SCLCSS — Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme for SC/ST Entrepreneurs
Ministry of MSME · Central government
25% capital subsidy for SC/ST-owned MSEs on technology upgradation.
Open, rolling. Applications are accepted continuously — there is no deadline.
Key facts
- Subsidy amount
- Up to ₹25,00,000
- Instrument
- Subsidy
- Deadline
- Rolling
About this scheme
SC/ST-owned micro and small enterprises (MSEs) can claim a 25% upfront capital subsidy on eligible plant and machinery, exceeding the standard 15% under the general CLCSS. The maximum benefit is capped at ₹25 lakh per enterprise.
This support is administered through the National SC-ST Hub (NSIC).
Who can apply
- Eligible business forms
- Not specified
- MSME categories accepted
- Micro, Small
- Udyam registration
- Not specified
- MSME registration
- Required
- DPIIT startup recognition
- Not specified
- GST registration
- Not specified
- Where the business may be based
- Not restricted
- Promoter must hold majority ownership and active management control of the enterprise. - Enterprise must be classified as a Micro or Small Enterprise under the MSME framework. - Ownership must be held by individuals belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
How to apply
- Confirm that your enterprise’s sub-sector and the proposed machinery are listed on the CLCSS/SCLCSS approved list, accessible at dcmsme.gov.in and scsthub.in. - Contact NSIC or a lending institution empanelled with NSIC, presenting your business plan and technology upgradation proposal. - Furnish documentation establishing SC/ST ownership, including a caste certificate, evidence of majority promoter holding, MSME/Udyam registration, and quotations for the machinery. - The lender evaluates and sanctions the term loan, after which NSIC handles the subsidy claim processing. - Upon disbursement, the 25% subsidy, capped at ₹25 lakh, is transferred directly into your loan account. - Acquire the approved new plant and machinery in line with the sanctioned plan. - Clear the remaining loan amount according to the stipulated repayment schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is SCLCSS and how is it different from CLCSS?
The Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS) is a variant of CLCSS for Micro and Small Enterprises owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs, providing a 25% subsidy (compared to 15% under general CLCSS) up to ₹25 lakh. It is administered through the National SC-ST Hub (NSIC).
Who is eligible for SCLCSS?
Entrepreneurs from SC/ST communities who own and actively manage a micro or small enterprise (in manufacturing or services) qualify, provided the promoter holds majority ownership and exercises active management control.
What is the maximum subsidy under SCLCSS?
The maximum capital subsidy is 25% of the eligible investment in plant and machinery, capped at ₹25 lakh (₹2,500,000) per enterprise.
Is equity taken or is this a repayable scheme?
The 25% subsidy is a non-repayable government benefit credited directly to your loan account, so no equity is taken. The remaining loan component is repayable to the lending institution.
Which technologies and sub-sectors are covered?
Confirm that your machinery and sub-sector appear on the Ministry of MSME's approved list for CLCSS, as SCLCSS uses the same list. Verify eligibility before submitting your application.
How do I apply for SCLCSS?
Apply through NSIC or an NSIC-approved nodal lending institution; visit scsthub.in for the application process and list of empanelled banks. You must submit proof of SC/ST ownership, MSME registration, and the project report for machinery purchase.
Details last verified on 7 September 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.