About this student scheme
PRABUDDHA Scheme is the Government of Karnataka's initiative — emulated by other states — providing financial assistance to meritorious students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Backward Communities to pursue higher studies in top global universities. Up to ₹50 lakh per student covering tuition + living + travel. Top 200 universities (QS Rankings) eligible. Originally Karnataka state scheme but now central counterpart National Overseas Scholarship Scheme covers similar mandate for SC/ST nationally. Combined coverage benefits over 100 marginalised students per year for Masters/PhD abroad.
Scholarship snapshot
| Scheme Name | PRABUDDHA Scheme 2026 — Overseas Education Funding for Marginalised Students |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2017 |
| Benefit | Up to ₹50 lakh for SC/ST/marginalised students for Masters/PhD at top 200 global universities |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 8 September 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://socialjustice.gov.in |
What students receive
Up to ₹50 lakh for SC/ST/marginalised students for Masters/PhD at top 200 global universities
Which students qualify
- ✓Indian SC/ST/BC student
- ✓Admission offer from top 200 global universities (QS World University Rankings)
- ✓Masters or PhD level studies
- ✓Family annual income ≤ ₹8 lakh (revised periodically)
- ✓Aadhaar mandatory
- ✓Domicile/state requirement varies by scheme (Karnataka for state; pan-India for central)
Papers for the application
Applying online, step-by-step
- 1First secure an admission offer from a QS World Rankings top-200 university for a Masters or PhD programme.
- 2Apply via the state social welfare department (Karnataka's PRABUDDHA) or through socialjustice.gov.in for the central National Overseas Scholarship.
- 3Submit SC/ST/BC caste certificate, domicile certificate, and Aadhaar card as proof of identity and category.
- 4Attach academic transcripts, the university admission offer letter, and a valid passport with the application.
- 5Provide an income certificate showing family annual income within the scheme's ≤₹8 lakh limit.
- 6The department verifies documents and merit before sanctioning funding of up to ₹50 lakh for the course.
- 7Once approved, funds are released to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel for the sanctioned university.
Official Government Portal
socialjustice.gov.in is the only authorised application channel, and the government charges nothing there — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on socialjustice.gov.in