This page is a complete, verified guide to the Freeship Card on the Digital Gujarat Portal for SC and ST students in 2026. Whether you want to understand what a Freeship Card is, apply for Freeship Card online, check your Freeship Card application status, download your Freeship Card PDF, know the eligibility criteria, income limits, and required documents — everything is covered below. Use the table of contents in the sidebar to jump to any section.
What is a Freeship Card on Digital Gujarat?
The Freeship Card on the Digital Gujarat portal is a government-issued document that allows eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Gujarat to take admission in any recognised educational institution — college, university, professional course — without paying tuition or hostel fees upfront at the time of admission.
It is a key provision under the Government of India Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students (scheme BCK-6.1) and the Umbrella Scheme for Education of ST Students, both administered through the Digital Gujarat Scholarship Portal at digitalgujarat.gov.in. The card essentially acts as a financial guarantee to the institution — confirming that the student's fees will be paid once the scholarship amount is disbursed directly to the student's bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Think of the Freeship Card as an admission "visa" for economically weaker SC and ST students. Instead of forcing a family to arrange large sums at the start of an academic year, the government says: "Show this card, take admission, we will send the money to your bank account — you pay the institution from that." This makes higher education genuinely accessible for thousands of students across Gujarat every year.
🪪 The Freeship Card in Simple Terms
An SC or ST student registers on digitalgujarat.gov.in before the admission season, enters their course details and Aadhaar, uploads documents, and receives a downloadable Freeship Card PDF. They present this card to the college or institution at the time of admission. The institution admits the student without collecting tuition fees. Later, when the state or central government releases the scholarship funds, the money arrives in the student's bank account, and the student pays the institution from that amount.
Freeship Card vs Regular Scholarship — Key Difference
Many students confuse the Freeship Card with the post-matric scholarship itself. They are related but different:
| Feature | Freeship Card | Post-Matric Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows fee-free admission upfront | Financial aid transferred to bank |
| When Issued | Before admission (register early) | After admission, during academic year |
| Who Gets It | SC students (BCK-6.1), ST students | SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EWS, Minority, General |
| What It Covers | Tuition + hostel fee waiver at admission | Tuition fee + maintenance allowance |
| Validity | 1 year from date of issue | 1 academic year (annual renewal) |
| Portal | digitalgujarat.gov.in | digitalgujarat.gov.in |
| Scheme Code (SC) | BCK-6.1 | BCK-6.1 / BCK-5 / BCK-81A etc. |
Freeship Card Eligibility Criteria 2026
To be eligible for the Freeship Card on Digital Gujarat in 2026, a student must satisfy the following criteria. These apply for the BCK-6.1 (SC) and equivalent ST scheme:
Scheduled Caste (SC) or ST
The student must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category (for BCK-6.1) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) (for the Umbrella ST scheme), and must hold a valid caste certificate issued by the competent authority in Gujarat.
Family Income ≤ ₹2.5 Lakh (SC)
Annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000 (₹2.5 lakh) for BCK-6.1. The income certificate must be issued by the Mamlatdar or competent authority. ST students may have different income limits depending on the sub-scheme.
Permanent Resident of Gujarat
The student must be a permanent resident of Gujarat with a valid domicile or residential certificate. Students from other states studying in Gujarat are not eligible for the Freeship Card under this scheme.
Post-Matric Course (Class 11 Onwards)
The student must be enrolled in (or seeking admission to) a post-matric recognised course — Class 11, Class 12, diploma, degree, postgraduate, ITI, professional courses (engineering, medical, MBA, law), or PhD at a recognised institution.
No Other Major Scholarship for Same Fees
The student must not be availing any other central or state scholarship that covers the same tuition and hostel fees for the same course and academic year. Duplication of benefits is not permitted.
Aadhaar-Linked Bank Account
The student must have a bank account linked to their Aadhaar number, as the scholarship amount is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the student's account.
Freeship Card for ST (Tribal) Students — Umbrella Scheme
ST students in Gujarat can access a similar Freeship Card benefit through the Umbrella Scheme for Education of ST Students — Post-Matric Scholarship (Freeship Card / Medical Loan Student Only). The scheme is administered by the Tribal Development Department, Gujarat, through the Digital Gujarat portal. The eligibility conditions are similar to BCK-6.1 but may have different income limits and course group classifications. ST girl students with annual income above ₹2.5 lakh may also be eligible under a separate provision for girl students.
Freeship Card Income Limit Gujarat 2026
The income limit for the Freeship Card in Gujarat varies by category and scheme. Here is a clear breakdown for 2026:
📋 Which Income Certificate is Valid for Freeship Card?
