Introduction The Maargadeepam Scholarship is a state government pre-matric scholarship introduced in 2024 to support students from notified minority communities. The Department of Minority Welfare administers the scheme to help eligible children continue their education and reduce financial barriers to schooling. Students belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities can receive ₹1,500 per academic year if they study in Classes 1 to 8 at a government or government-aided school in Kerala. The annual income of the parent or guardian must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh, and the student must be a permanent resident of Kerala. A maximum of two children per family can receive the scholarship. The scholarship amount is transferred to the selected student's bank account through DBT. Applications are submitted through the student's school, where the prescribed form and supporting documents are checked before being forwarded to the Minority Welfare Department. Selection depends on the applicable eligibility conditions and merit-based index points. Students who received the scholarship previously must submit a fresh application for the next academic year. Benefits Annual scholarship: Eligible students receive ₹1,500 per academic year. Direct payment: The scholarship is transferred to the beneficiary's bank account through DBT. Classes covered: Students studying in Classes 1 to 8 at government and government-aided schools in Kerala are covered. Reservation for girls: 30% of scholarships are reserved for girl students. Unfilled seats may be offered to eligible boys. Additional selection points: Students with disabilities of 40% or more and those who have lost one or both parents receive additional points. Income-based consideration: Family income is included in the selection criteria, with lower income attracting more points. Reapplication: Previous beneficiaries can apply again for the next academic year, subject to eligibility and selection. Eligibility Community: The student must belong to the Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain or Parsi community. Class and school: The applicant must study in Class 1 to Class 8 at a government or government-aided school in Kerala. Family income: The annual income of the parent or guardian from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh. Residence: The student must be a permanent resident of Kerala. Family limit: A maximum of two children from one family can receive the scholarship. Other scholarships: Students receiving another scholarship are not eligible under this scheme. Girl student quota: 30% of scholarships are reserved for girls; eligible boys may be considered if the quota remains unfilled. Selection criteria: Selection uses a maximum of 30 index points based on family income, academic performance, parental status and disability. Family income carries up to 10 points, academic performance up to 12 points, loss of both parents 4 points, loss of one parent 2 points, and disability of 40% or more 4 points. Class 1 students are assessed on family income without academic marks. The institution may verify the family limit through ration card details. Documents Prescribed Maargadeepam Scholarship application form. Family income certificate issued by the Village Officer. Community or minority certificate issued by the Village Officer. Copy of the student's bank passbook or joint account passbook with the parent or guardian. Grade sheet or mark sheet for the 2025–26 academic year, where applicable. Disability certificate for applicants claiming disability-related selection points. Death certificate if the student's mother, father or both parents have passed away. Student's Aadhaar number and bank account details for the application. Note: Supporting documents are submitted to the school rather than uploaded with the online application. The Head of the Institution verifies and retains them for inspection when required. Process to Apply Visit the official Maargadeepam Scholarship portal. Download the prescribed 2026-27 application form. Complete the form with accurate personal, family, academic and bank account details. Attach the required certificates and supporting documents. Submit the completed form to the Head of the Institution at the student's school. The school clerk enters the application details through the portal's clerk login. The Head of the Institution verifies the online information and forwards the application to the Minority Welfare Department. The school retains the submitted documents for verification or inspection. Applications are assessed under the applicable eligibility and selection criteria. Selected students receive the scholarship through DBT. Application deadline for 2026–27: The revised deadline for students to submit their forms was 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. Schools were required to complete verification and forward applications by 19 October 2026 at 11:00 PM. The student submission deadline has passed; contact the school or department for any further notification. Renewal: The scholarship does not renew automatically. Previous beneficiaries must submit a fresh application for the next academic year and satisfy the applicable conditions. Earlier selection does not guarantee selection again. Important Links and Contact Official portal: Maargadeepam Scholarship Portal Scheme details: Read Scheme Information Official guidelines: Download Guidelines PDF Official notification: Download Notification PDF Application tracking: Track Application Details Helpline: 0471-2300524, 0471-2300523 Email: scholarship.mwd@gmail.com FAQs Q1. What is the Keralam Maargadeepam Scholarship Scheme?It is a Kerala government scholarship that provides financial assistance to eligible minority students studying in Classes 1 to 8. Q2. How much scholarship is provided?Selected students receive ₹1,500 per academic year. Q3. Who can apply for the Maargadeepam Scholarship?Students from notified minority communities who meet the school, residence, income and other eligibility requirements can apply. Q4. Which communities are eligible?Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities are covered under the scheme. Q5. What is the maximum family income allowed?The annual income of the student's parent or guardian must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh. Q6. How many children from one family can receive the scholarship?A maximum of two children from the same family can receive the benefit. Q7. Is the scholarship amount paid directly to the student?Yes. The amount is transferred to the selected student's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer. Q8. Which documents are required for the application?Applicants generally need an income certificate, minority certificate, bank passbook copy and academic mark sheet, along with a disability or death certificate where applicable. Q9. How can students apply for the scheme?Students must complete the prescribed form and submit it with supporting documents to their school's Head of the Institution. The school enters and forwards the application through the official portal. Q10. Can previous beneficiaries apply again?Yes. Previous beneficiaries can submit a fresh application for the next academic year, but selection depends on the applicable eligibility and selection criteria.