The Chief Minister Merit Award is a prestigious scholarship initiative launched on 7th May 2012 by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. The scheme aims to promote higher education among meritorious students belonging to Adi Dravidar, Tribal, and Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities. Every year, 1000 boys and 1000 girls are selected based on their Plus 2 Public Examination scores.
These selected students are awarded ₹3,000 per year for five consecutive years, encouraging them to pursue and complete their higher education successfully.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Chief Minister Merit Award
• Launched On: 7th May 2012
• Administered By: Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu
• Beneficiaries: 1000 boys and 1000 girls from Adi Dravidar, Tribal, and converted Christian communities
• Award Amount: ₹3,000 annually for 5 years
• Selection Criteria: Based on marks secured in Plus 2 Public Examination
• Application Mode: Offline (via educational institutions)
Benefits
• Financial Assistance: ₹3,000 per annum
• Duration: Up to 5 years, subject to the student continuing their higher education
• Targeted Support: Exclusive to students from marginalized communities, promoting educational equity
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a resident of Tamil Nadu
• Must belong to one of the following communities:
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Adi Dravidar
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Scheduled Tribe (ST)
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Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity
• Must have passed the Plus 2 Public Examination
• Must be enrolled in a recognized higher education course after Plus 2
• Students must continue their education annually to be eligible for yearly disbursements
No income limit has been specified under the scheme guidelines.
Application Process
Offline Application via Educational Institutions
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Collect Application Form: From the head of the concerned educational institution (college/school)
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Fill in Details: Complete all mandatory fields in the form and paste a passport-size photo
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Attach Documents: Attach all required self-attested documents (see list below)
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Submit: Submit the filled form to the same institution for verification
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Get Acknowledgment: Request a receipt or acknowledgment with date and tracking number
Documents Required
• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card or government-issued ID
• Caste Certificate: Clearly stating Adi Dravidar / Tribal / Converted Christian status
• Plus 2 Marksheets: For verification of merit
• Proof of Admission: Certificate or admission slip confirming enrollment in a higher education course
• Bank Account Details: For DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
• Any other document if specified by the institution/department
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the purpose of this scheme ?
The “Chief Minister Merit Award” scheme offers ₹3,000/- per year for five years to 1000 boys and 1000 girls from SC/ST communities, based on their plus 2 public examination marks, provided they continue their education. - Who is eligible for the Chief Minister Merit Award?
Students from SC/ST (Adi Dravidar, Tribal, or converted to Christianity) communities who are among the top 1000 boys or top 1000 girls in the plus 2 Public Examinations. - How much is the award amount?
The award amount is ₹3,000/-per annum for 5 years. - How long is the award granted for?
The award is granted for 5 consecutive years, provided the student continues their education. - Is there an income limit for eligibility?
No, there is no income limit for this award. - How are students selected?
Selection is based on the marks obtained in the plus 2 Public Examinations. - What happens if a student discontinues education?
The student will no longer be eligible for the award if they discontinue their education. - Can students from other communities apply?
No, only SC/ST students (Adi Dravidar, Tribal, or converted to Christianity) are eligible. - Can students apply after the plus 2 examination results?
Yes, the application must be processed through their educational institution after the plus 2 results. - How does a student apply for the award?
The application is processed through their educational institution, which forwards it to the District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer (DADWO). - Can the award be renewed each year?
Yes, the award is given annually for 5 years, subject to verification of continued education. - Who administers the scheme?
The District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer (DADWO) administers the scheme. - When was the “Chief Minister Merit Award” introduced?
It was introduced on May 7, 2012.