Karnataka offers a diverse array of scholarships and financial aid programs in 2025 to support students across various communities, educational levels, and socio-economic backgrounds. These initiatives are administered by government departments, private organizations, and educational institutions, aiming to promote inclusive education and alleviate financial barriers. Below is a comprehensive overview of the prominent scholarships available to students in Karnataka for the academic year 2025–26.
1. Arivu Education Loan Scheme (2025–26)
The Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC) has introduced the Arivu Education Loan Scheme for 2025–26, targeting students from minority communities such as Muslims, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Parsis. Under this scheme, eligible students can avail of educational loans up to ₹2,00,000 to pursue professional courses. The application process is online, with the last date to apply being May 23, 2025. (Vijay Karnataka)
2. Prize Money Scholarship 2025
Administered by the Social Welfare Department of Karnataka, the Prize Money Scholarship 2025 is designed for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who have achieved first-class marks in their final year of post-matriculation courses. The scholarship amounts vary based on the course:(Buddy4Study)
- SSLC: ₹25,000
- PUC: ₹20,000
- Diploma in Polytechnic: ₹20,000
- Postgraduate Course: ₹30,000
- Professional Course: ₹35,000(Buddy4Study)
Eligibility criteria include passing the final year in the first attempt and studying in institutions recognized by the government. (Buddy4Study)
3. Vidyasiri Scholarship 2025
The Vidyasiri Scholarship is aimed at students pursuing higher education in Arts, Science, Commerce, and professional courses. Eligibility criteria include:(karnatakacareers.in)
- Students must have passed their previous examinations.
- Only two male members from the same family can avail of the scholarship; this restriction does not apply to female students.
- Students who have changed courses more than once are not eligible. (Vidhyaa, karnatakacareers.in)
4. Karnataka State Post Matric Scholarship 2025
This scholarship, offered by the Department of Education (Higher Education), Government of Karnataka, supports students pursuing higher education. Key details include:(karnatakacareers.in, Buddy4Study)
- Eligibility: Students who have completed 10th grade from recognized boards.
- Special consideration for children of farmers.
- Application deadlines vary by department, with the latest being May 31, 2025. (karnatakacareers.in, CIGMA Pedia)
5. Sandeepani Scholarship 2025
Targeted at students from the Brahmin community in Karnataka, the Sandeepani Scholarship aims to assist economically weaker sections. Eligibility criteria include:(Leverage Edu)
- Applicants must be natives of Karnataka.
- Belong to the Brahmin community.
- Fall under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Have cleared at least 10 examinations before applying. (Leverage Edu)
6. Propel Scholarship 2025
Offered by INDIANOIL PETRONAS PRIVATE LIMITED (IPPL), this scholarship supports students in Class 11 and 12 whose parents are auto drivers. Key details:(CIGMA Pedia)
- Eligibility: Students with 60% in Class 10.
- Scholarship amount: ₹8,500 per student.
- Applicable in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Last date to apply: February 28, 2025. (CIGMA Pedia)
7. Mahindra EmpowerHer Scholarship Program 2025
This scholarship is exclusively for girls from Classes 9 to undergraduate courses. Details include:(CIGMA Pedia)
- Eligibility: Girls with 50%+ marks, family income ≤ ₹4 lakh.
- Preference to marginalized communities.
- Scholarship amount: ₹5,500 per student. (CIGMA Pedia)
8. Pragati Scholarship by Epsilon Foundation 2025
Aimed at needy students from Vijay Nagar, Karnataka, this scholarship offers:(CIGMA Pedia)
- Eligibility: Class 10 students with a minimum 50% score, family income < ₹5 lakh.
- Scholarship amount: ₹15,000 per student.
- Last date to apply: January 17, 2025. (CIGMA Pedia)
9. SSP Pre Matric Scholarship for Class 1 to 10 Students 2024
Offered by the Government of Karnataka, this scholarship supports SC/ST/OBC students:(National Government Services Portal)
- Eligibility: Students from Classes 1-10, family income not exceeding ₹1 lakh per annum.
- Scholarship benefits: Up to ₹2,000 per month.
- Last date to apply: December 31, 2024. (CIGMA Pedia)
10. Mandya MLA Scholarship for Top Girl Students
In a recent initiative, Mandya MLA P Ravi Kumar announced scholarships of ₹1 lakh each for top-performing girl students in Arts, Commerce, and Science streams at the Government Women’s Autonomous Degree College in Mandya. This personal contribution aims to encourage academic excellence among young women. (The Times of India)
Application Process and Important Links
Most scholarships require online applications through respective portals:
- State Scholarship Portal, Karnataka
- Directorate of Minorities
- Department of Collegiate Education(National Government Services Portal, dom.karnataka.gov.in, dce.karnataka.gov.in)
Ensure to check eligibility criteria, required documents, and application deadlines for each scholarship.
Conclusion
Karnataka’s extensive scholarship programs in 2025 reflect a commitment to inclusive and equitable education. By catering to diverse communities and educational levels, these initiatives aim to empower students and foster academic excellence across the state.