Scholarship for Karnataka Students 2026 – Complete List (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)

Scholarship for Karnataka Students 2026

1. Introduction – Importance of Scholarships for Karnataka Students in 2026

Education is one of the strongest tools for social and economic growth. In Karnataka, thousands of talented students come from financially weak backgrounds and depend on scholarships to continue their studies. Rising education costs, hostel fees, books, coaching expenses, and digital learning requirements make scholarships more important than ever in 2026.

The Karnataka Government, along with the Central Government, offers multiple pre-matric, post-matric, merit-based, income-based, and category-specific scholarships for students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and General categories. These scholarships aim to ensure that no deserving student drops out due to lack of money.

This detailed guide explains the complete list of scholarships for Karnataka students 2026, eligibility criteria, application process, documents required, scholarship amount, and practical tips to get approval successfully.

2. Overview of Karnataka Government Scholarship System

Karnataka has one of the most structured scholarship systems in India. Most state scholarships are managed through the SSP (State Scholarship Portal), while many central schemes are applied via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Key Features of Karnataka Scholarship System:

  • Online application and tracking

  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank accounts

  • Category-wise and department-wise schemes

  • Transparent verification by colleges and departments

  • Renewal facility for continuing students

The system mainly focuses on:

  • Social justice

  • Higher education access

  • Dropout reduction

  • Support for minority and backward communities


3. Complete List of Scholarships for Karnataka Students 2026

Below is a category-wise overview of major scholarships available in Karnataka.

SC Scholarships (Scheduled Caste)

SC scholarships are mainly handled by the Social Welfare Department.

Popular SC Scholarships 2026:

  • Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

  • Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

  • Fee Reimbursement Scheme

  • Vidyasiri Food & Accommodation Scheme (for eligible students)

  • Overseas Scholarship for SC Students (Higher Studies)

Key Benefits:

  • Tuition fee reimbursement

  • Maintenance allowance

  • Hostel and mess support


ST Scholarships (Scheduled Tribe)

ST scholarships are managed by the Tribal Welfare Department.

Major ST Scholarships:

  • Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students

  • Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students

  • Fee Reimbursement

  • Overseas Education Assistance for ST Students

Focus Areas:

  • Tribal students in remote areas

  • Higher education and professional courses


OBC Scholarships (Other Backward Classes)

These scholarships are handled by the Backward Classes Welfare Department.

Important OBC Scholarships:

  • Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students

  • Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students

  • Fee Concession Schemes

  • Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

Applicable For:

  • Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B students


Minority Scholarships (Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi)

Minority scholarships are managed by the Minority Welfare Department and Central Government.

Popular Minority Scholarships:

  • Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minority Students

  • Post-Matric Scholarship for Minority Students

  • Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

  • Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship (for girls)


4. Pre-Matric Scholarships (Class 1–10)

Pre-matric scholarships support students from Class 1 to Class 10.

Key Features:

  • For SC, ST, OBC, and Minority students

  • Income-based eligibility

  • Helps with school fees, books, and uniforms

Benefits:

  • Annual financial assistance

  • Encourages early education continuity

  • Reduces dropout rates


5. Post-Matric Scholarships (PUC, ITI, Diploma, UG, PG)

Post-matric scholarships are the most popular schemes in Karnataka.

Covered Courses:

  • PUC (Class 11–12)

  • ITI and Polytechnic

  • Diploma courses

  • Undergraduate (BA, BSc, BCom, BE, BTech)

  • Postgraduate (MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA)

  • Professional courses (Medical, Engineering, Law)

Benefits:

  • Full or partial fee reimbursement

  • Maintenance allowance

  • Hostel support (where applicable)


6. Merit-based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence.

Common Criteria:

  • Minimum percentage in previous exam (usually 60%+)

  • Regular attendance

  • Good academic record

Examples:

  • National Merit Scholarship

  • State Merit Scholarship

  • College-specific merit awards


7. Income-based Scholarships

Income-based scholarships support students from economically weaker sections.

