Education is one of the most powerful instruments for social transformation and economic empowerment. Recognizing the barriers faced by students belonging to Scheduled Tribes (STs), especially during the crucial transition from elementary to secondary education, the Government of India introduced the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students. This centrally sponsored scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage ST students to pursue education beyond the elementary stage.
The Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students (Classes IX & X) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched on 1st July 2012, and it continues to benefit thousands of tribal students across India, including the state of Manipur. The scheme provides financial assistance to ST students whose family income does not exceed ₹2 lakh per annum, thereby ensuring that no student is deprived of education due to economic hardship.
Important Dates for the 2025 Scholarship Cycle
- Scheme Opens: 25th June 2025
- Last Date for Student Application Submission: 30th November 2025
- Defective Application Verification Deadline: 30th December 2025
- Institute Verification Deadline: 30th December 2025
- DNO/SNO/MNO Verification Deadline: 30th January 2026
Applicants are encouraged to complete their registration and document submission well before the closing dates to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Objectives of the Scheme
The main objectives of the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students are as follows:
- Reducing Dropouts:
To support the parents of Scheduled Tribe (ST) children studying in classes IX and X so that they can continue their education without financial constraints. This aims to minimize the incidence of dropouts during the transition from elementary to secondary level. - Encouraging Participation:
To increase the enrollment and retention rates of ST students at the pre-matric level, improving their academic performance and preparing them for higher education. - Promoting Equality and Inclusion:
The scheme aligns with the constitutional commitment to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, particularly STs, under Article 46 and Article 38(2) of the Indian Constitution.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme offers several key benefits and features that make it one of the most impactful welfare programs for tribal students:
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme:
The program is fully funded by the Government of India through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, implemented by respective State Governments and Union Territories. - Targeted Beneficiaries:
The scholarship is exclusively meant for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in Classes IX and X in recognized schools in India. - Comprehensive Financial Support:
The scheme provides a monthly stipend, book grant, and ad-hoc grant for 10 months each academic year. - Special Allowances for Students with Disabilities:
Additional allowances are granted to ST students with disabilities studying in private unaided recognized schools. - Transparent and Digital Payment System:
Scholarships are disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into students’ bank or post office accounts, ensuring transparency and timely payments. - Renewable Benefit:
Scholarships are renewed for Class X upon successful completion of Class IX with satisfactory performance and attendance.
Scholarship Amount and Benefits
The scholarship amount varies depending on whether the student is a hosteller or a day scholar. The financial benefits are as follows:
| Category | Particulars | Rate (in ₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Day Scholars | Monthly Scholarship (10 months) | 150 per month |
| Books and Ad-hoc Grant (Annual) | 750 per annum | |
| Hostellers | Monthly Scholarship (10 months) | 350 per month |
| Books and Ad-hoc Grant (Annual) | 1000 per annum |
Additional Allowances for ST Students with Disabilities (Private Unaided Schools)
| Type of Allowance | Rate (₹ per month) |
|---|---|
| Reader Allowance (for Blind Students) | 160 |
| Transport Allowance (for Students with Disabilities) | 160 |
| Escort Allowance (for Severely Disabled Students) | 160 |
| Helper Allowance (for Hostel Assistance) | 160 |
| Coaching Allowance (for Mentally Retarded Students) | 240 |
Note: Disability must be certified by a competent medical authority of the State/UT Administration under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
- Community:
The student must belong to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. - Family Income:
The combined annual income of parents or guardians should not exceed ₹2,00,000 from all sources. - Educational Qualification:
The applicant must be studying full-time in Class IX or X in a Government school or a school recognized by the Central/State Board of Secondary Education. - Scholarship Limitation:
The student should not be receiving any other centrally-funded pre-matric scholarship. - Repetition Clause:
The scholarship will be available for only one year per class. If a student repeats the class, the scholarship will not be granted again for that class.
Reservation Policy
The Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students follows the national reservation framework to ensure fair representation of socially disadvantaged groups. Since this scheme is exclusively meant for ST students, it directly supports the Scheduled Tribe category. However, within the ST category, priority is given to:
- Students from particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs)
- Girls to encourage female education among tribal communities
- Students with disabilities for inclusive educational support
Distribution of Scholarships
- State Implementation:
The scholarships are distributed through the State Government or Union Territory Administration to which the student belongs. Students studying in other states will still receive the scholarship from their home state. - Number of Beneficiaries:
All eligible ST students who meet the criteria are entitled to receive the scholarship—there is no merit-based limitation on the number of awardees. - Duration:
The scholarship is payable for 10 months per academic year and renewed annually based on performance and attendance. - Mode of Payment:
All payments are made directly into the student’s bank account or post office account through electronic transfer.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Below is the step-by-step procedure for applying for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students (Manipur):
Step 1: Collect Required Documents
Students should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scheduled Tribe certificate issued by a Tehsildar or higher authority
- Income certificate or affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper
- Bank account details (linked with Aadhaar)
- Marksheet of the previous class passed
- Domicile certificate (for Manipur students)
- Aadhaar card copy
Step 2: Obtain the Application Form
- Application forms will be made available through State Government websites, schools, or district education offices.
- Schools will help distribute and collect application forms from eligible students.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
- Applicants should fill out the form carefully with accurate details such as personal information, bank account, educational details, and income information.
- Fresh and renewal applications must be submitted in separate prescribed forms.
Step 4: Attach Required Documents
Attach the following with your application:
- One passport-size photo
- Original ST certificate
- Income certificate or affidavit
- Copy of previous year’s scholarship receipt (if renewal)
Step 5: Submit the Application
- Submit the completed form to the Head of the Institution/School where you are currently studying.
- The Head of Institution will verify and forward the application to the District or Block Level Scholarship Authority.
Step 6: Verification
- Applications undergo multi-level verification, including:
- Institution Verification
- District Nodal Officer (DNO) Verification
- State Nodal Officer (SNO) Verification
- Ministry/Monitoring Officer (MNO) Verification
All verifications must be completed within the prescribed dates.
Step 7: Approval and Disbursal
- Once approved, the scholarship amount is transferred directly into the student’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The implementation of the scheme is monitored by both the State Governments and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The monitoring framework includes:
- Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) submitted by States to the Central Government.
- Beneficiary databases integrated with Aadhaar (UIDAI) for authentication.
- Public disclosure of awardee lists on district-level NIC websites for transparency.
- Grievance Redressal Officers (GROs) designated at both State and District levels to handle student issues.
Continuation and Renewal Conditions
If a student is found guilty of misconduct, irregular attendance, or provides false information, the scholarship will be cancelled immediately, and the student will be debarred permanently.
The scholarship continues if the student maintains good conduct and satisfactory attendance.
It will be renewed for Class X upon successful completion of Class IX.
