The Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme, implemented by the Backward Classes Development Department, provides selected OBC students in Classes 1 to 8 at government and government-aided schools with an annual scholarship of ₹1,500. The family’s annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh, and students in Classes 2 to 8 must score at least 90% in the previous year’s annual examination. Parents apply through the school, and the 2026-27 application round closed on 15 October 2026.
Keralam Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme |
| Started In | 2023-24, under a State order dated 14 September 2023 |
| Implementing Department | Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Keralam |
| Scheme Type | Pre-matric scholarship for eligible OBC students |
| Annual Scholarship | ₹1,500 per selected student |
| Classes Covered | Classes 1 to 8 |
| Eligible Schools | Government and government-aided schools in Keralam |
| Eligible Students | Students belonging to OBC communities listed under the scheme |
| Annual Family Income Limit | Up to ₹2.5 lakh |
| Marks Requirement | At least 90% in the previous year’s annual examination for Classes 2 to 8; no marks requirement for Class 1 |
| Excluded Categories | OEC, OBC(H) and minority communities, as specified in the scheme conditions |
| Selection Criteria | Academic performance, family income and availability of funds |
| Application Process | Submit the form to the school headmaster; the school enters details on e-Grantz |
| Payment Method | Direct transfer to the student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account |
| Last Date for 2026-27 | 15 October 2026 (application round closed) |
| Directorate Contact Numbers | 0471-2727379, 0471-2727378 |
| Application Portal | e-Grantz 3.0 Portal |
Introduction of Keralam Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme: A Brief Insight
Students from low-income families often need extra support to continue their education and meet school expenses. The Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme was introduced to support OBC students in the lower classes after the coverage of the central OBC pre-matric scholarship was reduced.
The Government of Keralam introduced the scheme in 2023-24 through a State order dated 14 September 2023. The Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Keralam, manages the scheme, while schools enter eligible students’ details on the e-Grantz portal.
The scheme aims to support OBC students in Classes 1 to 8 who are not covered by the central OBC pre-matric scholarship, which covers Classes 9 and 10 under the arrangement described in the scheme information. It helps these students continue their education and encourages them to perform well in their studies.
Each selected student receives ₹1,500 per year, which is transferred directly to the student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account. The family does not have to repay the amount. Students receiving USS, NMMS, NTSE, disability or Snehapoorvam scholarships can also receive this assistance, according to the scheme information.
Eligible OBC students in Classes 1 to 8 at government and government-aided schools in Keralam can apply if their family’s annual income does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh. Students in Classes 2 to 8 must score at least 90% in the previous year’s annual examination, while Class 1 students are considered based on family income. Students belonging to OEC, OBC(H) and minority communities are not eligible under the stated conditions.
Parents must complete the application form and submit it to the school headmaster along with the required income certificate, caste proof and previous year’s marks, where applicable. The school checks the details and enters the application information on the e-Grantz portal. Parents do not submit the application online themselves. The 2026-27 application round closed on 15 October 2026, so families can prepare their documents for the next round. For assistance, they can contact the Directorate at 0471-2727379 or their district’s regional office.
Students who need financial assistance after Class 10 can explore the OEC Post Matric Educational Assistance Scheme and the central PM YASASVI Scholarship Scheme for OBC students. Students from minority communities who are not eligible for this scheme can explore the Margadeepam Scholarship Scheme.
Students, parents, teachers and others looking for education and welfare schemes offered by the Keralam Government can explore our Keralam Government Popular and Welfare Schemes page to find more programmes and their benefits.
Latest Update on Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme
- 14 September 2023: The Government of Keralam issued the order introducing the Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme for OBC students in Classes 1 to 8.
- 17 October 2023: The Backward Classes Development Department invited applications for the 2023-24 session. Students had to submit their forms to their schools by 15 November 2023.
- 4 January 2025: The Director issued detailed guidelines covering the application form, income certificate and school-level data entry process.
- 10 August 2026: The department withdrew an earlier amendment due to technical issues with the e-Grantz portal. It also announced a new address for the Palakkad regional office, which serves Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.
- 14 August 2026: The department invited applications for the 2026-27 session. The original deadlines were 31 August 2026 for submitting forms to schools and 30 September 2026 for school-level data entry.
- 7 October 2026: The department extended the application deadline to 15 October 2026.
- 15 October 2026: The application window for the 2026-27 session closed. The department has not yet announced the dates for the next round.
Tip for the Next Application Round: Arrange the income certificate through the e-District portal and ensure that the student’s bank account is linked to Aadhaar. Keep these documents ready before applications open.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme of the Keralam Government provides financial assistance to selected OBC students to support their education and encourage good academic performance.