Income Limits (Approximate):

  • SC/ST: Up to ₹2.5 lakh per year

  • OBC: ₹1–2.5 lakh per year

  • Minority: ₹2 lakh per year (varies by scheme)

Income certificate is a mandatory document.


8. Department-wise Scholarships

Social Welfare Department

  • SC Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships

  • Fee Reimbursement

  • Hostel Assistance

Tribal Welfare Department

  • ST Scholarships

  • Residential school support

  • Overseas education aid

Backward Classes Welfare Department

  • OBC Scholarships

  • Fee concession schemes

  • Merit-cum-means assistance

Minority Welfare Department

  • Minority scholarships

  • Coaching and skill development support

  • Hostel facilities


9. Central Government Scholarships Applicable in Karnataka

Some important central schemes include:

  • NSP Pre-Matric Scholarship

  • NSP Post-Matric Scholarship

  • Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

  • Top Class Education Scheme for SC/ST

  • AICTE and UGC Scholarships

These are applied through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).


10. Eligibility Criteria (Caste, Income, Education, Domicile)

Common Eligibility Conditions:

  • Student must be a permanent resident of Karnataka

  • Belong to eligible category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)

  • Enrolled in a recognized institution

  • Family income within prescribed limits

  • Aadhaar-linked bank account


11. Required Documents for Karnataka Scholarships 2026

Essential Documents:

  • Aadhaar Card

  • Caste Certificate

  • Income Certificate

  • Domicile/Residence Certificate

  • Previous year marks card

  • Fee receipt

  • Bank passbook

  • Passport-size photograph

  • College ID or admission letter


12. Step-by-Step Application Process

A. SSP Portal (State Scholarships)

  1. Visit SSP portal

  2. Register using Aadhaar

  3. Complete student profile

  4. Select eligible scholarship

  5. Upload documents

  6. Submit application

  7. Track status online

B. National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

  1. Register on NSP

  2. Login and fill application form

  3. Choose scholarship scheme

  4. Upload documents

  5. Final submission

  6. Verification by institution and department


13. Important Dates for Scholarship 2026

ActivityExpected Date
Application StartJuly–August 2026
Last Date to ApplyOctober–November 2026
VerificationNovember–December 2026
Scholarship PaymentJanuary–March 2027

Dates may vary by scheme.


14. Scholarship Amount / Benefits (with Table)

CategoryLevelAmount (Approx.)
SC/STPost-Matric₹20,000 – ₹40,000/year
OBCPost-Matric₹10,000 – ₹25,000/year
MinorityMerit-cum-Means₹20,000 – ₹30,000/year
Pre-MatricSchool Level₹1,000 – ₹5,000/year

15. Common Reasons for Scholarship Rejection

  • Incorrect documents

  • Income exceeding limit

  • Aadhaar not linked with bank

  • Mismatch in college details

  • Late submission

  • Not renewing on time


16. Renewal Process

Students must renew scholarships every year.

Renewal Steps:

  • Login to SSP/NSP

  • Select renewal option

  • Update academic details

  • Upload marks card

  • Submit application


17. FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but you can receive only one major scholarship at a time.

Q2. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Yes, for most scholarships.

Q3. Can private college students apply?
Yes, if the college is recognized.

Q4. What if income certificate expires?
You must upload a valid certificate.

Q5. Are scholarships taxable?
No, educational scholarships are tax-free.

Q6. Is hostel compulsory?
No, depends on the scheme.

Q7. Can first-year students apply?
Yes, after admission confirmation.

Q8. What is DBT?
Direct transfer of money to bank account.

Q9. Can I edit application after submission?
Only before final verification.

Q10. Where to check status?
On SSP or NSP portal dashboard.


18. Conclusion – Tips to Get Scholarship Successfully

Scholarships play a vital role in shaping the future of Karnataka students in 2026. With proper planning, accurate documents, and timely application, students can easily benefit from these schemes.

Final Tips:

  • Apply early

  • Double-check documents

  • Maintain good academic record

  • Renew on time

  • Track application status regularly

With the right guidance, no deserving student should miss out on education due to financial constraints. Contact to https://piersedu.com/contact-us/

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