The Uttar Pradesh government is working on a plan to significantly expand the reach of its scholarship schemes by doubling the family income eligibility limits. This proposed change is expected to benefit approximately 10 lakh additional students across the state. Under the new proposal, the income ceiling for SC and ST students could rise to 5 lakh per annum, while for other categories, it may be set at 4 lakh per annum.
Current Income Limits and Eligibility Criteria
While the proposal for doubling the limit is under consideration, the current eligibility for the 2025-26 academic year remains based on previous standards. The Social Welfare Department has also made it mandatory for students to submit income certificates issued in the name of their father or guardian. Certificates issued in the name of the student are no longer accepted for verification purposes.
| Category | Course Level | Current Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST | Post-Matric | Up to 2,50,000 |
| General/OBC/Minority | Post-Matric | Up to 2,00,000 |
| Pre-Matric (All) | Class 9 and 10 | Up to 2,50,000 |
Important Updates on Application Portal and Payments
The Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Department reopened the scholarship and fee reimbursement portal in April 2026. This special window allows students who missed the earlier deadlines due to technical issues or pending documents to complete their applications. Officials have confirmed that Phase 2 of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments for verified students started on March 18, 2026.
Minister of State for Social Welfare, Aseem Arun, stated that the government is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to all. The focus remains on eliminating middlemen and ensuring that the scholarship amount reaches the bank accounts of genuine students directly without any irregularities.
