The Karnataka Government, through the Social Welfare Department, offers a special financial reward to encourage academic excellence among students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Under this scheme, SC/ST students who score more than 60% marks in their Second PUC (Pre-University Course) examination are eligible to receive a prize money of ₹20,000.
This initiative aims to motivate students to pursue higher education and reduce financial burdens for underprivileged communities. Here’s everything you need to know about this scheme.
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Who is Eligible?
The student must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
The student must have completed their 2nd PUC under a recognized board in Karnataka.
A minimum of 60% aggregate marks is mandatory.
The student should be a resident of Karnataka.
The student must have passed the 2nd PUC exam in the current academic year (for example, passed in 2025 for this year’s application).
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Required Documents
While applying for the ₹20,000 prize money, students need to upload or submit the following important documents:
1. Aadhaar Card – Proof of identity and residency.
2. Caste Certificate – To confirm SC/ST category, issued by a competent authority.
3. Income Certificate – To verify family income status.
4. SSLC Marks Card – 10th-grade mark sheet as an educational background proof.
5. 2nd PUC Marks Card – The latest mark sheet showing your final scores.
6. Bank Passbook Copy – Must include correct account number and IFSC code. Prize money will be directly credited to this bank account.
7. Passport Size Photograph – Recent and clear photograph (under 100 KB if submitting online).
8. Domicile (Residence) Certificate – Proof that the student is a resident of Karnataka.
Optional (only if applicable):
Disability Certificate – For physically challenged students.
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How to Apply?
The entire application process is online to ensure transparency and ease of access:
1. Visit the official website:
swdservices.karnataka.gov.in
2. Register yourself using your Aadhaar number and basic details.
3. Upload the required documents carefully. Make sure scanned copies are clear and meet the size limits.
4. Fill in your bank account details correctly. (Mistakes here can delay the payment.)
5. Submit the application before the last date. (Usually, it is March 31st of the respective year.)
6. After submission, keep the acknowledgment number safe for tracking your application status.
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Important Points to Note
Bank Account must be active and in the student’s name.
Only one application per student is allowed.
The details in Aadhaar must match with the PUC records.
Incorrect or fake documents will result in rejection and could lead to legal action.
Students are advised to apply early and not wait until the last date to avoid server issues or last-minute mistakes.
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Why is this Scheme Important?
Higher education can be expensive, especially for families from economically weaker sections. By offering ₹20,000 to meritorious SC/ST students, the Karnataka government:
Encourages students to perform better academically.
Helps them continue their education without financial stress.
Supports the vision of education for all and equal opportunity.
For many students, this amount acts as a stepping stone to enroll in higher degree programs like B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., BCA, or even professional courses.
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Conclusion
The ₹20,000 prize money scheme for SC/ST students after 2nd PUC is a wonderful initiative by the Karnataka Government. It recognizes hard work, supports higher education dreams, and uplifts marginalized communities. Eligible students should not miss this golden opportunity.
If you have scored more than 60% in your Second PUC and belong to SC or ST categories, gather your documents, fill out the application properly, and claim your well-deserved reward!
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