New Delhi : The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting educational empowerment and social justice for Scheduled Caste (SC) students by significantly expanding financial assistance under its flagship scholarship programs. According to a written reply presented in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale, millions of students have benefited from the Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) Scheme and the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs and Others, with record levels of central funding and improved transparency through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament Shri Navaskani K, the Minister stated that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to implement both scholarship schemes to reduce financial barriers and ensure that deserving SC students can pursue education without interruption.
Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme Sees Record Growth
The Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) Scheme, which was revised in 2020-21, has witnessed a substantial increase in central funding over the past few years.
According to the Ministry, Central assistance under the scheme increased from ₹1,930.38 crore in 2021-22 to ₹6,186.96 crore in 2025-26, reflecting the government’s enhanced investment in higher education for Scheduled Caste students.
During 2024-25, a total of 4,804,208 (48.04 lakh) SC students received scholarships under the scheme, with the Central Government releasing ₹5,562.23 crore in financial assistance.
Officials noted that the scheme has consistently benefited nearly 4.8 million students annually, making it one of India’s largest scholarship initiatives aimed at supporting socially disadvantaged communities.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Supports More Than 2.67 Million Students
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs and Others, revised in 2021-22, has also continued to provide financial support to students at the school level.
According to the Minister, during 2025-26, the scheme benefited 2,679,049 (26.79 lakh) students. The Ministry stated that Central assistance was released during the financial year, although the exact amount was not specified in the written reply. Earlier figures indicate that ₹562.36 crore has been provided under the scheme.
The initiative aims to encourage school enrollment, reduce dropout rates, and improve educational access among students from Scheduled Caste communities.
Direct Benefit Transfer Improves Transparency
A key highlight of both scholarship programs is the implementation of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Under the DBT system, scholarship funds are transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring faster, transparent, and accountable disbursement of financial assistance.
The Ministry stated that the DBT framework has significantly improved the efficiency of scholarship delivery since its implementation, particularly under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme from 2022-23 onward.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Educational Inclusion
The Ministry emphasized that the government remains committed to expanding educational opportunities for Scheduled Caste students through increased scholarship funding, wider coverage, and technology-driven service delivery.
By strengthening financial assistance and ensuring timely benefit transfers, the government aims to promote inclusive education, equal opportunities, and social empowerment, enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue quality education without financial hardship.
The latest figures reflect the government’s continued focus on investing in education as a key instrument for achieving social equity, inclusive development, and long-term empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities across India.
