The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme is a Karnataka Government scholarship programme that supports Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students who secure admission to leading foreign universities. Implemented by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Career Development (IGCCD), the scheme covers tuition fees, living expenses, books, medical insurance, and travel costs, helping eligible students pursue higher education abroad without financial hardship.
Karnataka Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme (Formerly Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship Scheme) |
| Launch Date | 7 December 2018 |
| Implementing Department | Department of Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka |
| Implementing Agency | Indira Gandhi Centre for Career Development (IGCCD) |
| Objective | Provide financial assistance to SC and ST students from Karnataka for pursuing higher education at top-ranked foreign universities |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students who are permanent residents of Karnataka |
| University Requirement | Unconditional Offer Letter from a foreign university ranked within the Overall Global Ranking 325 in the QS World University Rankings |
| Age Limit | Below 40 years for Postgraduate courses and below 45 years for PhD programmes |
| Scholarship Benefits | Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, book allowance, medical insurance, and round-trip airfare |
| Income-Based Assistance | 100% benefit below ₹8 lakh income, 50% benefit between ₹8 lakh and ₹15 lakh, and 33% benefit above ₹15 lakh annual family income |
| Annual Coverage | Around 400 students every year (250 Undergraduate and 150 Postgraduate/PhD students) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | swdservices.karnataka.gov.in/foreignstudies |
Introduction of Karnataka Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme: A Brief Overview
The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme is a flagship overseas education initiative of the Government of Karnataka that helps meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursue higher education at leading universities across the world without being held back by financial constraints. The scheme was originally launched on December 7, 2018 as the Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship Scheme by the Department of Social Welfare and was later renamed in honour of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whose own academic journey to international institutions continues to inspire generations of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The scheme is implemented through the Indira Gandhi Centre for Career Development (IGCCD) under the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka. Its purpose is simple yet transformative. Every year, many talented students secure admission to prestigious foreign universities but are unable to continue because of the enormous costs involved. Through this scholarship, the Karnataka Government bridges that gap by providing comprehensive financial support, allowing deserving students to focus on academic excellence rather than arranging funds.
Students admitted to universities ranked within the top 325 positions of the overall QS World University Rankings can receive substantial assistance under the scheme. The support package includes full tuition fee reimbursement, a maintenance allowance of up to ₹8 lakh per year, ₹1 lakh annually for books and other academic expenses, medical insurance coverage, and a one-time round-trip economy class air ticket.
The level of assistance depends on the family’s annual income. Students from families earning below ₹8 lakh receive 100% benefits, those with family income between ₹8 lakh and ₹15 lakh receive 50% benefits, while students from families earning above ₹15 lakh receive 33% benefits. With an allocation of ₹120 crore, the scheme aims to support nearly 400 students every year across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes.
To qualify, an applicant must belong to the SC or ST category, be a permanent resident of Karnataka, and obtain an Unconditional Offer Letter from an eligible foreign university. Applicants must also possess valid GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL scores wherever applicable. The scheme prescribes an upper age limit of 40 years for postgraduate applicants and 45 years for Ph.D. applicants.
The application process is conducted entirely online through the official scholarship portal, where students submit their academic records, income documents, caste certificate, university admission documents, and other supporting credentials for verification.
Students interested in exploring more welfare initiatives can also check other Karnataka Government schemes such as the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme, Anna Bhagya Scheme, Yuva Nidhi Scheme, Shakti Scheme, Sandhya Kiran Scheme, and various education, healthcare, social security, and livelihood programmes launched by the Government of Karnataka for different sections of society.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The scholarship provided under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme provides comprehensive financial support to eligible SC and ST students from Karnataka who secure admission to top-ranked foreign universities for higher studies.
Tuition Fee Assistance
- Complete tuition fees for the approved course are covered by the Government of Karnataka
- No fixed upper limit has been prescribed for tuition fee reimbursement
- Support continues for the entire duration of the approved programme
Living and Academic Support
- Maintenance allowance of up to ₹8 lakh per year, or 75% of the actual living expenses, whichever is lower
- Additional assistance of ₹1 lakh per year for books, study materials, and other miscellaneous academic expenses
- Medical insurance coverage for the entire study period abroad
- One-time round-trip economy class airfare for travel to the destination country and return journey
Benefits Based on Family Income
- Students from families with annual income below ₹8 lakh receive 100% scholarship assistance
- Students from families with annual income between ₹8 lakh and ₹15 lakh receive 50% scholarship assistance
- Students from families with annual income above ₹15 lakh receive 33% scholarship assistance
Annual Scholarship Capacity
- The Government of Karnataka has earmarked ₹120 crore for the scheme
- Around 400 students are expected to benefit every year
- Approximately 250 scholarships are available for undergraduate studies
- Approximately 150 scholarships are available for postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes
Mode of Benefit Transfer
- Approved scholarship assistance is released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Students must satisfy the following eligibility conditions before applying for the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme of the Karnataka Government.
