Punjab launches Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students for 2026-27

Punjab has opened applications for the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the 2026-27 academic session through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur announced on July 6.

The minister said the portal has been accepting applications since July 1 and urged all eligible SC students to apply within the prescribed timeline to receive financial assistance for higher education.

She said the Punjab government remains committed to ensuring that no deserving student is denied access to higher education because of financial constraints.

Under the schedule issued by the department, students can submit their scholarship applications until Nov 15. Applications requiring corrections can be modified until Nov 30.

Educational institutions have been directed to complete institute-level verification by November 30, while District, State, and Ministry Nodal Officers will carry out the final verification process by Dec 15.

Dr Baljit Kaur said the scholarship program reflects the state's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Scheduled Caste students and advancing social justice.

She said the initiative aligns with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision of building a "Rangla Punjab" by making quality education accessible to every deserving student, regardless of economic background.

The minister said the state government is also working to create better employment opportunities within Punjab so that educated youth can pursue successful careers without leaving the state.

According to Dr Baljit Kaur, scholarship programs, along with transparent and merit-based recruitment, will help ease the financial burden on economically weaker families while also discouraging brain drain.

To maximize participation, she directed District Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Officers to organize awareness and facilitation camps in villages, urban areas, and remote regions to inform eligible students about the scheme and assist them with the application process.

She also instructed the Departments of Higher Education, Medical Education and Research, Technical Education and Industrial Training, School Education, and Animal Husbandry, along with affiliated educational institutions, to actively support eligible students in submitting their applications before the deadline.

The minister reiterated that the Punjab government will continue extending all possible assistance to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent deserving students from pursuing higher education.