Education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and helping them build a stable and dignified future. However, for many students with disabilities (SwDs), continuing education beyond school often becomes difficult due to financial, physical, and social barriers. To address these challenges, the Government of India introduced the Post Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities.
This scholarship program is implemented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme aims to provide financial support to students with disabilities who wish to pursue higher education after completing Class 10.
Through this initiative, eligible students can receive maintenance allowances, disability allowances, and book grants, ensuring they can continue their education without financial stress. The scheme supports students studying in Class 11, Class 12, diploma programs, undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate courses in recognized institutions across India.
This detailed guide explains everything about the Post Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application steps, required documents, and important rules.
Overview of the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme
The Post Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities is designed to support students who have disabilities and want to pursue higher education after completing secondary schooling.
The scholarship is applicable for students enrolled in UGC or AICTE recognized universities, colleges, and educational institutions. It covers multiple academic levels, including higher secondary education, diploma programs, graduation, and postgraduate studies.
The primary goal of the scheme is to ensure that students with disabilities receive equal educational opportunities and financial assistance to pursue their academic dreams.
Students with disabilities often face barriers such as:
- Limited access to educational infrastructure
- High educational expenses
- Lack of learning resources
- Social and psychological challenges
This scholarship aims to reduce these barriers by providing financial assistance and support services that help students continue their education and achieve career success.
Objective of the Scholarship
The main objectives of the Post Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities include:
Promoting Equal Education Opportunities
The scholarship encourages students with disabilities to pursue education beyond secondary school by reducing financial difficulties.
Supporting Higher Education
The scheme helps students enroll in professional courses, diploma programs, and higher education programs.
Financial Assistance for Education
It provides monthly maintenance allowances and other financial benefits that help cover essential educational expenses.
Encouraging Skill Development
The scholarship supports students in developing professional skills that help them secure employment and achieve independence.
Social Inclusion and Empowerment
By supporting higher education, the program promotes social inclusion and enables students with disabilities to participate actively in society.
Benefits of the Post Matric Scholarship
The scholarship offers multiple financial benefits that help students cover educational and living expenses.
Maintenance Allowance (Monthly)
The maintenance allowance depends on the course category and whether the student is a hosteller or day scholar.
Group 1 Courses
This category includes professional degree programs such as:
- Medicine
- Engineering and Technology
- Planning and Architecture
- Fashion Technology
- Management and Business Administration
- Finance Administration
- Computer Science and Applications
- Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
Allowance amount:
- Hostellers: ₹1600 per month
- Day Scholars: ₹750 per month
These programs usually require higher academic resources, which is why the allowance is higher.
Group 2 Courses
This category includes professional diploma or certificate programs such as:
- Pharmacy (B.Pharma)
- Law (LLB)
- Banking and Financial Services
- Paramedical programs
- Rehabilitation courses
- Diagnostics training
- Mass Communication
- Hotel Management and Catering
- Travel and Tourism
- Interior Decoration
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Commercial Arts
- Financial Services
Allowance amount:
- Hostellers: ₹1100 per month
- Day Scholars: ₹700 per month
These programs provide career-oriented education and professional training.
Group 3 Courses
This group includes general undergraduate degree courses that are not covered under Group 1 or Group 2.
Examples include:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts)
- BSc (Bachelor of Science)
- BCom (Bachelor of Commerce)
Allowance amount:
- Hostellers: ₹950 per month
- Day Scholars: ₹650 per month
These courses are widely pursued by students across India.
Group 4 Courses
This category includes post-matric non-degree courses where the minimum qualification is Class 10.
Examples include:
- Class 11 and Class 12
- Vocational courses
- ITI programs
- Polytechnic diploma courses
Allowance amount:
- Hostellers: ₹900 per month
- Day Scholars: ₹550 per month
These courses help students gain technical and vocational skills.
Disability Allowance
In addition to the maintenance allowance, students also receive annual disability allowances depending on the type of disability.
Allowance details:
- Visually Impaired: ₹4000 per year
- Hearing Impaired: ₹2000 per year
- Physically Disabled (Orthopedic): ₹2000 per year
- Intellectual Disabilities: ₹4000 per year
- Other Disabilities: ₹2000 per year
This allowance helps students purchase assistive devices, learning tools, and other resources necessary for education.
Book Allowance
The scholarship also includes a book allowance of ₹1500 per year.
This financial support helps students purchase:
- Textbooks
- Study materials
- Reference books
- Academic resources
Access to proper learning materials plays a crucial role in improving academic performance.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Post Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Student Status
The applicant must be a student currently enrolled in an eligible academic program.
Educational Qualification
The applicant must be pursuing post-matric education, which includes:
- Class 11 and Class 12
- Diploma programs
- Undergraduate degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
Disability Requirement
The applicant must have a disability of 40% or more, as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Eligible disabilities include:
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Speech impairment
- Locomotor disability
- Intellectual disability
- Mental illness
- Multiple disabilities
Family Income Limit
The total annual income of the applicant’s parents or guardians must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year.
Income from all sources is considered when calculating eligibility.
Scholarship Restriction
Applicants must not be receiving any other government scholarship or stipend.
Family Limit
The scholarship will not be awarded to more than two children from the same family.
Exclusion Rules
Certain situations make applicants ineligible for the scholarship.
