To provide crucial financial support to students from marginalized communities, helping them pursue higher education without financial constraints, Punjab Government on Sunday made it clear that the Post-Matric Scholarship portal is now open for students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNT).

“This is the first time a dedicated portal has been launched for these categories under the Prime Minister YASASVI Scheme for the academic year 2024-25,” said the state’s Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur.

Dr Baljit explained that the newly-launched Dr Ambedkar Scholarship Portal will streamline the scholarship application process, making it easier for eligible students to apply. The system ensures accurate verification by institutions, approvals from relevant authorities, and the timely disbursement of financial assistance, which is expected to benefit many students.

The Minister further announced important deadlines for the scholarship process. Students must apply for free ship cards by February 15, 2025; while institutions are required to submit complete cases for approval by February 25, 2025. Line departments and approval authorities must send online proposals by March 5, 2025; and the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities must receive these proposals by March 10, 2025.

Dr Baljit emphasized the need for eligible students to complete their applications on time. She directed nodal officers and implementing departments to actively guide institutions and assist students throughout the process. Additionally, district-level officials were instructed to ensure smooth implementation and follow-ups for timely processing of applications.