Historic Educational Initiative for SC Students by Punjab Government: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously taking historic steps in the field of education for students from Scheduled Castes.

During a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur shared details about key initiatives of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities.

Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme – 35% Historic Increase

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has reformed the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, removing long-standing irregularities and disputes. Strict action has been taken against those misappropriating funds, ensuring that every rupee now directly benefits deserving students.

In 2022, 1,76,842 students availed the scheme. Today, the number has risen to 2,37,456 — a 35% increase in just three years. Over the past five years, only 3.71 lakh students benefited, whereas 6.78 lakh students have benefitted in the current three-year term. The target for 2025-26 is set at 2.70 lakh students. Extensive awareness campaigns are being conducted in schools and colleges to ensure no eligible student misses out.

Additionally, under the Top Class Education scheme for OBC, EBC, and DNT students from families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh, scholarships will now be provided to students enrolled in 11 premier institutions including AMZ Bathinda, IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar, IIM Amritsar, NIPER Mohali, NIT Mohali, ISI Chandigarh, Thapar College Patiala, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Patiala, IISER Mohali, and IHM Gurdaspur.

Overseas Scholarship Scheme – Golden Opportunity for Talented Youth

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the government has launched a transformative Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students and children of landless agricultural laborers. Eligible students (under 35 years, minimum 60% marks, parents’ annual income below ₹8 lakh) can now study at any of the world’s top 500 universities.

The government will cover visa, airfare, tuition fees, annual maintenance allowance (₹13.17 lakh), contingency allowance (₹1.35 lakh), and medical insurance. A 30% reservation for girls students ensures equal opportunities. Each family can avail benefits for up to two children, although each student can benefit only once.Dr. Baljit Kaur added that applications for the academic year 2025-26 can be submitted online at the NOS portal https://nosmsje.gov.in from 15 September to 24 October 2025. She emphasized that this scheme will open new doors for Punjab’s talented youth without requiring parents to mortgage property for overseas education.

PCS Crash Course at Ambedkar Institute

Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that a two-month PCS Crash Course for SC, BC, and minority students is being launched at Ambedkar Institute, Mohali, to prepare them for civil services.

Applications will be accepted offline and via email from 17 to 26 September. Forty eligible candidates will be selected through an entrance exam on 30 September. The institute has been upgraded with an investment of ₹1.47 crore, with an additional ₹1.22 crore being invested. Faculty remuneration has been increased from ₹750 to ₹1,500 per hour to attract top trainers.

Commitment of Punjab Government

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously working for the development of SC, BC, and economically weaker sections of society. “Our aim is to make higher education accessible, affordable, and desirable for every eligible child in Punjab. Through education, we empower our students socially and economically,” she said.