Punjab Government begins accepting applications for Academic Session 2026-27 from July 1 to ensure financial support for Scheduled Caste students
Time-bound schedule issued to ensure transparent, seamless and accountable implementation
All departments and educational institutions directed to actively facilitate eligible students so that no deserving applicant is left behind
Chandigarh, July 5: Reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to making higher education accessible to every deserving student, Punjab's Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today announced that the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the Academic Session 2026-27 has officially commenced. The scheme is being implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which has been operational for submission of applications since July 1, 2026.
Emphasising the government's student-centric approach, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that financial constraints should never stand in the way of a talented student's aspirations and pursuit of higher education. She urged all eligible Scheduled Caste students across Punjab to avail themselves of the scheme and submit their applications well before the deadline to secure financial assistance and pursue their academic goals with confidence.
To ensure transparent, efficient and time-bound implementation of the scheme, the Department has notified the following schedule for the Academic Session 2026-27:
Activity Timeline
Launch of Scheme July 1, 2026
Last date for submission of student applications November 15, 2026
Correction of defective applications November 30, 2026
Institute-level verification November 30, 2026
Final verification by DNO/SNO/MNO December 15, 2026
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, the Cabinet Minister said that the scholarship programme is another significant step towards realizing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision of a 'Rangla Punjab', where every deserving student has equal access to quality education irrespective of economic background. She said that empowering young people through higher education is essential for building a progressive, inclusive and equitable society, while financial assistance to SC students remains a cornerstone of the government's commitment to promoting educational equity and social justice.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that the Punjab Government is committed to equipping the state's youth with quality education and creating better employment opportunities within Punjab itself. She noted that while scholarship schemes reduce the financial burden on economically weaker families, the government's transparent recruitment drive and merit-based employment initiatives are enabling thousands of young people to build successful careers in Punjab, thereby helping curb brain drain.
To maximise outreach and ensure that no eligible student is deprived of the benefits of the scheme due to lack of awareness, the Minister directed all District Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Officers to organise special awareness and facilitation camps across villages, urban areas and remote regions. She stressed that grassroots-level awareness is essential to ensure maximum enrolment under the scheme.
The Cabinet Minister also instructed the Directors of the Departments of Higher Education, Medical Education and Research, Technical Education and Industrial Training, School Education, and Animal Husbandry, along with all affiliated educational institutions, to proactively assist students in completing and submitting their scholarship applications within the stipulated timelines.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said, "Our Government is firmly committed to ensuring that every deserving student receives an equal opportunity to pursue higher education. Financial hardship should never become a barrier to education, and we will continue to extend every possible support to help our youth realise their full potential."
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