Keralam Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme

The Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme, implemented by the Kerala State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities Ltd. (Samunnathi), provides annual scholarships to eligible students from forward (non-reservation) communities with a family income of up to Rs. 4 lakh. The scheme covers education from high school to PhD, with assistance of up to Rs. 50,000 per year for students at premier national institutions. Apply online for 2026-27 by 7 November 2026.

Introduction of Keralam Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme: A Brief Insight

Many students from forward-community families in Keralam perform well academically but face financial difficulties at home. Since they do not belong to reservation categories, they may have limited access to Government scholarships. The Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme helps bridge this gap by supporting eligible students from high school through higher education and research.

The scheme is implemented by the Kerala State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities Ltd. (Samunnathi), a Government of Keralam undertaking under the General Administration Department. The corporation was established on 8 November 2012 and has been providing scholarships since 2013-14. Its main objective is to improve the educational and economic conditions of financially weaker families belonging to forward communities.

The scheme offers annual scholarships for different levels of education, including high school, higher secondary, diploma courses, CA, graduation, post-graduation and PhD. Students studying at premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS and NIT can receive up to Rs. 50,000 per year towards tuition fees, examination fees and hostel fees. The approved scholarship amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account.

Students belonging to non-reservation communities with an annual family income of up to Rs. 4 lakh can apply, provided they meet the other eligibility conditions. Students receiving another Government scholarship are not eligible under the stated scheme rules. The corporation does not offer automatic renewal, so students must submit a fresh application every year.

For the 2026-27 academic year, students can apply online through the Samunnathi portal until 7 November 2026. They must complete the one-time registration process before submitting their application. For assistance, applicants can call 0471-2311215 or 6238170312.

Students preparing for entrance examinations, Kerala PSC or Civil Services can also explore the Vidyasamunnathi Coaching Assistance Scheme, which provides coaching fee support through the same corporation. Those planning higher education can learn about collateral-free education loans under the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme. Final-year students and graduates seeking practical work experience can also explore the PM Internship Scheme, which offers a monthly stipend.

Students, parents and others looking for educational assistance and welfare programmes offered by the Government can explore our Keralam Government Welfare Schemes page for more information.

Latest Update

• 8 October 2026: Online applications opened for the Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme and the Vidyasamunnathi Coaching Assistance Scheme for the 2026-27 academic year.
• 7 November 2026: The last date to apply for both schemes is 7 November 2026. Applicants should follow the current year’s deadline instead of relying on dates announced in previous years.
• Fresh application required: Students who received the Merit Scholarship in an earlier year must apply again for 2026-27, as the scheme does not provide a renewal facility.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible students from economically weaker forward-community families in Keralam. It supports students at different stages of education, from high school to PhD, and offers higher assistance to eligible students studying at premier national institutions.

Scholarship at Different Levels

The scholarship amount varies according to the level of study. Applicants should check the relevant guidelines on the official scheme portal to confirm the amount applicable to their course.

Support for Students in Premier Institutes

• Annual assistance: Up to Rs. 50,000 per student for an academic year.
• Covered expenses: Course or tuition fees, examination fees and hostel fees.
• Excluded expense: Mess fees are not covered.
• Payment basis: The corporation processes assistance based on the institution’s certificate and original fee receipts.
• Scholarships awarded: Around 59 scholarships were provided at this level in 2025-26, subject to fund availability.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

• Educational support at multiple levels: The scheme covers studies ranging from high school to professional courses and PhD.
• Fresh applications every year: Students can apply again each year and receive assistance if they meet the conditions and get selected.
• Direct bank transfer: The scholarship amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account.
• Priority for lower-income families: Students from families with lower annual incomes receive priority when the number of applications exceeds the available scholarships.
• Online application facility: Students can register and submit their applications through the official scheme portal.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme provides financial support to students from economically weaker families belonging to Keralam’s forward communities. Students from school level to doctoral studies can apply if they meet the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Keralam State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities Ltd. (KSWCFC).

Basic Conditions for All Applicants

• Must belong to a non-reservation (forward) community in Kerala.
• Annual family income from all sources must not exceed Rs. 4 lakh.
• The student’s name must appear on the family ration card.
• Must be enrolled in a recognised course at an approved educational institution.
• Must hold an active bank account in their own name with a nationalised or scheduled bank.
• Must submit a fresh application every year, as the scheme does not provide a renewal facility.

Levels of Study Covered

• High School
• Higher Secondary
• Diploma and Certificate Courses
• CA, CMA and CS Courses
• Graduation (Professional and Non-Professional)
• Post-Graduation (Professional and Non-Professional)
• Courses at Nationally Recognised Institutions
• PhD

Special Conditions for National Institute Level

• Must be studying at a premier national institute, such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS, JIPMER, IISc, NIT, National Law School, National Film Institute or NIFT.
• Must be below 35 years of age as of the date specified in the application notice.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Students belonging to SC, ST, OBC or other reserved categories.
• Students whose annual family income exceeds Rs. 4 lakh.
• Students already receiving a scholarship or stipend from the Central or State Government.
• Applicants who do not have a bank account in their own name.

Selection Priority

The number of scholarships available depends on the funds allocated by the Government. If eligible applications exceed the available scholarships, the corporation gives priority to students from families with lower annual incomes.

Documents Required to be Attached

Applicants must submit documents in two stages under the Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme. First, they must upload scanned copies while filling out the online application. After selection, they must send the original fee receipts and a printed copy of the application to the corporation’s office by post. The corporation accepts only certificates prepared in the prescribed formats.

