Every year, lakhs of students across Karnataka miss out on scholarship money they were fully eligible for — not because they didn’t qualify, but because they didn’t know which portal to use, missed a deadline, or made small mistakes that got their application rejected. The Government of Karnataka runs one of India’s most comprehensive scholarship systems, disbursing crores of rupees covering tuition fees, hostel charges, food, accommodation, and maintenance allowances every year. This complete guide explains exactly how to apply for the different scholarships in Karnataka in 2026, step by step.
The Two Main Portals For Karnataka Scholarships
Karnataka scholarships are managed through two main online systems, and knowing which one to use is the first step:
The State Scholarship Portal (SSP) at ssp.karnataka.gov.in is Karnataka’s unified single-window platform that consolidates pre-matric and post-matric scholarships from multiple government departments. The ePASS Karnataka portal (also called KARePASS) at karepass.cgg.gov.in is run by the Backward Classes Welfare Department and handles Vidyasiri, post-matric, and fee concession schemes.
Most Karnataka students apply through the SSP portal, which now integrates most major schemes. The SSP portal is available in both Kannada and English for ease of use.
Different Scholarships Available In Karnataka
Karnataka offers a wide range of scholarships across categories. Here are the main schemes you can apply for:
| Scholarship | Department | Who It Is For | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship | Social Welfare, BCM, Minority | SC/ST/OBC/Minority students after Class 10 | Fee reimbursement + maintenance |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship | Social Welfare | SC/ST/OBC/Minority students Class 1–10 | Financial support |
| Vidyasiri Scholarship | Backward Classes Welfare | OBC students not in government hostels | Food & accommodation stipend ₹1,500/month |
| Fee Concession (Fee Reimbursement) | Multiple departments | Government quota students | Full or partial tuition waiver |
| CM Raitha Vidya Nidhi | Agriculture Department | Children of farmers in Karnataka | Pre-matric and post-matric support |
| Minority Merit-cum-Means | Minority Welfare | Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi students | Fee + maintenance |
| Prathibha Puraskar | Backward Classes Welfare | Meritorious SSLC/PUC students | Merit award |
| UDID Scholarship | Social Welfare | Students with disabilities holding UDID card | Additional financial support |
Scholarship Amounts In Karnataka 2026
| Scholarship Type | Amount Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-Matric Scholarship | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 per year |
| Post-Matric Scholarship | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000+ per year |
| Vidyasiri Food & Accommodation | ₹15,000 per year (₹1,500 × 10 months) |
| OBC Post-Matric | ₹4,000 per year |
| Fee Reimbursement | Full course fee (varies by course) |
The scholarship amount depends on the student’s category, course, and department scheme. Professional courses like engineering and medicine attract higher fee reimbursement than general degree courses.
Eligibility Criteria For Karnataka Scholarships
To apply for any SSP scholarship, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka. Other criteria vary by scheme:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Domicile | Permanent resident of Karnataka |
| Category | SC, ST, OBC, or minority community |
| Income Limit (SC/ST) | Up to ₹2.5 lakh per year |
| Income Limit (OBC/Minority) | Up to ₹1 lakh per year |
| Institution | Studying in a Karnataka-recognized institution |
| Aadhaar | Must be linked to the student’s bank account for DBT |
For the Vidyasiri scholarship specifically, the student must belong to Backward Classes category 1, 2A, 3A, or 3B, have family income under ₹2.5 lakh, and have secured A+, A, B+, or B grades in the previous academic year.
Documents Required For Karnataka Scholarships
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Mandatory for registration and DBT |
| Aadhaar-Linked Bank Passbook | For scholarship payment |
| SATS ID | Student tracking number (mandatory) |
| Caste Certificate | For category verification (Central format for OBC) |
| Income Certificate | Proof of family income within limits |
| Domicile Certificate | Proof of Karnataka residence |
| Previous Marksheet | Academic eligibility |
| Bonafide / Admission Proof | Current enrolment confirmation |
Ensure your caste and income certificates are updated with your SATS number, and that your Aadhaar name exactly matches your bank account and school records to avoid Direct Benefit Transfer failures — the single most common reason scholarship money fails to reach students.
