Puducherry Award of Scholarship to Differently Abled Person Students

The “Award of Scholarship to Differently Abled Person Students” 2025 is an educational assistance scheme introduced by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students with disabilities (PwDs) who are pursuing studies from Class 1 to Postgraduate/Professional levels in recognized institutions across the Union Territory.

This initiative ensures that financial barriers do not prevent eligible students with 40% or more disability from continuing their academic journey. The assistance ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹6,800 per year depending on the level of education.

Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)

• Launched By: Department of Social Welfare, Puducherry
• Target Group: Students with 40% or more disability
• Class Range: Class 1 to Postgraduate/Professional Courses
• Scholarship Amount: ₹1,000 to ₹6,800 per year
• Income Limit: ₹75,000 per annum
• Resident Criteria: Minimum 5 years residency in Puducherry
• Mode of Application: Offline or via downloadable form

Benefits

• The scholarship is disbursed yearly
• Amount is transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a native/resident of Puducherry for at least 5 years
• Must have a minimum 40% disability, as certified by a competent authority
• Annual family income should not exceed ₹75,000
• Must be studying in a recognized institution (Class 1 and above)
• Should possess a valid PwD financial assistance ID card

Application Process

Offline Application

Option 1:
• Visit the Office/Sub-Office of the Department of Social Welfare
• Collect the hard copy of the application form during office hours

Option 2:
• Download and print the prescribed format of the application form from the official website

Submission Steps:

1. Fill in all mandatory fields

2. Attach required documents and paste recent photograph

3. Submit to the appropriate office as per your district:

   • Puducherry: Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section

   • Karaikal: Assistant Director, Social Welfare Sub Office

   • Mahe/Yanam: Welfare Officer (i/c), Social Welfare Sub Office

4. Collect the acknowledgement receipt with submission details

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card (or Aadhaar Enrollment ID)
• Ration Card
• Birth Certificate
• Disability Certificate (40% or more)
• Income Certificate
• Community Certificate
• Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate
• Passport-size Photograph
• Bank Passbook
• Financial Assistance ID Card
• Recommendation from Head of Department (if applicable)
• Bonafide Certificate from institution
• Declaration from Parent/Guardian
• Previous Year Marksheet

Alternative ID (if Aadhaar not available):
Any one of the following with Aadhaar Enrollment ID: PAN, Voter ID, Driving License, MGNREGA Card, Kisan Passbook, Passport, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I apply for the scholarship if I am pursuing a professional course?
  Yes, the scheme extends assistance to students pursuing Postgraduate/Professional courses.
• Where can I find additional information about the grievance redressal process for this scholarship scheme?
  You can address grievances through https://pgportal.gov.in/.
• How long should I have been a resident of Puducherry to be eligible for this scholarship?
  To be eligible, you need to be a native/resident of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
• Where should I address delays in receiving scholarship benefits, and who are the concerned authorities?
  For Puducherry, contact the Director, Directorate of Social Welfare; for Karaikal, contact the Collector, and for Mahe/Yanam, contact the Regional Administrator.
• What are the different financial assistance amounts provided under this scheme for various education levels?
  The assistance varies from ₹1,000/- to ₹6,800/- per year, depending on the education level, from 1st Standard to Postgraduate/Professional courses.
• How can I track the status of my scholarship application under the “Award of Scholarship to Differently Abled Person Students” scheme?
  You can track your application status at https://edistrict.py.gov.in/User/TrackApplication.aspx.
  How is the scholarship amount for differently-abled students determined?
  The scholarship amounts are predetermined based on the education level, ranging from ₹1,000/- to ₹6,800/- per year.
• Is the scholarship amount fixed, or does it vary based on academic performance?
  The scholarship amounts are fixed and vary according to the educational level, not based on academic performance.
• Can a student receive benefits for multiple academic years under this scheme?
  Yes, eligible students can receive scholarship benefits for each academic year they meet the criteria.
• What is the annual scholarship amount for students pursuing postgraduate or professional courses?
  Students pursuing postgraduate or professional courses can receive ₹6,800/- per year under this scheme.
• How much financial aid is provided to undergraduate students through this scheme?
  Undergraduate students are eligible for ₹5,000/- per year as part of the scholarship benefits.
• Could you provide details about the financial assistance for students in the 9th to 12th standard?
  Students in the 9th to 12th standard receive ₹3,400/- per year under this scholarship scheme.

Sources and References

• Guidelines
• Citizen’s Charter
• Contact Us
• Sub Offices
• Grievance Redressal
• Track Your Application