The Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students 2025 is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, designed to provide financial assistance to ST students pursuing studies beyond Class X in recognized institutions across India. This scheme ensures that students from Scheduled Tribes are not deprived of higher education due to financial constraints and can access academic opportunities to uplift their social and economic status.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored by Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Target Group: Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students
• Study Level: Class XI to Post-Graduation, PhD, and Diploma Courses
• Income Limit: ₹2,00,000 per annum
• Application Mode: Offline (through institution and state nodal authority)
• Coverage: Maintenance allowance + Tuition fees + Disability allowance (if applicable)
Objectives
• To support ST students financially for pursuing higher education
• To increase enrollment and reduce dropout rates among ST students
• To enable access to vocational, technical, and professional education
• To foster social inclusion and skill development
Scope of the Scheme
• Available for studies within India only
• Applicable to all recognized post-matric/post-secondary courses
• Students permanently settled in a State/UT are eligible for scholarships through their respective state governments
Benefits
Maintenance Allowance (Stipend)
| Course Type | Hosteller (₹/Month) | Day Scholar (₹/Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional UG/PG Degrees (Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, etc.) | 1200 | 500 |
| General UG/PG Degrees (BA, B.Sc., MA, etc.) | 820 | 530 |
| Vocational Courses, ITI, Polytechnic Diplomas | 570 | 300 |
| Senior Secondary (Class XI & XII) | 380 | 230 |
Note: Paid for 10 months in an academic year.
Disability Allowance
| Student Category | Hosteller (₹) | Day Scholar (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Students with Disabilities | 800/month | 600/month |
• Applicable for Divyangjan, leprosy-cured, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia students as per Government norms
Additional Components
• Full Reimbursement of Compulsory Non-refundable Fees (e.g., tuition, library, exam fees)
• Applicable to Correspondence/Distance Learning Students
• Multiple children in the same family are eligible
• Students employed but on study leave without pay can also apply (subject to income cap)
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a Scheduled Tribe (ST) student as recognized by the respective State/UT
• Must be permanently residing in India
• Must have passed matriculation or higher secondary (Class X or XII)
• Must be enrolled in recognized post-matric/post-secondary courses
• Parental/guardian income should not exceed ₹2,00,000 per annum
Note on Income Assessment:
• Only the income of parents or husband (in case of married girl students) is considered
• Income proof is required once at the time of admission for multi-year courses
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) exempt if tax exempt
• Guardians’ income considered only if both parents are deceased
Exclusions
• Students already availing another scholarship/stipend
• Pursuing a course in a different stream after completing one course (e.g., B.Com after B.A.)
• Continuing education in the same stage of education but changing subjects
• Students not promoted to the next year (except professional Group I courses)
Application Process (Offline)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Collect the prescribed application form (separate for fresh and renewal cases)
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Fill out the application form completely
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Attach the required documents
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Submit it to the Head of the Institution being attended or last attended
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The application must be addressed to the designated officer of the respective State/UT as per government instructions
Documents Required
• Completed application form (fresh/renewal)
• Passport-sized photograph with student’s signature
• Attested copies of mark sheets, certificates of passed exams
• Caste Certificate (ST), issued by authorized revenue officer
• Income Certificate (affidavit or employer certificate)
• Receipt/acknowledgment for previous year’s scholarship (for renewal cases)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- By When Shall The Scholarship Become Payable?
The scholarship will become payable after the student has secured admission and has started attending the classes. - Is There A Validity To The Scheme Benefits?
The benefits are provided till the complete duration of the course. - What Would Be The Mode Of Payment Of The Scholarship?
The payment of the scholarship will be through DBT. - Will The Maintenance Allowance Be Provided As Lump Sum Or In Installments?
Maintenance allowance will be given as fixed lump sum. - What If There Are More Than One Student With Equal Marks For The Last Available Slot?
In such cases, preference will be given to the student with lower family income. - Will I Be Eligible For The Scholarship If I Fail To Get Promoted To The Next Semester?
No. The scholarship will be terminated in that case. - Is There Any Application Fee?
No. The entire application process is completely free of cost. - What If A Student Violates School Discipline Or Any Other Terms And Conditions Of The Scholarship?
In such cases, his/her scholarship may be suspended or canceled. - How Do I Know If A Field In The Application Form Is Mandatory?
The mandatory fields have a red asterisk (*) mark at the end. - Are There Any Allowances For Persons With Disabilities (PwDs)?
Yes, there are monthly allowances depending on the type and extent of disability. There is Reader Allowance, Transport Allowance, Escort Allowance, etc. - 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.