Important — Central Format Caste Certificate For OBC Students
A critical point for Karnataka OBC students: it is mandatory to complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) before applying for the Karnataka SSP scholarship for OBC, SC, and ST students. Additionally, for any central scholarships, your OBC caste certificate must be in the Central Government format — Karnataka state-issued certificates for state jobs may not be accepted. Obtain the correct certificate well in advance.
Step By Step — How To Apply For SSP Post-Matric Scholarship
The SSP portal handles most Karnataka scholarships. Here’s how to apply for post-matric (after Class 10) scholarships.
Step 1 — Complete NSP One-Time Registration (For SC/ST/OBC)
Before applying on SSP, SC/ST/OBC students must complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) through the National Scholarship Portal. This generates a unique ID used across applications.
Step 2 — Create Your SSP Account
Visit ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in and click “Create New Account.” Provide your basic details, SATS ID, and required information to generate your SSP ID and password.
Step 3 — Log In To The Portal
Enter your SSP ID (Student ID) and password, complete the captcha, and click “Student Login.” You will reach your student dashboard.
Step 4 — Apply For The Scholarship
From the menu, click “Apply for Post-Matric Scholarship.” Select the relevant scheme based on your category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority). The application is divided into steps covering personal, academic, income, and bank details.
Step 5 — Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your income certificate, caste certificate, marksheets, and other required documents in the specified format.
Step 6 — Submit And Note Your Application ID
Review carefully, submit the form, and note your application ID. Download the acknowledgment slip.
Step 7 — Submit To College For Verification
Submit the acknowledgment slip to your college office for verification. The required documents must be submitted within seven days of the application submission. Your application then undergoes department-level verification.
Step 8 — Track Your Status
Use the “Track Scholarship Status” option on your dashboard, entering your SSP Scholarship ID to check application and DBT payment status.
How To Apply For Vidyasiri Scholarship (ePASS)
The Vidyasiri Food and Accommodation scholarship is applied through the ePASS/KARePASS portal:
Visit karepass.cgg.gov.in, check the scholarship notification, read the guidelines carefully, fill the application form with all necessary details, upload required documents, and submit. Note your application number for status tracking. To check status, visit karepass.cgg.gov.in, click “Student Services @ Vidyasiri Application status,” and enter your application number, academic year, SSLC details, and date of birth.
Karnataka Scholarship Application Deadlines 2026
| Scholarship | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship | January 31, 2027 (for 2026-27) |
| Vidyasiri Food & Accommodation | January 31, 2026 |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship | March 31, 2026 |
| Minority Pre-Matric | September 30, 2026 |
Deadlines vary by department, so check SSP notifications regularly and apply well before the last date — applications submitted within the prescribed period have a higher chance of being processed on time. The SSP helpline number is 1902.
Education Loans — When Scholarships Aren’t Enough
Scholarships rarely cover the full cost of professional courses like engineering, medicine, or MBA. Most Karnataka students combine a scholarship with an education loan. Under the Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme, students from economically weaker sections get full interest subsidy during the moratorium period on loans up to ₹10 lakh for study in India.
| Bank | Loan Amount (India) | Interest Rate | Repayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Student Loan | Up to ₹50 lakh | 8.05% – 10.05% p.a. | Up to 15 years |
| Canara Bank | Up to ₹40 lakh | 8.45% – 10.50% p.a. | Up to 15 years |
| Bank of Baroda | Up to ₹80 lakh | 8.40% – 10.35% p.a. | Up to 15 years |
| HDFC Credila | Up to ₹75 lakh | 10.50% – 13.00% p.a. | Up to 15 years |
| Axis Bank | Up to ₹40 lakh | 10.70% – 14.00% p.a. | Up to 15 years |
Rates are indicative. Confirm current rates directly with the bank. Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, the entire interest paid on an education loan is fully tax deductible for up to 8 years, making an education loan one of the most tax-efficient ways to fund higher education. Karnataka also offers the Arivu Education Loan scheme with interest subsidy for minority students.
