Pursuing higher education often comes with significant financial challenges, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. To address this, the Karnataka government offers the Prize Money Scholarship 2025, designed to support deserving students in achieving their academic goals. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) who have demonstrated academic excellence.
If you’re seeking information on the Prize Money Scholarship 2025, including its eligibility criteria, application process, and important deadlines, this comprehensive guide will provide all the details you need to apply successfully.
Overview of Prize Money Scholarship 2025
| Course Level | Scholarship Amount (INR) | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
| Pre-University Course (PUC) | 20,000 | SC/ST/OBC students with first-class marks in PUC | July 30, 2025 |
| Diploma (Polytechnic) | 20,000 | SC/ST/OBC students with first-class marks in Diploma | July 30, 2025 |
| Undergraduate Degree | 25,000 | SC/ST/OBC students with first-class marks in UG | July 30, 2025 |
| Postgraduate Degree | 30,000 | SC/ST/OBC students with first-class marks in PG | July 30, 2025 |
| Professional Courses | 35,000 | SC/ST/OBC students with first-class marks in professional courses | July 30, 2025 |
Note: The application deadline for the academic session 2025-26 is July 30, 2025. Applicants are advised to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Prize Money Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- Category: Belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC).
- Academic Performance: Achieve first-class marks in the qualifying examination (PUC, Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or Professional courses).
- Income Limit: There is no income limit for applicants, making the scholarship accessible to all eligible students regardless of their family’s financial status.
- Age Limit: There is no age restriction for applicants.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Prize Money Scholarship 2025:
Visit the Official Website: Access the Karnataka Social Welfare Department’s scholarship portal at https://swdservices.karnataka.gov.in/swprizemoney/Home.aspx.
Online Registration:
- Click on the “Digital Application” link.
- Select the relevant scholarship option (e.g., PUC & SSLC Degree Scholarship).
- Enter your full name and Aadhaar number.
- Specify your gender.
- Agree to the declaration and proceed.
Fill in Application Details:
- Provide personal information, including contact details.
- Enter academic details, such as course and institution information.
- Input bank account details for scholarship disbursement.
Upload Required Documents:
- Recent passport-size photograph (less than 100 KB).
- Aadhaar card.
- Caste certificate.
- Income certificate (if applicable).
- Previous academic mark sheets.
- Bank passbook copy.
- Disability certificate (if applicable).
Submit the Application:
- Review all entered information for accuracy.
- Submit the application form.
- Save or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Checking Application Status
After submitting your application, you can track its status by:
- Visiting the Official Portal: Go to https://swdservices.karnataka.gov.in/swprizemoney/Home.aspx.
- Accessing Application Status:
- Click on the “Application Status” link.
- Enter your application number and other required details.
- View the current status of your application.
Benefits of the Prize Money Scholarship
The scholarship offers several advantages:
- Financial Support: Provides monetary assistance ranging from INR 20,000 to 35,000, depending on the course level.
- Encouragement for Higher Education: Motivates students from SC, ST, and OBC communities to pursue advanced studies.
- No Income Barrier: Accessible to all eligible students without any income restrictions.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: Scholarship amounts are directly credited to the student’s bank account, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for the Prize Money Scholarship 2025?
The application deadline for the academic session 2025-26 is July 30, 2025.
2. Is there an income limit to apply for this scholarship?
No, there is no income limit for applicants. Students from SC, ST, and OBC categories can apply regardless of their family’s income.
3. Can students from other states apply for this scholarship?
No, only permanent residents of Karnataka are eligible to apply.
4. How will I receive the scholarship amount?
The scholarship amount will be directly transferred to the bank account provided during the application process.
5. What should I do if I face issues during the application process?
For assistance, you can contact the Karnataka Social Welfare Department helpline at 080-22634300.
Conclusion
The Prize Money Scholarship 2025 is a commendable initiative by the Karnataka government to support meritorious students from SC, ST, and OBC communities in pursuing higher education. By providing substantial financial assistance, the scholarship aims to reduce the financial burden and encourage academic excellence. Eligible students are encouraged to apply before the deadline and take advantage of this opportunity to advance their educational aspirations.
