The Kerala State Merit Scholarship (SMS) is a government initiative that aims to provide financial support to underprivileged and meritorious students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Department of Collegiate Education, under the direction of the Kerala government, has launched this scholarship program to help students achieve their academic goals without any financial burden.
The online application process for the academic year 2023-24 began on February 2, 2024, and interested students can apply through the Kerala DCE Scholarship Portal before the deadline of 15th February 2024. In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, required documents, scholarship amount, application process, renewal process, and other important details related to the Kerala State Merit Scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Kerala State Merit Scholarship, students must fulfill the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- The student must have enrolled in a first-year undergraduate course in the academic year 2023-24.
- The applicant must have scored at least 80% marks in the qualifying examination.
- The annual family income should not exceed INR 8 lakhs.
- The student should not be availing any other scholarship or financial aid from the government or any other organization.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents along with their online application form:
- Passport size photograph
- Copy of mark sheet of the qualifying examination
- Income certificate issued by a competent authority
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate
- Bank account details of the applicant
- Aadhaar card
- Bonafide certificate from the institute where the student is currently enrolled
Scholarship Amount
The Kerala State Merit Scholarship provides financial assistance to 400 students, out of which 300 seats are reserved for undergraduate students and 100 seats for postgraduate students. The scholarship amount for undergraduate students is INR 10,000 per year, and for postgraduate students, it is INR 20,000 per year.
How to Apply for Scholarship
To apply for the Kerala State Merit Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Visit the Kerala DCE Scholarship Portal (dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in).
- Click on the “State Merit Scholarship” tab.
- Register yourself as a new user by providing your basic details.
- Login using your registered email id and password.
- Fill in the online application form with all the required details.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
How To Login
To login to the Kerala DCE Scholarship Portal, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website (dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in).
- Click on the “Login” button on the top right corner of the homepage.
- Enter your registered email id and password.
- Click on the “Login” button to access your account.
How to Fill State Merit Scholarship Renewal Form?
To renew your State Merit Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Visit the Kerala DCE Scholarship Portal.
- Login using your registered email id and password.
- Click on the “Renewal Application” tab.
- Fill in the renewal form with all the required details.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Steps to Check Application/Registered Student Status
To check the status of your application or registered student status, follow these steps:
- Visit the Kerala DCE Scholarship Portal.
- Click on the “Application Status” tab.
- Enter your application number and date of birth.
- Click on the “Submit” button to view your application status.
State Merit Scholarship’s Portal
The Kerala DCE Scholarship Portal (dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in) is the official website for all the scholarships offered by the Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Kerala. Students can apply for various scholarships, check their application status, and avail other services related to scholarships through this portal.
Kerala State Merit Scholarship 2024 – FAQs
- When is the last date to apply for the Kerala State Merit Scholarship for the academic year 2023-24?
- The last date to apply for the scholarship is 15th February 2024.
- What is the scholarship amount for undergraduate students?
- The scholarship amount for undergraduate students is INR 10,000 per year.
- Can I renew my State Merit Scholarship?
- Yes, you can renew your scholarship by filling in the renewal form before the deadline.
- Is there any reservation for postgraduate students in the scholarship program?
- Yes, 100 seats are reserved for postgraduate students out of the total 400 seats.
- Can I apply for the scholarship if my annual family income exceeds INR 8 lakhs?
- No, the annual family income should not exceed INR 8 lakhs to be eligible for the scholarship.
Conclusion
The Kerala State Merit Scholarship is a great initiative by the government to provide financial support to deserving students who face financial constraints in pursuing higher education. This scholarship not only helps students achieve their academic goals but also encourages them to excel in their studies. We hope this article has provided you with all the necessary information about the Kerala State Merit Scholarship 2023-24. If you are eligible, do not miss this opportunity and apply for the scholarship before the deadline.
