DoSJE Scholarship Update 2026: Domicile Certificate Requirement Removed, SETU Portal Launched

In a major relief for students across India, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE), Government of India, has announced significant reforms aimed at simplifying access to scholarship schemes for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students.

Domicile Certificate No Longer Required

One of the most important changes introduced by the Department is the removal of the mandatory Domicile Certificate requirement for scholarship applications. This decision is expected to reduce the documentation burden on students and make the application process easier and faster.

The reform will particularly benefit students who pursue their education outside their home states and often face difficulties in obtaining domicile-related documents. By eliminating this requirement, eligible students can access scholarship benefits with fewer procedural hurdles.

Check Official Press Release for DoSJE Scholarship Update 2026

Benefit for Nearly 1.2 Crore Students

The change applies to the Pre-Matric Scholarship and Post-Matric Scholarship schemes for SC and OBC students. Together, these scholarship programs support nearly 1.2 crore students every year across the country.

Previously, applicants were required to submit a domicile certificate while applying for these schemes. With the removal of this requirement, students can expect:

• Reduced paperwork and documentation
• Lower compliance costs
• Faster and simpler application process
• Easier access to scholarship benefits

SETU Portal Launched on UMANG Platform

To strengthen digital scholarship services, DoSJE has also launched SETU (Scholarship for Educational Transformation and Upliftment) on the UMANG platform.

The SETU portal serves as a comprehensive digital platform for scholarship-related services and offers a single interface for:

• Student registration and applications
• Scholarship tracking
• Validation and verification processes
• Institutional Nodal Officers
• District Nodal Officers
• State Government officials

The platform aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and ease of access in scholarship administration.

Focus on Inclusion and Better Service Delivery

According to the Department, these initiatives are part of the Government’s broader effort to promote social inclusion, reduce procedural barriers, and ensure that welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries effectively.

The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment stated that it remains committed to improving scholarship delivery through policy reforms and digital platforms that support students across the country.