The Karnataka government offers one of the most comprehensive scholarship ecosystems in India, covering students from pre-matric to PhD levels across all categories. Managed primarily through the State Scholarship Portal (SSP) at ssp.karnataka.gov.in, these scholarships are disbursed by nine different government departments. This guide covers every major scholarship available to Karnataka students, eligibility criteria, application process, and important deadlines for 2025-26.
The State Scholarship Portal (SSP) — Your Central Application Hub
The SSP Karnataka portal is the unified digital platform where students apply for and track most government scholarships. Launched by the Department of e-Governance, it brings together schemes from the Social Welfare Department, Backward Classes Welfare Department, Tribal Welfare Department, Minority Welfare Department, and others.
Two separate portals exist:
- Pre-matric scholarships: ssp.karnataka.gov.in
- Post-matric scholarships: ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
How to apply (for both portals):
- Visit the relevant SSP portal
- Click "Create Account" and register with your details
- Complete your student profile (college name, university, course details)
- Upload required documents
- Download the Aadhaar Consent form
- Visit your college's e-Attestation officer with original documents for verification
- Once e-attested, your application is submitted for processing
Critical requirement: Your bank account must be Aadhaar-seeded and NPCI-mapped for direct benefit transfer of scholarship funds.
Scholarships by Category
SC/ST Students
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST (Social Welfare Department)
This is the primary scholarship for SC/ST students pursuing post-matric education in Karnataka. It covers tuition fee reimbursement and maintenance allowance. The scholarship amount is paid directly to the student's bank account based on the fee structure of their institution. Students must be domiciles of Karnataka and pursuing recognized courses.
Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST Students
For SC/ST students wanting to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD studies abroad. Administered by the Social Welfare Department, this scholarship provides substantial financial support for international education.
Prize Money Scholarship for SC/ST Students
Provides approximately Rs 35,000 to meritorious SC/ST students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Covers tuition fees, hostel expenses, books, and stationery.
OBC/Backward Classes Students
Vidyasiri Scholarship (Backward Classes Welfare Department)
One of Karnataka's most important OBC scholarships. Provides Rs 15,000 per annum as a stipend for food and accommodation to OBC students who are not staying in government hostels and whose college is at least 5 km from their residence. The amount is transferred directly to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account. Family income should be between Rs 1-2 lakhs per annum. Students must maintain 75% attendance.
Research Guidance PhD Fellowship for Backward Classes
For OBC students pursuing full-time PhD programs in fields including language, sociology, science, technology, agriculture, medical sciences, commerce, and management. Provides research guidance and financial support throughout the PhD duration.
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
Offers Rs 4,000 annually to eligible OBC students pursuing post-matric courses through the SSP portal.
Minority Community Students
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities
For students from Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Parsi communities studying in Classes 1 to 8. Applications for 2025-26 are accepted through the SSP portal from June to September. Students whose scholarships were approved for the previous year get automatic renewal.
Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities
For minority community students who have completed Class 10 and are pursuing higher education. Covers admission fee, tuition fee, and maintenance allowance. Managed by the Directorate of Minorities, Government of Karnataka.
Incentive for SSLC and 2nd PUC Students (Minorities)
Financial incentive for minority students who perform well in SSLC (Class 10) and 2nd PUC (Class 12) examinations. Aimed at encouraging academic achievement within minority communities.
National Overseas Scholarship for Minority Community
Provides up to Rs 20 lakhs for approximately 2 years for minority community students pursuing Master's, PhD, or post-doctoral degrees abroad. Applicants must be below 38 years of age and belong to a notified minority community.
Farmers' Children
CM Raita Vidya Nidhi Scholarship (Agriculture Department)
Specifically for children of registered farmers in Karnataka. Covers students pursuing both pre-matric and post-matric courses. The scholarship amount varies based on the course and category. Students must be children of farmers registered with the Karnataka Agriculture Department.
Differently Abled Students
Scholarship for Differently Abled Students
Managed by the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens. Provides financial assistance for education at various levels. Available through the SSP portal.
Merit-Based and General Scholarships
Karnataka Students Welfare Society (KSWS) Scholarship
Open to all genders and categories. Applicants must have completed PUC/+2 and be pursuing higher education in recognized institutions. Available for students from Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Application is through the KSWS Trust.
Siksha Abhiyan Scholarship (Modi Foundation)
For students from Class 8 to Class 12. Aimed at ensuring every youth gets access to education regardless of financial background.
Important Dates for 2025-26 Session
Post-Matric Scholarships:
- Department of Medical Education and AYUSH Department: Extended deadline — May 31, 2026
- Tribal Welfare Department: Extended deadline — April 20, 2026
- Backward Classes Welfare Department (PUC and General Degree): Applications closed
- All other post-matric courses: Extended till January 31, 2026
Pre-Matric Scholarships (Minorities): Application window June to September 2025
Documents Required for SSP Scholarship Applications
- Aadhaar card (Aadhaar-seeded bank account mandatory)
- Caste/Community certificate
- Income certificate
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- College admission letter/ID card
- Bank passbook (first page with account details)
- Passport-size photograph
- Fee receipt from college
- Domicile/Residence proof
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not linking Aadhaar to bank account: The most common reason for scholarship payment failure. Ensure your bank account is Aadhaar-seeded and NPCI-mapped before applying.
Missing the e-Attestation step: After uploading documents online, you must physically visit your college's e-Attestation officer with original documents. Many students complete the online form but skip this step, leaving their application incomplete.
Applying on the wrong portal: Pre-matric and post-matric scholarships have separate portals. Using the wrong one will result in application rejection.
Not maintaining attendance: Several scholarships (including Vidyasiri) require 75% minimum attendance. If your college reports attendance below this threshold, your scholarship may be revoked.
Applying for multiple government scholarships simultaneously: Most government scholarships have a clause that beneficiaries should not be receiving any other government scholarship. Check the specific terms of each scheme before applying to multiple scholarships.
How to Check Scholarship Status
Log into your SSP portal account (pre-matric or post-matric) and navigate to the application status section. The portal shows the current status of your application, including whether it has been approved, pending verification, or rejected. For queries, contact the SSP helpline provided on the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both SSP and National Scholarship Portal (NSP) scholarships?
Generally, you cannot receive two government scholarships simultaneously for the same course. However, it is advisable to check the specific terms of each scheme, as some allow concurrent funding from different sources.
I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?
Deadlines are periodically extended by the government. Check the official SSP portal for the latest deadline updates. Some departments extend deadlines multiple times during the academic year.
How long does it take to receive the scholarship amount?
After successful e-Attestation and approval, the scholarship amount is typically credited within 2-3 months. Delays may occur due to verification backlogs or bank account issues.
Are private college students eligible for SSP scholarships?
Yes. Students at both government and recognized private colleges can apply for SSP scholarships, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for their specific scheme.
Is there a scholarship specifically for PU college students?
Yes. Both pre-matric (for 1st PUC) and post-matric (for 2nd PUC) scholarships are available depending on your category. The Vidyasiri scholarship is specifically relevant for PUC students from OBC backgrounds.
