> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsanek.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # SMILE scheme for transgender persons: Rs 13,500 scholarship and how to apply - URL: https://newsanek.com/smile-transgender-scheme/ - Published: 2026-11-07T04:54:44.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-07T09:20:12.000Z - Description: The SMILE scheme gives transgender students a yearly scholarship of Rs 13,500, along with livelihood and skill support. Here is who qualifies, who does not, and how to apply through the national portal. - Author: Kumar Ujjwal - Tags: Govt Schemes, #scheme-social-justice, #scheme-for-transgender, #scheme-all-india Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check. __At a glance__ | Scheme | Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) | | -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India | | Benefit | Scholarship of Rs 13,500 a year for eligible students | | Who can apply | Indian citizens with a transgender identity certificate | | How it is paid | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to an Aadhaar-linked bank account | | Apply at | transgender.dosje.gov.in, the National Portal for Transgender Persons | | Cost to apply | Free | ### Key points - Scholarship of Rs 13,500 a year for transgender students from class 9 to post-graduate level. - A transgender identity certificate from the national portal is required. - Students already getting another central or state scholarship are not eligible. - An Aadhaar-linked bank account is needed for the money to arrive. ## So what exactly do you get under SMILE? Eligible transgender students get an annual scholarship of Rs 13,500. This is for students studying from class 9 up to post-graduate level. Schools, colleges and universities recognised by the government are covered. The money goes straight into your bank account linked with Aadhaar. No middleman is involved. The number of scholarships is limited. So selection is based on your academic performance in the previous year. Amounts can change, so please confirm the current figure on the official portal. ## Who can apply, and who cannot? You must be an Indian citizen. You must also hold a transgender identity certificate. The certificate is issued through the national transgender portal. You need to register there first. Students who already get any other central or state government scholarship cannot apply for this one. Students who have passed class 10 and those who have not both can apply. ## Why does the scheme exist, and who runs it? SMILE is an umbrella scheme of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to support livelihood, skill development, education and healthcare for transgender persons and other marginalised people. The Centre has also asked all states and Union territories to adopt the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and its rules. Some states are now notifying their own welfare rules, so check your state's update too. ## What documents should you keep ready? Keep your transgender identity certificate ready. You will need it for the application. Keep your Aadhaar card and a bank account linked with Aadhaar. Keep your latest marksheet or proof of current admission. Your school or college details will be asked. Keep a mobile number and email ID that you can access, for OTP and updates. ## How do you apply online, step by step? Go to transgender.dosje.gov.in, the National Portal for Transgender Persons. Register first. Then get your transgender identity certificate, if you do not have one. Log in and open the scholarship application for students. Fill in your education and bank details. Upload your documents, check everything carefully, and submit. Save the application number. How to apply for SMILE scholarship online 1. *1* **Register**Register on transgender.dosje.gov.in, the National Portal for Transgender Persons. 2. *2* **Get identity certificate**Get your transgender identity certificate, if you do not have one. 3. *3* **Open scholarship application**Log in, open the student scholarship application, and fill in education and bank details. 4. *4* **Upload and submit**Upload your documents, check everything carefully, submit, and save the application number. Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report ## How do you check your status, and what if the money is stuck? Log in to the portal and check your application status using your application number. Most delays happen when the bank account is not linked with Aadhaar, or when the details do not match your certificate. If you are facing a problem, contact your district social welfare office. The portal also has grievance options. ## Important tips, and warnings about fraud Apply only on the official portal, transgender.dosje.gov.in. Never trust a website or agent that asks for money. Do not pay anyone to get your certificate or your scholarship. Government processes are free. Keep copies of your application and documents safe for future use. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is SMILE only a scholarship? The SMILE umbrella scheme also covers livelihood support, skill development and healthcare access. The Rs 13,500 scholarship is the student benefit described in recent reports. ### Can transgender persons who are not students apply? Non-student benefits under SMILE, such as livelihood and skill support, depend on the current rules. Check the national portal for what is open to you. ### Is there a last date to apply? Deadlines can change each year. Please check the official portal for the current application window. ### Do I need to pay to get a transgender identity certificate? No. Apply only through the official portal and do not pay agents for it. ### Official links - [Official website](https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/?ref=newsanek.com) This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.