Top Class Education for SC Students 2026: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

At a glance

About the scheme

Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Top Class Education for Scheduled Caste Students (TCE-SC) scheme supports meritorious Scheduled Caste candidates in pursuing quality higher education beyond senior secondary school. Once awarded, the scholarship covers the entire duration of the full-time course in recognized, notified institutions, subject to satisfactory academic performance. The scheme pays the tuition fee directly to the institution and provides living and educational support through Direct Benefit Transfer, while also earmarking 30% of total slots specifically for girl students.

Benefits

• Tuition fees and non-refundable institutional charges are paid directly to the notified institution.
• Scholarship payments are credited directly into the student's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Assistance continues throughout the complete duration of the enrolled course, subject to passing and satisfactory performance.
• A 30% quota of total scholarship slots is reserved for eligible girl students.
• Students who completed Class 10 from Central, State, or Municipal Government schools or Government-aided schools (except KVS) automatically qualify under the scheme criteria.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The applicant must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
• The applicant must be a student enrolled in a full-time course beyond Class 12 at one of the notified institutions.
• Total annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8.00 lakh.
• Not more than two siblings from the same family can avail of the benefits under this scheme.

Who cannot apply

• Applicants from families where two siblings are already availing benefits under the scheme.
• Candidates with an annual family income exceeding ₹8.00 lakh.
• Students who fail to get promoted to the next semester or academic year (scholarship is terminated).
• Students enrolled in part-time, distance, or non-notified courses.

Documents required

• Scheduled Caste (SC) certificate.
• Income certificate showing total annual family income up to ₹8 lakh.
• Proof of admission to a full-time course in a notified institution beyond Class 12.
• Class 10 mark sheet or passing certificate.
• Bonafide Student Certificate from the institute (mandatory if the institute is located outside the applicant's domicile State/UT).
• Bank account details seeded for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Scanned copies of required documents in PDF or JPEG format (maximum size 200 KB per document).

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
2. 2Register as a fresh applicant or log in with your existing credentials.
3. 3Search for and select the Top Class Education For Scheduled Caste Students (TCE-SC) scheme.
4. 4Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring all mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk are completed.
5. 5Upload the required certificates in PDF or JPEG format with a file size under 200 KB.
6. 6Save as draft if required, review the entered information, and submit the final form online free of cost.
7. 7Track your application status anytime via the 'Track Status' link in the Applicant Dashboard.

Frequently asked questions