Prize Money Scholarship

The initiative of Prize Money Scholarship was launched by the Government of Karnataka to provide financial aid to the students belonging to the SC/ST community in Karnataka. The students of low economic status will be the beneficiaries as they will be able to pursue their dream of higher education without thinking much about financial expenditure. To know more about the Prize Money Scholarship, eligibility criteria, documents required, and the application process, check the details below. 

A brief overview of the Prize Money Scholarship is given in the table below:

The government of Karnataka presents a significant opportunity to students belonging to the SC/ST category who are domiciled in the state of Karnataka through the Prize Money Scholarship. This scholarship aims to extend support, uplift, and encourage the higher educational dreams of deserving individuals. The eligibility criteria for the Prize Money Scholarship are designed and framed in such a manner as to ensure that the benefits reach directly to the intended beneficiaries. To apply for the Prize Money Scholarship, the candidate must check the eligibility criteria in detail. The student can check the eligibility criteria for this prestigious scholarship below:

1. Karnataka Domicile: To be eligible for the Prize Money Scholarship, the student must be a resident of the state of Karnataka.
2. SC/ST Category: As per the guidelines, the prize money scholarship is specifically reserved for students belonging to the SC/ST category. This criteria focuses on emphasizing the government's commitment to uplift and empower marginalized and downtrodden communities by providing them with equal opportunities for access to education.
3. First Attempt Clearance: To avail of the scholarship, the candidates applying for the scholarship must have passed the previously qualifying examination on the first attempt and without any compartment. This specific criterion encourages students to perform to the best of their ability right from the beginning. It is also ensured that those who demonstrate consistent academic growth and progress are rewarded with the scholarship.
4. Government-Recognised Institution: In terms of educational qualification, the applicants should be pursuing their education from a government-recognized institution to avail of this scholarship. The scholarship covers a wider range of courses including II PUC, Polytechnic Diploma ( which is a three-year course), Bachelor's degree (Hons), Master's degree, and professional courses such as engineering, medicine, veterinary, agriculture, and nursing. It can be inferred that students enrolled in reputable educational institutions are eligible for the scholarship.
5. Income Limit: Unlike many other scholarships where income limit plays an important role, the Prize Money Scholarship does not have an income limit for students applying for any program. This solely means that there is financial inclusion i.e. students from all the financial backgrounds within the SC/ST category can apply, irrespective of their family income.

The eligibility criteria laid for the Prize Money Scholarship provide a fair and ‘inclusive framework’ to access, identify, and support deserving students from the SC/ST category who are permanent residents of Karnataka. By meeting these criteria, students can avail financial assistance to pursue higher education with the support of government funding. However, it is important to note that the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and application procedures may be subject to changes and updates by the government from time to time. The students who are applying for the scholarship are advised to refer to the official scholarship portal or relevant government websites to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Prize Money Scholarship to avoid any problems while applying for the scholarship.

The prize money scholarship offered by the state government of Karnataka is an outstanding initiative aimed at supporting students from various backgrounds in their educational careers. The amount of money received in this scholarship varies according to the job profile. To understand the details of the amount received in the prize money scholarship and how it varies based on the courses pursued are mentioned below:

II PUC

Students pursuing the II PUC, known as the Pre-University Course are eligible to receive a scholarship amount of INR 20,000. This financial support recognizes the efforts and achievements of the students at the pre-university level and encourages them to continue their educational journey.

Polytechnic Diploma

For students pursuing a Diploma in Polytechnic, the prize money scholarship amount is fixed at INR 20,000. This diploma grant recognizes the importance of vocational and technical aspects of education and encourages students to excel in their respective chosen fields.

Undergraduate Degree

The students who applied for the scholarship to pursue an undergraduate course can receive an amount of INR 25,000.
The financial assistance provided to them aims to alleviate the burden of educational expenses, including tuition fees and the provision of study materials which enables the students to concentrate on their studies and personal growth.

