The Free Studentship Scheme by the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education (DHTE), Government of Meghalaya, is a state-sponsored educational support initiative that provides financial assistance to SC/ST/OBC students pursuing regular studies in recognized institutions. This scheme is designed to waive or cover prescribed tuition and institutional fees, ensuring inclusive access to education for economically disadvantaged communities.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Free Studentship
• Launched By: Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, Meghalaya
• Target Beneficiaries: SC/ST/OBC students of Meghalaya
• Mode of Application: Offline (through college/institution)
• Applicable for: Class 11th to Degree level students
• Benefit Type: Fee Waiver / Financial Aid
Benefits
| Course Level | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Class 11th–12th (Arts & Commerce) | ₹1,105/- |
| Class 11th–12th (Science) | ₹1,285/- |
| Degree General (Arts & Commerce) | ₹1,375/- |
| Degree Major (Arts & Commerce) | ₹1,635/- |
| Degree General (Science) | ₹1,735/- |
| Degree Major (Science) | ₹2,235/- |
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a citizen of India and a permanent resident of Meghalaya
• Should belong to SC/ST/OBC category
• Must be enrolled in a regular course at a recognized institution
• Parents/guardians must also be citizens of India
• The applicant should not be receiving benefits from other central/state scholarship schemes (e.g., Post Matric Scholarship)
• The applicant should not be employed in government or non-government jobs
• Should not have repeated the same class more than once
Application Process (Offline)
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Collect the application form from the student’s current institution or from the DHTE Office if studying outside the state
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Fill in all required fields in the application form
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Attach self-attested copies of all the required documents
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Submit the application to the Head of the Institution
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Obtain an acknowledgement receipt with submission details (date, time, reference number)
Documents Required
• Citizenship Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
• Proof of Admission
• Income Certificate
• Permanent Address Proof
• Marksheet/Certificate of last qualifying exam (HSLC/Matric)
• Any other document, if specifically requested
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are students from SC/ST communities outside Meghalaya eligible?
No, only SC/ST students who are permanent residents of Meghalaya are eligible for the Free Studentship scheme. - Where can students obtain the prescribed application forms?
Students can obtain the prescribed application forms from their respective colleges or institutions where they are pursuing their studies. - How do students renew their Free Studentship each year?
Students need to reapply each year and provide updated documentation to renew their Free Studentship. - When and how are the funds disbursed to eligible students?
Funds are usually disbursed directly to the student’s account or through the educational institution, and the timing varies depending on administrative processes. - What happens if a student discontinues their studies mid-term?
If a student discontinues their studies mid-term, they may lose eligibility for Free Studentship, and the scheme’s administrators should be notified accordingly. - Can students transferring from other states apply for Free Studentship?
Transfer students may be eligible for Free Studentship, but they may need to provide additional documentation related to their previous institution and academic records. - Can non-permanent residents of Meghalaya apply for the scheme?
No, only permanent residents of Meghalaya are eligible to apply for the scheme. - Are students employed in part-time jobs eligible for the scheme?
No, students who are employed either in government or non-government establishments are not eligible for the Free Studentship scheme. - Can students who have repeated a class once still apply?
Students who have repeated a class more than once may not be eligible to apply for the Free Studentship scheme. - Can students benefiting from other government scholarship schemes apply?
Students currently benefiting from other government scholarship schemes, especially the Post Matric Scholarship to SC/ST, may not be eligible for the Free Studentship scheme.