Distance Education Scholarship–Scholarship For Disabled Students Pursuing Degree, PG Courses

Description
The scheme “Distance Education Scholarship–Scholarship for Disabled Students Pursuing Degree, PG Courses” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. Under the scheme, differently abled students pursuing Degrees, and PG courses through Open Universities, distance education, or Private registration Universities inside Kerala are eligible to apply for scholarships. The scholarship is being provided for meeting the expenses of Registration fee, Course fee, Tuition fee, Exam fee, Purchase of books, study materials, etc. Further, financial assistance will be granted only for the duration of the course concerned.

Exclusions
• The students who are receiving financial assistance under any other scheme of Central and State Governments are not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.

Benefits
• Under the scheme, the scholarship is given to eligible students for meeting the expenses of Registration fees, Course fees, Tuition fees, Exam fees, Purchase of books, study materials, etc.
• The amount of assistance is provided up to a maximum of ₹10,000/-.
• **Note:** Financial assistance will be granted only for the duration of the course concerned.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a permanent resident of Kerala.
2. The applicant should be a differently abled student.
3. The differently abled students pursuing Degrees, PG courses through Open universities, Distance education, or through Private registration (Universities inside Kerala) are eligible to apply for scholarships.
4. The annual family income of the student should not exceed ₹1,00,000/-.
5. Only those students who are appearing for the exam each year will be eligible for further financial assistance.
6. **Note 01:** The grant of scholarship in further subjects will be based on the assessment of the student's academic progress during the course concerned. If the course is stopped midway, the eligibility for financial assistance will be lost.
7. **Note 02:** If there are more applicants, priority will be given based on qualifying marks.

Application Process
Step 1: Registration Process:
Online — https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in

Registration Process:

Required Documents
• Identity card i.e. Aadhaar Card
• Mobile number
• Email id
• Passport size photo
• Disability certificate from Medical board/ Disability Identity card
• Educational Certificates
• Copy of current course certificate
• Certificate of Authorized Officer
• Copy of Parent's Identity Document
• Income Certificate showing the Annual Income of the family from the concerned revenue official
• Copy of bills, receipts countersigned by the CDPOs (receipts of the registration fee, course fee, /tuition fee, and bills of purchased study materials and books
• Applicants from the second year onwards must submit the document of appearing in the previous year's examination.
• Bank details- Copy of Pass Book
• Other documents, if any

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Distance Education Scholarship” Scheme?
A: Under the scheme, the scholarship is being provided for meeting the expenses of Registration fees, Course fees, Tuition fees, Exam fees, Purchase of books, and study materials to the differently abled students pursuing Degrees, and PG courses through Open Universities, distance education, or Private registration (Universities inside Kerala).

Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
A: Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
A: The differently abled students pursuing Degrees, PG courses through Open universities, Distance education, or through Private registration (Universities inside Kerala) are eligible to apply for scholarships.

Q: Is this scheme only for differently abled students?
A: Yes, only students with disability are eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: Is this scheme only for a resident of Kerala State?
A: Yes, the applicant should be a permanent resident of Kerala State.

Q: Will the scholarship be given to all the differently abled students each year?
A: No, only those differently-abled students who are appearing for the exam each year will be eligible for further financial assistance.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, a scholarship of [?]10,000/- is given to eligible students for meeting the expenses of Registration fees, Course fees, Tuition fees, Exam fees, Purchase of books, study materials, etc.

Q: For which courses the scholarship will be given to the eligible students?
A: Grant of scholarship for pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Q: Are the students receiving financial assistance under any other scheme of Central and State Governments eligible to apply?
A: No, those students receiving financial assistance under any other scheme of Central and State Governments are not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.

Q: Is there any criterion for annual family income?
A: Yes, the annual family income of the student should not exceed [?]1,00,000/-.

Q: How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
A: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicant should visit the Official Portal- SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal. https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in

Q: In how many days should the applicant submit the application form?
A: The application form should be submitted within 3 months of registration for the course.