The SSP Scholarship Karnataka (State Scholarship Portal) is the definitive digital platform for students across Karnataka to access government-funded financial aid. For the 2025-26 academic year, the portal streamlines the entire process—from application to disbursement—ensuring that eligible students from SC, ST, OBC, Minority, EWS, and other categories receive timely support. This guide provides every critical detail you need to successfully secure and manage your SSP scholarship for 2026.
Understanding the SSP Karnataka Scholarship Portal
The Government of Karnataka’s State Scholarship Portal (SSP) is a unified, paperless system designed to administer pre-matric and post-matric scholarships. It replaces cumbersome offline procedures with a transparent, efficient online process. The cornerstone of the system is Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which ensures scholarships are paid directly into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, minimizing delays and fraud.
Who is Eligible for SSP Scholarships in 2026?
Eligibility is primarily based on domicile, category, academic level, and family income. You must be a permanent resident of Karnataka studying in a recognized institution within or outside the state (for specific schemes).
Key Eligibility Criteria & Income Limits
| Category / Student Group | Maximum Annual Family Income | Minimum Academic Requirement | Primary Benefit Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | ₹2.50 Lakh | Passing Marks in Last Exam | Full Fee Reimbursement + Maintenance Allowance |
| SC (Engg/Medical via CET) | ₹2.50 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh | KCET/COMEDK Admission | 50% Fee Waiver |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | ₹2.50 Lakh | Passing Marks | Comprehensive Post-Matric Scholarship |
| Minority Communities | ₹2.00 Lakh | 50% in Previous Exam | Fee Aid & Maintenance Support |
| Backward Classes (Cat-1) | ₹2.50 Lakh | 50% | Category-Specific Full Scholarship |
| BC (2A, 3A, 3B) | ₹1.00 Lakh | 50% | Scholarship for Lower-Income Groups |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | ₹1.00 Lakh | As per Course Norms | Fee Reimbursement |
| Sainik School Students | No Income Limit | Not Applicable | Pre-Matric Scholarship for Classes 6-10 |
| Farmers’ Children | Not Restricted | Not Applicable | Based on Father’s Registered Farmer Status |
Crucial Note: Income and caste certificates must have a valid Registration Number (RD Number) issued by the competent Karnataka authority. Always verify the latest eligibility on the official SSP portal before applying.
Mandatory Documents Checklist for SSP 2026 Application
Prepare these digital copies (clear scans in PDF/JPEG, under specified file size) before starting your application:
Universal Documents (All Applicants)
- Student’s Aadhaar Card
- Parents’ Aadhaar Cards
- Domicile Certificate (Proving Karnataka Residence)
- Aadhaar-Linked Bank Account Passbook (Front Page)
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Parent’s/Guardian’s Income Certificate (with RD Number)
- Caste/EWS/Category Certificate (with RD Number)
For Pre-Matric Students (Class 1 to 10)
- SATS ID (Student Achievement Tracking System ID) – Mandatory
- Previous Academic Year’s Mark Sheet
- School Leaving Certificate
- Bonafide Certificate from Current School
- Current Year’s Admission Fee Receipt
For Post-Matric Students (PUC, Diploma, Degree, PG, etc.)
- Previous Year’s Mark Sheet/Pass Certificate
- College Bonafide Certificate
- College ID Proof & University Registration Number
- Current Year’s Tuition Fee Receipt
- NSP OTR Number – Mandatory for SC/ST/OBC Applicants
- Hostel/Mess Certificate (If Claiming Hosteller Allowance)
- Disability Certificate/UDID Card (If Applicable)
SSP Scholarship 2026: Anticipated Application Deadlines
To avoid last-minute technical issues, apply well before these tentative deadlines for the 2025-26 cycle:
| Department / Welfare Board | Pre-Matric Last Date | Post-Matric Last Date |
|---|---|---|
| Social Welfare (SC) | January 15, 2026 | February 28, 2026 |
| Minority Welfare | January 31, 2026 | January 31, 2026 |
| Backward Classes Welfare | March 31, 2026 | January 31, 2026 |
| Tribal Welfare (ST) | March 31, 2026 | February 15, 2026 |
| Technical Education | March 31, 2026 | January 31, 2026 |
| Collegiate Education | Not Applicable | January 06, 2026 |
| Medical Education | Not Applicable | March 31, 2026 |
| Disability Welfare | January 31, 2026 | January 31, 2026 |
Pro Tip: Portal traffic peaks near deadlines. Complete your E-KYC and document preparation at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for SSP Scholarship 2026
Phase 1: Account Creation & Mandatory E-KYC
- Visit the official portal: ssp.karnataka.gov.in.
- Click “CLICK HERE TO CREATE NEW ACCOUNT.”
