SCLCSS — Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme for SC/ST Entrepreneurs
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Quick Answer
25% capital subsidy for SC/ST-owned MSEs on technology upgradation
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹25 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Provider
- Ministry of MSME
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this subsidy
25% upfront capital subsidy (higher than the 15% general CLCSS) on eligible plant & machinery for SC/ST-owned MSEs, with a ceiling of ₹25 lakh per enterprise. Operated under the National SC-ST Hub (NSIC).
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Subsidy providers
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Ministry of MSME) is the Government of India ministry for the MSME sector. It does not run one programme. It runs a set of central schemes, each with its own portal and its own route in: a credit-linked subsidy for new…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹25 Lakhs
What You Get
SCLCSS provides SC/ST entrepreneurs a 25% upfront capital subsidy — up to ₹25 lakh — on eligible term loans for purchasing new plant and machinery, which is 10 percentage points higher than the general CLCSS rate. The subsidy is credited directly to the loan account, immediately reducing principal and total interest cost. No equity is diluted. The scheme is operated through the National SC-ST Hub (NSIC) and targets technology upgradation in approved sub-sectors, helping SC/ST-owned MSEs modernise production at a significantly lower effective cost.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Application Process
- 1
Obtain free Udyam Registration at udyamregistration.gov.in.
Obtain free Udyam Registration at udyamregistration.gov.in.
You - 2
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SCLCSS and how is it different from CLCSS?
The Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS) is a version of CLCSS specifically for SC/ST-owned Micro and Small Enterprises. It offers a higher subsidy rate of 25% (versus 15% under general CLCSS) with a ceiling of ₹25 lakh, operated through the National SC-ST Hub (NSIC).
Who is eligible for SCLCSS?
SC/ST entrepreneurs who own and actively manage a Micro or Small Enterprise (manufacturing or service) are eligible. The SC/ST promoter must hold majority ownership and exercise active management control over the enterprise.
What is the maximum subsidy under SCLCSS?
The maximum capital subsidy is 25% of eligible plant & machinery investment, with an absolute ceiling of ₹25 lakh (₹2,500,000) per enterprise.
Is equity taken or is this a repayable scheme?
No equity is taken. The 25% subsidy is a non-repayable government benefit credited directly to your loan account. The remaining loan component is repayable to the lending institution.
Which technologies and sub-sectors are covered?
SCLCSS follows the same approved sub-sector and technology list as the regular CLCSS (Ministry of MSME''s approved list). Confirm your machinery and sub-sector qualify before applying.
How do I apply for SCLCSS?
Apply through NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) or an NSIC-approved nodal lending institution. Visit scsthub.in for the application process and empanelled banks. You will need to provide proof of SC/ST ownership, MSME registration, and the project report for machinery purchase.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
