Dr Ambedkar Scholarship Chandigarh > Who Can Apply, What Benefits You Get & How the Freeship Card Works

The Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship Chandigarh 2025 continues to be one of the most important financial support systems for students belonging to the Economically Backward Class (EBC). Administered by the Chandigarh Administration under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this centrally sponsored scheme removes major financial hurdles for learners pursuing studies from Class 11 up to PhD. With the application deadline set for 30 November 2025, eligible students have a limited window to secure the benefits for the 2025–26 academic year.

Named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a visionary leader and champion of social equality, the scholarship ensures that deserving students do not discontinue education due to financial hardship. The scheme covers tuition fees, academic charges, maintenance allowance, study tours, and even additional support for blind students. Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the scholarship amount reaches the applicant’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, making the process streamlined and transparent. Another significant feature is the Freeship Card, which enables eligible students to take admission without paying fees upfront—an essential provision for low-income households.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Rules Explained

Students must meet the following conditions to receive the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship Chandigarh:

• Must be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of Chandigarh.
• Should belong to the Economically Backward Class (EBC) category as defined by the Government of India.
• Must be enrolled in a post-matric program (Class 11 and above) in a government, private, deemed university, or institution affiliated with UGC/AICTE/MCI.
• The family’s annual income must be ₹2,50,000 or less.
• No minimum marks are required for the first-time application. However, students must show satisfactory progress and at least 75% attendance to continue receiving benefits.
• Must not be availing any other central scholarship simultaneously.
• All children in one family are eligible, but once the scholarship is sanctioned, changing the course is not allowed.
• Students with disabilities, including blindness, low vision, locomotor disability, and hearing impairment, also receive special provisions under the scheme.

Scholarship Rewards: What Financial Support Students Receive

The Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship provides monthly maintenance allowances depending on the course group. Hostellers and day scholars receive different support amounts.

Maintenance Allowance Table

Reader Charges for Blind Students

Additional Benefits

• Fee reimbursement: Tuition, registration, library, games, union, and other mandatory fees are covered.
• Study tour reimbursement: Up to ₹900 per year (only for professional/technical courses).
• Thesis typing/printing support: Research scholars can claim up to ₹1,000.
• Maintenance adjustment: Students who get free boarding/lodging receive one-third of the hosteller rate.

Important Documents Required

While applying, students must upload clear copies of the following documents:

• Class 10/12 or last passed examination marksheet
• Annual family income certificate (current financial year, issued by Tehsildar)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Fee receipt for non-refundable charges
• Aadhaar Card of the applicant
• Bank passbook with the student’s name, account number, IFSC code, and photo
• Certificate issued by the Head of Institution
• Parent’s Declaration in the prescribed format

How to Apply Through the National Scholarship Portal

Eligible students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The process involves completing the One-Time Registration (OTR) before submitting the scholarship form.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Visit scholarships.gov.in.
2. Click on the ‘Students’ tab on the left side.
3. Select the ‘Login’ button under the OTR section.
4. Click ‘New User? Register Yourself’.
5. Read the instructions carefully, tick the checkbox, and press Next.
6. Enter mobile number → fill captcha → verify via OTP.
7. Complete the OTR form and click Save & Register.
8. Use the OTR ID to log in and select ‘Apply for Scholarship’.
9. Fill out the application form, upload documents, and submit.

Once submitted, the application cannot be edited unless marked defective by the institute or district office.

Freeship Card: Purpose, Process & Validity

One of the most student-friendly features under the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship Chandigarh is the Freeship Card, allowing eligible candidates to take admission without paying fees in advance.

Purpose of the Freeship Card

• To enable admission without pre-payment of tuition and hostel fees.
• Institutions collect fees only after the scholarship amount is transferred to the student’s bank account.

How to Register for the Freeship Card

Students must register before admission by entering:

• Aadhaar number
• Intended course name
• Undertaking to pay institutional charges within 7 working days after receiving the scholarship

The portal for Freeship Card registration remains open throughout the year.

Document Verification & Issue

• Verification of caste, income, and merit is completed within 30 days.
• The approved Freeship Card will be issued digitally, and students may download it from the portal.
• Once full digitisation is achieved, cards will be auto-generated immediately after registration.

Validity & Course Change Rules

• The Freeship Card remains valid for one year.
• Students may change their course before admission; a fresh card will be generated automatically.
• Renewal students do not require new registrations; the card continues for the full course duration.

Duration and Renewal of Scholarship

The award remains active from the time it is sanctioned until course completion, provided:

• The student maintains good conduct
• Attendance norms are met
• The student gets promoted to the next academic year

Renewal does not depend on whether exams are held by the university or institution.

Important Dates