Bihar’s government has launched new scholarships under the “Education for All” initiative, targeting SC/ST students to promote higher education. Announced on June 20, 2025, the schemes offer financial aid for post-matric courses, covering tuition and maintenance costs. Aimed at reducing dropout rates, the program ensures direct benefit transfers to eligible students’ accounts, fostering educational equity.
Bihar’s 2025 Scholarship Boost for SC/ST Students
On June 20, 2025, the Bihar government unveiled a series of new scholarships under its “Education for All” initiative, specifically designed to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. These schemes, administered by the Education Department and the SC/ST Welfare Department, aim to provide financial support for post-matric education, ensuring access to higher studies for marginalized communities.
The flagship program, the Bihar Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students, targets students pursuing courses after Class 10, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and technical programs. Eligible candidates must be permanent residents of Bihar, belong to SC/ST categories, and have a family annual income not exceeding ₹3,00,000. The scholarship covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and additional support for disabled students, with funds directly transferred to bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for transparency.
A key feature of the 2025 initiative is the extended application window, with the deadline set for July 10, 2025, as announced by the SC/ST Welfare Department on social media platforms. Applications are processed through the official Post-Matric Scholarship Portal (pmsonline.bih.nic.in), requiring documents like Aadhaar, caste certificates, income proof, and academic records. The portal’s user-friendly interface allows students to register, verify details, and track application status.
Another significant scheme, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana, supports unmarried female SC/ST students who have passed their Class 12 exams with first or second division. Offering ₹25,000 for higher education, this program encourages girls to pursue advanced studies, with applications accepted via the Medha Soft portal (medhasoft.bih.nic.in) until December 20, 2025. The initiative has already seen significant uptake, with thousands of applications processed annually.
The government has also introduced incentives for SC/ST students preparing for competitive exams. The Mukhyamantri Atyant Pichhda Varg Civil Seva Protsahan Yojana provides up to ₹1,00,000 for students clearing preliminary exams like the UPSC or BPSC, fostering aspirations for careers in civil services. This scheme, accessible through the BC & EBC Welfare Department’s website, underscores Bihar’s commitment to empowering disadvantaged groups.
To ensure inclusivity, the state has mandated that only students enrolled in recognized institutions qualify, with strict guidelines against applying for multiple scholarships simultaneously. For hostellers, a maintenance allowance of up to ₹1,200 per month is provided, while day scholars receive up to ₹550 for 10 months. Additional provisions include ₹2,400 monthly for disabled students and ₹1,600 for thesis-related expenses for research scholars.
The initiative has been praised for its potential to reduce dropout rates and promote educational equality. With Bihar’s literacy rate at 70.9% (as per the 2023-24 Economic Survey), such schemes are critical for bridging gaps in access to education. The government aims to process applications swiftly, with verification deadlines set for institutes by December 15, 2025, and final approvals by December 31, 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from official Bihar government portals, including pmsonline.bih.nic.in and medhasoft.bih.nic.in, and posts from the SC/ST Welfare Department’s verified social media accounts as of July 6, 2025. Readers are advised to verify details on official websites for the latest updates.