Mohan from Ramanagara scored 89% in his SSLC Exam-1 — SC category. His family was worried about PUC fees. A teacher mentioned the Prize Money Scholarship. He applied on sw.kar.nic.in in July. By August, ₹10,000 was in his bank account. First year PUC fees — covered.
The Karnataka Prize Money Scholarship is a merit-based cash reward by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka, for SC, ST, and OBC students who pass SSLC, PUC, Degree, PG, or Professional courses in first class. Awards range from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the course level.
Official Portals:
- SC Students: sw.kar.nic.in
- ST Students: twd.karnataka.gov.in
- OBC Students: ssp.karnataka.gov.in
Quick Answer: SC → sw.kar.nic.in | ST → twd.karnataka.gov.in | OBC → ssp.karnataka.gov.in Amount: SSLC = ₹10,000 | PUC = ₹20,000 | Degree = ₹25,000 | PG = ₹30,000 | Professional = ₹35,000–₹50,000 Apply: After SSLC/PUC result — portal opens July–August 2026 Helpline: 080-22251012
SC vs ST — Two Different Portals Since 2024
This is the most critical update — most guides still show only one portal.
Until 2023, both SC and ST students applied on sw.kar.nic.in. From 2024, the Karnataka government separated the two departments. ST students now apply exclusively on twd.karnataka.gov.in. An SC student applying on the tribal welfare portal — or vice versa — will face rejection.
Check your caste certificate before applying. Use the correct portal.
| Category | Portal |
|---|---|
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | sw.kar.nic.in |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | twd.karnataka.gov.in |
| OBC / Backward Class | ssp.karnataka.gov.in |
When to Apply — Timing Matters
Applications open after results are declared, not before. The portal goes live only once KSEAB publishes results.
Karnataka SSLC 2026 Schedule:
| Exam | Result | Application Window |
|---|---|---|
| SSLC Exam-1 | May 2026 (out) | Portal opens June–July 2026 |
| SSLC Exam-2 | June 2026 | Portal opens July–August 2026 |
| SSLC Exam-3 | July 2026 | Portal opens August–September 2026 |
Exam-2 results are expected in June 2026 — the application window will follow shortly. Prepare your documents now so you can apply the moment the portal opens.
Prize Money Amount
| Course | Amount |
|---|---|
| SSLC (Class 10) | ₹10,000 |
| II PUC / 3-year Diploma | ₹20,000 |
| Degree (BA / BSc / BCom) | ₹25,000 |
| Postgraduate (MA / MSc / MCom) | ₹30,000 |
| Professional (Engineering / Medical / Agriculture / Law) | ₹35,000–₹50,000 |
First class is mandatory — 60% and above. Students who passed in supplementary are not eligible; the scheme applies to first-attempt first-class only.
Eligibility
Permanent residents of Karnataka from SC, ST, or OBC categories who passed their SSLC, PUC, or higher course in first class on the first attempt. The institution must be government, aided, or a recognized private school or college. An Aadhaar-linked bank account in the student’s name is required.
How to Apply — SC Students (sw.kar.nic.in)
Go to sw.kar.nic.in and click on “SSLC Prize Money” or “Post-Matric Prize Money” depending on your course level. Log in using your SSLC Registration Number and select SC as your category. Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your Aadhaar card, then add your course, marks, and institution details. Upload the required documents, pay any applicable portal fee, and submit. Note down your application number — you will need it to track status.
How to Apply — ST Students (twd.karnataka.gov.in)
Go to twd.karnataka.gov.in and navigate to the Scholarships section, then Prize Money. The process is the same: log in with your SSLC number, select ST as your category, fill the form, upload documents, and submit.
Documents Required
Prepare these before the portal opens:
- SSLC or PUC mark card (whichever is most recent)
- Aadhaar card
- Caste certificate (SC or ST — issued by Karnataka authority)
- Bank passbook with account number and IFSC (student’s name)
- Passport-size photograph
- Income certificate (required for some categories)
Scan documents clearly in PDF or JPEG format. Blurry or incomplete uploads are the most common reason for rejection.
Application Status Check
SC students check on sw.kar.nic.in → Status Check → enter application number or Aadhaar. ST students check on twd.karnataka.gov.in → Application Status.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Submitted | Application received |
| Under Verification | District or school verifying |
| Approved | Amount will be credited to bank |
| Rejected | Reason shown — fix and reapply |
Processing typically takes 2–3 months after the application window closes.
Common Problems
Wrong portal used: SC students must use sw.kar.nic.in. ST students must use twd.karnataka.gov.in. If you applied on the wrong portal, submit a fresh application on the correct one.
Supplementary result — am I eligible? No. The scheme is for first-attempt first-class only. Supplementary clears do not qualify.
Caste certificate mismatch: The name on your caste certificate must match your Aadhaar exactly. If there is a mismatch, get a corrected certificate from Nadakacheri before applying.
Approved but money not received: Check that your bank account is Aadhaar-linked and NPCI seeding is active. Visit your bank branch if needed.
FAQ — ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳು
Which portal should SC students use? (SC ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಯಾವ ಪೋರ್ಟಲ್ ಬಳಸಬೇಕು?) sw.kar.nic.in — Social Welfare Department portal for SC students.
Which portal for ST students? (ST ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ?) twd.karnataka.gov.in — Tribal Welfare Department. Separate from SC portal since 2024.
When does the application open? After SSLC/PUC results are declared. For Exam-1 (May 2026), the portal is expected to open June–July 2026.
Is supplementary pass eligible? No. First attempt, first class only.
Helpline: 080-22251012 | sw.kar.nic.in
Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| SC Students | sw.kar.nic.in |
| ST Students | twd.karnataka.gov.in |
| OBC / SSP | ssp.karnataka.gov.in |
| SSLC Results | sslc.karnataka.gov.in |
| Nadakacheri | nadakacheri.karnataka.gov.in |
| Helpline | 080-22251012 |
Mohan got ₹10,000 — PUC fees sorted. If you scored first class in SSLC or PUC, the Prize Money Scholarship is waiting. Get your documents ready now — the portal opens shortly after results.
SC students apply at sw.kar.nic.in. ST students apply at twd.karnataka.gov.in. ಎಸ್ಎಸ್ಎಲ್ಸಿ ಫಲಿತಾಂಶದ ನಂತರ ತಕ್ಷಣ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ।
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