Private And Corporate Scholarships For Karnataka Students
Beyond government schemes, Karnataka students can apply for large private scholarships that often provide more money:
| Scholarship | Who It Is For | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Reliance Foundation Scholarship | UG and PG students | Up to ₹6 lakh |
| Aditya Birla Scholarship | Top professional course students | Up to ₹1.75 lakh/year |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | Girl students in professional courses | Up to ₹1.5 lakh/year |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS | Students facing financial crisis | Up to ₹75,000 |
| Sitaram Jindal Foundation | Students across levels | Monthly stipend |
| Infosys Foundation Scholarship | Meritorious needy students | Varies |
Corporate scholarships from Reliance, Aditya Birla, Kotak, HDFC, and Infosys are among the most generous available and are open to Karnataka students. Apply directly on each foundation’s website, as these are not routed through SSP.
Health Insurance For Students And Families
While pursuing education, protecting your family with affordable health insurance is a smart financial step. Many Karnataka families supplement the state Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka coverage with private plans.
| Insurer | Plan | Coverage | Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Health | Student/Family Health | ₹5 lakh | ₹9,000 – ₹18,000 |
| HDFC ERGO | Optima Secure | ₹5–10 lakh | ₹8,000 – ₹16,000 |
| Niva Bupa | ReAssure | ₹5–10 lakh | ₹8,500 – ₹17,000 |
| LIC | Term Insurance (parents) | ₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore | ₹8,000 – ₹18,000 |
Common Reasons Karnataka Scholarship Applications Get Rejected
Understanding why applications fail helps you avoid the same mistakes: the Aadhaar name does not match the bank account or SATS records causing DBT failure; the bank account is not linked to Aadhaar; the caste or income certificate is not updated with the SATS number; documents were not submitted to the college within seven days; the OBC certificate is not in Central Government format; the application was submitted after the deadline; or the student applied for two scholarships for the same purpose, which is not allowed — only one eligible scheme is permitted per academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which portal do I use for Karnataka scholarships? Most Karnataka scholarships are applied through the State Scholarship Portal (SSP) at ssp.karnataka.gov.in. The Vidyasiri Food and Accommodation scholarship is applied through the ePASS/KARePASS portal at karepass.cgg.gov.in.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships in Karnataka? No, only one eligible SSP scheme is allowed per academic year. However, you can apply for a private or national scholarship alongside a state scholarship, provided that program allows concurrent funding.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Karnataka scholarships? Yes. Aadhaar is compulsory for SSP registration and must be linked to your bank account for Direct Benefit Transfer of the scholarship money.
Do OBC students need NSP registration first? Yes. It is mandatory for SC, ST, and OBC students to complete the One-Time Registration through the National Scholarship Portal before applying for the Karnataka SSP scholarship.
What is the Vidyasiri scholarship amount? Vidyasiri provides a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 for 10 months, totalling ₹15,000 per year, for OBC students who are not residing in government hostels.
When will I receive my scholarship money? Scholarship money is credited directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer after your application clears college and department verification. Track it using your SSP Scholarship ID.
My caste certificate is being rejected — why? For central scholarships, OBC certificates must be in the Central Government format. Karnataka state certificates for state jobs may not be accepted. Also ensure your certificate is updated with your SATS number.
Conclusion
Applying for scholarships in Karnataka in 2026 is straightforward once you know the system — use the State Scholarship Portal (SSP) for most schemes and the ePASS portal for Vidyasiri, complete your NSP One-Time Registration first if you are SC/ST/OBC, keep your Aadhaar, bank account, SATS ID, and certificates perfectly matched, and apply well before the department deadlines. Karnataka students have access to some of the most comprehensive state scholarships in the country — from post-matric fee reimbursement worth up to ₹50,000, to the Vidyasiri food and accommodation stipend, to fee concession schemes covering full course fees. Combine your government scholarship with a Section 80E tax-deductible education loan and a private corporate scholarship from Reliance, Aditya Birla, or Kotak, and you can fund your entire higher education with minimal burden on your family. Start early, apply carefully, submit your documents to your college within seven days, track diligently using your SSP ID, and the scholarship money that lakhs of Karnataka students leave unclaimed every year can be yours.