Category and Domicile Requirements
- Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka
Educational Qualification
- For undergraduate studies, the applicant must have completed the required qualifying examination for admission to the selected course
- For postgraduate studies, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution
- For Ph.D. programmes, the applicant must possess a master’s degree from a recognised institution
Age Limit
- Applicants seeking admission to postgraduate courses must be below 40 years of age at the time of application
- Applicants seeking admission to Ph.D. programmes must be below 45 years of age at the time of application
Foreign University Admission Requirement
- Applicant must secure an Unconditional Offer Letter from a foreign university or institution
- The selected university must be ranked within the top 325 positions in the overall QS World University Rankings
- Conditional offer letters are not considered eligible under the scheme
Entrance Test Requirement
- Applicant must have qualified in GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL, wherever applicable
- These test scores are considered during merit evaluation even if the university grants an English language exemption
Reservation Provisions
- 33% of the available scholarship slots are reserved for women candidates
- 4% reservation is available for differently abled applicants
Additional Conditions
- A student can avail this scholarship only once during their academic career, whether for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies
- Not more than two students from the same family can receive benefits under this scheme
- Applicant must not be receiving any other scholarship for the same course from the Government of Karnataka or the Government of India
Documents Required to be Attached
Candidates applying for the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme must upload all required documents online through the official portal. Each document should be uploaded in PDF format and must not exceed the prescribed file size limit. Keeping clear and legible scanned copies ready before starting the application can help avoid submission errors and verification delays.
Identity Documents
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- PAN Card of the applicant
- Valid Passport of the applicant
- Aadhaar Card of the father or legal guardian
Caste and Income Documents
- Caste Certificate showing Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) status
- Valid Income Certificate
- Family Income Affidavit in the prescribed format
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) of the latest two financial years
Educational Documents
- SSLC Marks Card
- Degree Convocation Certificate
- Degree Transcript
- All Semester Marks Cards of the Degree Course
Foreign University Admission Documents
- Unconditional Offer Letter issued by the foreign university
- I-20 Form or CAS Number Document, as applicable
- University Fee Structure or Fee Details Document
Residence Proof
- Domicile Certificate of Karnataka
Applicants should ensure that every document is uploaded completely and in a readable format. Any missing, incorrect, or unclear document may lead to delays during scrutiny or result in rejection of the application.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Applying for the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme becomes much easier when you divide the process into two parts. First, secure admission to an eligible foreign university. Second, submit the scholarship application on the Karnataka Government portal. Follow the steps below carefully.
Step 1: Check Whether You Meet the Eligibility Conditions
Before spending time and money on university applications, make sure you satisfy the scholarship requirements. You should belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, be a permanent resident of Karnataka, meet the prescribed age limit, and plan to study at a university that falls within the top 325 positions of the overall QS World University Rankings.
Step 2: Shortlist Eligible Foreign Universities
Visit the QS World University Rankings website and prepare a list of universities that match your course and career goals. Since the scholarship accepts only universities ranked within the overall Global Ranking 325, verify the ranking carefully before applying.
At this stage, also check the university’s admission requirements, tuition fees, application deadlines, and accepted entrance tests such as GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL.
Step 3: Apply for Admission and Obtain an Unconditional Offer Letter
Submit your admission application directly to the selected foreign universities. Upload your academic records, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, test scores, passport, and other documents required by the university.
Once the university completes its evaluation, obtain an Unconditional Offer Letter. This is one of the most important documents for the scholarship. Applications supported only by a conditional offer letter are not considered eligible.
Step 4: Keep All Scholarship Documents Ready
Before starting the scholarship form, collect and scan all required documents in PDF format. This includes your Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, caste certificate, income certificate, domicile certificate, academic records, income affidavit, Income Tax Returns, university offer letter, I-20 or CAS document, and fee structure issued by the university.
Make sure every file is clear, complete, and within the size limit prescribed on the portal.
Step 5: Register on the Official Scholarship Portal
Visit the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Portal of the Social Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka.
Click on the registration option and create your account using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. After successful registration, log in using your credentials.
