Government Schemes for SC/ST Communities in India 2026

Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) together constitute approximately 26% of India''s population — representing 20 crore SCs and 10 crore STs as per Census 2011. Despite constitutional protections and reservation provisions, these communities continue to face socio-economic disparities and discrimination. The Government of India has established a comprehensive framework of welfare schemes specifically targeting the upliftment of SC and ST communities, supported by dedicated budget allocations under the SC Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan. In 2026, many of these schemes have been significantly enhanced.

Education Schemes for SC/ST Students

Pre-Matric Scholarship

Pre-matric scholarships for SC students cover Classes 9–10, while the ST pre-matric scholarship covers Classes 1–10. Benefits include maintenance allowances of ₹150–₹750 per month and additional grants for books and study materials. The income ceiling is ₹2.5 lakh per annum. These scholarships ensure that financial pressure does not cause children from SC/ST families to drop out during the critical secondary education stage.

Post-Matric Scholarship

Perhaps the most impactful education scheme for SC/ST students, the post-matric scholarship covers all courses from Class 11 upwards including undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and technical degrees. Benefits include:

• Full reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable fees charged by the institution
• Maintenance allowance ranging from ₹530 to ₹1,600 per month based on course level and hostel/day scholar status
• Book allowance, study tour expenses, and thesis typing charges for research scholars

The scheme is funded 60:40 by the Central and State governments, with 100% central funding for students studying outside their home state. There is no cap on the number of scholarships — every eligible student who applies receives the benefit.

National Fellowships for SC/ST Students

The National Fellowship for SC and ST students supports them in pursuing higher education at M.Phil and Ph.D. levels. 2,000 slots are available for SC and 1,000 for ST students per year. Fellowship amounts are ₹31,000 per month (JRF) and ₹35,000 per month (SRF), with additional contingency grants of ₹10,000 per annum for sciences and ₹20,500 for humanities. Students also receive an HRA allowance. Applications are made through UGC''s NET/JRF examination process.

Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Schemes

Stand-Up India

Stand-Up India facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one SC or ST borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, or trading. The loan is supported by NCGTC guarantee coverage. As of 2026, over 2.20 lakh accounts have been opened under Stand-Up India with sanctions exceeding ₹50,000 crore. Applications can be made at any scheduled commercial bank branch or through standupmitra.in.

National SC Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)

NSFDC provides concessional credit (at interest rates of 2–6% per annum) to SC individuals and groups for income-generating activities, education, and skill development. Loans are channeled through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs) and cooperative banks. Special schemes include Mahila Samridhi Yojana (for SC women entrepreneurs), Micro Credit Finance (for SHGs), and Vocational Training Support. Income eligibility is up to 3 times the poverty line.

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED)

TRIFED works to safeguard the interests of tribal producers by facilitating fair prices for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism. In 2026, MSP for MFP covers 87 commodities including tendu leaves, mahua flower, amla, bamboo, and honey. TRIFED also markets tribal handicrafts and natural products through Tribes India stores and online platforms. The Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (PMVDV) scheme, implemented through TRIFED, has established over 37,000 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras providing processing, value addition, and marketing support to tribal artisans.

Housing Schemes

PM Awas Yojana — SC/ST Priority

Under PMAY-Gramin, SC and ST families are given the highest priority in the waitlist for housing assistance. SECC data identifies SC/ST houseless and kutcha-house-dwelling families first. SC/ST beneficiaries in hilly states receive ₹1.30 lakh (vs. ₹1.20 lakh in plains) for house construction. The DR. Ambedkar Awas Navinikaran Yojana in several states further supplements PMAY for repair and renovation of SC-owned houses.

Legal Protection Schemes

Protection of Civil Rights Act and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

Beyond financial schemes, the legal framework protects SC/ST communities from discrimination and violence. State-level SC/ST Atrocities Prevention Cells provide immediate support including emergency medical care, legal aid, interim relief payments (₹85,000–₹8.25 lakh depending on the nature of atrocity), and rehabilitation assistance to victims. Special courts have been established in districts with high prevalence of atrocities for speedy trial.

Health Schemes

SC/ST communities receive priority access to Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY with simplified enrollment. Many states have dedicated SC/ST mobile health clinics and special anemia and malnutrition camps in tribal-dominated blocks. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan provides guaranteed ante-natal care, with ASHA workers in tribal areas receiving additional incentives for motivating and accompanying pregnant tribal women for institutional delivery.

Skill Development

The Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan mandates that at least 15% of the training intake under all centrally-sponsored skill development schemes be SC candidates. Similarly, 7.5% seats are reserved for ST candidates. Additionally, the SC Hub at MSME enables SC entrepreneurs to access public procurement opportunities under the 25% MSE procurement policy, with specific mentoring, market linkage, and financial literacy support.

How to Access SC/ST Welfare Schemes

Central SC welfare schemes are administered through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (socialjustice.gov.in), while ST schemes fall under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (tribal.gov.in). At the state level, Scheduled Caste Welfare Departments and Tribal Welfare Departments are the nodal agencies. Common Service Centres and district social welfare offices facilitate enrollment. Most scholarship and fellowship applications are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Use JanSevaPlus to check your eligibility for specific schemes based on your state, caste category, income, and educational status.