- Annual scholarship of ₹1,500 per selected student
- Available to eligible students in Classes 1 to 8 at government and government-aided schools
- Supports students in Classes 1 to 8, beyond the Classes 9 and 10 covered under the central OBC pre-matric scholarship, as described in the scheme information
- Direct payment to the student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account
- No repayment required
- Students receiving USS, NMMS, NTSE, disability or Snehapoorvam scholarships can also receive this assistance
- Application details are submitted through the school, so parents do not need to apply online themselves
- Encourages academic performance, as students in Classes 2 to 8 must score at least 90% in the previous annual examination
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Government of Keralam’s Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme supports eligible OBC students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools. Family income limits apply to all classes, while the minimum marks requirement applies from Class 2 onwards.
- The student must belong to an eligible OBC community listed under the scheme.
- The student must study in Class 1 to 8 at a government or government-aided school in Keralam.
- Annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
- Students in Classes 2 to 8 must have scored at least 90% in the previous year’s annual examination and meet the attendance requirements.
- Class 1 students are selected based on low family income, without any marks requirement.
- Students belonging to OEC, OBC(H) and minority communities are not eligible to apply.
- Students who have applied for a similar pre-matric scholarship are not eligible.
- Students receiving USS, NMMS, NTSE, disability or Snehapoorvam scholarships can also apply.
- Meeting the eligibility conditions does not guarantee selection. The department considers academic performance, family income and available funds.
Documents Required to be Attached
Under the Keralam Government’s Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme, parents must submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the school headmaster. The school verifies the details and enters the application information on the e-Grantz portal. The application window for 2026-27 has closed, so keep the required documents ready for the next round and confirm the latest requirements with your school.
Documents Required for the Application
- Application form (Annexure 2)
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate or other caste proof, if required
- Previous year’s marksheet and attendance record for Classes 2 to 8
- Previous school’s certified marksheet, for transferred students
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account details
Important Points to Check Before Submission
- Students in Class 1 do not need to submit marks because selection depends on the family’s income, as stated in the scheme information.
- Ask your bank branch to confirm that the student’s bank account is Aadhaar-seeded. Linking Aadhaar to an account and completing Aadhaar seeding are not necessarily the same process.
- Submit the completed form to the school headmaster before the school’s deadline. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
- The school retains the application form for 10 years, according to the available scheme information. Keep a photocopy of the submitted form and documents for your records.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Parents can apply for the Keralam Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme through their child’s school. They do not need a separate online login. The parent fills out the application form and submits it to the headmaster, who enters the eligible student’s details on the e-Grantz portal. The application window for 2026-27 closed on 15 October 2026. Follow these steps to prepare for the next application round.
Before You Start
Step 1: Check that your child belongs to an eligible OBC community and studies in Class 1 to Class 8 at a government or government-aided school in Keralam.
Step 2: Make sure your family’s annual income does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
Step 3: If your child studies in Class 2 to Class 8, check the previous year’s marksheet to confirm that your child scored at least 90%.
Step 4: Obtain the family income certificate through the e-District portal. Apply early, as the certificate may take time to issue.
Step 5: Keep the caste certificate or other accepted caste proof ready if you did not submit it during admission.
Step 6: Visit your bank and confirm that your child’s bank account is seeded with Aadhaar.
Fill the Form and Hand It In
Step 1: Collect the application form from your child’s school. You can also check the e-Grantz portal or the Backward Classes Development Department website for the prescribed form.
Step 2: Fill in the original form or use a photocopy if the school accepts it.
Step 3: Enter your child’s name, class, school details, community, family income and bank account information correctly.
Step 4: Ask the class teacher for help if you have difficulty filling in any part of the form.
Step 5: Attach the required income certificate, caste proof, previous year’s marksheet, bank details and other documents requested by the school.
Step 6: Submit the completed form to the headmaster before the school’s deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Step 7: Keep a photocopy of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records.
What the School Does
Step 1: The school checks the application, marks and income details submitted by the family.
Step 2: The headmaster verifies the form and adds the required signature and school seal.
Step 3: The school enters the eligible students’ details on the e-Grantz portal, including the required income certificate information.
Step 4: The school completes the online entry by the department’s deadline. The 2026 schedule mentioned 30 September for school-level data entry. Confirm the next round’s deadline with your school.
After the School Enters the Details
Step 1: The department selects eligible students based on the scheme’s criteria, including academic performance, family income and the funds available.
