Keralam APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

For many students from minority communities in Kerala, getting a polytechnic seat is only half the battle. The bigger challenge is staying enrolled without letting financial pressure get in the way. To address this, the Minority Welfare Department of Keralam runs the APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship (APJAK), a scheme designed to keep deserving students in the classroom and on track with their diploma.

The scholarship is open to students from Kerala's six notified minority communities who are enrolled in a three-year diploma programme at a government, aided, or approved self-financing polytechnic in the state.

Each selected student receives Rs 6,000 for the academic year, sent directly to their bank account. The scheme does not limit support to just fresh admissions; students already in their second or third year can also apply, as long as they have not received this scholarship before. This makes it a safety net that reaches students at any stage of their diploma journey.

On the gender front, the scheme earmarks 30% of its scholarships specifically for female students, reflecting a conscious effort to bring more women from minority backgrounds into technical education. Male students get a chance to fill any slots that remain unoccupied after the female quota is considered.

When it comes to selection, the scheme gives first preference to students from BPL households. For families that fall above the poverty line, eligibility opens up for those with an annual income within Rs 8,00,000, provided they belong to a recognised minority community. Final selection is based on a combination of family income and academic performance.

Scheme Benefits

• Financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per academic year.
• Scholarship is available for the complete 3-year diploma duration.
• 30% of scholarships are reserved for female students.
• If the female quota goes unfilled, eligible male students are considered.
• The scholarship amount is credited directly to the student's bank account.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
• The student must have secured admission on a merit seat in a government, government-aided, or government-recognised self-financing polytechnic in Kerala.
• The applicant must belong to a notified minority community.
  • Muslims
  • Christians (all sects)
  • Sikhs
  • Buddhists
  • Jains
  • Parsis).
• Students from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families will get preference.
• In the absence of BPL applicants, APL category students from minority communities with an annual family income up to Rs 8,00,000 are also considered.
• Minority students are selected on the basis of annual family income and marks, in proportion to the population.
• The scholarship is granted only once during the course period.
• Second and third-year students are also eligible, if they have not availed it before.

Required Documents

• Printout of the applicant registration form.
• SSLC, Plus Two / VHSE mark list, etc.
• Allotment Memo.
• Bank passbook.
• Aadhaar Card.
• Address proof.
• Community Certificate / Minority Certificate.
• Income Certificate issued by the Village Officer.
• Ration Card.

Steps to Apply

The APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship Scheme follows an online application process through the official portal of the Minority Welfare Department, Kerala. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to apply:

• Visit the Official Portal of the Directorate of Minority Welfare, i.e. www.mwdscholarship.kerala.gov.in.
• Click on "One-time registration" and fill in your basic details to create your account.
• Log in to the portal using your registered username and password.
• Fill in and complete your profile with all personal and contact details.
• Enter your academic qualification details accurately.
• Click on "Apply for Scholarship" and select the APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship (APJAK) from the list.
• Review all the details carefully, click on "Final Submit", and then download and print a copy of your application.
• Submit the printed application along with all required documents to the Head of your Institution.
• Applications from self-financing polytechnics must be sent either in person or by post to the Directorate of Minority Welfare, i.e. 4th Floor, Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram – 695033

Important: The department will not be responsible if a scholarship is rejected due to incorrect bank details. Make sure your bank account information is accurate before submitting.

Application Submission Deadlines

Relevant Links

• Keralam Directorate of Minority Welfare.
• Keralam APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship Registration.
• APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship Student Login.
• Keralam APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship Guidelines.

Contact Information

• Directorate of Minority Welfare Contact Number
  • 0471 2300524
  • 04712300523
  • 0471 2302090
• Directorate of Minority Welfare Email Helpdesk: scholarship.mwd@gmail.com