Inter Caste Marriage Scheme 2026 – Complete Guide (India)
The Government of India and various State Governments run Inter Caste Marriage Incentive Schemes to promote social harmony and reduce caste-based discrimination. These schemes encourage marriages between persons belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and non-SC communities by providing financial assistance and social security support. “Inter Caste Marriage Scheme 2026”
In 2026, the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme continues under the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages, along with similar schemes operated by State Governments.
Objective of the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme
The main objectives of the scheme are:
✔ To promote social equality and unity
✔ To reduce caste-based discrimination
✔ To encourage marriages between different caste groups
✔ To provide financial support to newly married couples
✔ To strengthen social integration in Indian society
Central Government Scheme (Dr. Ambedkar Scheme)
The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
🔹 Key Feature
Under this scheme, financial assistance is given when:
➡ One partner belongs to Scheduled Caste (SC)
➡ The other partner belongs to a non-SC caste
➡ Marriage is legally registered
Financial Assistance (Benefit Amount)
Under the Central Government scheme:
💰 ₹2.5 lakh incentive is provided per eligible inter-caste marriage
(Amount may vary slightly depending on State implementation rules)
Out of this:
✔ A portion is paid immediately after marriage
✔ Remaining amount is kept in a fixed deposit for a specific period
Some State Governments provide:
💰 ₹50,000 – ₹3,00,000 depending on state rules
Eligibility Criteria (2026)
To apply for Inter Caste Marriage Scheme, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
✔ Marriage must be between:
– One SC partner
– One non-SC partner
✔ Marriage must be legally registered
✔ Both partners must be Indian citizens
✔ Age criteria:
– Groom: minimum 21 years
– Bride: minimum 18 years
✔ Marriage should be the first marriage for both partners
✔ Application must be submitted within the prescribed time (usually within 1 year of marriage)
✔ Income criteria may apply (varies by state)
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
📄 Marriage Registration Certificate
📄 Caste Certificate of SC partner
📄 Aadhaar Card of both partners
📄 Age proof (Birth certificate / 10th marksheet)
📄 Income certificate (if required)
📄 Bank account details (joint or individual)
📄 Passport-size photographs
📄 Affidavit stating first marriage
📄 Residence proof
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process)
🟦 Step 1: Visit Official Portal
For Central Scheme:
👉 https://socialjustice.gov.in
For State Schemes:
Visit your State Social Welfare Department website
(ending with .gov.in)
🟦 Step 2: Find the Scheme
Look for:
✔ “Dr. Ambedkar Inter Caste Marriage Scheme”
✔ “Inter Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme”
✔ “Social Integration Scheme”
🟦 Step 3: Download or Fill Online Form
You can:
✔ Apply online (in many states)
✔ Or download application form and submit offline
🟦 Step 4: Fill Application Form
Enter:
✔ Personal details of bride and groom
✔ Caste details
✔ Marriage details
✔ Bank details
🟦 Step 5: Upload / Attach Documents
Attach all required certificates and proof documents.
🟦 Step 6: Submit Application
Submit to:
✔ District Social Welfare Office
✔ Or online through state portal
Take acknowledgment slip for future reference.
🟦 Step 7: Verification
Authorities verify:
✔ Marriage certificate
✔ Caste certificate
✔ Age and income
✔ Authenticity of documents
🟦 Step 8: Approval & Payment
After approval:
💰 Amount is transferred directly to bank account (DBT)
Important Official Links
🔗 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
https://socialjustice.gov.in
🔗 Dr. Ambedkar Scheme Details
https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/25
(Use only .gov.in websites to avoid fraud)
State-Level Inter Caste Marriage Schemes
Many states like:
✔ Uttar Pradesh
✔ Bihar
✔ Madhya Pradesh
✔ Tamil Nadu
✔ Karnataka
✔ Rajasthan
✔ Maharashtra
have their own Inter Caste Marriage Incentive Schemes with different benefit amounts and rules.
Applicants must apply through their State Social Welfare Department.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
✔ Financial support for newly married couples
✔ Encouragement of social equality
✔ Legal recognition of inter-caste marriages
✔ Helps in reducing caste-based barriers
✔ Supports families during early marriage period
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Inter Caste Marriage Scheme 2026?
It is a government welfare scheme that provides financial assistance to couples where one partner belongs to Scheduled Caste and the other to a non-SC caste.
Q2. Who can apply for this scheme?
Couples where:
✔ One partner is SC
✔ Marriage is registered
✔ Both are Indian citizens
✔ It is their first marriage
Q3. How much money is given under the scheme?
Central Government provides up to ₹2.5 lakh.
State Governments provide ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh depending on rules.
Q4. Is court marriage required?
Marriage must be legally registered under:
✔ Hindu Marriage Act
✔ Special Marriage Act
✔ Or relevant personal law
Q5. Is online application available?
Yes, many states provide online application through Social Welfare Department portals.
Q6. Is this scheme available for all castes?
No. One partner must belong to Scheduled Caste (SC).
Q7. Can already married couples apply?
Yes, if:
✔ Application is submitted within the allowed time period
✔ Marriage meets eligibility rules
Q8. Is income limit compulsory?
Income limit depends on state rules. Central scheme mainly focuses on caste and marriage conditions.
Q9. How long does approval take?
Usually 1 to 3 months, depending on verification process.
Q10. Is the scheme valid in 2026?
Yes, the Inter Caste Marriage Scheme continues in 2026 under Central and State Governments.
Conclusion
The Inter Caste Marriage Scheme 2026 is an important social welfare initiative aimed at promoting equality, unity, and social justice in India. By providing financial assistance and legal support, the government encourages couples to break caste barriers and build a more inclusive society. Eligible couples should apply through their respective State or Central Social Welfare Department portals using only official government websites.
Free Laptop Yojana 2026 Online Registration – Complete Guide for Students
YojanaVichar.com एक डिजिटल प्लेटफ़ॉर्म है जो भारत की केंद्र और राज्य सरकार की योजनाओं, कल्याण कार्यक्रमों और जन पहल से जुड़ी नवीनतम जानकारी और मार्गदर्शन प्रदान करता है। इसका उद्देश्य नागरिकों को सही व विश्वसनीय जानकारी देकर सशक्त बनाना है। यहाँ योजनाओं की पात्रता, लाभ, आवेदन प्रक्रिया और आधिकारिक सूचनाएँ सरल भाषा में उपलब्ध कराई जाती हैं। यह प्लेटफ़ॉर्म नियमित अपडेट और तथ्य-जाँच के साथ नागरिकों तक नीतिगत जानकारी पारदर्शिता से पहुँचाता है।
