Scholarship for Differently Abled Students by Kerala Social Justice Department

The Scholarship for Differently Abled Students is a long-running need-based scheme of the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala. The scheme provides annual financial assistance to school, college, professional and postgraduate students with at least 40 percent disability, helping them continue education across primary, secondary, higher secondary and tertiary levels.

The scholarship is open to permanent residents of Kerala studying in regular courses, with a combined annual family income not exceeding 36,000 rupees and a minimum of 40 percent marks in the previous year's examination. Eligible disability categories include blind, deaf, orthopedically handicapped and intellectual disability, certified by a recognised Medical Board.

The scheme covers day scholar and hostel rates and a separate reader's allowance, paid for ten months in an academic year. Award amounts range from 300 rupees for primary classes up to 1,500 rupees per year for postgraduate hostel students, with separate reader's allowance provisions for students with visual impairment.

Applications are accepted online through the Suneethi citizen platform of the Social Justice Department, with offline submissions also accepted at the District Social Justice Officer. Applicants must apply within three months of the start of the academic year, attaching a Medical Board disability certificate and an income certificate from the Village Officer.