Punjab launches Post-Matric Scholarship portal for SC Students; Dr. Baljit Kaur orders village-level awareness drives
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 5, 2026:The Punjab Government has launched the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the 2026-27 academic session, with online applications being accepted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) from July 1, 2026.
Announcing the initiative, Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the scheme aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from pursuing higher education.
She urged all eligible SC students across the state to apply well before the deadline and take advantage of the financial assistance available under the scheme.
To ensure transparent and time-bound implementation, the department has issued a detailed schedule for the scholarship process. Student applications can be submitted until November 15, 2026, while corrections to defective applications and institutional verification must be completed by November 30. The final verification by designated nodal officers is scheduled to be completed by December 15, 2026.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the scholarship programme reflects the Punjab Government's commitment to promoting educational equity and social justice in line with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision of a "Rangla Punjab."
She said the government is focused on ensuring that every deserving student has equal access to quality education, irrespective of economic background, while also creating better employment opportunities within the state through transparent recruitment and merit-based appointments.
To maximise awareness and ensure no eligible student is left out, the Minister directed all District Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Officers to organise special awareness and facilitation camps in villages, urban areas and remote regions across Punjab.
She also instructed the Departments of Higher Education, Medical Education and Research, Technical Education and Industrial Training, School Education, and Animal Husbandry, along with all affiliated educational institutions, to actively assist eligible students in completing and submitting their scholarship applications within the prescribed timelines.
Reiterating the government's commitment to inclusive education, Dr. Baljit Kaur said, "Financial hardship should never become a barrier to education. Our government will continue extending every possible support so that every deserving student can realise their academic and professional aspirations."