The income certificate for the Freeship Card must be issued by the Mamlatdar (Talati) or equivalent competent revenue authority of Gujarat. A self-declaration or salary slip alone is not sufficient. The certificate must mention the total annual family income from all sources (salary, agriculture, business, rent, etc.) and must be current (generally not older than 1–2 years). Get this certificate first from your local Mamlatdar office or e-Gram Vishwagram portal before applying for the Freeship Card.
Documents Required for Freeship Card Gujarat
Before you start your Freeship Card application on Digital Gujarat, gather all the following documents. Incomplete documents are the most common reason for application delays or rejections.
Aadhaar Card
Mandatory for identity verification and DBT scholarship disbursement. Must be linked to bank account and mobile.
Caste Certificate
SC or ST certificate issued by the competent authority in Gujarat. Must be in prescribed format.
Income Certificate
Annual family income certificate issued by Mamlatdar. Must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh for BCK-6.1 (SC). Recent certificate required.
Domicile / Residential Certificate
Proof of permanent residence in Gujarat. Can be Aadhaar, ration card, or domicile certificate issued by competent authority.
Passport-size Photograph
Recent colour photograph with white or light background. JPEG format, file size under 1 MB for portal upload.
Bank Passbook / Account Details
Bank account passbook or cancelled cheque showing account number and IFSC code. Must be in the student's name and Aadhaar-linked.
Academic Marksheet
Latest qualifying examination marksheet (e.g., SSC/HSC/degree result for the course you are seeking admission to).
Fee Structure / Receipt
Institution's current-year fee structure or provisional admission receipt showing tuition, hostel, and other fee breakdowns.
Active Mobile Number
Registered and active mobile number for OTP verification on the Digital Gujarat portal and receiving application updates.
How to Apply for Freeship Card on Digital Gujarat 2026
The Freeship Card application on Digital Gujarat is a completely online process. The most important thing to remember: apply before taking admission. The Freeship Card must be in hand (downloaded) before you present yourself at the college for admission. Here is the complete step-by-step guide to apply for Freeship Card online at digitalgujarat.gov.in:
Step 1: Register on Digital Gujarat Portal
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Visit digitalgujarat.gov.in
Open your browser and go to the official Digital Gujarat Citizen Portal at www.digitalgujarat.gov.in. This is the only official government portal for Freeship Card applications. Avoid third-party sites claiming to process applications on your behalf.
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Click "New Registration (Citizen)"
On the homepage, click on "New Registration" or "Citizen Login → Register". Enter your name (as per Aadhaar), mobile number, email ID (if available), date of birth, and create a password. Complete OTP verification on your mobile number.
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Complete Your Profile
Log in with your new credentials. Go to "My Profile" and fill in all personal details: permanent address, category (select SC or ST), family income, Aadhaar number, and bank account details. Upload your profile photograph. This profile step is mandatory before you can apply for any scholarship.
Step 2: Apply for Freeship Card (BCK-6.1 or ST Scheme)
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Go to Scholarship Services → Select Your Category
From the main dashboard, click on "Services" → "Scholarship Services". Select your category — SC (for BCK-6.1 Freeship Card) or ST (for Umbrella Scheme). A list of available scholarship schemes will appear.
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Select the Correct Scheme and Academic Year
Under SC category, select "BCK-6.1 – GoI Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Freeship Card Student Only)". Select the current academic year (2025–26 or 2026–27 as applicable). Click "Apply". For ST, select the "Umbrella Scheme for Education of ST Students – Post Matric Scholarship (Freeship Card / Medical Loan Student Only)".
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Fill in Academic Details
Enter your academic information: the course or class you are applying for admission (e.g., Engineering, B.Com, M.Sc, Diploma), institution name, course type (Group I for professional courses, Group II/III/IV for others). Enter any gap year details if applicable. Add qualification history.
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Fill in the Freeship Card Section
A specific Freeship Card form section will appear for SC/ST students. Enter your Aadhaar number, confirm the field of study or course in which you intend to take admission (e.g., B.E., M.Sc., Diploma), and provide an undertaking that you will pay the fees to the institution after receiving the scholarship amount. This section is not visible to OBC/SEBC/other category students.
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Enter Fee Details
Enter the tuition fee, hostel fee, and miscellaneous/non-refundable fees as per your institution's fee structure. Be accurate — the scholarship amount is calculated based on these entries. Upload the institution's fee structure document.
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Upload All Required Documents
Upload all required documents in JPEG/PDF format, each under 1 MB: caste certificate, income certificate (Mamlatdar-issued), Aadhaar, address proof, bank passbook, marksheet, and fee receipt. Ensure each document is clear and complete. Partial uploads will result in rejection.
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Submit and Download Acknowledgement
Review all filled information carefully. Accept the terms and click "Submit". Download and save the Acknowledgement Slip with your application/reference number. Track this number to check your Freeship Card status later.
