Is ₹2.5 Lakh Available for Inter-Caste Marriage in 2026?

The ₹2.50 lakh incentive is associated with the former Dr. Ambedkar Foundation scheme. However, applicants should not assume that every inter-caste couple is automatically entitled to this amount in 2026.

The scheme was merged with the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. State and Union Territory administrations implement the relevant provisions.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment publishes state-wise information about inter-caste marriage incentives. The applicable amount, eligibility conditions, application process and availability must be confirmed with the responsible state authority.

Check the official Ministry scheme information

Who May Be Eligible?

Eligibility depends on the current scheme and rules implemented by the relevant State or Union Territory. Under the former Dr. Ambedkar Foundation scheme, the principal conditions included:

• The marriage had to qualify as an inter-caste marriage under the former scheme, generally involving one spouse from the Scheduled Caste category and the other from a non-Scheduled Caste community.
• The marriage had to be legally valid and supported by the prescribed registration documents.
• The former scheme had conditions relating to the couple’s first marriage.
• The former scheme prescribed an application deadline and an income limit.
• The couple had to provide the required caste, identity, marriage and financial documents.

These are historical conditions and should not be treated as the current eligibility rules for every state. Obtain the latest eligibility checklist from the department handling applications in your state.

Documents Required

The documents required depend on the state scheme and the application route. Keep the following ready where applicable:

• Marriage registration certificate.
• Identity and address proof of both spouses.
• Valid Scheduled Caste certificate of the eligible spouse, where required.
• Income certificates or other income proof, if required under the current rules.
• Bank account details and a cancelled cheque or passbook copy, if requested.
• Photographs of both spouses, if required.
• Affidavits or declarations prescribed by the department.
• Application form and additional documents listed by the relevant authority.

Do not rely on an old application form without checking whether it is still accepted. The responsible department may prescribe different documents or a different application method.

How to Apply Online for the Inter-Caste Marriage Benefit

There is no single nationwide fresh-application portal operated by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation for this former scheme. Follow these steps to find the correct process:

1. Visit the official website of your State Social Welfare Department or open the myScheme portal.
2. Search for inter-caste marriage incentive, social integration through inter-caste marriage or the relevant state scheme name.
3. Read the eligibility conditions, current benefit amount, application deadline and document checklist.
4. Use the online application link only if the responsible department currently provides one.
5. If an online application is unavailable, contact the District Social Welfare Office or the designated state authority and ask how to submit the application.
6. Complete the prescribed form and attach the required supporting documents.
7. Submit the application and save the acknowledgement or reference number.
8. Track the request through the official portal, if available, or contact the responsible office.

How to Apply in Madhya Pradesh

Applicants in Madhya Pradesh should confirm the current inter-caste marriage incentive procedure with the state department responsible for social justice and welfare. The former Dr. Ambedkar Foundation process should not be treated as the current direct application route.

1. Visit the Madhya Pradesh Social Justice and Disabled Persons Welfare Department.
2. Contact the relevant District Social Welfare Office or the designated district officer.
3. Ask specifically about the current inter-caste marriage incentive under the applicable state or centrally sponsored scheme.
4. Confirm whether new applications are being accepted, the applicable amount, eligibility rules and submission deadline.
5. Submit the prescribed documents using the method confirmed by the department.

The MP department website also lists other marriage-related welfare schemes. Do not confuse a disability-related marriage incentive or a widow remarriage scheme with the inter-caste marriage benefit.

Official Madhya Pradesh department website

How to Check Application Status

1. Open the official state scheme portal, if online tracking is available.
2. Enter your application or acknowledgement number as instructed.
3. Check whether the application is pending, approved, rejected or awaiting documents.
4. If tracking is unavailable, contact the office where you submitted the application.
5. Keep the acknowledgement and copies of submitted documents until the case is resolved.

Official Links

• Dr. Ambedkar Foundation FAQ — information about the merger and new application route.
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment — centrally sponsored scheme information and state-wise incentive data.
• myScheme Portal — search for applicable state and central government schemes.
• Madhya Pradesh Social Justice Department — official state department contact and scheme information.

Frequently Asked Questions