SMILE-SCHOLARSHIP

SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons

6.3/10

A scheme to provide Financial Assistance in the form of scholarships is provided to Transgender students studying in secondary school (IX & X) & senior secondary school (XI & XII) to reduce the incidence of dropout and support their educational aspirations.

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment

Nodal department: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): Yes

Scheme open date: 2022-01-01

Categories: Education & Learning

Sub-categories: Scholarships and student finance

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Transgender, Scholarship, Secondary Education, Senior Secondary Education, Rehabilitation

Details

Financial assistance in the form of scholarships is provided to Transgender students studying in secondary school (IX & X) & senior secondary school (XI & XII) to reduce the incidence of dropout and support their educational aspirations.

Objectives:

  • The objective is to provide financial assistance to Transgender students studying in IX and above to enable them to complete their education.
  • To support Transgender students to study further in order to prepare themselves to earn their livelihood and to find a dignified place for themselves in society as they face several barriers physical, financial, psychological, and mental in pursuing studies and living with dignity. At times such students are deprived of harnessing their latent skills and thereby miss the opportunity.
  • The scholarship shall be awarded to students studying in a government or private higher secondary school/college/university, including such residential institutes of the Government and eligible private institutes selected and notified in a transparent manner by the State Government/Union Territory Administration concerned.
  • The scheme will also cover technical and vocational courses in Industrial Training Institutes/ Industrial Training Centres affiliated with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) of classes XI and XII level including Polytechnics and other courses (any course of less than one-year duration not covered under this scheme.
  • All eligible candidates identifying as Transgender Persons will be considered for scholarship. As the number of scholarships for Transgender persons available in a year is fixed and limited, the selection of applications would be on the basis of total marks achieved in the previous academic year as reflected in the mark sheet.

Terms and Conditions:

  • The scholarship is dependent on the satisfactory progress and conduct of the Transgender student. If it is reported by the Head of the Institution/School at any time that the student has by reasons of their own act of default failed to make satisfactory progress or has been guilty of misconduct such as resorting to or participating in strikes, irregularity in attendance without the permission of the authorities concerned, etc. The authority sanctioning the scholarship may either cancel the scholarship or stop or withhold further payment for such a period as it may dream fit.
  • If a student violates school discipline or any other terms and conditions of the scholarship, the scholarship may be suspended or cancelled.
  • If a student is found to have obtained a scholarship by false statement, his/her scholarship will be cancelled forthwith and the amount of the scholarship already paid will be recovered by the Ministry along with penal interest as per applicable rules. The student concerned will be blacklisted and debarred for future scholarships in any scheme forever.
  • A transgender student is liable to refund the scholarship amount, if during the course of the year, the studies for which the scholarship has been awarded, are discontinued by the student.

Benefits

  • 1. A sum of ₹13,500/- shall be given as post-matric / pre-matric scholarships to eligible transgender students once every year
  1. A sum of ₹13,500/- shall be given as post-matric / pre-matric scholarships to eligible transgender students once every year.

Eligibility

  • The student should have a Transgender Certificate issued through the National Portal for Transgender person of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
  • The scholarships are open to Indian Nationals only.
  • The candidate should not be receiving any other central or state government-funded Pre-Matric/Post-Matric Scholarship. No scholarship will be paid to the students under this scheme from the date they accept another scholarship/stipend. The candidate can, however, accept free lodging or a grant or ad-hoc monetary help from the State Government or any other source for the purchase of books, and equipment or for meeting the expenses on board and lodging in addition to the scholarship amount paid under this scheme

Criteria of selection for scholarship:

  • All eligible candidates identifying as Transgender Persons will be considered for scholarship. As the number of scholarships for Transgender persons available in a year is fixed and limited, the selection of applications would be on the basis of total marks achieved in the previous academic year as reflected in the mark sheet.
  • In case of the same merit, preference shall be generated from the ‘Date of Birth’ criteria of the applicant (senior is preferred) and based on the availability of the slots.
  • In the Scholarship, students applying for Post-Matric shall be given preference over Pre-Matric Scholarship.
  • The list of selected candidates would be displayed on the portal at a specified date considering, inter alia, the number of slots available for the scholarship.

Conditions for Scholarships for Secondary School (IX & X) Transgender Students:

  • The candidate should be a regular, full-time student studying in a Government School or in a School recognized by the Government or a Central/State Board of secondary education.
  • Migration of students from one school/institute to another, the student shall submit a certificate from the competent authority, in this case, the institution.
  • Scholarships for studying in any class will be available for only one year. If a student has to repeat a class, the candidate would not get a scholarship for that class for a second (or subsequent) year.

Conditions for Scholarships for Senior Secondary School (XI & XII) Transgender Students:

  • The candidate should be a regular, full-time student studying in a Government School or in a School recognized by the Government or a Central/State Board of secondary education.
  • Migration of students from one school/institute to another, the student shall submit a certificate from the competent authority, in this case, the institution.
  • Scholarships for studying in any class will be available for only one year. If a student has to repeat a class, the candidate would not get a scholarship for that class for a second (or subsequent) year.

