Prize Money Scholarship for SC/ST Students in Karnataka
The Karnataka government has announced the “Prize Money Scheme” to support students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Under this initiative, students who have passed SSLC, PUC, Degree, or Postgraduate courses with high marks can receive financial assistance ranging from ₹7,500 to ₹50,000. The amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary goal is to encourage students from the SC/ST communities to pursue higher education without financial hurdles. By providing this incentive, the government aims to motivate students to achieve academic excellence and secure a better professional future.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
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Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
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Category: Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
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Academic Performance: Must have passed the respective course in the first attempt with at least 60% marks.
Scholarship Amounts
The prize money varies based on the level of education completed:
| Education Level | Criteria/Percentage | Prize Money |
| SSLC | 60% to 75% | ₹7,500 |
| SSLC | Above 75% | ₹15,000 |
| PUC & Diploma | Pass (First Class) | ₹20,000 |
| Degree (BA, BSc, BCom, etc.) | Pass (First Class) | ₹25,000 |
| Postgraduate (PG) | Pass (First Class) | ₹30,000 |
| Professional (Engg, Medical) | Pass (First Class) | ₹35,000 |
| University Rank Holders | Top Rank | ₹50,000 |
Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready before applying:
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Marks Card and Passing Certificate.
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Aadhaar Card.
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Bank Passbook (The account must be linked with Aadhaar).
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Recent passport-size photograph.
Apply Link
How to Apply
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Visit the official website of the Social Welfare Department.
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Navigate to the “Prize Money Scholarship” section.
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Fill in your personal details, educational information, and marks accurately.
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Upload the scanned copies of the required documents.
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Submit the application and keep a printed copy for future reference.
Important Note: While the article mentions a deadline of January 31, 2026, it is always best to check the official portal for any updated extensions or specific recruitment cycles to ensure you don’t miss out due to technical delays.