You just cleared your Class 10 board exam. Now comes the big question: how do you pay for Class 11 and 12?
Tuition fees, books, transport, uniform, coaching — the costs add up fast. For many SC and ST families, this is the moment students drop out.
But here is the truth: the Indian government has multiple scholarships specifically for SC and ST students who have passed Class 10. Some are merit-based. Some are income-based. Some are state-specific. All of them go directly to your bank account.
This article lists the Top scholarship for 10th pass sc st studentsyou can apply for right now after passing Class 10 as an SC or ST student — with verified eligibility, exact amounts, last dates, and application links.
1. Why Class 10 Pass Is a Critical Scholarship Moment
The transition from Class 10 to Class 11 is one of the highest dropout points in Indian education — especially for SC and ST students. After Class 10, post-matric scholarships become available. This means you become eligible for the government’s most generous scholarship schemes the moment you pass your board exam.
After tenth grade, scholarships assist low-income families in providing their children with the literacy they are entitled to. Do not waste this moment. Apply for every scheme you qualify for.
2. Top 10 Scholarships for 10th Pass SC ST Students
🔵 Scholarship 1 — GOI Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students
The most important scholarship on this list.
Under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, students whose parents’ or guardians’ annual income doesn’t exceed ₹2,50,000 are eligible for a full scholarship that includes a maintenance allowance and Compulsory Fee.
- Who: SC and Neo-Buddhist students studying in Class 11 or above
- Income Limit: Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Amount: ₹230–₹380/month maintenance + full tuition fee (professional courses)
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
- Last Date 2026: Expected November 2026 — check NSP portal
🔵 Scholarship 2 — GOI Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students
Identical in structure to the SC scheme, but managed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs specifically for ST students.
- Who: Scheduled Tribe students studying in Class 11 or above
- Income Limit: Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Amount: ₹230–₹380/month + tuition fee reimbursement
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
- Last Date 2026: Expected November 2026
🔵 Scholarship 3 — Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) — Ministry of Education
The rate of scholarship is ₹12,000 per annum at the graduation level for the first three years of College and University courses and ₹20,000 per annum at the post-graduation level. A maximum of 82,000 fresh scholarships per annum are provided. 50% of the scholarships are earmarked for girls.
This scheme is merit-based and open to all categories, including SC/ST.
- Who: Students who scored in the top 20 percentile in their Class 12 Board exam (based on Class 10 performance for Class 11 entry — check portal)
- Income Limit: Family income ≤ ₹8 lakh/year
- Amount: ₹12,000/year (UG), ₹20,000/year (PG)
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
- Note: SC/ST students get reservation benefit under this scheme
🔵 Scholarship 4 — PM YASASVI Pre-Matric / Post-Matric for OBC/EBC/DNT
If you belong to OBC, EBC, or DNT — PM YASASVI is your main scholarship after Class 10.
- Who: OBC, EBC, DNT students in Class 11 or above
- Income Limit: Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Amount: ₹6,000–₹7,000/year (Class 11-12), ₹10,000–₹15,000/year (UG and above)
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
- Last Date 2026: Expected October–November 2026
🔵 Scholarship 5 — Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship (Maharashtra Only)
This is a bonus scholarship for SC students in Maharashtra who scored well in SSC (Class 10).
Under the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship, top meritorious SC students who secured 75% and above in the 10th class examination receive ₹300 per month for 10 months in both Class 11 and 12. There is no income limit for this scholarship.
- Who: SC students in Maharashtra with 75%+ marks in Class 10 SSC
- Income Limit: None — merit-based only
- Amount: ₹300/month × 10 months = ₹3,000/year for 2 years
- Apply at: mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
- Important: You receive this ON TOP of your GOI Post Matric Scholarship
🔵 Scholarship 6 — Prize Money Scholarship Karnataka (SC/ST SSLC Toppers)
The Prize Money Scholarship 2026 is a merit-based incentive scheme for SC/ST students in Karnataka who complete their SSLC (10th) in first class. It is a one-time cash award through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) to encourage them to pursue higher education.