Exclusions

  1. Certificate courses are not covered under the scheme.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.3
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 7.0/10 Good
Rural usefulness 5.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 4.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 6.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 6.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 8.0/10 Good
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 6.0/10 Moderate
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility7.0
  • Financial impact6.0
  • Rural utility5.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity6.0
  • Inclusivity8.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The SMILE scholarship scheme provides essential financial support to transgender students, promoting their educational aspirations and reducing dropout rates.

Key challenges addressed

  • Financial barriers to education for transgender students
  • High dropout rates among transgender individuals in secondary and senior secondary education

Most beneficial for

  • Transgender students pursuing secondary and senior secondary education

Likely challenges

  • Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries
  • Complex application process may deter applicants

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical but may face challenges in rural implementation due to digital barriers.

Rural challenges

  • Limited internet access in rural areas
  • Lack of awareness about the scheme

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency may exclude non-digital users

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Verification delays from educational institutions

Awareness challenges

  • Low visibility of the scheme among target beneficiaries

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Transgender Certificate and ID required
Verification complexity
Moderate, dependent on institutional verification
Office dependency
Low, primarily online
DBT dependency
Not applicable
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate effort required to complete the application

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Inclusive of transgender individuals
  • Target income group Low-income groups
  • Occupation reach Students

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Cash
Benefit frequency
Once every academic year
Benefit practicality
Financially meaningful for educational expenses
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, as it supports essential educational needs
Long-term impact
Positive impact on educational attainment and livelihood opportunities for transgender individuals

Plain-language guidance

The SMILE scholarship helps transgender students by providing financial support for their education. It aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage further studies.

Who should apply
Transgender students in secondary and senior secondary education.
Who may struggle
Those with limited digital access or literacy skills.
Best application route
Apply via the official online portal with a Transgender Certificate.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Step 01: One can visit the official website. Link: http://transgender.dosje.gov.in
Step 02: On the Home page click on “Registration” and after registration, one will receive a login password for access to the account via the registered email ID. (Already registered applicant directly “Login” and Click on “Scholarship” to fill in the details)
Step 03: After the email is received with the password, one needs to click on “Application Login” and “Login” with the credentials.
Step 04: After Login, one can see “Dashboard” with the “Scholarship” option. Click on “Scholarship” then select Education Level.
Step 05: After selecting of educational level, one will get an Application Number by clicking “Get Your Application Number”
Step 06: Go to the master application form where one has to fill in details as per the requirement mentioned such as Profile, Education, Course details, Bank Details, Document upload, and declaration.
Step 07: In the Document Upload sections one needs to be sure that the Transgender Certificate & ID are already generated without an ID & certificate one cannot complete this process.
Step 08: Please be sure whatever information provided is correct by declaring the details and uploading the student's Passport Photo, Signature, and Parent/Guardian signature. Submit the application form.

How to get a Transgender Identity Certificate:

  • To get a transgender certificate one can visit the home page of the Website Link: http://transgender.dosje.gov.in/ - Select “Online Registration” and then click on “Register here”
  • Type Name, Email ID, and contact no., Select state and district from the drop-down menu, enter the CAPTCHA text, and click on REGISTER.
  • On successful registration, the system will send a confirmation with the credentials, by mail.
  • After this process, you are required to login with the credentials that have been sent through the mail (i.e. username/ Email ID, and Password) in the same portal. Enter the CAPTCHA text and click on SIGN IN.
  • On clicking ‘New application’ you will be redirected to the above-mentioned page Here, you can see two categories i.e. for New and revised copy at the drop-down menu.
  • Select the state and district from the given drop-down menu
  • Enter your Given name and change your name to capital letters
  • Select the name that is to be printed on the certificate (Given/Chosen)
  • Enter your Parent’s name and Contact number.
  • Select Assigned gender and requested application from the drop-down menu.
  • Mention your Annual income with Educational qualification
  • Select your birth date from the box provided
  • You are required to upload the appropriate document by selecting any one of the documents from the list & Click “Browse” button
  • The selected file will be uploaded with the image shown on your screen as given above.
  • On clicking on Add more button you can add more documents with image
  • After uploading the document you can view the same
  • You are now required to enter the Permanent address
  • After clicking on the save & next button, the form is finally submitted.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What Is The Frequency Of Scholarship?

Scholarship shall be given in bulk once every academic year.

Do I Have To Apply For Renewal Every Year?

Yes. One Need To Submit Certificate Of Previous Academic Score Not Less Than Qualifying Marks Attested By Institute.

References

Scheme Guidelines
https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/Applicant/Registration/DisplayForm2
User Manual
https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/docs/TG%20Scholarship%20Manual.pdf

Apply

Apply now

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Eligibility for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Benefits under SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons is managed by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Applications for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons.
Is SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons a central government scheme?
Yes, SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Who is eligible for pension benefits under SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Eligibility may depend on age, income category, social welfare criteria, disability status, widow status, or senior citizen classification defined under the scheme.
How are pension benefits provided under SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Pension assistance under SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons may be transferred through direct benefit transfer (DBT), linked bank accounts, post office accounts, or welfare department payment systems.
Can CSC centres help users apply for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Are there deadlines for applying to SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.