- Enter your Aadhaar Number, name (exactly as on Aadhaar), and gender.
- Provide an active mobile number and email ID. Verify both via OTP.
- Create a secure password. Your unique SSP ID (User ID) will be SMSed to you.
- Log in and complete Aadhaar E-KYC by clicking the prompt and entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile. Your Aadhaar photo and details will be auto-fetched.
Phase 2: E-Attestation (For Post-Matric Applicants Only)
- Navigate to eattestation.ssp.karnataka.gov.in and log in.
- Confirm your student details pre-filled from the SSC/PUC database.
- Upload required academic documents (previous marks card, fee receipt) for the current course.
- Submit for verification. Your college’s Nodal Officer must approve this.
- Once verified, note the generated Document IDs—you will need them for the main scholarship form.
Phase 3: Filling the Main Scholarship Application Form
For Pre-Matric Scholarship:
- Log in to the SSP Pre-Matric portal.
- Click “Apply for Pre-Matric Scholarship.”
- Enter your 9-digit SATS ID. Your school and class details will auto-populate.
- Fill in caste certificate RD number, income certificate RD number, domicile details, and hostel status.
- Review all information meticulously and click “Final Submit.”
- Download and print the acknowledgment receipt for your records.
For Post-Matric Scholarship:
- Log in to the SSP Post-Matric portal.
- Select “Apply for Post-Matric Scholarship.”
- Verify the auto-filled SSLC/PUC details. If correct, proceed.
- Enter domicile, caste, and income certificate RD Numbers.
- Select your college, course, admission type, and confirm the current year of study.
- Choose the correct option: Day Scholar or Hosteller.
- Preview the entire application. Upon confirmation, submit finally.
- Download the acknowledgment and submit a copy to your college administration if instructed.
How to Check Your SSP Scholarship Status in 2026
Tracking your application is straightforward:
Post-Matric Status Check (Login Required):
- Log in to your account on the Post-Matric portal.
- Find and click “Year Wise Student Status” on the dashboard.
- Select the relevant academic year (e.g., 2025-26).
- View a detailed breakdown: Maintenance Amount Status, Fee Reimbursement Status, and DBT Status.
- Status Glossary: “Pushed to DBT” means payment is processed and should reflect in your bank within 7-15 days. “Approved by Department” means final verification is complete.
Pre-Matric Status Check (Public Portal):
- Go to the SSP Pre-Matric status portal.
- Click “Click here to know Pre-Matric Scholarship Status.”
- Enter your SATS ID and select the Financial Year.
- Click “Search.” Your application verification and payment status will be displayed instantly.
SSP Scholarship Renewal Process for 2026-27
Renewal is not automatic. You must proactively renew your scholarship each year to continue receiving benefits.
- Log In Early: Use your existing SSP ID to log in before the renewal deadline.
- Find Renewal Link: Look for a “Renewal for Next Year” or similar link on your dashboard.
- Update Information: Provide details of your new academic year—upload the latest mark sheet and current year fee receipt.
- Refresh Documents: Upload fresh income/caste certificates if the old ones have expired.
- Review & Submit: Ensure all details, especially bank account information, are unchanged and correct. Finalize the submission.
- Keep Proof: Save the renewal acknowledgment receipt.
Renewal Prerequisites: Promoted to the next class/year, and meeting the minimum attendance and marks criteria as per your scholarship scheme.
FAQs:
Q1. How do I recover a forgotten SSP ID or Password?
Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. Your SSP ID and a reset link will be sent to your registered mobile number and email address.
Q2. Is Aadhaar E-KYC mandatory? What if my Aadhaar photo is outdated/wrong?
Yes, E-KYC is compulsory for identity verification and secure DBT. If your Aadhaar photo is incorrect, you must first update it at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra before proceeding with the SSP application. The portal will not allow verification with a mismatched photo.
Q3. What is an NSP OTR Number, and how do I get it?
The NSP OTR (One Time Registration) number is a unique ID generated on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). SC/ST/OBC post-matric applicants must register on the NSP first, obtain this number, and then quote it in their SSP application. It creates a unified student record.
Q4. My status shows “Pushed to DBT.” When will I receive the payment?
This indicates the scholarship amount has been approved and transferred to the DBT system for bank processing. It typically reflects in your Aadhaar-linked bank account within 7 to 15 working days. Ensure your bank account is active.
Q5. Can I edit my application after the final submission?
No, editing is not possible after final submission. For any critical corrections (like wrong bank details), you must immediately contact your institution’s Nodal Officer or the department helpline at 1902.
Q6. Are hostellers required to submit additional documents?
Yes. To claim the higher hostel maintenance allowance, you must upload a valid Hostel Certificate or Mess Certificate issued by your college/hostel authority during the application or e-attestation process.