Pre, Post-Matric Scholarship: MSJE simplifies access, drops domicile certificate requirement

In a major reform to simplify the application process, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) has removed the requirement of domicile certificate for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students to apply for pre-matric and post-matric scholarship schemes.

According to an official statement, the reform will benefit thousands of eligible students for pre and post matric scholarships, particularly those pursuing education in institutions outside their home states, by making easier access to scholarship benefits.

“Under the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for SCs and OBCs, nearly 1.2 crore students receive scholarship benefits annually. Until now, domicile certificate was an essential requirement under these schemes," the statement read.

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"The removal of this requirement is expected to make the application process more student-friendly by reducing documentation requirements, lowering compliance costs, and facilitating easier access to scholarship benefits,” it added.

Notably, in an attempt to improve transparency and efficiency, the centre has also launched SETU (Scholarship for Educational Transformation and Upliftment) on the UMANG app for scholarship-related services. The platform will be a single interface to the eligible students, institutional nodal officers, district nodal officers, and state officials to register, track, and validate other services.

“These initiatives are aligned with the Government’s broader objective of promoting inclusion, reducing procedural barriers, and ensuring effective delivery of welfare schemes. The Department remains committed to leveraging technology-driven reforms to enhance outreach and provide timely support to students,” it said.