SC/ST Overseas Exhibiting Support
National SC-ST Hub · Central government
SC/ST-owned micro, small and medium enterprises receive up to Rs. 3.00 lakh, Rs. 2.50 lakh and Rs. 1.50 lakh respectively per overseas exhibition.
Open, rolling. Applications are accepted continuously — there is no deadline.
Key facts
- Subsidy amount
- ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000
- Instrument
- Subsidy
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Disbursement
- Reimbursed after spend
About this scheme
The Special Marketing Assistance Scheme (SMAS), operated under the National SC-ST Hub, enables SC/ST enterprises to participate as exhibitors in international exhibitions and trade fairs. The scheme covers the majority of expenses associated with such participation.
Financial support under this component is capped, with the ceiling determined by enterprise size. The limits are Rs. 3.00 lakh per event for micro SC/ST enterprises, Rs. 2.50 lakh per event for small SC/ST enterprises, and Rs. 1.50 lakh per event for medium SC/ST enterprises.
The ceiling is deliberately structured to favour smaller units, as micro enterprises receive the highest limit. This weighting recognises that the smallest businesses are least equipped to finance an overseas stall independently. Airfare, stall charges, and other admissible participation costs are settled within the applicable ceiling.
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
- Micro, Small or Medium enterprises owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs. - Must be participating (exhibiting) at an international exhibition or trade fair abroad under the SMAS scheme. - Ceiling depends on enterprise size and is applicable per event.
How to apply
- Access the National SC-ST Hub scheme portal at https://www.scsthub.in/nssh-schemes/ to submit your application. - Have your SC/ST certificate and Udyam registration available beforehand, as the Udyam category determines your maximum limit. - Enrol as an exhibitor for the particular international fair conducted under SMAS. - Following the event, file travel, stall, and other eligible expenses for reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
How much can my enterprise get?
Micro enterprises can claim up to Rs. 3.00 lakh per event, small enterprises up to Rs. 2.50 lakh, and medium enterprises up to Rs. 1.50 lakh.
Why do micro enterprises get more?
The ceiling is graded by enterprise size, with the largest support going to the smallest enterprises.
Is the ceiling per year?
No, it is per event.
What costs sit inside the ceiling?
Admissible participation costs for the event include the economy airfare and built-up stall charges.
Who is eligible?
Micro, small and medium enterprises owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs that take part in international exhibitions and trade fairs held outside India are eligible.
Sectors
- Scst
- Msme
- Smas
- Internationaltradefair
- Exports
- Budgetarysupport
- Nationalscsthub
Details last verified on 9 September 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.