5 hrs ago
Centre mandates Aadhaar authentication for SC scholarship applicants
The government has added Aadhaar checks for students applying for a scholarship for higher education.
The scholarship is for Scheduled Caste students studying at leading institutions after Class 12.
Students who do not have Aadhaar must apply to get it.
Children need permission from a parent or legal guardian to apply.
If fingerprint or other biometric checks do not work, other checks may be used.
These can include an OTP, documents, or checking an Aadhaar QR code.
A child cannot lose the scholarship just because Aadhaar verification fails.
Officials must instead verify the child’s identity and relationship with a parent or guardian using approved documents.
Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession is now required for SC students seeking the Top Class Education scholarship.
The scholarship supports eligible students pursuing higher education beyond Class 12 at institutions including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS and NITs.
Students without Aadhaar must apply for enrolment, with parental or guardian consent required for children.
Alternative identity checks, including documents, QR-code verification and OTP authentication, are available when biometric authentication fails.
Children cannot be denied the scholarship solely because of Aadhaar-related difficulties if their identity and relationship to a guardian are verified through prescribed documents.
- Who
- Scheduled Caste students seeking the Central Sector Scholarship for Top Class Education, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- What
- The Centre has made Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number a requirement for the scholarship.
- Where
- The requirement applies to the Central Sector Scholarship for Top Class Education in India, including study at premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, AIIMS and NITs.
- When
- The notification was dated September 18 and the report was published on October 1, 2026.
- Why
- To authenticate beneficiaries and ensure scholarship benefits reach eligible students, while providing alternative verification for genuine Aadhaar-related difficulties.
Key facts
- Scholarship
- Central Sector Scholarship for Top Class Education
- Administering ministry
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Eligible beneficiaries
- Scheduled Caste students pursuing higher education beyond Class 12
- Aadhaar requirement
- Authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number
- Alternative verification
- Documents, OTP authentication where feasible, Aadhaar QR-code verification or Paperless Offline e-KYC
- Protection for children
- A child cannot be denied the benefit solely for failing Aadhaar authentication or having only an enrolment application
- Funding
- The scheme is funded from the Consolidated Fund of India
Quotes
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The ministry responsible for administering the Top Class Education scholarship scheme
“shall be required to undergo authentication, or furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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