Education has always been considered the strongest pathway for social and economic development. But for many students in Karnataka, especially those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), higher education can be financially overwhelming. To bridge this gap and encourage meritorious students, the Government of Karnataka launched a unique initiative known as the Prize Money Scholarship Scheme.
Unlike recurring scholarships, this scheme provides a one-time financial incentive ranging between ₹20,000 and ₹35,000 to eligible students who pass their examinations in the first attempt with first-class marks. It not only rewards hard work but also motivates young learners to pursue further education with confidence, while easing the financial strain on their families.
2. Key Features of the Scheme
- Scheme Name: Prize Money Scholarship (Merit-Based Incentive)
- Departments Involved:
- Social Welfare Department (for SC students)
- Tribal Welfare Department (for ST students)
- Application Mode: Online (via Seva Sindhu / Departmental portals) with offline college-level verification
- Payment Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
- Application Deadline: For 2025–26, dates will be announced soon
This initiative stands out because it is *not a monthly or annual scholarship, but a *one-time prize money grant awarded upon successful completion of a course with distinction.
3. Historical Background
- The scheme was initially started as a welfare program to encourage meritorious SC/ST students.
- In its early years, it was available only to degree students.
- Over time, its coverage was expanded to include PUC, diploma, postgraduate, and professional courses.
- The government has also revised and increased the incentive amounts over the years to match the rising cost of education.
- Today, it is one of the flagship programs under Karnataka’s strategy to improve SC/ST representation in higher education institutions.
4. Incentive Structure
The prize money varies according to the level of education completed:
| Course Level | Incentive Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| II PUC / Polytechnic Diploma | 20,000 |
| Undergraduate Degree (BA, BSc, BCom, etc.) | 25,000 |
| Postgraduate Degree (MA, MSc, etc.) | 30,000 |
| Professional Courses (BE, MBBS, BDS, etc.) | 35,000 |
5. Eligibility Conditions
To apply for the Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- Must belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST).
- Must have cleared the exam in the first attempt.
- Must have obtained first-class marks (60% or above).
- Should be studying in a recognized institution.
- Must hold a valid Aadhaar-linked bank account.
6. Who Cannot Apply?
The following students are not eligible for the scheme:
- Students who clear exams through supplementary or compartmental attempts.
- Students enrolled in unrecognized colleges/universities.
- Candidates who completed their degrees through distance or open universities (except KSOU).
- Students who have already availed the benefit for the same course level.
7. List of Required Documents
Applicants need to keep scanned copies of the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar card
- Recent passport-size photograph (within 100 KB)
- Marksheets (SSLC, PUC, Diploma, Degree, PG, etc.)
- Caste certificate (SC/ST)
- Karnataka domicile certificate
- Bank passbook (with Aadhaar seeding)
- Income certificate (if applicable)
8. Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit the Seva Sindhu portal or the official Social/Tribal Welfare Department portal.
- Click on “Prize Money Scholarship Application”.
Step 2: Aadhaar Verification
- Enter your Aadhaar number.
- Complete OTP-based authentication.
Step 3: Fill in Details
- Provide personal, educational, caste, and bank information.
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Attach scanned copies of all mandatory documents.
Step 5: Acknowledgment
- Download and save the acknowledgment slip.
Step 6: College Verification
- Get the acknowledgment slip certified by the principal of your institution.
Step 7: Submission
- Submit verified documents to the District Social/Tribal Welfare Office.
9. Verification & Approval
- District officers cross-check marksheets, caste certificates, and other details.
- Verified applications are forwarded to the state-level approval committee.
- Approved files are processed for disbursement under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
10. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Explained
The incentive amount is directly credited to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account. This ensures:
- Transparency: No middlemen or cash handling.
- Efficiency: Faster transfer of funds.
- Accountability: Students can track transactions easily.
11. How to Track Application Status
- Visit the official portal.
- Enter either Acknowledgment Number or Aadhaar Number.
- The system will display real-time status (Pending / Verified / Approved / Rejected / Credited).
12. Common Errors to Avoid
- Uploading unclear or oversized documents.
- Bank account not linked with Aadhaar.
- Entering incorrect IFSC codes.
- Submitting applications after the last date.
13. Role of Colleges
- Colleges must verify and certify applications.
- Institutions must ensure timely awareness among eligible students.
- Certified forms should be forwarded to the district office promptly.
14. Role of District Offices
- Conduct final verification of applications.
- Handle student queries and grievances.
- Monitor and confirm disbursements.
15. FAQs
Q1. Is there any income ceiling for this scheme?
👉 No. The scheme is purely merit-based.
Q2. Can I apply if I am studying outside Karnataka?
👉 No. Only students enrolled in Karnataka institutions are eligible, except KSOU learners.
Q3. How long does it take to receive the incentive?
👉 Usually 2–4 months after verification is completed.
16. Comparison with Other Karnataka Scholarships
- Vidyasiri Scholarship: Provides food and hostel allowances.
- Post-Matric Scholarship: Covers tuition and academic expenses.
- Minority Incentive Scheme: For communities like Muslims, Christians, Jains, etc.
- Prabuddha Scholarship: Assists students for higher studies abroad.
17. Student Stories
- Ramesh (Engineering Student): Received ₹35,000, used it to buy a laptop for coursework.
- Lakshmi (M.Sc. Student): With ₹30,000, she funded her project expenses.
- Anita (PUC Student): The ₹20,000 incentive reduced her parents’ burden and enabled her to pursue a B.Sc.
18. Impact of the Scheme
- Reduced dropout rates among SC/ST students.
- Increased representation in higher education.
- Built self-confidence among first-generation learners.
- Provided financial security at critical stages of education.
19. Challenges in Implementation
- Delays in approval due to workload at district offices.
- Lack of awareness in rural and remote regions.
- Technical glitches on the Seva Sindhu portal.
20. Future Plans by the Government
- Increase the prize money amount in the coming years.
- Extend coverage to merit-cum-means basis (not just merit alone).
- Enable auto-verification by linking with university databases.
21. Tips for Students
- Apply as soon as the portal opens to avoid last-minute issues.
- Keep digital copies of all documents ready.
- Ensure your bank account is active and Aadhaar-linked.
- Track application status regularly to avoid delays.
22. Conclusion
The Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship Scheme is one of the most impactful state-level initiatives aimed at empowering SC/ST students. By providing financial incentives ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹35,000, it not only rewards academic excellence but also creates a strong support system for families who might otherwise struggle to fund education.
This one-time incentive can make a huge difference—helping a student buy essential resources, pay for higher studies, or even reduce the risk of dropping out. Every eligible student in Karnataka should take advantage of this program to pursue their academic goals without financial worries.
