Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the education of students from economically weaker sections of minority communities, with ₹15 crore allocated for the 2026–27 academic year under a fee payment scheme linked to Karnataka State Open University (KSOU).
Addressing the media at Azad Bhavan, State Waqf and Hajj Minister UT Khader said the scheme, launched last year, was intended to help minority students continue their education without being burdened by financial constraints.
Khader said the fees of 5,328 students were paid under the scheme last year. For 2026–27, authorities scrutinised 12,108 applications and selected 2,758 students on merit, based on their courses and categories, within the available budget of ₹5 crore for new beneficiaries.
Of the ₹15 crore allocated for the current academic year, ₹10 crore has been earmarked for the continuation of education for students from the 2025–26 batch, while the remaining ₹5 crore is intended for new admissions.
According to the minister, a total of 8,086 students are currently benefiting from the scheme. Applications from graduates seeking admission to postgraduate courses, including MA, MSc, MCA and MCom, will also be considered in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Government to explore additional funding
Khader said more than 13,000 applications had been received this year and that approximately ₹30 crore would be required to support all eligible students. He noted that each scholarship scheme operates within its own eligibility criteria and funding limits.
The government, he said, was committed to funding each admitted student for three years to help them complete their education.
The minister added that the government would approach the Finance Department to seek additional funds. It would also write to the KSOU Vice-Chancellor requesting an extension of the postgraduate admission deadline.
If an extension is not possible, the government plans to consider eligible students under the scheme during the January admission cycle, he said.