Punjab Government Launches Historic Education Schemes For SC Students, Offering Foreign Scholarships, Jobs And PCS Coaching
The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has launched major education schemes for SC students, including foreign study scholarships, post-matric aid, and PCS coaching, ensuring brighter futures without financial burdens.
Punjab News: The Punjab Government has restructured the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, ensuring every rupee benefits needy students. Earlier, this scheme was stuck in disputes and misuse, but now strict action has improved transparency. In 2022, nearly 1.76 lakh students benefitted. Today, that figure has grown to over 2.37 lakh-marking a 35% rise in three years.
Previous governments managed only 3.71 lakh students in five years, while Mann’s government has already helped 6.78 lakh students in three years. For 2025-26, the target has been set at 2.70 lakh, with schools and colleges running awareness drives.
Scholarships In Top Institutions Offered
Beyond post-matric aid, students from OBC, EBC and DNT categories with family income under ₹2.5 lakh are now covered. They can receive scholarships in 11 premier institutions across Punjab. These include AIIMS Bathinda, IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar, IIM Amritsar, NIPER Mohali, NIT Mohali, ISI Chandigarh, Thapar Patiala, RGNUL Patiala, IISER Mohali and IHM Gurdaspur. The initiative ensures that talented students from weaker backgrounds do not miss opportunities due to lack of resources.
Foreign Study Scholarship Announced
One of the biggest reforms is the new foreign study scheme for SC students and children of landless farm laborers. Students below 35 years of age, with at least 60% marks and parental income under ₹8 lakh, are eligible. They can now study in the world’s top 500 universities.
The Punjab Government will bear all costs, including visa, airfare, tuition fees, medical insurance, and even an annual maintenance allowance of ₹13.17 lakh. Parents, who earlier mortgaged land to send children abroad, will now find relief.
Women Reservation In Scheme
The government has made inclusivity a priority by reserving 30% of seats in the foreign study scheme for women. A maximum of two children from a family can benefit, but each student will only get one chance. Applications for the 2025-26 session are open online through the NOS portal from September 15 to October 24. Officials said this scheme will become a turning point, helping Punjab’s talent gain global exposure.
PCS Crash Course Launched
To support competitive exam aspirants, a two-month PCS crash course has been launched at Ambedkar Institute, Mohali. This course is open to SC, BC and minority students. Applications remain open till September 26, with a test scheduled for September 30 to select 40 candidates. The institute has been upgraded with ₹1.47 crore, and another ₹1.22 crore is being invested. Professors’ honorariums have been doubled to attract top trainers, ensuring quality guidance.
Restoring Trust Among NRIs
For years, NRIs felt ignored except when asked for donations. The Mann government has changed this approach by addressing their grievances. Through “NRI Milni” and help desks, the government has reconnected with the diaspora. NRIs now feel confident to invest in Punjab again. This not only benefits the economy but also strengthens the emotional bond between Punjabis abroad and their homeland.
Commitment To Social Justice Clear
Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur underlined that these reforms reflect Punjab’s mission to empower weaker sections. The focus is on making higher education affordable, accessible, and aspirational. By providing scholarships, coaching, and international opportunities, the Mann government is rewriting the story of empowerment. For thousands of families, these steps mean that education can truly change lives without financial strain.
