The Department of Social Welfare and the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department have officially opened applications for the Prize Money Scholarship 2026. This initiative is designed to reward and encourage students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities who have demonstrated academic excellence by passing their professional or academic courses in the first attempt.
Below is a comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to know about the eligibility, prize amounts, and the application process for this year.
Prize Money Scholarship 2026: Empowering Academic Excellence
Education is the most powerful tool for social and economic mobility. Recognizing this, the Government of Karnataka offers a one-time prize money reward to students who successfully complete their degrees, diplomas, or postgraduate studies. Unlike regular scholarships that cover tuition fees, this “Prize Money” is a reward for merit and timely completion of courses.
1. Prize Money Amount Structure
The reward amount varies depending on the level of the course completed. The following table outlines the expected prize money for various categories:
- PUC (Pre-University College): ₹20,000
- Three-Year Diploma: ₹20,000
- Degree (BA, BSc, BCom, etc.): ₹25,000
- Post-Graduation (MA, MSc, MCom, etc.): ₹30,000
- Professional Courses (BE, B.Tech, etc.): ₹30,000
- Medicine (MBBS): ₹35,000
2. Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the prize money, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Caste Requirement: The applicant must belong to either the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
- First Attempt Rule: The most critical condition is that the student must have passed the final examination of the course in their first attempt. Students who have cleared subjects through supplementary exams are generally not eligible.
- Residency: The candidate must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- Education Board: The student should have completed their course in a recognized university or board within Karnataka.
3. Required Documents for Application
Before starting the online application, ensure you have scanned copies of the following:
- SSLC and PUC Marks Cards.
- All Semester Marks Cards of the completed degree/diploma/PG.
- Caste and Income Certificate (issued by the Tehsildar).
- Aadhar Card (must be seeded/linked with your bank account).
- Bank Account Passbook (NPCI mapping is mandatory).
- Passport-sized Photograph.
4. How to Apply Online
The application process is entirely digital to ensure transparency and speed.
- Visit the official Social Welfare Department portal: sw.kar.nic.in.
- Navigate to the “Prize Money” section on the homepage.
- Select your category (SC or ST).
- Enter your Registration Number/Roll Number as per your marks card.
- Fill in the personal details, academic information, and bank details.
- Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format.
- Submit the application and take a printout of the acknowledgment slip for future reference.
5. Important Deadlines
Students are advised to apply as soon as their final results are announced. While the portal usually remains open for several months, late applications are often subject to delays in processing. Check the official website regularly for the specific closing date for the 2026 cycle.
Direct Application Link
Eligible students can submit their applications through the official portal here:
Apply for Prize Money Scholarship 2026
