Karnataka ePASS Scholarship 2026: Application Guide, Eligibility & Benefits for SC/ST/OBC Students

The Karnataka Electronic Payment and Application System of Scholarships (ePASS), now largely integrated with the State Scholarship Portal (SSP), is a transformative initiative by the Government of Karnataka. It aims to provide financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder higher education goals.

What is this scheme?

Karnataka ePASS is a dedicated online scholarship portal managed by the Department of Backward Classes Welfare. It streamlines the disbursement of Post-Matric scholarships, including Fee Concession, Vidyasiri (Food & Accommodation), and PMS (Post Matric Scholarship). The system ensures transparency by transferring funds directly to the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.

Who is eligible?

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka state.
• Student must belong to SC, ST, OBC, EBC, or Minority communities.
• The annual family income must not exceed the limits set by the government (typically up to ₹2.5 Lakhs for SC/ST and ₹1 Lakh for OBC, subject to current notification).
• Must be enrolled in a recognized Post-Matric course (Diploma, Degree, PG, or Ph.D.) in a government-approved institution.
• Minimum attendance of 75% is usually required as per department norms.

How much money?

The scholarship amount varies based on the course and category. It typically covers tuition fees, laboratory fees, and a maintenance allowance. Under the Vidyasiri scheme, students may receive a monthly stipend for food and accommodation if they are not staying in government hostels. As per latest notification, verify exact amounts on the official portal.

Documents needed

1. Aadhaar Card of the student and parent
2. SSLC/10th Standard Marks Card
3. Previous year's qualifying examination marks card
4. Valid Caste and Income Certificate issued by the Tehsildar
5. Income Certificate (Latest)
6. Fee Receipt from the educational institution
7. Bank Account details (Passbook copy) seeded with Aadhaar
8. Bonafide Certificate from the college

How to apply (step by step)

1. Navigate to the official Karnataka State Scholarship Portal (SSP) or ePASS portal.
2. Click on 'New Student Registration' and enter your Aadhaar and SATS ID.
3. Fill in the personal details, caste, and income information as per your official certificates.
4. Upload the required documents in the prescribed format and size.
5. Select the specific scholarship scheme (e.g., Post-Matric Scholarship, Vidyasiri).
6. Verify all entered information and 'Submit' the application.
7. Print the acknowledgment form and submit it to your college office for further verification.

Important dates

Conclusion

The Karnataka ePASS scholarship remains a backbone for thousands of students pursuing higher education in the state. By digitizing the application and disbursement process, the government has minimized delays and eliminated middlemen. Eligible students are encouraged to keep their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts active and apply well before the deadline to ensure seamless financial support.