Verified Official Data If you are an SC or ST student in Karnataka, the Prize Money Scholarship is one of the best financial incentives offered by the state government. Based on the official Social Welfare Department (SWD) portal, this guide covers the exact prize amounts (ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹35,000), strict eligibility rules, and the step-by-step application process.
1. Official Prize Money Amounts for SC/ST Students
The Karnataka Social Welfare Department provides cash incentives to SC/ST students who pass their exams in the first attempt. The amount depends on the educational level and your percentage.
| Course / Exam Passed | Percentage Requirement | Prize Money Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SSLC (10th Standard) | 60% to 74.99% | ₹7,000 |
| SSLC (10th Standard) | 75% and above | ₹15,000 |
| II PUC / 3-Year Polytechnic Diploma | Must pass in First Attempt | ₹20,000 |
| Degree (Any Stream) | Must pass in First Attempt | ₹25,000 |
| Post-Graduate (M.A., M.Sc., etc.) | Must pass in First Attempt | ₹30,000 |
| Professional Courses (Engg, Med, Agri) | Must pass in First Attempt | ₹35,000 |
The Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship for SC/ST students pays between ₹7,000 and ₹35,000 depending on the course. SSLC students get ₹7,000 (for 60-74.99%) or ₹15,000 (for 75%+). Higher education students get up to ₹35,000 for professional courses. Applications are made at swdservices.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Strict Eligibility Rules (Read Carefully)
To get this scholarship, you must meet all the following conditions set by the Social Welfare Department:
- Category: Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- First Attempt Rule (Crucial): You must have passed the exam in the FIRST ATTEMPT. If you failed previously and are passing now as a repeater or supplementary candidate, you are NOT eligible.
- Recognized Institution: The school or college must be recognized by the Government of Karnataka and affiliated with the respective board/university.
- Income Limit: Family income should generally not exceed the limits prescribed by the department for SC/ST welfare schemes (usually ₹2.5 Lakhs for non-creamy layer benefits).
3. Required Documents & Aadhaar Seeding
Keep these documents ready as clear PDF or JPG scans (usually under 200 KB):
- SSLC / PUC / Degree Marks Card (proving you passed in the first attempt).
- Valid Caste Certificate (SC or ST) issued by the Tahsildar.
- Income Certificate (issued by the Tahsildar).
- Aadhaar Card (Student's own Aadhaar).
- Bank Passbook (Must be in the student's name).
- Study/Bonafide Certificate from the Head of the Institution.
- Recent Passport Size Photo.
The scholarship amount is transferred directly to your bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). For the transfer to work, your bank account must be seeded (linked) with your Aadhaar number in the bank's NPCI mapper. If your Aadhaar is not seeded, your application will be sanctioned but the money will bounce back to the government. Visit your bank branch and ask them to "Link Aadhaar for DBT/NPCI".
4. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
The application process is handled through the Social Welfare Department (SWD) Services Portal.
Go to https://swdservices.karnataka.gov.in/
- For SSLC Students: Click on "SSLC Prize Money" (or visit swdservices.karnataka.gov.in/sslcprizemoney/).
- For PUC / Degree / PG Students: Click on "Education Prize Money" (or visit swdservices.karnataka.gov.in/swprizemoney/).
If you have previously registered on the SWD portal (for other scholarships like PMS), use your existing Student Login.
If you are new, look for the "New Registration" link. You will need your Aadhaar Number and a working Mobile Number for OTP verification.
Once logged in, select the "Prize Money" scheme from the dashboard.
Carefully enter your Exam Registration Number, passing year, and percentage as they appear on your marks card.
Upload the scanned copies of your marks card, caste certificate, income certificate, and photo.
Review all details. Once satisfied, click "Final Submit".
Important: Download and print the application acknowledgement form. You may need to submit this physical printout along with photocopies of documents to your college principal or the local Social Welfare Officer for verification.
5. How to Check DBT Payment Status
After submitting, you can track whether your money has been credited:
- Go back to the SWD Services Portal.
- Click on "Application Status" or "SSLC Application DBT Status".
- Select "Applicant No. wise" or "SSLC Reg No. wise".
- Enter your Application Number or Exam Registration Number.
- Status Meanings:
- Sanctioned: Approved, payment order generated.
- Aadhaar Not Seeded: Your bank account is not linked to Aadhaar. Fix it immediately at the bank.
- DBT Credited: Money is in your bank account.
6. Official Helpline & Support
If you face technical issues on the portal or payment delays, contact the Social Welfare Department directly:
- 24x7 Helpline No: 9482300400 or 080-22340956
- Official Email: helpswkar@gmail.com or swdcontrol@gmail.com
- Head Office Address:
Department of Social Welfare,
#233, Second Floor, Vikasa Souda,
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru - 560001
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is the Prize Money Scholarship only for SC/ST students?
Ans: Yes, this specific "Prize Money" scheme is exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in Karnataka. Other categories have different scholarship schemes (like PMS for OBC/Minorities).
Q2. I passed my PUC exam in my second attempt. Can I apply?
Ans: No. The official rules state that the student must pass the exam/course in the first attempt to be eligible for the prize money.
Q3. How long does it take for the money to reach my bank account?
Ans: It usually takes 3 to 6 months after the application window closes. The department verifies physical documents, generates a final sanction list, and then pushes the file to the PFMS (Public Financial Management System) for DBT transfer.
Q4. My application shows "Aadhaar Not Seeded". What should I do?
Ans: Visit your bank branch with your Aadhaar card and passbook. Ask them to link your Aadhaar to your account in the NPCI mapper. Once updated, inform the Taluk Social Welfare Office so they can retry the payment.
Q5. Do I need to submit a hard copy of the application?
Ans: Yes, in most cases. After online submission, you must take a printout of the application, sign it, and submit it along with photocopies of your marks card and certificates to your College Principal or the local Social Welfare Inspector for verification.
Final Word
The Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship is a fantastic reward for hard work. Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account before applying, and double-check that you meet the first-attempt rule. Bookmark the official portal swdservices.karnataka.gov.in for updates and apply as soon as the window opens.
Disclaimer: Information based on official Karnataka Social Welfare Department (SWD) portals. Always verify with the latest government circulars. This website is for informational purposes and is not a government entity.
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