💡 Can You Change the Course After Applying?
Yes. If you applied for the Freeship Card for one course and later decide to change your field of study before taking admission, the portal allows you to update the course details. Log in to your Digital Gujarat account, navigate to the Freeship Card application, and edit the course information. Once you have taken admission with the card, changes to the course may not be permitted without reapplying.
How to Check Freeship Card Status on Digital Gujarat
After submitting your Freeship Card application, you can check the Freeship Card status on Digital Gujarat at any time by logging into your account. Here is how:
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Log In to Digital Gujarat Portal
Visit digitalgujarat.gov.in and log in with your registered username and password. Go to your applicant dashboard.
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Navigate to Scholarship Services → My Applications
Click on "Services" → "Scholarship Services" → "My Applications" or "Application Status". You will see a list of all scholarship and Freeship Card applications submitted from your account.
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View the Current Status
Click on the relevant BCK-6.1 or Umbrella ST application to view the current Freeship Card status. The system shows the processing stage and any pending actions required from your end or the institution.
Freeship Card Status — What Each Stage Means
| Status Shown | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Application Submitted | Your application has been received by the portal. Documents are awaiting verification. | Wait for portal verification. Keep documents ready. |
| Under Verification | Documents are being verified through interlinked databases (caste certificate, income, Aadhaar). | No action required. If query raised, respond promptly. |
| Approved — Card Generated | Freeship Card has been generated. You can now download it. | Download the Freeship Card PDF and carry it to the institution for admission. |
| Forwarded to Institute | Application has been shared with your selected institution for their acknowledgement. | Confirm with the institution's scholarship cell. |
| Institute Verified | The institution has verified and accepted the Freeship Card. | Proceed with admission without paying fees. |
| Scholarship Disbursed | Scholarship amount has been released to your bank account via DBT. | Check your bank account and pay fees to the institution from the credited amount. |
| Rejected / Query | Application rejected or query raised due to incomplete/incorrect documents. | Log in, read the rejection reason, correct the documents, and re-submit or appeal. |
How to Download Freeship Card PDF from Digital Gujarat
Once your Freeship Card application is approved on the Digital Gujarat portal, the card can be downloaded as a PDF at any time. Here is the exact process to download your Freeship Card from digitalgujarat.gov.in:
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Log In to digitalgujarat.gov.in
Go to digitalgujarat.gov.in and log in with your student credentials (username and password created during registration).
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Navigate to Your Application
Go to Scholarship Services → My Applications. Find your BCK-6.1 or ST scheme application and click on it. If the status shows "Approved — Card Generated", a Download Freeship Card button will be active.
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Download the Freeship Card PDF
Click "Download Freeship Card". A PDF will be generated containing your name, Aadhaar number, course, validity period (1 year from date of issue), and official digital signature/stamp. Save this PDF on your phone or computer. Print a copy to carry to your institution at the time of admission.
Freeship Card Coverage — What Fees Are Waived?
The Freeship Card under BCK-6.1 covers the following fees at the time of admission, meaning the institution cannot demand these fees from the student at the time of admission:
Tuition Fee
Full tuition fee as approved for the course. This is the primary benefit — no upfront payment needed.
Hostel Fee
If the student is staying in a government or institution hostel, the hostel fee is also covered under the Freeship Card.
Non-Refundable Fees
Miscellaneous non-refundable fees charged by the institution (e.g., examination fee, library fee, sports fee) as listed in the fee structure.
In addition to the Freeship Card fee waiver, students under BCK-6.1 also receive a Maintenance Allowance as part of the post-matric scholarship, transferred directly to their bank account. Indicative rates for 2025–26 are:
| Course Group | Examples | Hosteller (per month) | Non-Hosteller (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I (Professional) | Engineering, Medical, MBA, CA, BArch, MCA, LLM | ₹1,200 | ₹550 |
| Group II (Post-Graduate) | MA, MSc, MCom, PG Diploma | ₹820 | ₹530 |
| Group III (Degree) | BA, BSc, BCom, BCA, BBA | ₹570 | ₹300 |
| Group IV (Class 11–12) | Higher Secondary, ITI, Polytechnic Diploma | ₹380 | ₹230 |
Freeship Card Renewal — Annual Process
The Freeship Card must be renewed every academic year. It is not a one-time application. Students who received the card in year one must reapply (renewal application) for the following year to continue availing the benefit. Here is what you need to know about renewal:
Annual Renewal is Mandatory
Every year, before the new admission/academic session, the student must submit a renewal application on the Digital Gujarat portal under the same scheme. Select "Renewal Application" (not fresh application) when applying.
