state to award post-secondary scholarships directly to students starting in 2026-27; instructions issued

The state government has decided to extend post-matriculation scholarships, including Tuition Fee Reimbursement (RTF) and Maintenance Fee (MTF), directly into the bank accounts of eligible students from the academic year 2026-27.

The move replaces the existing system under which scholarship amounts were transferred to educational institutions.

According to the regulations issued by the welfare ministry on June 6, the new mechanism aims to ensure uniform, effective and beneficiary-oriented implementation of scholarship schemes for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), minority communities and persons with disabilities.

As per the consolidated implementation guidelines, students must register on the ePass portal at the time of admission to be eligible for scholarship benefits.

Scholarships will be disbursed through a technology-enabled and fully auditable Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system using the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS). The scholarship amount will be credited to the student’s Aadhaar linked bank account after which the student will pay the appropriate fees to the institution.

The ePass portal will remain open for applications throughout the year. Scholarships will be released in one installment each academic year. The portal will also feature an online grievance redressal mechanism to address student concerns and grievances.

Published – 09 Jun 2026 23:50 IST