Padavukal Scholarship 2026 (Kerala): Last Date, Eligibility, Benefits, Apply Online

What is Padavukal Scholarship 2026 in Kerala?

Padavukal is a welfare initiative intended to support students from widow-headed families who are pursuing professional or higher education. The scheme focuses on reducing the financial pressure of education by supporting eligible education-related costs as per official norms.

The Malayalam word “Padavukal (പടവുകൾ)” means “steps”, reflecting the aim of helping students move forward in education despite challenging family circumstances. Find more Kerala government scholarship 2026 / More Kerala scholarships here.

Padavukal Scholarship 2026 Last Date (Important Deadline Update)

The latest official last date to submit Padavukal applications (for 2024–25 and 2025–26) is 20 March 2026, as displayed on the official WCD portal/website notice.

Important note about older deadlines: The official circular PDF mentions 13 February 2026 (likely the earlier cutoff). However, the portal/website shows the extended date, so applicants should follow 20/03/2026 unless the portal changes again.

Padavukal Scheme Eligibility Criteria (Key Points)

1) Family Background

• The applicant must be the child of a widowed mother (scheme purpose).

2) Education / Course Type

• The student should be pursuing professional/higher education (the circular lists examples like Engineering, MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS, etc.).

3) Income Limit

• Annual family income should be ₹3,00,000 or below.

4) Other Conditions

Other conditions (seat type, institute category, year of study, additional rules) are described in the official circular/portal. Applicants should verify these before final submission.

Benefits of Padavukal Scholarship (What Costs Are Covered?)

Padavukal provides support toward eligible education-related expenses such as:

• Tuition fee

• Hostel fee

• Mess fee

The exact coverage and payment method depend on the official scheme norms and verification.

Documents Required for Padavukal Scholarship Application

Keep clear scans (PDF/JPG) ready before starting the form:

1. Aadhaar (for one-time registration/ID)

2. Ration card (example document listed for registration)

3. Income certificate (to support income limit)

4. Proof of admission/study (bonafide/admission letter/ID)

5. Fee details/receipt/fee structure from the institution

6. Bank details (account + IFSC; upload proof if asked in the form)

7. Any additional family-status proof required in the circular/form checklist (upload exactly what the portal asks)

Tip: Upload clean, readable scans to avoid rejection due to unclear documents.

How to Apply for Padavukal Scheme 2025-26 Online (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Open the official portal

Go to: https://schemes.wcd.kerala.gov.in/

Step 2: Complete one-time registration

The portal requires one-time registration before applying and asks you to upload scanned ID documents (such as Aadhaar/ration card).

Step 3: Login

Use your created username/password to log in.

Step 4: Select Padavukal from eligible schemes

The portal shows schemes based on the primary details you enter. Choose Padavukal if it appears under eligible schemes.

Step 5: Fill the form + upload documents

Enter accurate course, income, family and bank details, and upload required documents.

Step 6: Submit and save acknowledgment

Submit the application and save the receipt/acknowledgment for future tracking.

How to Check Padavukal Scholarship Application Status

1. Visit https://schemes.wcd.kerala.gov.in/

2. Login with your credentials

3. Open “My Applications” / “Application Status” section

4. Track the status (submitted/under review/approved/rejected)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Padavukal Scholarship 2026 in Kerala?
Padavukal is a Kerala Government scheme under the Women & Child Development Department that supports higher education for children of widowed mothers by providing eligible fee assistance as per scheme rules.

What is the last date to apply for Padavukal scheme 2026?
The latest official last date shown on the portal/website notice is 20 March 2026. Older circulars may show 13 February 2026, so follow the live portal date.

Who is eligible for Padavukal Scholarship?
Children of widowed mothers pursuing professional/higher education and meeting the income limit and other conditions mentioned in the circular/portal.

What is the income limit for Padavukal scheme?
The annual family income limit is ₹3,00,000.

Which courses are covered under Padavukal scheme?
The circular mentions professional/higher education with examples like Engineering, MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS, etc. Always verify the eligible course list in the circular/portal.

What benefits are provided?
Support for eligible education-related fees such as tuition, hostel and mess fees as per scheme norms.

How to do one-time registration on the WCD portal?
Register once on the WCD portal using a mobile number and upload scanned ID documents as required, then create your login credentials.

How to check Padavukal application status online?
Login to the portal and check “My Applications / Application Status” for real-time updates.

Important Tips for Applicants

• Apply early to avoid last-day portal rush and upload failures.

• Enter correct bank details to prevent payment delays.

• Upload clear documents; unclear scans can lead to rejection.

• Use only the official portal. The application is meant to be submitted online through WCD portal.

Conclusion

The Padavukal Scholarship 2026 is a strong support option for eligible students from widow-headed families in Kerala who want to continue professional or higher education. If you meet the income limit and other conditions, complete your one-time registration, upload documents, and submit the application before the latest official last date: 20 March 2026.

References (Official)

1. WCD Kerala Scheme Application Portal

2. WCD Kerala Website Notice (Padavukal last date)

3. Padavukal Circular / Form PDF

4. Kerala e-Services listing (Padavukal)

5. Explore more India scholarships