Keralam Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Kerala Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme is a scholarship initiative launched by the Government of Kerala to support educated youth preparing for competitive examinations and undergoing skill development training. The scheme aims to improve employment opportunities, strengthen the confidence of young people, and help them acquire the skills and qualifications required to secure suitable jobs. The government provides financial assistance to eligible youth so they can continue their preparation and training without facing financial difficulties.

Under the Kerala Connect to Work Scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly scholarship of ₹1,000 for up to 12 months. The total financial assistance can reach ₹12,000 per beneficiary. The scholarship supports youth preparing for government recruitment examinations and those pursuing employment-oriented skill enhancement courses after completing their formal education. The government has allocated ₹400 crore for the scheme and aims to benefit approximately 5 lakh young people.

The scheme primarily covers young people preparing for competitive examinations conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Service Selection Boards, Defence recruitment agencies, banks, railways, and other Central and State public sector recruitment agencies. It also supports eligible candidates pursuing skill development or skill enhancement training to improve their employment prospects after completing their education. Students preparing for civil service examinations may also explore the Keralam Civil Service Fee Reimbursement Scholarship Scheme for financial assistance towards eligible civil service coaching fees.

To apply for the Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scholarship, applicants must meet the prescribed eligibility conditions. They must be permanent residents of Kerala, aged between 18 and 30 years, and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹5 lakh. Applicants must have completed Plus Two, VHSE, ITI, Diploma, or Degree-level education and either prepare for an eligible competitive examination or pursue a recognized skill enhancement course. They must also submit the required certificates and supporting documents during the online application process.

The Kerala Connect to Work Scheme is implemented through the Employment Department, Government of Kerala, and applicants can submit their applications through the official Employment Exchange portal. The department verifies applications and supporting documents before processing the scholarship. Applicants must provide accurate personal, educational, income, and bank account details to receive financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Eligible beneficiaries can receive the scholarship for a maximum period of 12 months, regardless of whether they receive assistance under the competitive examination or skill training category. A person who has already received the scholarship for a total of 12 months under either category cannot apply again. Therefore, applicants should carefully check the eligibility conditions, required documents, and application instructions before submitting their forms through the official portal.

Scheme Benefits

The Keralam Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible youth to support their skill development and competitive examination preparation.

• Monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 for 12 months.
• Total scholarship amount of ₹12,000 per eligible beneficiary.
• Financial support for skill development and skill enhancement training.
• Assistance for preparing for eligible competitive examinations.
• Direct transfer of scholarship amount to beneficiaries' bank accounts through DBT.
• Support to improve employment opportunities and job readiness among young people.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions to apply for the Keralam Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme:

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Keralam.
• The applicant must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
• The annual family income must not exceed ₹5 lakh.
• The applicant must have passed Plus Two, VHSE, ITI, Diploma or Degree.
• The applicant must be undergoing eligible skill development training after formal education or preparing for eligible competitive examinations.
• Eligible competitive examinations include those conducted by UPSC, Keralam PSC, SSC, banks, railways, defence and other recognised recruitment agencies.

Ineligibility Criteria

The following applicants are not eligible for financial assistance under the Keralam Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme:

• Applicants receiving scholarships from other Central or State Government departments or institutions.
• Applicants receiving social security pensions, service pensions, welfare board pensions or family pensions.
• Candidates preparing for excluded examinations such as JEE, NEET, NET and SET.
• Applicants who do not meet the prescribed age, educational qualification, residency or annual family income criteria.
• Applicants who submit false information or documents.
• Beneficiaries who secure employment during the scholarship period may become ineligible for further assistance.
• A person who has already received the scholarship for a total of 12 months under either category is not eligible to apply again.

Note: The government may recover scholarship amounts paid to ineligible beneficiaries, reportedly with 18% interest, as specified in the applicable scheme guidelines.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit self-attested copies of the required documents while applying for the Keralam Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme. All documents, except the photograph and signature, must be uploaded in PDF format with a maximum file size of 100 KB.

• Address Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, School Certificate or Driving Licence)
• Date of Birth Proof (School Certificate or Birth Certificate)
• Annual Family Income Certificate (issued within the last 1 year)
• Educational Qualification Certificate
• Acknowledgement Slip / Application Slip (for competitive examination applicants)
• Bank Passbook (first page showing account details)
• Authentication Letter from the Head of Institution (for skill training applicants)
• Recent Passport-size Photograph (JPG/JPEG, maximum 100 KB)
• Applicant's Scanned Signature (JPG/JPEG, maximum 100 KB)
• Self-Declaration Certificate (for competitive examination applicants)

Note: Applicants already registered with an Employment Exchange can use their existing registration details. First-time applicants can also proceed with fresh registration through the official portal.

Steps to Apply

Eligible applicants can apply for the Keralam Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme online through the official Employment Department portal. Applicants must provide their personal details, educational qualifications, income information, and supporting documents based on their eligibility category.

• Visit the official Keralam Employment Department website: https://www.eemployment.Keralam.gov.in/.
• Click on the "Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme" button on the homepage, then select "Apply Now."
  
• Read the scheme introduction, eligibility criteria, and required documents list, then click "Proceed."
• If already registered with an Employment Exchange, enter your registration number and select "Check Registration." If not registered, select "Proceed as New Applicant."
• Fill in the application form: personal details, highest qualification, the category you are applying under, address details, and bank account details.
   
• Confirm you possess all required documents and proceed to generate your temporary application number.
• Upload each required document in the specified format and size, then click "Upload Documents."
• Read the self-declaration statement, tick the confirmation box, and click "Confirm Your Application."
• Download and save the completed application copy for your records.

How to Check Application Status?

• Visit the official Keralam Employment Department portal.
• Open the Know Your Application Status option under the Connect to Work Scheme section.
• Enter the required application or registration details.
• Check your application status and follow the instructions if the application requires additional information or completion.

Important Forms

• Keralam Connect to Work Scheme Self Declaration
• Keralam Connect to Work Scheme Authentication Letter

Relevant Links

• Keralam Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme Online Application Form.
• Keralam Connect to Work Scheme Application Status
• Keralam Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme Guidelines.
• Keralam Employment Exchange New Registration
• Keralam Employment Exchange Registration Renewal
• Keralam Employment Department Official Website

Contact Information

• Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme Email Helpdesk: [email protected]
• Keralam Employment Department Phone Number:
  • 471 2301249
  • 471 23011389
  • 471 2306246