Financial Criteria:
   • Household / family income must not exceed a prescribed ceiling, verified by valid income proofs (income certificate, tax return, etc.).
   • In some cases, the scheme may reserve seats for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
3. Enrollment / Admission:
   • Applicant must have secured admission or be eligible to enroll in a full‑time course at a recognized educational institution (university, college, technical institute).
   • Part-time or distance education students may or may not be eligible depending on scheme rules.
4. Residency / Citizenship (if relevant):
   • Applicants may need to be citizens or permanent residents of the country implementing the scheme.
   • Some schemes may require domicile in a particular region / state.
5. Age Limit (if defined):
   • Age restrictions may apply (for example, for undergraduate or postgraduate courses), depending on the scheme.
6. Documentation Requirements:
   • Academic transcripts / mark sheets.
   • Proof of admission (offer letter, admission certificate).
   • Income proof (income certificate, salary slips, tax returns).
   • Identity proof (Aadhar, passport, voter ID, etc.).
   • Bank account details for disbursement.
   • Any other documents as required (e.g., caste certificate, if applicable).

Scholarship Amount / Pay Scale

• Annual Scholarship Amount: The maximum value per student will be as per the scheme’s funding allocation (this will depend on budget and student’s financial need).
• Installment Structure:
  • First Installment: Disbursed shortly after admission verification.
  • Subsequent Installments: Depending on the scheme design, there may be quarterly or biannual payments, contingent upon academic performance or progress report.
• Renewal Conditions: To receive funding for subsequent years (if renewable), students must maintain the minimum required academic performance and compliance with scheme rules.

Selection Process

The selection of scholarship recipients for 2025‑26 will involve the following steps:

1. Application Screening: All submitted applications will be screened for completeness and basic eligibility (academic, financial, documentation).
2. Shortlisting: Eligible candidates are shortlisted based on merit and financial need.
3. Evaluation Committee: A Selection Committee (comprising academic experts, financial aid officers, and scheme administrators) evaluates the shortlisted applications.
4. Interview / Presentation (if applicable): Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview (in person or virtual) or submit a short essay / presentation on their academic goals, future plans, and how the scholarship will help them.
5. Final Merit List: Based on evaluation, a final list of awardees is prepared. A waiting list may also be maintained.
6. Notification: Selected students are notified via email or through the scholarship portal by a pre‑announced date.
7. Acceptance & Confirmation: Recipients must formally accept the scholarship and submit any pending documents to confirm their award.

Application Process

Here is a step‑by‑step process to apply for the scholarship scheme:

1. Announcement & Advertisement:
   • The scheme is publicly advertised through the official scholarship portal, educational institutions, and media with details and links to guidelines and application.
2. Online Registration:
   • Candidates register on the application portal using a valid email and create a secure login.
   • Fill in personal details: name, contact, address, academic background, family income, banking details, and course of study.
3. Upload Documents:
   • Upload scanned copies of all required documents: academic transcripts, admission proof, income certificate, identity proof, etc.
   • Fill in any essay or statement of purpose, if required.
4. Submit Application:
   • Carefully review all entries and ensure all mandatory fields are complete.
   • Submit the application before the scheme’s closing date / application deadline.
5. Verification:
   • After submission, applications are verified by the institute or via the scholarship portal.
   • Any mismatch or missing document may require correction.
6. Shortlisting & Interview (if required):
   • Shortlisted candidates are called for interview or required to submit additional materials (if the scheme mandates it).
   • Interview dates, mode (online/offline), and format will be communicated in advance.
7. Final Selection & Award:
   • Once final recipients are selected, award letters / confirmation letters are issued.
   • Recipients must accept the scholarship formally and complete any further formalities (signing of scholarship agreement, bond, etc., if required).
8. Disbursement:
   • After acceptance and verification of documents, the first installment is disbursed to the student’s bank account.
   • Subsequent installments will be processed per schedule and upon fulfillment of scheme conditions (like minimum grades).
9. Monitoring & Reporting:
   • Scholars may be required to submit periodic academic progress reports or renewal applications.
   • Performance review is carried out to ensure continued eligibility for further disbursement.

Terms & Conditions / Mandatory Clauses

• Scholarship recipients must use awarded funds strictly for academic purposes (tuition, living costs, books).
• If the recipient discontinues their studies or leaves the institution, the scholarship may be terminated, and future payments halted.
• Students must maintain minimum academic performance (GPA or percentage) to continue receiving funds (if renewal is allowed).
• Misrepresentation of documents (income proof, academic records, etc.) will lead to disqualification and may require repayment of awarded amounts.
• The scholarship provider reserves the right to amend or withdraw the scheme guidelines, communicate changes, or cancel the award in case of policy shifts or funding constraints.

Grievance Redressal / Contact Points

• A Grievance Redressal Committee will be established to handle appeals, complaints, or issues raised by applicants or beneficiaries.
• Contact information (email / helpline) will be provided on the scholarship portal for queries related to application, selection, disbursement, or renewal.
• All decisions by the Selection Committee are final, but applicants may submit appeals or clarifications through the prescribed grievance channel within a stated timeframe after results are announced.