Step 2: Remember that submitting an application does not guarantee selection. Class 1 students are considered on the basis of family income rather than examination marks.
Step 3: If your child is selected, the scholarship amount of ₹1,500 is paid to the student’s bank account according to the applicable payment process.
Step 4: If you have questions about your child’s caste or community eligibility, ask the school to guide you to the concerned regional Backward Classes Development office.
Important: Check the Information and Public Relations Department notice and your school’s notice board for the next application dates. Never pay anyone to submit your application or promise scholarship approval.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- e-Grantz 3.0 Portal
- Educational Schemes for OBC, OEC and SEBC Students
- Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Keralam
- Kedavilakku Scholarship 2026-27: Extended Application Deadline
- Kedavilakku Scholarship 2026-27: Application Notice for Classes 1 to 8
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Directorate: Directorate of Backward Classes Development Department, Ayyankali Bhavan, Kanaka Nagar, Vellayambalam, Kowdiar P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695003
- Directorate Phone: 0471-2727379, 0471-2727378
- Directorate Email: bcddkerala@gmail.com
- Kollam Regional Office (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta): T.K. Madhavan Memorial Building, Mundakkal, Kollam – 691001, phone 0474-2914417, email bcddklm@gmail.com
- Ernakulam Regional Office (Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki): Civil Station, 2nd Floor, Kakkanad, Ernakulam – 682030, phone 0484-2983130, email ekmbcdd@gmail.com
- Palakkad Regional Office (Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram): 4th Floor, Swathi Junction, Alathur, Palakkad – 678541, phone 0492-2222335, email bcddpkd@gmail.com
- Kozhikode Regional Office (Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, Kasaragod): Civil Station, Kozhikode – 673020, phone 0495-2377786, email bcddcalicut@gmail.com
- For Schools, e-Grantz Data Entry Help: egrantz3.0helpline2@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. The Keralam Kedavilakku Scholarship Scheme provides ₹1,500 per year to selected OBC students studying in Classes 1 to 8 at government and government-aided schools.
Ans. The Backward Classes Development Department of the Government of Keralam manages the scheme.
Ans. The government introduced the scheme in 2023-24 to support eligible OBC students in Classes 1 to 8 who were not covered by the central OBC pre-matric scholarship arrangement described in the scheme information.
Ans. Each selected student receives a scholarship of ₹1,500 per year.
Ans. OBC students studying in Classes 1 to 8 at government or government-aided schools in Keralam can apply if their annual family income does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh and they meet the other eligibility conditions.
Ans. Students in Classes 2 to 8 must score at least 90% in the previous year’s annual examination and meet the prescribed attendance requirements.
Ans. Yes, Class 1 students do not need examination marks because the scheme considers them on the basis of family income.
Ans. The family’s annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh, supported by the required income certificate.
Ans. Students belonging to OEC, OBC(H) and minority communities, as well as those who have applied for a similar pre-matric scholarship, are excluded under the stated scheme conditions.
Ans. Yes, students receiving USS, NMMS, NTSE, disability or Snehapoorvam scholarships can also apply, according to the available scheme information.
Ans. No, the department selects students according to the scheme’s eligibility conditions, academic performance, family income and available funds.
Ans. No, the Kedavilakku Scholarship supports eligible students in Classes 1 to 8, while the central scholarship arrangement described in the scheme information covers Classes 9 and 10.
Ans. Parents must collect and complete the prescribed application form and submit it to the school’s headmaster, who enters the eligible student’s details on the e-Grantz portal.
Ans. No, under the described process, parents submit the form through the school, and the school completes the online data entry.
Ans. Parents can ask their child’s school for the form or check the Backward Classes Development Department website and the e-Grantz portal.
Ans. Applicants need the prescribed application form, income certificate, caste proof if required, previous year’s marksheet for Classes 2 to 8 and the student’s bank account details.
Ans. The student’s bank account must be seeded with Aadhaar for scholarship payment, so parents should confirm the account’s seeding status with their bank.
Ans. The application deadline was extended to 15 October 2026, according to the official notice, and that application round has closed.
Ans. No, the stated deadline has passed, so parents should prepare the documents and check the school’s notice board for the next application schedule.
Ans. The scheme information describes annual scholarship assistance, but applicants should check the latest official notification for the next application round.
Ans. No, the ₹1,500 scholarship is financial assistance and does not have to be repaid.
Ans. Parents can contact their child’s school or the Backward Classes Development Department. The available information lists 0471-2727379 for the Directorate and 0492-2222335 for the regional office in Palakkad; confirm that these numbers are current before calling.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.