- Who: SC/ST students in Karnataka who passed SSLC (Class 10) in First Class
- Income Limit: Check the SSP Karnataka portal for the current limit
- Amount: One-time cash prize — amount varies by rank
- Apply at: ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
- Last Date 2026: Last date to apply for Post-Matric Scholarship (MCM) under SSP Karnataka is 31/10/2026.
🔵 Scholarship 7 — UP Scholarship Post Matric for SC/ST (Class 11 Onwards)
The annual income of the family should be less than ₹2.5 lakh from all sources. Day scholars can receive ₹7,000 per annum under the UP Scholarship for SC/ST post-matric students.
- Who: SC/ST students domiciled in Uttar Pradesh, studying in Class 11 or above
- Income Limit: ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Amount: ₹7,000/year for day scholars + tuition fee reimbursement
- Apply at: scholarship.up.gov.in
- Last Date 2026: Check portal — typically October–November 2026
🔵 Scholarship 8 — NMMS (National Means Cum Merit Scholarship)
The NMMS is technically given in Class 8 — but students who won it continue receiving it through Class 9, 10, 11, and 12. If you won NMMS in Class 8, you must renew it after passing Class 10 to keep receiving it in Class 11 and 12.
- Who: NMMS awardees continuing education into Class 11
- Amount: ₹12,000/year (₹1,000/month)
- Apply for renewal at: scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
- Last Date 2026: Expected September–October 2026
🔵 Scholarship 9 — Vidyadhan Scholarship (Private — South India Focus)
The Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme has over 2,800 students across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Selected candidates receive a scholarship for 2 years from the Foundation, and continuation based on good results ensures a scholarship for the degree course as well.
- Who: Students from Class 11 onwards, economically disadvantaged — SC/ST students eligible
- Income Limit: Low-income families — check Vidyadhan.org
- Amount: ₹10,000–₹20,000/year
- Apply at: vidyadhan.org
- Note: Private scholarship — separate from government schemes
🔵 Scholarship 10 — CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child
Meritorious students who are their parents’ only child and have completed the CBSE Class 10th exam with 60% or above are eligible for the CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child. Monthly payments of ₹500 are provided for a maximum of two years.
- Who: Single girl child of CBSE-affiliated school students — SC/ST girls especially benefit
- Eligibility: 60%+ in CBSE Class 10, studying in Class 11 at a CBSE school
- Amount: ₹500/month for 2 years = ₹12,000 total
- Apply at: cbse.gov.in
- Last Date 2026: Check the CBSE official website
3. Quick Comparison Table — All 10 Scholarships
| # | Scholarship | Category | Income Limit | Amount/Year | Apply At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GOI Post Matric SC | SC / Neo-Buddhist | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹2,760–₹12,000+ tuition | scholarships.gov.in |
| 2 | GOI Post Matric ST | ST | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹2,760–₹12,000+ tuition | scholarships.gov.in |
| 3 | Central Sector Scholarship | All (incl SC/ST) | ₹8 lakh | ₹12,000–₹20,000 | scholarships.gov.in |
| 4 | PM YASASVI | OBC/EBC/DNT | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹6,000–₹15,000 | scholarships.gov.in |
| 5 | Rajarshi Merit (Maharashtra) | SC | No limit | ₹3,000 (bonus) | mahadbt.gov.in |
| 6 | Prize Money (Karnataka) | SC/ST | Check SSP | One-time cash | ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in |
| 7 | UP Post Matric SC/ST | SC/ST UP domicile | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹7,000+ tuition | scholarship.up.gov.in |
| 8 | NMMS Renewal | All — NMMS winners | No limit | ₹12,000 | scholarships.gov.in |
| 9 | Vidyadhan | All low-income | Low income | ₹10,000–₹20,000 | vidyadhan.org |
| 10 | CBSE Single Girl Child | SC/ST girls preferred | Merit-based | ₹12,000 total | cbse.gov.in |
4. Documents You Need for All These Scholarships
Keep all of these ready before you open any application form:
| Document | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity + OTP verification + DBT bank seeding |
| SC / ST Caste Certificate | Issued by Tehsildar/SDM — proves your category |
| Income Certificate | Current year — proves family income from all sources |
| Class 10 Marksheet | Shows your qualifying marks for all post-matric schemes |
| Domicile Certificate | Proves state residency for state scholarships |
| Bank Account Passbook | Aadhaar-seeded, in your name — for DBT transfer |
| School/College Enrollment Proof | Current Class 11 fee receipt or enrollment letter |
| Passport Photo | Recent, white background |
One document most students forget: Your bank account must be Aadhaar-seeded (Aadhaar linked to your bank account). If it is not linked, your scholarship money bounces back even after approval. Get this done at your bank branch before applying.
