| Scholarship Name | Connect to Work Scholarship (Prajwala Scholarship) |
| Scholarship Provider Name | State Government |
| State | Kerala |
| Education / Course | 11,12,Diploma/Polytechnic & UG-PG ALL |
| Caste / Category | All Categories, General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, Minority |
| Scholarship Amount | Rs. 1,000 per month |
| Last Date to Apply | 31-12-2026 |
| Scholarship Status | Open |
Applications for the Connect to Work Scholarship 2026-27 are now open for all students aged 18 to 30 years. Run by the Employment Directorate, Government of Kerala, the scheme allows candidates to apply through the official portal, eemployment.kerala.gov.in. Selected applicants will receive Rs. 1,000 per month for a maximum period of 12 months.
About Connect to Work Scholarship (Prajwala Scholarship)
The scheme has two names — the Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme, also called Prajwala Scholarship. It helps students during the gap year(s) after finishing studies, when they prepare for jobs but earn nothing. It covers skill courses at government bodies, PSUs and recognised universities. Students should check with their department if their course qualifies.
Tentative last date to apply: 31.12.2026. Applications are open now; the official closing date awaited from Employment Director.
Eligibility Criteria & Selection Process
- Residency: Applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- Age Limit: 18 to 30 years as on the date of application.
- Income Limit: Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 5,00,000.
- Educational Qualification: Must have passed Class 12, VHSE, ITI, Diploma, or Degree, and be either:
- Undergoing skill training at government departments, PSUs, recognised universities, or approved private institutions, or
- Preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, Kerala PSC, SSC, banking, railways, defence, or other central/state recruitment exams.
Selection Process
- Seats: Open to the first 5 lakh eligible applicants.
- How to Apply: Fully online via the official Employment Department portal (eemployment.kerala.gov.in).
- Payment Mode: Scholarship amount is directly credited to the beneficiary's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Required Documents Checklist
- Identity proof of the applicant (linked with active mobile number).
- Recent Passport Size Photograph (JPEG/PNG format).
- Educational Mark Sheets (Previous Year / Qualifying Examination Passed).
- Income Certificate issued by a competent authority (Tehsildar/SDO).
- Domicile / Residential Certificate of the respective state.
- Caste / Category Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC/EWS quotas).
- Bank Account Passbook front page (showing Account No. and IFSC code).
- Active Admission Receipt or Institution Bonafide Certificate.
Amount & Benefits
Scholarship Amount & Payment
- Monthly Pay: Rs. 1,000 per month.
- Total Benefit: Up to Rs. 12,000 over 12 months.
- Payment Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account.
- Limit: One-time benefit per lifetime.
Key Benefits
- Covers skill training course expenses.
- Helps buy books/materials for competitive exams.
- Reduces financial stress during job search.
- Available to first 5 lakh eligible applicants.
Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Visit the Kerala e-Employment Portal.
- Enter personal details as per Aadhaar.
- Add contact info, family income, and qualification.
- Select category — Skill Training or Exam Coaching.
- Enter bank and Aadhaar details.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit and save the acknowledgement slip.
Track Application Status
Student can track their application status on the Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme Application Status Page
Common Challenges & Solutions
Kerala's Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scholarship for 2026-27 faces key challenges, including occasional delays in stipend disbursement (arrears) and strict document verification requirements. To tackle these issues, the state has streamlined the process through direct online portal processing, aiming for faster and more transparent handling of applications and payments.
Official Notification & Guidelines
Download Official Guidelines Document ↓
Important Links
| Important Details | Action Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online Submit your scholarship application form online |
Apply Online → |
| Official Website Visit portal for complete guidelines & notifications |
Official Website |
| Track Status / Login Check application progress or login to portal |
Track Status |
Contact Details & Help-desk
Phone Numbers: 0471-2301249, 0471-2306246
Email ID: deker.emp.lbr@kerala.gov.in
Website: https://eemployment.kerala.gov.in/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Connect to Work Scholarship amount?
Rs. 1,000 per month, up to a maximum of Rs. 12,000 over 12 months.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
Tentatively 31.12.2026; official closing date to be notified by the Employment Director.
Q3. How to apply online?
Visit eemployment.kerala.gov.in, register/login, fill the form, upload documents, and submit online.
Q4. How to check application status?
Login to the portal with your credentials and check the "Application Status" section under your dashboard.
Q5. What does "approved" status mean?
It means your application has cleared eligibility and document verification, and you'll receive the scholarship amount via DBT.
Q6. How to login to the portal?
Go to eemployment.kerala.gov.in and log in using your registered mobile number/email and password.
Q7. Is there any new update on this scheme?
Yes, the scheme (also called Prajwala Scholarship) was recently revised to expand coverage and simplify eligibility norms.
Q8. What is the Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scholarship?
It's a Kerala Government scheme offering monthly financial aid to youth pursuing skill training or preparing for competitive exams.
Other Information
The Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme, also known as Prajwala Scholarship, is a Kerala Government welfare program for young job seekers. Unlike other sites report, this aid is not a salary or job guarantee — it's short-term support covering exam fees, study material and travel during preparation.
Conclusion
The Chief Minister's Connect to Work Scheme is a timely support system for Kerala's youth, helping them stay financially afloat during the crucial gap between education and employment. With easy online applications and direct bank transfers, eligible candidates should apply before the last date to make the most of this opportunity.
