Tamil Nadu Free Education Scholarship for Three-Year Diploma (Polytechnic Courses)

The Free Education Scholarship for Three-Year Diploma (Polytechnic Courses) 2025 is a state-funded welfare initiative launched by the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, and Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. Introduced on 7th May 2012, this scholarship scheme ensures financial support for economically backward students belonging to BC, MBC, and DNC communities pursuing three-year diploma courses in government and government-aided polytechnic institutions across Tamil Nadu.

Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)

• State: Tamil Nadu
• Launched By: BC/MBC/DNC & Minorities Welfare Department
• Launch Date: 7th May, 2012
• Target Group: Students belonging to BC, MBC, and DNC categories
• Course Covered: Three-year diploma (polytechnic) courses
• Institutions Covered: Government and Government-Aided Polytechnics
• Income Limit: ₹1,00,000 per annum
• Education Limit in Family: No graduate/diploma holder should exist in the family
• Mode of Application: Offline

Benefits

Under this scheme, eligible students are entitled to:

• Full waiver of tuition fees
• Coverage of special fees and other non-refundable compulsory charges
• Complete reimbursement of examination fees as per norms set by the Government of Tamil Nadu

Note: Reimbursements are made directly to the beneficiary’s bank account or to the institution as per norms.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be a resident of Tamil Nadu
• The student must belong to BC, MBC, or DNC community
• Must be pursuing a three-year diploma course in a Government or Government-Aided Polytechnic College
• Annual family income must not exceed ₹1,00,000
• There must be no diploma or graduate degree holders in the applicant’s family
• Must be a regular student attending all scheduled classes

Exclusions

• Students enrolled in private polytechnic colleges
• Applicants whose family income exceeds ₹1,00,000
• Families with existing diploma or graduate degree holders
• Incomplete applications or submission without valid documents

Application Process (Offline)

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Collect the Application Form

   • Available at the admission office of Government or Government-Aided Polytechnic Colleges

2. Fill the Application

   • Fill all mandatory fields in the form

   • Paste a passport-size photograph (signed if required)

3. Attach Documents

   • Include all required documents (see list below)

   • Self-attest copies as instructed

4. Submit at Institution

   • Hand over the completed form to the institution head or scholarship coordinator

   • Obtain an acknowledgment slip for future reference

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card or valid Identity Proof
• Caste Certificate (BC/MBC/DNC)
• Admission Letter or Proof of Enrollment
• Income Certificate (issued by competent authority)
• No Graduate Certificate (self-declaration or certified by gazetted officer)
• Bank Passbook Copy (for reimbursement)
• Previous academic records (marksheets, TC, etc.)
• Any additional documents as required by the institution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the objective of this scheme?
  This scheme provides free education scholarships for students from Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, and Denotified Communities pursuing 3-years Diploma courses in Government and Government-Aided Polytechnics.
• Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
  Students from Backward Classes (BC), Most Backward Classes (MBC), and Denotified Communities (DNC) who are pursuing three-year Diploma courses in Government or Government-Aided Polytechnics.
• What does the scholarship cover?
  The scholarship covers the tuition fee, special fee, other non-refundable compulsory fees, and the full examination fee.
• Is there an income limit for eligibility?
  Yes, the annual income of the applicant’s parents should not exceed ₹1,00,000/-.
• Can a student apply if another family member holds a diploma or graduate degree?
  No, the scholarship requires that there be no diploma or graduate holders in the applicant’s family.
• Are students from private polytechnics eligible?
  No, the scholarship is only available to students enrolled in Government and Government-Aided Polytechnics.
• How long does the scholarship last?
  The scholarship is available for the entire three-year duration of the Diploma course.
• When was this scheme introduced?
  The scheme was introduced on May 7, 2012.
• What documents are required for the application?
  Applicants need to provide an income certificate, community certificate, proof of diploma admission, and an affidavit stating that no family member holds a diploma or graduate degree.
• Does the income certificate need to be in a specific format?
  Yes, the income certificate must be issued by a recognized government authority in the prescribed format.