Step 6: Fill the Online Application Form
After logging in, enter all required information carefully, including:
- Personal details
- Address and domicile information
- Caste category details
- Family income information
- Academic qualifications
- Foreign university details
- Course information
- Bank account details
Check every entry before moving to the next section. Even a small mistake in the name, income details, or university information can delay verification.
Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all required documents in the prescribed format. Pay special attention to the Family Income Affidavit, as the information mentioned in this affidavit must match the details entered in the application form.
The Social Welfare Department provides an official format for this document, which can be downloaded from the Family Income Affidavit format page.
Step 8: Review and Submit the Application
Before clicking the final submit button, review every section carefully. Verify your personal details, university information, uploaded documents, and bank account number.
Once you are satisfied that everything is correct, submit the application online and save the acknowledgement or application reference number for future use.
Step 9: Track Your Application Status
After submission, the Social Welfare Department verifies your documents, university ranking, caste certificate, income details, and domicile records.
You can monitor the progress of your application anytime through the Application Status Portal by entering the required application details.
Step 10: Receive Scholarship Benefits
Once the application is approved, the scholarship benefits are released as per the scheme guidelines. Tuition fee support, maintenance allowance, travel assistance, medical insurance support, and other approved benefits are transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Students should regularly check both the scholarship portal and their registered email address for any communication regarding document verification, approval status, or fund release schedules.
Important Links Available for the Scheme
- Apply Online for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme
- Check Application Status
- Download Family Income Affidavit Format
- View QS World University Rankings 2026
- Indira Gandhi Centre for Career Development (IGCCD) Portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Implementing Agency: Indira Gandhi Centre for Career Development (IGCCD), Department of Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka
- Office Address: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan, Kaverappa Layout, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Department Address: Department of Social Welfare, 5th Floor, MS Building, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Helpline Number: 080-25578422
- Mobile Number: 9482300400
- Email ID: swdpetc2011@gmail.com
Applicants should keep their application number ready while contacting the department. For application-related updates, document verification status, or scholarship release information, the official application portal remains the primary source of information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme?
Ans. The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme is a Karnataka Government scholarship that helps Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. studies at leading foreign universities.
Q. Which department implements this scholarship?
Ans. The scheme is implemented by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Career Development (IGCCD) under the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka.
Q. Was this scheme known by a different name earlier?
Ans. Yes. The scheme was originally introduced as the Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship Scheme in December 2018 and was later renamed as the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme.
Q. Who can apply for this scholarship?
Ans. Permanent residents of Karnataka belonging to the SC or ST category, who have secured admission to an eligible foreign university, can apply subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Q. Is an Unconditional Offer Letter mandatory?
Ans. Yes. Applicants must possess an Unconditional Offer Letter from a foreign university. Conditional offer letters are not accepted under the scheme.
Q. What university ranking requirement must be satisfied?
Ans. The selected foreign university must be ranked within the top 325 positions in the overall QS World University Rankings applicable for the relevant academic year.
Q. What is the age limit under the scheme?
Ans. Applicants seeking postgraduate admission must be below 40 years of age, while applicants seeking admission to Ph.D. programmes must be below 45 years of age at the time of application.
Q. Are GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL scores compulsory?
Ans. Yes. Relevant test scores such as GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL are considered mandatory for merit evaluation, even if the university grants an English language exemption.
Q. How much financial assistance is available under the scholarship?
Ans. The scholarship covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, book and miscellaneous expenses, medical insurance, and a one-time round-trip economy class air ticket, subject to the applicable income category.
Q. Does family income affect scholarship benefits?
Ans. Yes. Students from families earning below ₹8 lakh annually receive 100% benefits, those with annual income between ₹8 lakh and ₹15 lakh receive 50% benefits, and students from families earning above ₹15 lakh receive 33% benefits.
Q. Can a student receive this scholarship more than once?
Ans. No. A student can avail the benefit of this scholarship only once, whether for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies.
Q. Can more than two students from the same family receive the scholarship?
Ans. No. The scheme permits a maximum of two beneficiaries from the same family.
Q. How can students apply for the scholarship?
Ans. Eligible students must submit an online application through the official scholarship portal after obtaining an Unconditional Offer Letter and collecting all required supporting documents.
Q. How can applicants track their application status?
Ans. Applicants can check the progress of their application online through the official Application Status portal using their application details.
Q. How many students benefit from the scheme every year?
Ans. The Government of Karnataka aims to support around 400 students annually, including approximately 250 undergraduate students and 150 postgraduate and Ph.D. scholars.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.