Maximum Two Beneficiaries per Family
Only two students from the same family can receive the scholarship.
However, if the second child is a twin, both students may receive the scholarship.
Multiple Scholarships Not Allowed
Students who are already receiving another scholarship or stipend from the government cannot apply for this scheme.
False Information
If a student submits false documents or incorrect information:
- The scholarship amount will be recovered with 15% compound interest.
- The student will be blacklisted from future government schemes.
- Legal action may also be taken.
Repeating a Class
Students who repeat a class will not receive the scholarship for that academic year.
Application Process
Students can apply for the scholarship through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
The application process is completely online.
Step 1: Registration
Students must first register on the official scholarship portal.
Steps:
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal website.
- Click on New Registration.
- Read the guidelines carefully.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Click Continue.
Step 2: Fill Registration Form
A registration form will appear.
Applicants must provide the following details:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Email ID
- Mobile number
- Bank details
- Educational details
After submitting the form, students will receive:
- Application ID
- Login password
These details will also be sent via SMS.
Step 3: Login and Reset Password
After registration:
- Log in to the portal using your Application ID and password.
- Enter the captcha code.
- Submit the OTP received on your mobile number.
- Reset the password.
- Access the Applicant Dashboard.
Step 4: Complete Application Form
Students must fill the scholarship application form.
Steps:
- Click Application Form.
- Enter academic and personal details.
- Upload required documents.
- Click Save as Draft or Final Submit.
Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload the following documents while applying:
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of age
- Disability certificate under RPwD Act 2016
- Income certificate
- Tuition fee receipt
- Previous academic qualification certificate
- Bank account details of student or guardian
All documents must be uploaded in the required format and size.
Payment of Scholarship
The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
This ensures transparency and timely payment.
Students should ensure that their bank account details are accurate to avoid payment delays.
Tracking Application Status
Applicants can track their scholarship application status online.
Steps:
- Log in to the National Scholarship Portal.
- Open the Applicant Dashboard.
- Click Check Application Status.
Students will be able to see whether their application is:
- Submitted
- Under verification
- Approved
- Rejected
Importance of the Scholarship for Students With Disabilities
The Post Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities plays a vital role in promoting educational equality.
Many students with disabilities face economic hardships and accessibility challenges that make higher education difficult.
This scholarship helps them by providing:
- Financial stability
- Educational resources
- Academic opportunities
- Career development support
By supporting higher education, the scheme helps students become independent, skilled, and confident individuals.
Conclusion
The Post Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities is an important initiative by the Government of India to support students who wish to pursue higher education despite physical or mental challenges.
With benefits such as monthly allowances, disability support, book grants, and financial assistance, the scheme helps remove barriers that often prevent students with disabilities from continuing their studies.
By promoting inclusive education and equal opportunities, the scholarship empowers students to achieve their academic goals and build successful careers.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply through the National Scholarship Portal and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to pursue higher education without financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Post Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities?
The Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is a government scholarship scheme launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It provides financial assistance to students with at least 40% disability who are pursuing post-matric education such as Class 11, Class 12, diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses in recognized institutions in India.
2. Who is eligible for the Post Matric Scholarship for Disabled Students?
Students are eligible for the scholarship if they:
Have a minimum disability of 40% as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
Are pursuing Class 11, Class 12, diploma, graduation, or postgraduate courses
Have family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year
Are studying in UGC or AICTE recognized institutions
Are not receiving any other government scholarship
3. What is the income limit for the Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
The annual income of the applicant’s parents or guardians must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year from all sources to qualify for the Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.
4. How much scholarship amount do students receive under this scheme?
Students receive multiple financial benefits under this scholarship, including:
Maintenance Allowance: ₹550 to ₹1600 per month depending on the course and whether the student is a hosteller or day scholar
Disability Allowance: ₹2000 to ₹4000 per year depending on disability type
Book Allowance: ₹1500 per year
These benefits help students cover academic and living expenses.
5. Which courses are covered under the Post Matric Scholarship for Disabled Students?
he scholarship supports a wide range of courses including:
Class 11 and Class 12
ITI and Polytechnic Diploma Courses
Bachelor’s Degree Programs (BA, BSc, BCom, etc.)
Professional Courses (Engineering, Medicine, Law, Management)
Postgraduate Courses (Master’s Degree or Diploma)
All courses must be offered by recognized institutions in India.
6. Can a student apply for the scholarship if they are already receiving another scholarship?
No. A student cannot receive the Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities if they are already receiving another government scholarship or stipend. Only one scholarship benefit can be availed at a time.
7. How can I apply for the Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
Students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) by following these steps:
Visit the National Scholarship Portal.
Click on New Registration.
Fill in the registration details.
Log in using the Application ID and password.
Complete the application form and upload required documents.
Submit the application online.
8. What documents are required to apply for the Post Matric Scholarship?
Applicants must upload the following documents during the application process:
Passport-size photograph
Disability certificate (as per RPwD Act 2016)
Income certificate of parents or guardians
Previous academic qualification certificate
Tuition fee receipt
Proof of age
Bank account details of student or guardian
9. How is the scholarship amount paid to students?
The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This ensures transparency and timely payment without intermediaries.
10. Can more than two students from the same family receive this scholarship?
No. The scholarship is limited to two students per family. However, if the second child is a twin, both children may be eligible to receive the scholarship.