Postgraduate Degree

Students pursuing a postgraduate degree can benefit to a larger extent from the Prize Money Scholarship. The amount of INR 30,000 is awarded to the listed candidates. This support recognizes the consistent dedication and commitment of students pursuing advanced studies, empowering them to excel in their selected field of expertise.

Professional Courses

The students pursuing professional courses are offered a scholarship amount of INR 35,000. The Prize Money Scholarship offers the highest amount of financial assistance to students pursuing professional courses. This category includes pursuing various courses such as engineering, medicine, veterinary sciences, agriculture, and other relevant fields. The increased amount in the fee structure of professional courses reflects the rigorous nature of these programs and the need for comprehensive financial support for the students.

It is essential to note that the prize money scholarship amount mentioned above for different courses is for the online scholarship scheme in the state of Karnataka for the year 2024. Moreover, the Government periodically reviews and revises the scholarship amount that is granted to ensure they are in sync with the evolving educational landscape and meet the increase in the cost of education.

Receiving a Prize Money Scholarship offers enormous benefits to students. A few of the potential benefits of the Prize Money Scholarship are given below:

• Firstly, it provides financial support to the students, which can significantly alleviate and cover the burden of tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and other educational expenses. 
• The provision of financial assistance permits students to focus more on their studies and achieve higher academic success. Moreover, Prize Money Scholarships also come with recognition and prestige in society.
• The student being selected for a prestigious scholarship is an achievement of a student's hard work, dedication, and efficiency.
• The grant scholarship can enhance their resume, making them stand out among their peers and potential employers in the career ahead.
• Moreover, the scholarships are often associated with additional perks such as mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to exclusive events or internships. 
• These potential benefits can further boost a student's academic and professional development, opening doors to many future opportunities.

To avail of the Prize Money Scholarship, the student must follow the below-mentioned process:

• Visit the official website i.e. sw.kar.nic.in, and click on the ‘Scholarship’ section
• On the homepage, select the ‘Prize Money Scholarship 2024’ option from the list of available scholarship schemes
• The student must read the eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and other important details of the scholarship before proceeding with the application process
• Click on the ‘Apply Online’ link available on the page
• Fill out the online application form with required and complete details, including personal details, academic qualifications, and other relevant information as mentioned
• Upload the required documents, such as income certificates, mark sheets, and other supporting documents, as specified in the website
• Review and check all the details provided in the application form before submitting it
• Click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the application process
• Take a printout of the application form for future reference

When applying for the Prize Money Scholarship, it is important for the candidates to submit the necessary documents in the prescribed format. To complete the application process, the following documents need to be submitted:

• Aadhaar Card: The Aadhar Card is considered a primary identification document that must be submitted by the beneficiary.
• Caste Certificate: To prove their SC/ST status, the candidates need to provide a valid caste certificate. Also, the caste certificate should be approved by the appropriate authority and should abide by the prescribed format.
• Residence Proof: This residence proof document confirms that the candidate is a resident of Karnataka, as domicile in Karnataka is a prerequisite for receiving the prize money scholarship.
• Mark Sheets: Candidates must submit their original mark sheets for all the semesters of their current or most recent educational program. The mark sheets are important in scrutinizing the candidate's academic performance and eligibility for the scholarship
• Bank Details with IFSC Code: In order to enable the disbursement of the scholarship amount, candidates need to provide their bank details which include the bank account number and the IFSC code.
• Passport Size Photograph: Apart from the above documents, candidates are required to submit 2=3 passport-size photographs as per requirement.

If the students face any difficulty in applying for the Prize Money Scholarship or have any confusion, he/she can contact the department in the following details mentioned:

• Phone Number- 080-22634300
• Email id- swdcontrol@gmail.com
• Address- Social Welfare Department, Commissionerate of Social Welfare Department, 5th floor, MS Building, Bengaluru- 560001