Chandigarh, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr Baljit Kaur has directed district authorities and educational institutions to intensify awareness and facilitation efforts for the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the academic session 2026-27, with the objective of ensuring that no eligible student is excluded because of lack of awareness, procedural hurdles or technical difficulties.
The scholarship portal under the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has been operational since July 1, 2026. Dr Baljit Kaur urged eligible SC students to submit their applications well before the November 15, 2026 deadline.
Reaffirming the Bhagwant Singh Mann government’s commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable, the minister said financial constraints should not prevent deserving students from pursuing higher education.
To assist students facing technical or procedural difficulties, the department has introduced a dedicated helpdesk email: pms.nspqueries2026@gmail.com. Students can send their queries regarding the online application process to the email, with the department stating that issues will be addressed on priority.
Dr Baljit Kaur directed all District Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Officers to organise awareness-cum-facilitation camps in urban, rural and remote areas. The officers have also been asked to proactively identify eligible students, guide them through the online application process and monitor implementation to ensure maximum coverage.
The minister further directed the Directors of Higher Education, Medical Education and Research, Technical Education and Industrial Training, School Education and Animal Husbandry departments, along with universities, colleges and other educational institutions, to provide full assistance to eligible students in completing and submitting their applications.
Post-Matric Scholarship 2026-27: Key Dates
- Scholarship portal operational from: July 1, 2026
- Last date for students to submit applications: November 15, 2026
- Last date for correction of defective applications: November 30, 2026
- Last date for institute-level verification: November 30, 2026
- Final verification by DNO/SNO/MNO: December 15, 2026
Dr Baljit Kaur said coordinated efforts by government departments, district authorities and educational institutions were essential for timely processing and maximum outreach.
She reiterated that the Bhagwant Singh Mann government was committed to ensuring that every eligible SC student receives timely financial assistance for higher education and that no deserving beneficiary is deprived of the scholarship.
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