Privacy Policy

1. Introduction and scope

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information SCST.in ("we," "us," "our") collects when you use scst.in (the "Site"), how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices and rights you have over it. It applies to visitors, registered users, and anyone who submits information to us through a form on the Site.

By using the Site, you agree to the collection and use of information as described here. If you don't agree, please don't use the Site or provide us your information.

2. Information we collect

Information you give us directly:

• Account details — full name, email address, phone number, state, and category of interest, when you register.
• Bookmarks and application-tracking notes you save to your dashboard.
• Mentorship booking details — session type, preferred date, and any message you include.
• Newsletter subscription — your email address.
• Contact form and opportunity-submission content — whatever you choose to include in the message.

Information collected automatically:

• Basic technical data such as IP address, browser type, device type, and pages visited, collected through standard server logs.
• We do not currently use third-party advertising trackers or sell data to ad networks.

3. How we use your information

• To create and maintain your account, and let you save opportunities and track deadlines.
• To send you the weekly digest or other communications you've opted into (you can unsubscribe anytime).
• To connect you with a mentor when you submit a booking request.
• To respond to messages sent through our Contact or Submit an Opportunity forms.
• To maintain the security, integrity, and basic analytics of the Site.
• To comply with legal obligations where applicable.

We do not use your personal information to make automated decisions about your eligibility for any scholarship, scheme, or job — those decisions are made entirely by the relevant official body, not by us.

4. Legal basis for processing

Under India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and applicable rules, we process your personal data based on your consent (given when you register, subscribe, or submit a form) and, where relevant, for purposes necessary to provide the service you've requested (such as maintaining your saved bookmarks).

5. Cookies and similar technologies

We use session cookies that are strictly necessary to keep you logged in and remember basic preferences while you browse. We don't currently use third-party advertising or cross-site tracking cookies. If this changes, we'll update this policy and, where required, ask for your consent first.

6. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share limited information in these circumstances:

• Service providers — hosting, email delivery, and similar infrastructure providers who process data strictly on our behalf and under contractual confidentiality obligations.
• Mentors — if you book a mentorship session, the mentor receives the details necessary to conduct that session (your name, contact details, and message).
• Legal requirements — if required to comply with a valid legal process, protect our rights, or prevent fraud or harm.

We never share your data with the government bodies or institutions behind the scholarships/schemes we list unless you choose to apply through their official channel directly — SCST.in is not part of that application process.

7. Data retention

We keep your account information for as long as your account is active. If you ask us to delete your account, we'll remove your personal data within a reasonable period, except where we're required to retain limited records for legal or security purposes.

8. Your rights

You can:

• Access and review the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate information — most account details can be updated by contacting us.
• Request deletion of your account and associated personal data.
• Withdraw consent for communications like the newsletter at any time (an unsubscribe option is included in every email).
• Raise a grievance with our Grievance Officer if you're unhappy with how a data request was handled.

To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@scst.in from your registered email address.

9. Data security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including encrypted password storage and access controls on our administrative systems. No system is perfectly secure, however, and we can't guarantee absolute security — if you believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately.

10. Children's privacy

The Site is intended for use by students and job seekers generally, including those under 18 exploring school-level scholarships. We don't knowingly collect more personal information from minors than is necessary for the service, and we encourage parents/guardians to be involved when a minor creates an account. If you believe a minor has provided us data inappropriately, contact us and we'll address it.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we'll update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page, and where appropriate, notify registered users by email.

12. Grievance Officer

In accordance with applicable Indian law, our Grievance Officer can be reached at:

Email: grievance@scst.in
Response time: we aim to acknowledge grievances within 48 hours and resolve them within 15 working days.

This policy is provided as general information and does not constitute legal advice. If you're deploying this platform publicly, have it reviewed by a qualified lawyer familiar with the DPDP Act, 2023 and any sector-specific requirements before launch.