Introduction – Karnataka Scholarships for 12th Passed Students
For many students, going to College or Professional School after getting their high school diploma is a financial burden. The Government of Karnataka and the Government of India both provide a variety of scholarships and financial support for 12th-grade students who want to go to college or professional schools in Karnataka in several different fields, such as Engineering, MBBS, MBA, MCA, Nursing, etc.
Scholarships in Karnataka are provided predominantly through two official Websites: SSP Karnataka (the State Scholarship Portal) and the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The SSP and NSP are intended to help provide support to students who are in a disadvantaged position or who belong to a marginalized community, such as SC/ST, MBC, OBC, Minority Communities, Women, and students with disabilities (PWD), as well as those eligible under "Merit" or "Income-Based" scholarship programs.
The idea of these Karnataka scholarships after 12th is to provide financial assistance to pay for tuition and maintenance allowances, etc., to help deserving students have a chance to get a post-secondary education so they can achieve their academic and career goals.
Table of Contents – Karnataka Scholarships 2026
- Eligibility Criteria
- Scholarship Schemes & Who Can Apply
- Girls / Women
- SC Students
- ST Students
- OBC Students
- Minority Students
- PwD Students
- Merit-Based
- Income-Based / EWS
- Benefits of Karnataka Scholarships
- Official Portals – SSP Karnataka & NSP
- Income Limits 2026
- How to Apply for a Scholarship in Karnataka
- Documents Required
- FAQs
- Checklist Before Applying
- Conclusion
Eligibility Criteria – Karnataka Scholarships After 12th
To apply for the Karnataka Scholarship Scheme after completing the 12th Standard/PUC, students are required to fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
- The student must have completed the 12th standard/PUC, or a recognised equivalent examination, from a recognised board.
- The student must also be registered in an approved undergraduate, diploma or professional course.
- Additionally, only students who are domiciled in Karnataka will be eligible for the scholarships.
- Students must also meet the eligibility income requirement specified by the scholarship scheme.
- To qualify for the Karnataka scholarships, students must fall under one of the following categories: Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backwards Classes (OBC), Minorities, Girls, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), or qualify as Merit-Based Applicants.
- Students must also have an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive their scholarship benefits through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
Students are required to meet all of the above-mentioned criteria in order to successfully apply for Karnataka Government Scholarships through the SSP or NSP portals.
Scholarship Schemes & Who Can Apply
Girls / Women
- Scholarships:Bhagyashree Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Single Girl Child Scholarship, AICTE Pragati Scholarship, Karnataka Girl Child Scholarship
- Who Can Apply: Girls passed 12th, pursuing UG/Diploma/Engineering/Medical/MBA/MCA, Karnataka domicile
SC Students
- Scholarships: Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students, SC Fee Reimbursement Scheme, Special Incentive Scholarship
- Who Can Apply: SC students passed 12th, pursuing a degree/engineering/MBBS/Diploma/PG
ST Students
- Scholarships:Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students, ST Fee Reimbursement Scheme
- Who Can Apply: ST students passed 12th, enrolled in recognized institutions
OBC Students
- Scholarships:Post Matric Scholarship for OBC Students, Fee Concession Scheme for OBC, Category 2A/2B/3A/3B Scholarship
- Who Can Apply: OBC students passed 12th, pursuing UG/Diploma/Engineering/MBBS/MBA/MCA
Minority Students
- Scholarships:Post Matric Scholarship for Minority Students, Merit-cum-Means Scholarship, Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship
- Who Can Apply: Students from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi communities, passed 12th
PwD Students
- Scholarships:Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, Scholarship for Differently Abled Students – Karnataka
- Who Can Apply: Students with ≥40% disability, passed 12th
Merit-Based Scholarships
- Scholarships: State Merit Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship, INSPIRE Scholarship (Science Students)
- Who Can Apply: High-performing students admitted to recognized institutions
Income-Based / EWS Scholarships
- Scholarships: Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Scholarship, Post Matric Means-Based Scholarship, Fee Reimbursement Scheme
- Who Can Apply: Economically weaker students, passed 12th
Benefits of Karnataka Scholarships
The scholarships provided by the Government of Karnataka provide many advantages to help students financially pursue education beyond their twelfth grade, without financial hardship. Some of the major benefits include:
- A full or partial reimbursement of the tuition fee for qualifying courses.
