SC/ST Airfare Refund: Overseas Exhibiting
National SC-ST Hub · Central government
Full economy airfare for one SC/ST representative per enterprise exhibiting at an international trade fair abroad.
Open, rolling. Applications are accepted continuously — there is no deadline.
Key facts
- Subsidy amount
- Not specified
- Instrument
- Subsidy
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Disbursement
- Reimbursed after spend
About this scheme
Under the Special Marketing Assistance Scheme (SMAS), operated by the National SC-ST Hub, the travel costs of a representative manning an exhibition stand abroad are covered. The scheme reimburses 100% of the economy class airfare, calculated by the shortest route, for one SC/ST member from each participating SC/ST enterprise attending international exhibitions and trade fairs.
This support functions alongside the existing stall charge subsidy and the per-event budgetary ceiling for participation.
Who can apply
- Eligible business forms
- Not specified
- Udyam registration
- Not specified
- MSME registration
- Required
- DPIIT startup recognition
- Not required
- GST registration
- Not specified
- Where the business may be based
- Not restricted
- Enterprise must be owned by SC/ST and participate (exhibit) at an international exhibition or trade fair abroad. - One representative per enterprise. - The representative must belong to SC/ST. - Travel must be in economy class via the shortest route.
How to apply
- Access the National SC-ST Hub scheme portal at https://www.scsthub.in/nssh-schemes/ to submit your application. - Have the SC/ST certificate of the nominated representative and your Udyam registration available. - Complete exhibitor registration for the designated international fair conducted under SMAS. - Following the trip, provide air tickets, boarding passes, and the fare invoice.
Frequently asked questions
How much of the airfare is covered?
100% of the economy class airfare by the shortest route is covered.
How many representatives per enterprise?
One, and the representative must belong to the SC/ST category.
Is this different from the airfare for exhibition visits?
Yes, the component applies only when your enterprise participates as an exhibitor, not as a visitor.
Is business class allowed?
No. The fare is calculated for economy class travel via the shortest route.
Who runs it?
The National SC-ST Hub provides the Special Marketing Assistance Scheme (SMAS) to support marketing activities.
Sectors
- Scst
- Msme
- Smas
- Internationaltradefair
- Airfarereimbursement
- Exports
- Nationalscsthub
Details last verified on 9 September 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.