Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence 2026

This scholarship aims to support Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing postgraduate degrees in Read More... professional fields like engineering, management, and pharmacy in India. Read less

Details

Are you an SC or ST student looking to pursue higher education in professional courses? The Indian government offers a scholarship to help you achieve your academic dreams and build a successful career. This scheme is designed to give talented students from disadvantaged communities a chance to excel in fields like Engineering & Technology, Management, and Pharmacy.

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Post-Graduate Scholarships for Professional Courses for SC/ST Candidates' scheme provides financial assistance to SC and ST students. It helps them cover the costs of studying postgraduate professional courses at recognized Indian universities and institutions. The goal is to ensure that deserving students are not held back by financial barriers.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is specifically for students who belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories. They must have completed their graduation in a relevant subject and secured admission to a full-time, regular postgraduate course in a professional discipline at a recognized Indian institution.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By offering financial support, this scheme promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity in higher education. It empowers SC/ST students to pursue advanced studies in high-demand professional fields, thereby enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the nation's development. It aims to bridge the educational gap and create a more equitable society.

Objective

This scholarship aims to support Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing postgraduate degrees in professional fields like engineering, management, and pharmacy in India.

Benefits

Research fellowship of ₹60,000/- per year (in addition to the researcher’s own salary) will be provided subject to completion of a minimum of 90 days of research work per year in the host institution.
Research grant of ₹5 lakhs per annum (50% each to host and parent institution) and overheads (as per SERB norms) will be provided.

Sources and references

Scheme Details

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
Candidates must possess a graduate degree in the relevant subject and be admitted to a regular, full-time postgraduate course in any professional subject at a recognized University/Institution/College.
Only students who are in their first year of a postgraduate course during the current academic year are eligible to apply.
The educational institutions where students are pursuing their studies must be recognized under Section 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, or be Deemed Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or be funded by Central/State Governments, or be Institutes of National Importance.

Note: Professional courses include those requiring approval from regulatory bodies like the Medical Council of India (MCI), AICTE, Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Bar Council of India (BCI), etc. Degrees like M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MSW, Mass Communication, and Journalism are considered 'Non-professional courses' for this scheme.

Renewal and Cancellation

Scholarships are renewed for the next academic year provided the student maintains good conduct and meets attendance requirements.
An annual progress report from the University/Institution/College administration is needed for renewal.
Students who fail to get promoted to the next class will forfeit their scholarship.
Changing the course of study is not permitted.
Previous year's awardees should follow the UGC pattern of assistance via designated Canara Bank branches.
Scholarships can be cancelled if the student fails to pass the first year, discontinues studies without valid reasons, or provides false information during application.

How To Apply

Eligible candidates need to apply online through the National Scholarship Portal.
Advertisements for the scheme are published annually by the UGC in leading newspapers, Employment News, and on the UGC website.
Keep an eye on these platforms for application period announcements.

Official Application Link: National Scholarship Portal (via UGC website)

Documents Required

Aadhaar Card copy
Passport-size photograph
Proof of age
Mark sheets, grade cards, and degree certificates
Caste certificate (SC/ST)
Disability certificate (if applicable)
Any other document specified in the application form.

FAQ’s

Who can receive financial aid under this scholarship program?

This scheme is exclusively for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories. General and Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates are not eligible to apply.

Is there a limit to the number of scholarships awarded each year?

Yes, the scholarship is provided to 1000 SC/ST candidates annually.

Can I apply if I am pursuing my postgraduate studies through distance learning?

No, this scheme is only for students enrolled in regular, full-time postgraduate courses. Distance education or correspondence courses are not covered.

What are the postgraduate courses considered 'professional' for this scholarship?

Professional courses include those that require specific regulatory council approvals, such as Engineering, Technology, Management, Pharmacy, Medical, Dental, etc. Degrees like M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MSW, and Mass Communication & Journalism are considered 'non-professional'.

How is the scholarship amount disbursed and for how long is it tenable?

The scholarship is paid monthly, either ₹7800 for M.E./M.Tech or ₹4500 for other professional courses. The duration is typically for the first year of the postgraduate course, for two or three years depending on the course length.

What happens if I don't get promoted to the next academic year?

If a student fails to get promoted to the next class, they will unfortunately forfeit their scholarship.

Can I switch my course of study after receiving the scholarship?

No, changing your course of study once the scholarship is awarded is not permitted under the scheme.

When does the scholarship period start?

The scholarship is payable to the awardee starting from the date they join the first-year postgraduate course during the selection year.

Are students in their second year eligible to apply?

No, only students who are in the first year of their postgraduate course during the current academic year are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

How do I actually apply for this scholarship?

You need to apply online via the National Scholarship Portal. Keep an eye on advertisements from UGC, which are released annually in newspapers and on the UGC website for application dates.