The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has removed the domicile certificate requirement for SC and OBC scholarship applicants, simplifying access to Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarship schemes. The reform is expected to benefit nearly 1.2 crore students annually while promoting digital governance through the SETU platform on UMANG.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has removed the requirement of submitting a domicile certificate for students applying under scholarship schemes meant for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The decision was announced as part of a series of reforms and digital initiatives undertaken by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to streamline scholarship services and make them more accessible for eligible students across the country.
According to an official statement issued on Friday, the removal of the domicile certificate requirement is expected to substantially reduce the compliance burden on students. Previously, applicants were required to obtain and submit domicile certificates while applying for various scholarship schemes, often resulting in delays and additional documentation challenges.
Officials stated that the reform would simplify the application process and enable easier access to scholarship benefits, especially for students who pursue education outside their home states. Thousands of eligible applicants are expected to benefit from the change, which is designed to make the scholarship system more inclusive and student-friendly.
The Ministry highlighted that nearly 1.2 crore students receive benefits annually under the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for SC and OBC students. Given the large number of beneficiaries, the removal of a key documentation requirement is expected to have a substantial positive impact on scholarship accessibility across the country.
Until now, the domicile certificate was considered an essential document for scholarship applications under these schemes. However, authorities noted that eliminating this requirement would reduce paperwork, lower compliance costs, and help students complete their applications more efficiently. The measure is also expected to reduce administrative burdens on educational institutions and government agencies involved in processing scholarship applications.
In addition to easing documentation requirements, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has strengthened its focus on digital governance through the launch of SETU (Scholarship for Educational Transformation and Upliftment) on the UMANG platform.
SETU has been developed as a comprehensive digital solution for scholarship-related services. The platform offers a single-window interface for students, Institutional Nodal Officers, District Nodal Officers, and State officials. Through the platform, users can register applications, track scholarship status, validate records, and access other scholarship-related services in a transparent and efficient manner.
Officials believe that the integration of scholarship services through SETU will significantly improve transparency, accountability, and service delivery. The platform is expected to reduce processing delays and ensure that benefits reach eligible students in a timely manner.
The latest reforms align with the Central Government’s broader objective of promoting social inclusion, minimizing procedural barriers, and ensuring effective delivery of welfare schemes. By leveraging technology and simplifying eligibility processes, the government aims to encourage greater participation in educational support programs among disadvantaged communities.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to technology-driven reforms and student welfare, emphasizing that continued efforts will be made to enhance outreach, improve service efficiency, and provide timely financial assistance to deserving students.
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Education experts and stakeholders have welcomed the decision, noting that simplified procedures can help increase scholarship uptake among SC and OBC students and contribute to greater educational equity across India.
