Karnataka offers a diverse array of scholarships in 2025, aiming to support students across various socio-economic backgrounds, academic levels, and fields of study. These scholarships are provided by the state government, private foundations, and educational institutions to promote inclusive and equitable access to education. Below is an overview of the major scholarship programs available to students in Karnataka:
🎓 Government of Karnataka Scholarships
1. Prize Money Scholarship for SC/ST Students
This merit-based scholarship is designed to encourage academic excellence among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. Students who have completed their courses with first-class marks are eligible. The scholarship amounts vary based on the level of education:(Seva Sindhu Karnataka)
- SSLC (Class 10): ₹10,000
- PUC (Class 12): ₹20,000
- Degree Courses: ₹25,000
- Postgraduate Courses: ₹30,000
- Professional Courses (Engineering, Medicine, etc.): ₹35,000(Wikipedia)
Applicants must be permanent residents of Karnataka and enrolled in government or government-recognized institutions. (Vidyamana)
2. Raitha Vidyanidhi – Scholarship for Farmers’ Children
This scholarship supports children of farmers pursuing higher education. The scholarship amounts are:(सरकारी योजना, Karnataka.com)
- PUC/ITI: ₹2,500 (boys), ₹3,000 (girls)
- Undergraduate Courses (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, etc.): ₹5,000 (boys), ₹5,500 (girls)
- Professional Courses (Law, Nursing, etc.): ₹7,500 (boys), ₹8,000 (girls)
- Postgraduate Courses: ₹10,000 (boys), ₹11,000 (girls)(सरकारी योजना)
Eligibility requires the applicant to be a child of a registered farmer in Karnataka and a permanent resident of the state. (GM University)
3. Saandeepani Shishya Vethana Scheme
Offered by the Karnataka State Brahmin Development Board, this scheme provides financial assistance to economically weaker Brahmin students. The scholarship covers expenses such as textbooks, study equipment, hostel fees, transportation, and clothing. Students from families with an annual income less than ₹8 lakhs are eligible. Preference is given to girl students, physically disabled students, orphans, and those with single parents. (Karnataka.com)
4. GOKDOM Scholarships for Minority Students
Administered by the Directorate of Minorities, these scholarships aim to support students from minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi). Key scholarships include:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship: For students in classes 1 to 10, covering tuition fees, admission fees, and maintenance allowance.
- Post-Matric Scholarship: For students in classes 11 and above, covering similar expenses.
- Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship: For students pursuing technical or professional courses, offering up to ₹35,000.
- National Overseas Scholarship: For minority students pursuing higher studies abroad, providing up to ₹20 lakhs per annum.(ScholarshipDunia, Connect Karnataka)
Eligibility criteria include a minimum of 50% marks in the previous examination and family income limits ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakhs, depending on the scholarship. (Scholarship Learn)
5. Free Ship Card for SC/ST Students
This initiative ensures that SC/ST students are not denied education due to financial constraints. The Free Ship Card acts as a government guarantee to educational institutions for the payment of fees. Eligibility includes:(Seva Sindhu Karnataka, GM University)
- Permanent residency in Karnataka
- Annual family income below ₹2.5 lakhs
- Enrollment in post-matric courses(Scholarship Learn, GM University)
Students can apply through the SSP portal. (GM University)
🏛️ Scholarships by Private Foundations and Institutions
1. Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship
The Azim Premji Foundation offers scholarships to support girl students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing higher education. Key features include:(The Times of India)
- Eligibility: Girls who have completed Class 10 or 12 from government schools and secured admission in recognized higher education institutions.
- Scholarship Amount: ₹30,000 per year, disbursed in two installments directly to the student’s bank account.
- Duration: For the entire duration of the degree or diploma program.(The Times of India)
The application process for the 2025-26 academic year begins in September 2025. (The Times of India)
2. Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarships
FFE provides scholarships to academically gifted students from low-income families to pursue higher education in engineering, technology, and medicine. Key aspects include:(Wikipedia)
- Eligibility: Students with a strong academic record and proven financial need.
- Application Process: Involves background verification by volunteer facilitators.
- Scholarship Renewal: Based on continued academic excellence and financial need.(Wikipedia)
Since its inception, FFE has awarded over 81,590 scholarships to deserving students across India. (Wikipedia)
3. Sujnananidhi Dharmasthala (SKDRDP) Scholarship
The Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) offers the Sujnananidhi Scholarship to support students pursuing technical and professional courses of 2 to 5 years duration. Key details include:(Connect Karnataka, ScholarshipDunia)
- Scholarship Amount: Monthly stipend ranging from ₹400 to ₹1,000, depending on the course.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in approved technical and professional courses in Karnataka.(Connect Karnataka)
Over 97,000 students have benefited from this initiative, with scholarships amounting to over ₹114.5 crores disbursed. (Connect Karnataka)
🌐 National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
The National Scholarship Portal is a centralized platform for students to apply for various scholarships offered by the central and state governments. Key features include:(Wikipedia)
- Services: Application, processing, verification, and sanction of scholarships.
- Objective: To provide a transparent and efficient system for scholarship disbursement.
- Access: Students can apply for multiple scholarships through a single portal.(Wikipedia)
The portal is part of the Government of India’s Digital India initiative. (Wikipedia)
📝 Application Process and Deadlines
- Application Platforms: Students can apply for state scholarships through the State Scholarship Portal (SSP) at ssp.karnataka.gov.in and for central scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
- Required Documents: Typically include Aadhaar card, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), previous academic records, and bank account details.
- Deadlines: Vary depending on the scholarship. For instance, the last date for submission of online applications for GOKDOM scholarships is July 31, 2025. (ScholarshipDunia)
📌 Conclusion
Karnataka’s diverse scholarship programs in 2025 reflect the state’s commitment to promoting education across all sections of society. By providing financial assistance to students from various backgrounds, these scholarships aim to reduce economic barriers and encourage academic excellence. Students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply for scholarships that align with their educational goals and personal circumstances.