Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme 2026: Central Government Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply

Inter-caste marriage can also be seen as a means of reducing caste-based atrocities and violence while increasing social harmony. For this reason, the Government of India has provided monetary incentive schemes for eligible couples choosing this path in the past.

Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-caste Marriages update for applicants: if you are planning to apply in 2026, please know that this scheme previously run by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) has now been merged with the Centrally Sponsored Scheme titled “Scheme for implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955”. Starting April 1, 2023, all new applications must be submitted solely through your local State or UT Social Welfare Department.

We’ll now delve into the updated details of the inter-caste marriage scheme, outlining the financial aid and application process.

What Is the Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme?

The Government of India created the Scheme to incentivise legally solemnised inter-caste marriages and champion social equality. When implemented by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, an inter-caste marriage used to refer to a couple where one partner belonged to a Scheduled Caste while the other did not.

Under DAF’s scheme for social integration through inter-caste marriages, eligible couples would receive a monetary incentive of ₹2.50 lakh per marriage.

Applications processed before the merger were under the erstwhile DAF scheme. Today, applicants will need to follow the relevant State/UT’s rules under the merged centrally sponsored scheme.

Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme Eligibility

Since each State/Union Territory in India runs its own Social Welfare programme, criteria may vary from one government to another. As mentioned above, eligibility under the erstwhile Dr. Ambedkar Scheme included the following.

• The couple had to belong to two different castes, with one partner from a Scheduled Caste background.
• The marriage had to be legally valid.
• There was no incentive for marrying again if you had been married before.
• The proposal had to be submitted within a year of marriage.

Please check with your State/UT authorities for specific eligibility requirements.

Benefits of the Scheme

The primary benefit of applying for inter-caste marriage financial assistance was the monetary incentive of ₹2.50 lakh awarded per eligible marriage as part of the central Government scheme implemented by DAF.

The intent was to give couples some financial stability during their early years of marriage while encouraging others to step outside their caste and class bubble.

This does not mean that every inter-caste marriage is eligible for ₹2.50 lakh today. Each State/UT may provide a different amount of assistance to eligible couples.

How to Apply for Inter-Caste Marriage Financial Assistance

The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation no longer accepts applications to the scheme. Here is how you can apply as per the newest guidelines.

1. First, get your marriage legally registered. Obtain a copy of the marriage certificate and keep it safe with your other documents.
2. Every State offers a different set of documents. At a minimum, you will likely need your caste certificate, identity documents, bank account information, income certificates, and more.
3. Contact your State or Union Territory’s Social Welfare Department or the authority in charge of administering social welfare programs.
4. Apply as per the State’s rules for the relevant scheme under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
5. Check the State government’s deadline, required documentation, and payment process. Apply before the deadline.

A Crucial Update for Applicants in 2026

It is important to note that the Government of India does still provide central assistance to States and UTs. Please visit the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment’s page on the merger for more information and documents on how the central scheme is currently being implemented.

An easy way to spot outdated articles on this topic is if they tell you to apply to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation. While this was true before, it is no longer applicable to new applicants after the merger.

Bottom Line

Much of the information about India’s inter-caste marriage scheme is still relevant. Although the intent and benefits remain the same, you will now need to contact your State or Union Territory’s Social Welfare Department to apply for marriage assistance instead of applying directly to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.

Official information: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.