Punjab opens post-matric scholarship scheme applications for SC students

Punjab has opened applications for the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students for the 2026–27 academic session through the National Scholarship Portal. Eligible students can apply until November 15, with the government also launching awareness drives to boost participation and support higher education.

In Short

• Applications for Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students open from July 1
• Scholarship aims to support SC students and promote social justice in Punjab
• Government also focuses on employment to reduce youth migration and brain drain

Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur on Sunday announced that applications for the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the 2026-27 academic session are now open through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

The online application process began on July 1, and the minister urged all eligible SC students to submit their applications before the deadline to avail financial assistance for higher education. Reiterating the Punjab government's commitment to inclusive education, she said the scheme is intended to ensure that no deserving student is forced to give up higher studies because of financial hardship.

APPLICATION PROCESS

According to the schedule released by the department, students can submit their scholarship applications until November 15. Those whose applications contain errors will have until November 30 to make corrections.

Educational institutions have been directed to complete institute-level verification by November 30, while the final verification by District, State and Ministry Nodal Officers is scheduled to be completed by December 15.

Dr Baljit Kaur said the scholarship scheme reflects the Punjab government's continued efforts to expand access to higher education for Scheduled Caste students while strengthening social justice. She added that the initiative is in line with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision of building a "Rangla Punjab" by ensuring that every deserving student, irrespective of financial background, has access to quality education.

SCHOLARSHIP LINKED WITH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Highlighting the government's broader vision, the minister said Punjab is also focusing on creating better employment opportunities within the state so that educated youth can build successful careers without having to migrate elsewhere.

She noted that scholarship schemes, coupled with transparent and merit-based recruitment, would reduce the financial burden on economically weaker families while also helping address brain drain by encouraging talented students to remain in Punjab.

To ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach every eligible student, Dr Baljit Kaur directed District Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Officers to organise awareness and facilitation camps across villages, urban centres, and remote areas. These camps will inform students about the scholarship and help them complete the application process.

The minister also instructed the Departments of Higher Education, Medical Education and Research, Technical Education and Industrial Training, School Education, and Animal Husbandry, along with all affiliated educational institutions, to actively assist eligible students in submitting their applications within the prescribed timeline.

Reaffirming the Punjab government's commitment to educational equity, Dr Baljit Kaur said the state would continue extending every possible support to ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier to higher education for deserving students.

(With PTI inputs)

- Ends