Kerala Scholarships: The Complete Guide (2026)

Kerala doesn't put its scholarships in one place — different departments run different schemes, and which portal you need depends on the type of scheme, not just your category. This guide sorts out which is which.

Different departments, different portals

• DCE (Directorate of Collegiate Education) — merit-based schemes open to General category students too, including the District Merit Scholarship and Suvarna Jubilee Merit Scholarship. Portal: dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in.
• e-Grantz — specifically for SC, ST, OEC, and OBC students. Portal: egrantz.kerala.gov.in.
• NSP (National Scholarship Portal) — some Central Government schemes, like certain minority pre-matric and disability scholarships, are applied for here even though you live in Kerala. Portal: scholarships.gov.in.
• Minority Welfare Department — Kerala's own state-run minority scheme, separate from NSP. Portal: minoritywelfare.kerala.gov.in.
• KSCSTE (Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment) — a science-focused merit scholarship. Portal: kscste.kerala.gov.in.

What this means for you: Don't assume every Kerala scholarship is on one website. Match the type of scheme — merit, caste-based, central, minority, or science-specific — to the right portal.

What does OEC mean?

You will see OEC (Other Eligible Communities) listed alongside SC, ST, and OBC in Kerala scheme eligibility. This is a category specific to Kerala, for certain communities that qualify for similar welfare benefits as SC/ST students. If you're not sure whether you fall under OEC, check with your local Village Officer or look at your caste certificate.

Not everything is on a Kerala website

This surprises some students: certain schemes for Kerala students — like some minority pre-matric scholarships and disability (PH) scholarships — are actually Central Government schemes, applied for through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in), not a Kerala-specific site. Don't assume a scheme must be missing just because you can't find it on a Kerala government website — check NSP too.

Documents Kerala almost always asks for

1. Aadhaar Card, linked to your mobile number and bank account.
2. Kerala Domicile Certificate.
3. Income Certificate, issued by your Village Officer.
4. Caste Certificate, for SC, ST, OEC, or OBC applicants.
5. SSLC (Class 10) and Higher Secondary (Class 12) marksheets.
6. College admission receipt and student ID card.
7. Bank passbook with Aadhaar (NPCI seeding).

How to find the right scheme — step by step

1. Check the type of scheme first: merit-based (DCE), caste-based (e-Grantz), central (NSP), minority (state or central), or science-specific (KSCSTE).
2. If you are SC, ST, OEC, or OBC, start with e-Grantz.
3. If you don't fit a caste category, check the merit-based schemes on DCE.
4. If you are a minority student, check both the state Minority Welfare Department scheme and NSP — they're separate.
5. Prepare your Village Officer income certificate early, since this document is needed across almost every Kerala scheme.