Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Reaffirming the Punjab Government's commitment to ensuring access to higher education for every section of society, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Affairs Minister Dr Baljit Kaur on Sunday announced the launch of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the 2026-27 academic session.
The minister said the scholarship scheme is now being implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to make the process more transparent, modern and user-friendly. The portal became operational for students from July 1, 2026.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government firmly believes that financial constraints should never prevent talented students from pursuing higher education. She appealed to all eligible SC students in the state to submit their applications well before the deadline and make full use of the scholarship scheme to build a brighter future.
The department has also released the implementation schedule for the 2026-27 academic session:
Portal opened: July 1, 2026
Last date for student applications: November 15, 2026
Last date to correct defective applications: November 30, 2026
Institution-level verification deadline: November 30, 2026
Final verification by DNO/SNO/MNO: December 15, 2026
The Cabinet Minister said the initiative is another significant step towards realising Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's vision of a "Rangla Punjab." She said an equitable, progressive and educated society can only be built when every student is provided equal opportunities, adding that financial assistance for SC students remains a top priority in promoting educational equality and social justice.
Dr Baljit Kaur further said the government's objective is not only to provide financial support but also to ensure quality higher education that creates better employment opportunities within the state. She added that scholarship schemes will reduce the financial burden on economically weaker families while the government's employment initiatives are also helping curb brain drain by creating merit-based job opportunities for thousands of youths.
To ensure effective implementation of the scheme, the minister directed District Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Officers to organise awareness camps in urban, rural and remote areas so that no eligible student is deprived of the scheme due to lack of information or procedural difficulties.
She also instructed the departments of Higher Education, Medical Education and Research, Technical Education and Industrial Training, School Education, and Animal Husbandry, along with their affiliated institutions, to actively assist students in completing applications, arranging required documents and ensuring timely submission.
Reiterating the government's commitment, Dr Baljit Kaur said Punjab will continue to provide every possible support to deserving students so that financial hardship does not become a barrier to higher education and young people can realise their full potential.aid.
