If you are a Karnataka student from the backward class and scored 90% or above in your SSLC, here is great news. The Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026 is open for eligible students, offering financial support ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 depending on the course level. Launched by the Department of Backwards Classes Welfare, Government of Karnataka, this scholarship has been empowering students since 2015–16 by reducing the financial burden on families with limited income. Read on for everything you need to know — eligibility, amount, documents, application steps and more.
At ScholarshipsX, we help Indian students discover scholarships that match their profile. The Devaraj Arasu Scholarship is one of the most valuable state-level schemes for Karnataka’s EBC students, and thousands of students benefit from it every year.
Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026 — Overview
| Scholarship Name | Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026 |
|---|---|
| Launched By | Department of Backward Classes Welfare, Govt. of Karnataka |
| Beneficiaries | EBC / Backward Class students of Karnataka |
| Scholarship Amount | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 (varies by course) |
| Minimum Marks Required | 90% in SSLC / qualifying exam |
| Family Income Limit | Up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs per annum |
| Application Mode | Online (SSP Portal) |
| Official Portal | ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in |
| Last Date 2026 | To be announced (check portal regularly) |
What is the Devaraj Arasu Scholarship?
The Devaraj Arasu Scholarship is a merit-cum-means scheme started in the academic year 2015–16 by the Karnataka government. It is named after D. Devaraj Urs, a former Chief Minister of Karnataka widely known for his welfare work for backward communities. The scheme falls under the D. Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation and targets students from the Economically Backward Class (EBC) category who show outstanding academic performance.
The primary goal is simple — talented students from low-income families should not have to stop their education due to money. This scholarship gives them a direct financial push to continue into PUC, graduation, post-graduation, or professional master’s degrees without stress.
Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026 Amount
The scholarship amount varies based on the level of education. Here is a quick breakdown:
| Course Level | Scholarship Amount | Number of Seats |
|---|---|---|
| SSLC (Class 10) | 10000 | 1,000 |
| Second PUC (Class 12) | 15000 | 500 |
| Post Graduation | 20000 | 500 |
| Professional Master’s Degree | 25000 | 500 |
A total of 2,500 scholarships are awarded annually. Seats are limited, so applying early and accurately is very important.
Eligibility Criteria for Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026
Before applying, make sure you meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- Must belong to the EBC / Backward Class category as recognised by the Government of Karnataka (Categories 1, 2A, 3A, 3B).
- Must have scored a minimum of 90% marks in SSLC from a government-recognised board or institution.
- Must be currently pursuing education in a government-recognised institution (private or government).
- Family annual income from all sources must be less than Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
- Applicable for students in SSLC, Second PUC, Post-Graduation and Professional Master’s Degree programmes.
Discover more Karnataka scholarships for backward class students on ScholarshipsX to maximise your chances of getting financial support.
Documents Required for Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026
Keep the following documents ready before you begin the online application:
- Valid SSLC / PUC marksheet copy
- Aadhaar Card of the student
- Caste certificate (issued by Karnataka government)
- Family income certificate (less than Rs. 2.5 lakhs per annum)
- Bank account details (first page copy of passbook)
- Mandate form (for direct bank transfer)
- Physically Handicapped Certificate (if applicable)
- Admission proof / college enrolment certificate
How to Apply for Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026 Online
The application is done through the SSP (State Scholarship Portal) of Karnataka. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official SSP portal: ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
- Click on the Registration link on the homepage.
- Fill in your basic details and create login credentials.
- Log in and search for the Devaraj Arasu Scholarship scheme under Backward Classes Welfare schemes.
- Fill in the application form with accurate academic and personal details.
- Upload all required scanned documents in the prescribed format.
- Review and verify the form before final submission.
- Submit the form and download the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
You can also submit applications with help from Grama One, Bangalore One, or Karnataka One service centres if you face difficulties with the online process.
How to Check Devaraj Arasu Scholarship Application Status 2026
After applying, you can track your application easily:
- Visit the official SSP portal.
- Click on Know Your Application Number on the homepage.
- Select the Scholarship Acknowledgement Number option.
- Enter your academic year, year of passing, and application type (fresh or renewal).
- Click Get Scholarship Details to view your current status.
A Real Student Example: Kavya from Mysuru
Kavya is a 17-year-old girl from Mysuru, Karnataka. She scored 94% in her SSLC from a government school and belongs to Category 2A. Her father is a daily-wage worker with an annual income of around Rs. 1.8 lakhs. Kavya had just secured admission in a government PUC college and was worried about tuition fees and books.
A teacher in her school told her about the Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026. She applied through the SSP portal using her Aadhaar card, income certificate, and caste certificate. Within two months of applying, she received Rs. 15,000 directly in her bank account — enough to cover her PUC fees, stationery, and even a small laptop fund for the next year. Today, Kavya is preparing for her Second PUC exams stress-free.
Students like Kavya exist across Karnataka. If you meet the eligibility, do not miss this opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026?
The official last date for 2026–27 has not been announced yet. The tentative deadline is usually around November–December of the academic year. Applicants should regularly check the SSP portal at ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in for updates.
2. Who can apply for Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026?
Karnataka students from the EBC / Backward Class category (Categories 1, 2A, 3A, 3B) who have scored 90% or more in SSLC and have a family income below Rs. 2.5 lakhs per annum are eligible to apply.
3. How much money does Devaraj Arasu Scholarship give?
The scholarship gives Rs. 10,000 for SSLC students, Rs. 5,000 for Second PUC, Rs. 20,000 for Post Graduation and Rs. 25,000 for Professional Master’s Degree students.
4. Is Devaraj Arasu Scholarship renewable?
Yes, eligible continuing students can apply for renewal. The process is the same through the SSP portal. You must meet the eligibility conditions each year to continue receiving the scholarship.
5. What is the official website for Devaraj Arasu Scholarship?
The official application portal is the Karnataka State Scholarship Portal: ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in. You can also visit the Backward Classes Welfare Department website at bcwd.karnataka.gov.in for scheme details.
6. Can students outside Karnataka apply for this scholarship?
No. Only permanent residents of Karnataka who study in Karnataka-recognised institutions are eligible for the Devaraj Arasu Scholarship.
Final Thoughts
The Devaraj Arasu Scholarship 2026 is one of the best state-funded scholarships available for Karnataka’s backward class students. With up to Rs. 25,000 in direct financial support, it is designed to reward academic merit and ease the burden on low-income families. If you or someone you know qualifies — do not wait. Submit the application as soon as the portal opens.
Looking for more scholarships you can apply for right now? Explore our full list of state government scholarships for Indian students and backward class scholarships across India on ScholarshipsX.
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Menka Singh is an education researcher and scholarship consultant with over 5 years of experience helping Indian students navigate central, state and private scholarship programmes. Having personally applied for and received scholarships during her own education, she brings firsthand understanding to every guide she writes. She specialises in Bihar, UP, Maharashtra and all India scholarship schemes and has helped thousands of students find verified funding opportunities. Read More: Click Here
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