The ministry of social justice and empowerment had earmarked '5,660 crore in the current financial year targeting 6.615 million students under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students, a centrally-sponsored scheme in place since 1944 to provide financial assistance to pursue post matric education. Since 2020-21, the ministry has changed the funding pattern of the scheme with 60% of the cost being borne by the Centre and 40% by the state (the formula is 90:10 in northeastern states).