The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has reported a significant increase in scholarship coverage and fund disbursement for Scheduled Caste (SC) students, with both Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarship schemes registering record numbers during the current financial year.
The Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry said the expansion reflects the success of technology-driven reforms, particularly the adoption of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, which has enhanced transparency, accountability and efficiency by ensuring scholarships are transferred directly into beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs and Others, the Centre released a record ₹562.36 crore during FY 2025-26, benefiting 26.79 lakh students through DBT. The amount represents the highest Central allocation under the scheme since the DBT system was introduced in 2022-23.
Similarly, under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, the government disbursed a record ₹6,208.08 crore during FY 2025-26, benefiting 47.53 lakh students. Officials said this marks the highest-ever Central release under the scheme since DBT was implemented in 2021-22.
Sharp Rise in Beneficiary Numbers
The Ministry also reported a substantial surge in student enrollment under both scholarship programmes during the first two months of the current financial year.
Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, the number of beneficiaries increased from 2.36 lakh students between April 1 and May 31, 2025, to 5.75 lakh students during the corresponding period in 2026. This represents a remarkable 143.64 per cent growth year-on-year.
The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme also recorded strong growth, with beneficiaries rising from 10.27 lakh students during April-May 2025 to 16.63 lakh students during the same period in 2026, reflecting an increase of 61.92 per cent.
Impact of Direct Benefit Transfer
According to DoSJE, the DBT framework has played a crucial role in streamlining scholarship delivery by eliminating intermediaries and ensuring that financial assistance reaches eligible students directly and promptly.
The Ministry noted that the sustained rise in scholarship coverage and fund disbursement demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Scheduled Caste students and reducing barriers to education for disadvantaged communities.
Focus on Inclusive Growth
The Ministry said the achievements underscore its broader objective of promoting inclusive growth through accessible and transparent welfare programmes. By strengthening scholarship delivery systems and widening beneficiary coverage, the government aims to support educational advancement among SC students and improve their access to higher education opportunities.
DoSJE reiterated its commitment to further strengthening social justice initiatives and ensuring that students from marginalized communities continue to receive timely financial support for their education.
