Pre Matric Scholarship For Scheduled Tribe Students

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Students 2025, initiated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is designed to support ST students studying in classes 9 and 10 in government or recognized schools. This scheme aims to reduce dropout rates, especially during the critical transition from elementary to secondary education, by offering monthly scholarships and book grants, along with additional allowances for Students with Disabilities (SwDs).

Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)

• Launched By: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
• Applicable Classes: Class 9 and Class 10
• Target Group: Scheduled Tribe (ST) students
• Annual Income Limit: ₹2.50 lakh or less
• Scholarship Duration: 10 months
• Application Mode: Offline (via school and district/block authorities)
• Benefits Type: Tuition and book grants + disability support

Benefits

Monthly Scholarship

Book & Ad Hoc Grant (Annual)

Additional Allowances for PwD Students (Annually)

Note: These allowances are available only to students with certified disabilities studying in unaided private schools.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
• The student must be studying in Class 9 or Class 10 in a government or recognized school
• Parental income must be less than ₹2.50 lakh per annum
• The student must not be availing any other centrally funded scholarship
• Must be a regular, full-time student
• Available only once per class level (not eligible if repeating the class)

Application Process (Offline)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Collect Application Form: Available on the state government’s education or tribal welfare department website

2. Fill the Form: Attach photo, fill in personal, academic, and family details

3. Submit to School: Hand over the completed form and documents to the Head of your institution

4. Forward to Authorities: The school will forward the application to Block/District authorities

5. Verification & Approval: Sanction is delegated to the appropriate authority by the State/UT Government

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-sized photograph (with signature)
• Scheduled Tribe Certificate (Signed by Tehsildar or above)
• Income Certificate or Affidavit (Parents/guardians)
• Acknowledgement Receipt of previous year’s scholarship (if applicable)
• Bonafide Certificate or proof of current admission
• Disability Certificate (for PwD applicants only)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are there any allowances for Students with Disabilities (SwDs)?
  Yes, there are monthly allowances depending on the type and extent of disability. There is Reader Allowance, Transport Allowance, Escort Allowance, Helper Allowance and Coaching Allowance.
• By when shall the scholarship become payable?
  The scholarship will become payable from 1st April or from the month of admission, whichever is later, and will paid for for 10 months of the academic year.
• Is there a limit to the number of scholarships?
  No. All eligible students from Scheduled Tribe will be given scholarships as prescribed in this scheme.
• Will I be eligible for the scholarship if I have to repeat a class?
  No. The scholarship will be terminated in that case.
• I am already availing the benefits of a Centrally-funded Pre-Matric Scholarship. Am I eligible for this scheme?
  No, you won’t be eligible in this case.
• Is there any application fee?
  No. The entire application process is completely free of cost.
• In what condition would the income of the guardian needs to be mentioned?
  The income of the guardian needs to be mentioned in a case where both the parents of the student are dead.
• Do I need to attached a copy of my Aadhaar Card while submitting the application to the Head of the Institution/School?
  Yes, you are required to submit the same with your application.
• How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
  The mandatory fields have a red asterisk (*) mark at the end.

Sources and References

Guidelines