UGC PG Scholarship for SC/ST Candidates 2026: Up to ₹7,800 Monthly Stipend & Eligibility

At a glance

About the scheme

The Post-Graduate Scholarships for Professional Courses for SC/ST Candidates is implemented by the University Grants Commission under the Ministry of Education to assist disadvantaged students in pursuing advanced education. It provides monthly financial support to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe scholars who secure admission to regular postgraduate professional programmes such as Engineering, Technology, Management, and Pharmacy. Grants are disbursed directly through DBT for the actual duration of the course, helping young scholars complete their higher studies without financial strain.

Benefits

• Scholarship of ₹7,800 per month for candidates selected under M.E. or M.Tech programmes.
• Scholarship of ₹4,500 per month for students pursuing other eligible professional post-graduate courses.
• Financial support provided for the entire duration of 2 or 3 years based on the standard tenure of the post-graduate course.
• Scholarship amount is payable from the date of joining the first year of the post-graduate course.
• Direct payment into student bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and PFMS.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
• Must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
• Must have secured regular, full-time admission into the first year of a professional postgraduate course in the current academic year.
• Studying in universities or colleges included under Section 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, eligible deemed universities, government-funded institutions, or Institutes of National Importance.
• Enrolled in professional programmes approved by statutory regulatory councils such as AICTE, MCI, DCI, PCI, BCI, ICAR, INC, RCI, or NCTE.

Who cannot apply

• General category and OBC candidates are not eligible to apply.
• Students pursuing post-graduate courses via correspondence or distance education mode cannot apply.
• Students enrolled in non-professional courses such as M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MSW, and Mass Communication and Journalism are excluded.
• Students in their second year or extended years of post-graduate study are not eligible to apply as fresh candidates.

Documents required

• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size Photograph
• Proof of age
• Mark Sheets, Grade Cards, and Degree Certificates
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Any other document, as required

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after the UGC issues the annual notification.
2. 2Go to the Applicant Corner section on the homepage and click on New Registration.
3. 3Enter the mandatory personal and academic details and click on the Register button.
4. 4Authenticate your mobile number using the One Time Password (OTP) received.
5. 5Log in using your verified credentials and fill in the complete scholarship application form.
6. 6Submit the application online and download the generated Application ID and password for tracking.
7. 7Ensure your host institution verifies your submitted application on the portal.

Frequently asked questions