The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE), Government of India, has recorded substantial growth in the coverage and delivery of scholarship benefits to eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) students under its
Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes during the current financial year.

Following the introduction of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students in 2021–22 and the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs & Others in 2022–23, there has been a steady increase in Central assistance and beneficiary coverage. The DBT framework has strengthened transparency, accountability, and efficiency in scholarship disbursement by ensuring direct transfer of funds into beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts.

Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs & Others, Central share of ₹562.36 crore was released during FY 2025–26, benefiting 26.79 lakh students through DBT. This represents the highest Central release under the scheme since the introduction of DBT in 2022–23.

Similarly, under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, Central share of ₹6,208.08 crore was disbursed during FY 2025–26, benefiting 47.53 lakh students through DBT. This marks the highest-ever Central release under the scheme since the adoption of DBT in 2021–22.

The current financial year has also witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of beneficiaries. Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs & Others, the number of beneficiaries has increased from 2.36 lakh during the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 May 2025 to 5.75 lakh during the corresponding period from 1 April 2026 to 31 May 2026, registering an impressive growth of 143.64 percent.

Likewise, under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, the number of beneficiaries increased from 10.27 lakh during the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 May 2025 to 16.63 lakh during the corresponding period from 1 April 2026 to 31 May 2026, reflecting a substantial growth of 61.92 percent over the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

The substantial increase in scholarship coverage and fund disbursement underscores the Department’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Scheduled Caste students and ensuring timely delivery of benefits. These achievements reflect the success of technology-driven reforms and the Government’s continued efforts to promote inclusive growth through accessible and transparent welfare mechanisms.

The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment remains committed to strengthening social justice initiatives and empowering students from disadvantaged communities through effective implementation of scholarship programmes.

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SM/AJ