Education has become one of the most essential pillars for the overall development of students in Karnataka. Recognizing this growing need, the Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department (Hindu Dharmika & Dharmadaya Datti Ilakhe) under the Government of Karnataka has introduced a financial assistance scheme aimed at encouraging students to pursue higher studies without financial burden. For the academic year 2024–25, the department has invited applications from eligible students for its PUC to Postgraduate and Professional Course Scholarship Scheme.
This incentive-based scholarship offers financial grants ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on the course the student is currently pursuing. The main objective is to support the children of temple priests and employees working under notified religious institutions. This initiative helps ensure that deserving students receive adequate support to continue their education and improve their future prospects.
This article provides a complete 2000-word guide including detailed information about eligibility, benefits, scholarship amounts, required documents, and the application process.
Overview of Karnataka Scholarship Scheme 2024–25
The Karnataka Religious & Charitable Endowments Department plays a vital role in managing various Hindu temples, mathas, and religious charities across the state. Apart from its administrative responsibilities, the department also introduces welfare programs for temple staff, including educational scholarships for their children.
The PUC Scholarship Scheme and other course-specific incentives are part of the department’s educational empowerment initiative. Students studying from Pre-University Courses to Postgraduate programs, including professional courses like Engineering, Medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani, Dental sciences, Diploma, ITI, and even foreign education, are eligible to apply for financial assistance.
Last Date to Apply
31 December 2025
This extended deadline ensures that all eligible students have enough time to gather necessary documents and submit their applications to the concerned office.
Course-Wise Scholarship Amounts
The department has categorized the scholarship amounts according to the level and type of course. Below is a detailed breakdown:
1. Pre-University / PUC Scholarships
- Amount: ₹5,000
- Applicable for students who are currently pursuing PUC 1st or 2nd Year.
2. ITI / JOC / Diploma Courses
- Amount: ₹5,000
- Covers Industrial Training Institute courses, Job-Oriented Courses, and Diploma programs in various fields.
3. Undergraduate Courses (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Amount: ₹7,000
- Applicable for students pursuing BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, BCA, or other general degree programs.
4. Postgraduate Courses (Master’s Degree)
- Amount: ₹15,000
- Covers MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MBA, MCA, and other postgraduate programs.
5. AYUSH Medical Courses
(Ayurvedic, Homoeopathy, Unani)
- Amount: ₹25,000
6. Engineering Programs
- Amount: ₹25,000
- Includes BE, B.Tech, and related engineering streams.
7. Medical and Dental Education
- Amount: ₹50,000
- Applicable for MBBS, BDS, and other higher medical studies.
8. Foreign Education Support
- Amount: ₹1,00,000
- For students who are traveling abroad for higher studies, subject to departmental verification and eligibility.
These financial grants serve as a boost for economically weaker temple staff families who may struggle to support their children’s educational aspirations due to financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To ensure transparency and proper utilization of funds, the department has clearly outlined eligibility rules. Students must meet all the following conditions to submit an application:
1. Permanent Residency in Karnataka
The student applying for the scholarship must be a permanent resident of Karnataka. Documents such as domicile certificate, Aadhaar, or ration card may be required to prove residency.
2. Must Be Studying in the Current Academic Year
The applicant must be a regular student enrolled in the ongoing 2024–25 academic year in institutions recognized by the state government.
3. Parent Must Be an Employee of Notified Religious Institutions
This scholarship is exclusively offered to children of:
- Priests (Archakas)
- Temple employees
- Workers serving in institutions under the Religious & Charitable Endowments Department
Only applicants related to these government-notified institutions are eligible.
4. Course Must Match the Department’s Approved List
The scholarship amount is given only for the courses listed under the official scheme such as PUC, ITI, Diploma, Degree, PG, Engineering, Medical, Dental, AYUSH, and foreign education programs.
Meeting these eligibility criteria ensures that genuine beneficiaries receive financial support.
Documents Required for Scholarship Application
To apply for the 2024–25 Karnataka Religious Endowments Scholarship, students must submit photocopies of the following documents along with the application form:
- Student’s Aadhaar Card
Proof of identity and residency. - Parent’s Employment ID or Service Certificate
This document must establish that the parent is serving in a notified temple or religious institution. - Student’s Bank Passbook
A copy of the first page showing:- Account holder name
- Account number
- IFSC code
- Study Certificate
Issued by the educational institution where the student is currently enrolled. - Previous Year’s Marks Card / Report Card
Required to verify academic progress. - Caste and Income Certificate
Issued by the Karnataka Government. Necessary for confirming reservation category and income details. - Mobile Number
Active contact number for official communication and application status updates.
Students must ensure that all documents are attested and readable before submitting them to the authorities.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for the Religious Endowments Scholarship is conducted offline through government offices, making it accessible in both urban and rural areas.
Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the Designated Office
Eligible students must visit any one of the following offices before the last date:
- Office of the Commissioner, Religious Endowments Department
- District Collector’s (DC) Office of the respective district
- Taluk Tahsildar Office
Step 2: Collect the Application Form
Request the official Scholarship Application Form for the 2024–25 academic year. This form is available free of cost.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form Carefully
Enter all necessary details such as:
- Name of student
- Parent’s name
- Educational details
- Course name
- Bank account details
- Contact information
Ensure that all entries are accurate to avoid delays in processing.
Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents
Attach certified copies of all mandatory documents listed earlier. Missing documents may result in application rejection.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the completed form with attachments to:
- The Taluk Office, or
- The District Endowments Office
After submission, you may receive an acknowledgment slip for future reference.
Key Contact Information
For further assistance, students and parents can contact the department using the following:
- Office Phone Number: 080-26709689
- Official Website: (As provided by the department—link accessible on departmental portal)
Visiting your nearest taluk or district Religious Endowments office can provide additional clarity on the application process.
Why This Scholarship Scheme Matters
The Karnataka Religious Endowments Scholarship has gained significant appreciation among temple employees and priests. Many of them depend on modest incomes, making it difficult to support their children’s higher education. With growing competition and rising educational expenses, this scheme ensures that children from these families continue their studies without interruptions.
Major Benefits Include:
- Reduces financial burden on low-income families
- Encourages higher education, including professional and foreign studies
- Promotes equal educational opportunities for children of temple staff
- Improves academic participation and motivation among students
- Supports long-term career development
The scheme is part of the government’s commitment to uplift communities serving in religious institutions.
Important Tips for Applicants
To increase the chances of successful approval:
- Submit the application well before 31 December 2025
- Ensure all documents are attested by authorized officials
- Double-check bank account details
- Keep a copy of the application form for personal reference
- Track announcements at your district’s Endowment Office
These steps help avoid common mistakes such as missing documents or incorrect personal details.
Conclusion
The Karnataka PUC Scholarship and Higher Education Scholarship Scheme 2024–25 by the Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department is a significant opportunity for students from temple employee families. Offering financial assistance from ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000, the scheme ensures that deserving students receive adequate support across various stages of education—from PUC to professional courses and even foreign studies.
Eligible students are encouraged to make full use of this scheme by submitting their applications before the deadline. By helping families overcome financial challenges, the Karnataka Government continues its mission of empowering education and promoting socio-economic development.
