Karnataka ST Prize Money Scholarship 2025-26: Apply Online, Eligibility, Benefits & Full Details

 

Karnataka ST Prize Money Scholarship 2026: Apply Online, Eligibility, Benefits & Full Details

The Karnataka ST Prize Money Scholarship 2025-26 is an outstanding initiative by the Tribal Welfare Department (and Social Welfare Department) of Karnataka to support and reward the higher education of meritorious students coming from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. This scholarship is designed to provide financial incentives to students who have successfully cleared their board or degree examinations in their first attempt with first-class marks, encouraging them to focus fully on achieving their academic dreams. Full details are given below.

1. Overview of Karnataka ST Prize Money Scholarship

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	Karnataka ST Prize Money Scholarship 2025-26
Provided By	Tribal Welfare Department / Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Karnataka
Beneficiaries	ST Students of SSLC, PUC, Degree, PG, Engineering, Medical & Professional Courses
Maximum Amount	Up to ₹35,000
Application Mode	100% Online
Official Portal	twd.karnataka.gov.in / sw.kar.nic.in

2. Important Dates

Event	Date
Application Start Date	Already Started
Last Date to Apply Online	10 / 03 /2026 may be extends

3. Category-wise Eligibility & Benefits

1. Professional Courses (Engineering / Medical, etc.)

• Eligibility: ST students enrolled in or having passed professional graduation/post-graduation courses (e.g., Medicine, Engineering). Must have passed the examination in the first attempt and secured first-class marks.
• Benefits: A direct cash incentive of ₹35,000.

2. Post Graduation (PG) Courses

• Eligibility: ST students who have passed their Post-Graduation degrees in the first attempt with first-class marks.
• Benefits: A direct cash incentive of ₹30,000.

3. General Graduation (Degree) / Diploma

• Eligibility: Students who have successfully passed their undergraduate degrees (B.Com, B.Sc, B.A, etc.) or Diploma courses in the first attempt with first-class marks.
• Benefits: A direct cash incentive of ₹25,000.

4. PUC Students

• Eligibility: Students studying or having passed PUC (12th) from a recognized board in Karnataka. Must have passed in the first attempt with first-class marks.
• Benefits: A direct cash incentive of ₹20,000.

5. SSLC Students

• Eligibility: Students who have passed their SSLC (10th) from the Karnataka state board in the first attempt with first-class marks.
• Benefits: A direct cash incentive of ₹7,000.

Key Points to Remember (Exclusions)

·       Category Limitation: Strictly only for students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category of Karnataka.

·       First Attempt Rule: Candidates who have passed their exams in multiple attempts or through supplementary exams are not eligible.

·       First Class Mandatory: The student must have scored first-class or above marks to claim the prize money.

4. Who can apply? (States)

The scholarship is restricted to permanent residents of Karnataka. It is open to all Karnataka ST students who meet the strict academic attempt and category criteria.

5. Gender Eligibility

The scholarship is open to both girls and boys. Applications from all eligible ST students are accepted regardless of gender.

6. Documents Required

Before starting the application, ensure you have clear scanned copies of the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card: Must be seeded/linked with your Bank Account.
• Passport Size Photograph: Recent color photograph of the applicant.
• Caste & Income Certificate: Valid ST Caste Certificate and Income Certificate.
• Bank Passbook: Clear copy of the bank passbook front page (must be in the student's name).
• Marksheets: SSLC, PUC, Degree, or PG marks card proving first-class marks in the first attempt.

7. Selection Process

The selection process involves multiple stages to ensure the prize money reaches the deserving candidates:

• Initial Verification: Applications are filtered based on academic merit (first attempt and first class).
• Board/University Verification: The academic details are cross-verified directly with the respective state educational boards and universities.
• Document Verification: The district tribal welfare officers thoroughly verify the uploaded caste, income, and identity documents.
• Final Disbursement: The final approved amount is transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account.

8. How to Apply Online? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these exact steps to submit your application successfully:

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official Tribal Welfare Department website (twd.karnataka.gov.in) or Social Welfare Department portal.
2. Find the Scholarship: Click on the "ST Prize Money Application 2025-26" link.
3. Enter Basic Details: Enter your SSLC/PUC registration number, Aadhaar number, and other identifiers to fetch your initial data.
4. Fill Academic Details: Carefully enter your marks, passing year, university details, and declare that it was your first attempt.
5. Upload Documents: Upload all the required documents (Aadhaar, Caste/Income Certificate, Bank Passbook, Marksheets, and Photo) in the specified format.
6. Review: Check if all the entered details are 100% correct.
7. Submit: If everything looks good, click the 'Submit' button to complete your application. Save the confirmation message and take a printout for future reference!
8. After submition of online application, you have to submit the all uploaded documents copy, signed by your collage principal to the your taluku Tribal welfare office.

9. Important Links

Link Name	Click Here
Apply Online	[Click Here to Apply]
Official Website	[Visit Official Website]
Join Telegram	Join now

Watch this video to know online apply process in kannada :-  St prize money video Link  https://youtu.be/96ZsLtGGx-c

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for the Karnataka ST Prize Money Scholarship 2025-26?

Ans: The final deadline is determined by the Tribal Welfare Department and will be announced on their official portal shortly.

Q2. I passed my degree in the second attempt. Can I apply?

Ans: No, the primary condition for this prize money is that the student must pass the examination in their first attempt only.

Q3. Is there any application fee to apply?

Ans: No, the application process through the government portal is entirely free of cost. Do not pay anyone claiming to charge a fee for this form.

Q4. What is the prize money amount for Engineering and Medical students?

Ans: Professional course students like Engineering and MBBS are eligible for the maximum prize money of ₹35,000.

Q5. How will I receive the scholarship amount if selected?

Ans: The scholarship amount will be transferred directly to the student's Aadhaar-seeded verified bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

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