- A monthly or annual maintenance allowance to assist students in their daily expenses.
- A hostel allowance for those students who are living in government-hosted hostels or private hostels (when applicable).
- The scholarship amount will be transferred directly to the individual student’s bank account (Direct Benefit Transfer, or DBT).
- Additional incentives for female and disabled students to foster an inclusive educational environment.
- Financial assistance to help students pursue their profession of choice (e.g. Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, MBA, MCA, etc.) at a post-secondary level.
Karnataka scholarships after twelfth grade play a key role in supporting deserving students throughout the state.
Official Portals – SSP Karnataka & NSP
- SSP Karnataka: It is a state portal for scholarships provided by the Government of Karnataka for SC/ST/OBC/PWD & Female and EWS.
Official Portal: https://ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
- NSP: National Scholarship Portal provides minority scholarship scheme/Central Government Schemes & AICTE & UGC Scholarships.
Official Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in
Many scholarship programs require applicants to apply through both the NSP and SSP portals, as per the government.
Income Limits 2026
- SC / ST: No limit (most schemes)
- OBC: ₹1 – ₹2.5 lakh
- Minority: ₹2 lakh
- General / Merit: ₹2 – ₹3.5 lakh
How to Apply for a Scholarship in Karnataka
- Visit SSP Karnataka or National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Click New Student Registration and enter Aadhaar + mobile
- Login and complete profile
- Select the scholarship scheme
- Fill the application form carefully
- Upload required documents
- Submit and note the Application ID
- Track status regularly
- Scholarship amount credited via DBT
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card
- Aadhaar-linked bank account
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- 12th / PUC marks card
- Bonafide/study/admission certificate
- Disability certificate (for PwD students)
- An active mobile number and a valid email
- Clear scanned documents in PDF or JPG format
Important: Ensure all documents are clear, readable, and accurate. Names and date of birth must match Aadhaar.
Checklist – Things to Keep Ready Before Applying
1. Identify Your Scholarship
- Know your category: SC / ST / OBC / Minority / Girls / PwD / Merit / EWS
- Confirm if it’s SSP Karnataka (State) or NSP (Central / AICTE / UGC)
2. Keep Documents Ready
- Aadhaar card & linked mobile
- Aadhaar-linked bank account
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- 12th / PUC marks card
- Bonafide / study / admission certificate
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Active email & mobile
- Clear scanned documents (PDF/JPG)
3. Application Steps
- Register on SSP / NSP
- Fill personal & course details
- Upload all documents
- Submit & note Application ID
- Track status regularly
Tip: Keeping this checklist ready ensures smooth submission, faster verification, and timely scholarship payment.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Government Scholarships 2026 make higher education affordable for 12th passed students from SC, ST, OBC, Minority, Girls, PwD, Merit, and Economically Weaker backgrounds.
Students should apply early through the official SSP Karnataka & NSP portals and ensure all documents are ready to receive the scholarship on time.
Disclaimer: Always apply through official government portals to avoid fraud. Income limits and rules may change as per government notification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can apply for Karnataka scholarship after 12th?
Students who passed 12th and are enrolled in UG/Diploma/Professional courses in Karnataka.Q2. What is the income limit for OBC scholarship Karnataka?
Typically ₹1 lakh – ₹2.5 lakh per year.Q3. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Yes, for registration and DBT.Q4. Can I apply on both SSP and NSP?
Yes, depending on the scholarship.Q5. When will the scholarship amount be credited?
After verification, usually via DBT.