Documents to Upload With the Online Application

• Institution Certificate: A certificate in the prescribed format, signed by the head of the school, college or institute. Applicants can download the prescribed format from the portal.
• Annual Family Income Certificate: A certificate issued by the Village Officer in the name of the applicant, father, mother or guardian whose name appears on the ration card.
• Caste Proof: A caste certificate issued by the Village Officer or the page of the SSLC certificate that mentions the applicant’s caste. No other document is accepted for this purpose.
• Ration Card: Copies of the first and second pages showing the student’s name.
• SSLC Certificate: A copy of the applicant’s SSLC certificate.
• Bank Passbook: A copy of the first page clearly showing the account number, branch and IFSC code.

Documents to Send After Selection

The corporation informs selected students through SMS or email. After receiving the selection message, students must send the following documents to the corporation’s office by post within the specified deadline:

• A printed copy of the online application.
• Original fee receipts for the current academic year.
• Institution Certificate clearly stating the actual expenditure on course or tuition fees, examination fees and hostel fees.
• Any additional documents specified in the selection message.

Write “Application for Vidyasamunnathi Scheme (2026-27)” on the top of the envelope and send the documents to the following address:

Keralam State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities Ltd.,
L2, Kuleena, Jawahar Nagar,
Kowdiar P.O., Thiruvananthapuram.

Points to Keep in Mind

• The corporation accepts only family income certificates, not individual income certificates.
• The bank account must be active and held in the student’s own name.
• Upload clear and readable scans of all documents. Unclear or incomplete attachments may lead to rejection of the application.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Students who want to receive financial assistance under the Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme must submit an online application through the Official Samunnathi Schemes Portal. For the 2026-27 academic year, the application process started on 8 October 2026, and students must apply by 7 November 2026.

The process is simple if you complete each step carefully. First, check the rules for your course and prepare your documents. Next, register or log in to the portal, fill out the application and submit it before the deadline. If the corporation selects you, you must send the required original documents by post.

Step 1: Read the Guidelines and Prepare Your Documents

Before filling out the application, understand the rules that apply to your level of study. Follow these steps:

1. Open the official Vidyasamunnathi Guidelines and Institution Certificate Page.
2. Find and read the guidelines for your course or level of education. Check the eligibility conditions and the documents you need to submit.
3. Download the prescribed Institution Certificate. Ask the head of your school, college or institute to fill it in and sign it.
4. Scan your family income certificate, caste proof, ration card pages, SSLC certificate, bank passbook and other required documents. Save clear copies on your phone or computer so you can upload them later.

Step 2: Register on the Samunnathi Portal

If you are using the portal for the first time, you must create an account before applying. Follow these instructions:

1. Visit the Official Samunnathi Portal.
2. Open the Registration Page and enter the basic information requested.
3. After registration, the portal will send your username and password to your registered mobile number by SMS. Keep these login details safe.
4. If you created an account last year, use your existing username and password to log in. You do not need to register again.

Step 3: Fill Out the Scholarship Application

Once you have an account, log in and complete the application form. Enter the information carefully because incorrect or incomplete details may cause problems during verification.

1. Open the Candidate Login section and sign in to your account.
2. Create your profile or update your existing profile if the portal asks you to do so.
3. Select Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 and choose the level of study that applies to you.
4. Enter your personal details, family information, course details and educational institution’s information.
5. Provide your bank account number and IFSC code correctly. The corporation will use these details to transfer the scholarship amount if you are selected.
6. Upload all the required documents. Make sure the scanned copies are complete, clear and readable.
7. Review the entire form before submitting it. Correct any mistakes and submit your application before 7 November 2026.
8. Download the submitted application and keep a printed copy for your records. You will need it if the corporation selects you.

Step 4: Send Documents if the Corporation Selects You

Submitting an application does not mean you have received the scholarship. The corporation will review the applications and inform selected students through SMS or email. If you receive a selection message, complete the following steps within the specified deadline:

1. Print the application you submitted online.
2. Collect the original fee receipts for the current academic year and the required Institution Certificate. Include any other documents mentioned in the selection message.
3. Place all the documents in an envelope. Write “Application for Vidyasamunnathi Scheme (2026-27)” on the top of the envelope.
4. Send the envelope by post to the following address:

Postal Address:
Kerala State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities Ltd.
L2, Kuleena, Jawahar Nagar,
Kowdiar P.O., Thiruvananthapuram.

Step 5: Wait for Verification and Scholarship Payment

After receiving your documents, the corporation will verify the information and supporting records. If your application meets the requirements and you qualify for the scholarship, the approved amount will be credited to your bank account.

Keep your application copy, fee receipts and other relevant records safe until the process is complete.

Important Instructions for Applicants

• No renewal facility: Students who received the scholarship in a previous year must submit a fresh application for 2026-27.
• Apply before the deadline: Submit your online application by 7 November 2026.
• Check your documents: Upload the correct documents in the prescribed format and ensure that all details are readable.
• Keep your login details safe: You may need them to access your application.
• Use official information: For more details about the corporation and the scheme, visit the Samunnathi page of the General Administration Department.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Register for Vidyasamunnathi Merit Scholarship Scheme2026-27
• Samunnathi Online Schemes Official Portal
• Level-wise guidelines and Institution Certificate format
• Samunnathi, General Administration Department, Government of Kerala

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Implementing Agency: Kerala State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities Ltd. (Samunnathi)
• Address: T.C. 23/2772, L2, Kuleena, Jawahar Nagar, Kowdiar P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695003
• Phone: 0471-2311215, 6238170312
• Email: kswcfc@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

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.