Scholarship
Varnam Scheme For Transgender Students Pursuing Distance Education Courses(VSTSPDEC)
Overview
About VSTSPDEC
The Varnam Scheme for Transgender Students Pursuing Distance Education Courses is run by the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala. It provides cash assistance to transgender students enrolled in degree, diploma, or postgraduate programmes through distance education.
The scheme is meant for transgender students who study through open universities or distance-learning centres rather than in regular colleges, and who find it hard to meet the cost of registration, tuition, examination fees, and study materials. The aim is to help you complete your course and move toward financial independence.
The benefit is paid annually, for a set number of years that depends on whether you are enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme. Applications are made through your District Social Justice Office, supported by proof of transgender identity and receipts for course-related expenses.
Sources: Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala - Varnam scheme · myScheme - Varnam Scheme for Transgender Students Pursuing Distance Education Courses
Who runs it
Provider
District Social Justice Office, Kerala
State / UT Government
Social Justice Department · District Social Justice Office, Kerala
At a glance
Key details
| Level | State |
| Scheme type | — |
| Category | Education & Learning, Social welfare & Empowerment |
| Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Benefit type | Cash |
| Application mode | Offline |
Calendar
Important dates
Across all open application cycles.
| Cycle | Stage | Date |
|---|
Who can apply
Eligibility criteria
| The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State. | |
| The applicant should be Transgender. | |
| Transgender students pursuing Degree/Diploma/ PG courses from Open universities, Distance education, or Private registration are eligible to apply under the scheme. |
What you get
Award & benefits
- Under the scheme, a maximum amount of ₹24,000/- will be provided annually to each eligible Transgender student.
- For students pursuing PG courses the assistance will be provided for 2 years and for Under Graduate students the assistance will be given for 3 years.
What to prepare
Documents required
Step by step
How to apply
- 1Apply offline
http://sjd.kerala.gov.in/DOCUMENTS/Downloadables/Application%20Forms/35461.pdf
Source
Official links
Questions
VSTSPDEC – FAQ
Disclaimer
Scheme details are compiled from myScheme, the Government of India’s official scheme-discovery platform, and are reproduced without alteration. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility change between cycles — always confirm on the official links above before applying. Expertie does not process applications or charge fees.