Top Class Education Scheme Opens New Paths for SC Students

Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the scheme provides financial assistance covering tuition fees, living expenses, books, computers and other academic needs.

Access to quality education is changing the lives of thousands of Scheduled Caste (SC) students across India through the Government's Top Class Education Scheme. Designed to support meritorious students from families with an annual income of up to ₹8 lakh, the initiative is helping young scholars pursue higher education in some of the country's most prestigious institutions and build successful careers across diverse fields.

Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the scheme provides financial assistance covering tuition fees, living expenses, books, computers and other academic needs. The support allows students to focus on their studies and professional growth without financial barriers limiting their ambitions.

Since its launch in 2007-08, the scheme has witnessed remarkable growth. The number of beneficiaries has increased from just 195 students in its first year to 4,742 students in 2025-26. Annual expenditure under the programme has also grown significantly, rising from ₹2.17 crore to ₹117.19 crore.

Students receiving support under the scheme are enrolled in leading institutions such as IITs, NITs, IIITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, the National Institute of Design and several other institutions of national importance. Many have gone on to secure impressive career opportunities in technology, engineering, law, management, design and research.

Among them is Amul Shaturia, who completed a B.Tech in Information Technology from IIIT Allahabad. Coming from a financially disadvantaged family where his father worked as a school bus conductor, he secured a placement in a leading technology company with an annual package of ₹56 lakh. Another success story is Sushmitha Pothuraju, also from IIIT Allahabad, whose academic achievements, coding expertise and internships helped her earn a placement at Amazon with a package of ₹45 lakh per annum.

The scheme's impact extends beyond the technology sector. Thamballa Sindhu, a Civil Engineering student from IIT Palakkad, secured a position as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at Larsen & Toubro Construction. Nalan S, an Electrical Engineering graduate from the same institution and a first-generation learner, joined Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), contributing to one of India's key strategic sectors.

Students are also making their mark in management and legal professions. Boggiti Shiny Jasper completed her PGDM at the Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru, and successfully entered the corporate sector. Rishabh Bhaskar Lade, a graduate of Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai, secured a role as Assistant Legal Manager at IDBI Bank, demonstrating the scheme's reach beyond technical education.

Creative and innovation-driven fields are equally benefiting from the initiative. Vartika Sonkar, who studied at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, established herself as a professional jewellery designer after working with reputed organisations in the industry. In research, scholars such as Chintala Sanjay are contributing to emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including healthcare-focused applications.

The achievements of these students reflect the broader impact of the scheme. Beyond individual success stories, it is fostering confidence, ambition and professional excellence among young scholars. As more students gain access to quality education and advanced skills, the programme continues to strengthen India's talent pool while promoting social inclusion and equal opportunity.

By creating pathways to higher education and rewarding careers, the Top Class Education Scheme is helping build a generation of professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who are contributing to a more developed, inclusive and self-reliant India.