Must Pass Previous Year
To be eligible for renewal, the student must have passed the previous academic year with minimum required marks and 75% attendance. Failing a year or having less than 75% attendance can affect renewal eligibility.
Updated Documents Required
For renewal, upload updated documents: new academic year marksheet, current fee receipt from the institution, and updated Aadhaar/bank details if changed. Previously submitted and verified documents may not need re-uploading.
Apply Before New Admission
Apply for renewal before the new academic year begins — ideally in June–July when the admission season starts. Late renewal applications may result in the student having to pay fees upfront and then seek reimbursement.
What Happens If You Fail an Exam — Will the Freeship Card Be Cancelled?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about the Freeship Card in Gujarat. The Freeship Card itself is not automatically cancelled if a student fails an exam. However, the consequences can be significant:
- If a student fails a semester or year and does not clear it within the required timeframe, fee reimbursement for the failed subjects or semester may be withheld.
- The student may be ineligible for a renewed Freeship Card for the next academic year until they pass the failed year/semester.
- Consistent academic underperformance or extended gaps can lead to the scholarship being terminated.
- The minimum marks requirement (varies by course and board) and 75% attendance must be met for renewal to be granted.
Related Scholarship Schemes on Digital Gujarat for SC/ST Students
The Freeship Card (BCK-6.1) is one of several scholarship and welfare schemes available to SC and ST students on the Digital Gujarat portal. Here is a summary of related schemes you should know about:
| Scheme Code | Scheme Name | Category | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCK-6.1 | GoI Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Freeship Card) | SC | Freeship Card + Maintenance Allowance (income ≤ ₹2.5L) |
| BCK-5 | State Post Matric Scholarship for SC Girls | SC Girls | Scholarship for income ₹2.5L–₹6L; no Freeship Card |
| BCK-81A | Dr. Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship (EBC) | EBC | Up to ₹2 lakh for economically backward classes |
| Umbrella ST | Umbrella Scheme — ST Students Post-Matric (Freeship Card) | ST | Freeship Card + scholarship for ST students |
| BCK-78 | Post SSC Scholarship for SEBC Girls | SEBC Girls | Scholarship after SSC (Class 10) for SEBC girls |
| BCK-81 | Post SSC Scholarship for SEBC Boys | SEBC Boys | Scholarship after SSC for SEBC boys |
| BCK-137 | Post SSC Scholarship for NTDNT Girls | NTDNT | Scholarship for Nomadic and De-notified Tribes girls |
| MYSY | Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana | General/Merit | Up to ₹2 lakh for meritorious students regardless of category |
🏥 Food Bill Assistance and Instrumental Assistance
SC and ST students who apply under BCK-6.1 can also apply for Food Bill Assistance (if they are hostellers at government or recognised hostels) and Instrumental/Tool Kit Assistance (for students enrolled in technical/vocational courses) through separate forms on the same Digital Gujarat portal. These are additional benefits over and above the Freeship Card and maintenance allowance. Ask your institution's scholarship cell about these additional claims.
Important Dates for Freeship Card 2026
The application window for the Freeship Card and post-matric scholarship on Digital Gujarat typically follows the academic calendar. Below are the indicative timelines for 2025–26 (AY) and expected dates for 2026–27:
| Activity | SC Students (BCK-6.1) | ST Students (Umbrella) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Application Window Opens | August–September 2026 (expected) | August–September 2026 (expected) |
| Last Date to Apply (Fresh) | 31 October 2026 (expected) | 31 October 2026 (expected) |
| Renewal Application Opens | August 2026 | August 2026 |
| Reopened Window (AY 2025–26) | 16 March – 30 March 2026 | 9 March – 31 March 2026 |
| Expected Extended Deadline | 15 September 2026 (estimated) | 15 September 2026 (estimated) |
| DBT Disbursement | Within the academic year (varies) | Within the academic year (varies) |
Digital Gujarat Scholarship Helpline and Contact
If you face any issues with your Freeship Card application on Digital Gujarat, the following contact points can help:
📞 1800-233-5500
Digital Gujarat Scholarship Helpline. Toll-free, available on working days. For queries about Freeship Card application, status, documents, and login issues at digitalgujarat.gov.in.
🌐 digitalgujarat.gov.in
All Freeship Card applications, status checks, downloads, and renewals must be done through the official portal. Never share your password with anyone claiming to apply on your behalf.
🏛️ District Social Welfare Office
For offline assistance, visit the District Social Welfare Office (for SC) or District Tribal Development Office (for ST) in your district. They can assist with document verification and portal issues.
🎓 College Scholarship Cell
Your institution's scholarship or accounts department is the first point of contact for issues related to the institution's acceptance of the Freeship Card and fee adjustment after scholarship disbursement.