5. How to Apply — Three Simple Steps
Step 1 — Register on NSP: Go to scholarships.gov.in. Complete your OTR (One Time Registration) using your Aadhaar number. This gives you a 14-digit OTR ID that you use for every central scholarship. Takes 15 minutes.
Step 2 — Select Your Schemes: Login with your OTR ID. Use the “Scheme Eligibility” filter — enter your state, category (SC or ST), course level (Class 11), and income. The portal shows every scholarship you qualify for. Apply for all of them.
Step 3 — Follow Up With Your College: After submitting online, go to your school or college’s scholarship coordinator the same day and tell them your Application ID. Ask them to verify your application before the deadline. This is the step most students skip — and it is the reason most applications fail.
Applications for such scholarships may be submitted by students on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), state government website portals, or respective private organization website portals.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
What scholarships are available for 10th pass SC ST students?
After passing Class 10, SC students can apply for the GOI Post Matric Scholarship (₹2.5 lakh income limit, full tuition + maintenance), Central Sector Scholarship (₹8 lakh income limit, ₹12,000/year merit-based), NMMS renewal (₹12,000/year for existing winners), and state scholarships like Maharashtra’s MahaDBT, Karnataka’s SSP, and UP’s scholarship portal. ST students apply under the GOI Post Matric ST scheme through the same NSP portal.
How much scholarship can SC ST students get after passing Class 10?
The amount depends on the scheme and course. For Class 11-12 under the GOI Post Matric SC scheme — ₹230/month as a day scholar or ₹380/month as a hosteller, plus tuition fee. For the Central Sector Scholarship — ₹12,000/year. For professional courses like B.Tech or MBBS in higher classes — up to ₹1,000/month maintenance plus full tuition. Students who apply for multiple eligible schemes can receive benefits from more than one scheme simultaneously if the schemes allow it.
When is the last date to apply for SC ST scholarship after Class 10?
Last dates vary by scheme and state. Central government post-matric scholarships on NSP typically close in October–November each year for the current academic year. Karnataka’s SSP portal has a last date of 31 October 2026. Maharashtra’s MahaDBT typically accepts applications until March 31 of the academic year. Always verify the current live deadline on the official portal — scholarships.gov.in shows real-time open/closed status for each scheme.
Do SC ST students need to pass Class 10 with specific marks to get scholarships?
For most post-matric SC/ST government scholarships, you only need to have passed Class 10. There is no minimum percentage requirement for the GOI Post Matric Scholarship. However, merit-based schemes like the Central Sector Scholarship, Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship, and Maharashtra’s Rajarshi Merit Scholarship require 60%–75% marks. Check the specific scheme’s eligibility before applying.
Conclusion
Passing Class 10 is not the end of your journey. It is the beginning.
And right now, the government of India has scholarship money sitting on the NSP portal, in state portals across Maharashtra, Karnataka, UP, and dozens of other states — waiting for SC and ST students like you to claim it.
The primary objective of scholarships for 10th-grade students is to provide financial assistance to the students who are financially weak. The Indian government established the National Scholarship Scheme to assist those from underprivileged segments of society.
Your action plan — do all three today:
Step 1: Go to scholarships.gov.in and generate your OTR.
Step 2: Apply for Scholarship 1 or 2 (GOI Post Matric) — this is your most important application.
Step 3: Check your state’s portal for additional scholarships — Scholarship 5, 6, or 7, depending on your state.
Do not let money stop your education. Dr. Ambedkar built these rights into the Constitution so you would never have to.
Jai Bhim. 🙏
