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Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC)

PYQs

16

Articles

6

Momentum

60

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Directly addresses social justice, inclusive growth, financial inclusion for vulnerable sections, and the role of government in promoting entrepreneurship. It links social welfare with economic development.

The Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) is a government initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste individuals by providing financial assistance. It seeks to foster inclusive growth and economic empowerment by supporting SC entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their businesses, thereby creating employment and delivering essential services.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Administering Ministry

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Objective

Promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes by providing financial assistance.

Form of Assistance

Venture capital comprising equity and optionally convertible debentures.

Impact

Enables business expansion, employment generation, and regional economic development.

Implementing Ministry

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Mechanism

Provides venture capital assistance (equity, optionally convertible debentures)

Type of Assistance

Venture capital assistance (equity, optionally convertible debentures)

Target Beneficiaries

Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development
Conceptual areaInclusive Growth
Conceptual areaEntrepreneurship Development

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Social Justice and EmpowermentAdministers
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Purpose or function of a policy tool

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • Aims to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes.
  • Provides venture capital (equity, optionally convertible debentures).
  • Contributes to employment generation and regional development.
  • Example of targeted financial support for inclusive growth.

Elimination traps

Authority vs ministry — Distinguish between the fund itself and the ministry that administers it.

Ministry sets policy; regulator often has quasi-judicial powers.

High-confidence PYQs

2026Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India : 1. Provisions regarding the ad...

Indian PolityOpen question
2026Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India : 1. Provisions regarding the ad...

Indian PolityOpen question
2023Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements : 1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to th...

EconomyOpen question
2023Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements : 1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to th...

EconomyOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2021Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Water Credit’, consider the following statements: 1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector. 2. It is a glo...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (R...

Indian PolityOpen question
2021Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to Water Credit’, consider the following statements: 1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector. 2. It is a glo...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (R...

Indian PolityOpen question
2020Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct? 1. MPLADS fund...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2017Factual recall, Policy measures

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2017Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2016Purpose or function of a policy tool, Factual recall

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2016Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2016Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Topic timeline

Social Justice & DevelopmentInclusive GrowthEntrepreneurship Development
Prelims 2016· Purpose or function of a policy tool, Factual recall

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Open question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Open question

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Open question
Prelims 2016· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Open question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Open question

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Open question
Prelims 2016· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Open question

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Open question

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

Open question
Prelims 2017· Factual recall, Policy measures

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

Open question

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

Open question
Prelims 2017· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

Open question

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Open question

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Open question

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did...

Open question
Prelims 2020· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct? 1. MPLADS fund...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Water Credit’, consider the following statements: 1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector. 2. It is a glo...

Open question

At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (R...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to Water Credit’, consider the following statements: 1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector. 2. It is a glo...

Open question

At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (R...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Open question

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Open question

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Open question

Consider the following statements : 1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to th...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Open question

Consider the following statements : 1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to th...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

Open question

Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India : 1. Provisions regarding the ad...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

Open question

Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India : 1. Provisions regarding the ad...

Open question

Expanding Access to Affordable Healthcare: How VCF-SC Enabled Aboli Hospital to Build a Modern Multi-Speciality Healthcare Facility

03 Aug 2026 · VCF-SC is a Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment fund providing venture capital to SC entrepreneurs to foster inclusive growth, employment, and service delivery.

Read article

Driving Clean Energy and Sustainable Entrepreneurship: How VCF-SC Enabled Dartyens Power Pvt. Ltd. to Establish a Successful Solar Power Project

03 Aug 2026 · VCF-SC, under MoSJE, provides venture capital to SC entrepreneurs for viable businesses, promoting economic empowerment, employment, and inclusive growth.

Read article

Creating a Premier Hospitality and Recreation Destination: How VCF-SC Enabled BP Sons Pvt. Ltd. to Expand Tourism and Employment

03 Aug 2026 · VCF-SC is a Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment fund providing venture capital to SC entrepreneurs, fostering business growth, employment, and inclusive development.

Read article

Harnessing the Power of the Sun: How VCF-SC Enabled Palnadu Solar Power Pvt. Ltd. to Drive Clean Energy and Rural Development

05 Aug 2026 · VCF-SC is a Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment scheme providing venture capital to SC entrepreneurs to foster economic empowerment and inclusive growth, as exemplified by Palnadu Solar Power Pvt. Ltd.

Read article

Strengthening Textile Manufacturing Through Export Excellence: How VCF-SC Enabled J'Yani Fabrics Pvt. Ltd. to Expand Business and Generate Employment

05 Aug 2026 · VCF-SC is a Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment fund providing venture capital to Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs to boost manufacturing, exports, and employment, fostering inclusive growth and economic empowerment.

Read article

Delivering Affordable Cancer Care to Rural Communities: How VCF-SC Enabled Harshamitra Oncology Pvt. Ltd. to Expand Quality Healthcare Services

05 Aug 2026 · VCF-SC is a Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment fund providing venture capital to SC entrepreneurs, fostering economic empowerment and social impact, as seen in healthcare expansion.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC)

Often confused with

Global Economic Governance and Development

Open notesOften confused with

Financial Inclusion

Open notesOften confused with

Entrepreneurship Development for Marginalized Communities

Open notesOften confused with

Healthcare Access for Underserved Communities

Open notesOften confused with

Access to Affordable Healthcare in Rural Areas

Open notesOften confused with

Affordable Healthcare Access in Rural Areas

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 16 linked questions on Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

2018·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

2026·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

2023·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct? 1. MPLADS fund...

2020·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India : 1. Provisions regarding the ad...

2026·Indian Polity
Solve

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did...

2018·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to Water Credit’, consider the following statements: 1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector. 2. It is a glo...

2021·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (R...

2021·Indian Polity
Solve

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

2022·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

2022·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements : 1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to th...

2023·Economy
Solve

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