Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students
by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
Rs. 225-525 per month stipend
Centrally sponsored scholarship providing monthly stipend and support to Scheduled Tribe students studying in Classes IX and X across India.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Two academic years across Class IX and Class X, with stipend payable for 10 months each year
Eligibility
Open to Scheduled Tribe students studying full-time in Class IX or X at a Government or Government-recognised school. Annual parental income must not exceed Rs. 2,50,000. Available for studies in India only. Indian nationality and a valid ST certificate are required.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 10
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Studying full-time in Class IX or X at a Government school or a school recognised by Government or a Central or State Board of Secondary Education
- Prerequisites
- Indian nationality
- Belonging to Scheduled Tribe category with valid ST certificate
- Enrolment in Class IX or X at a Government or Government-recognised school
- Parental annual income not exceeding Rs. 2,50,000
- Active bank account in the student's name for Direct Benefit Transfer
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Rs. 225-525/month for 10 months
Monthly stipend of Rs. 225 for day scholars and Rs. 525 for hostellers, payable for 10 months in each academic year of Class IX and Class X.
Recognition
National scholarship recognition
What it covers
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 225 for day scholars
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 525 for hostellers
- Stipend payable for 10 months in each academic year
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closed
- 31 Aug 2026
How to apply
- 1Register on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in or the relevant State scholarship portal
- 2Complete profile with personal, academic, and category details
- 3Select Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students
- 4Upload ST certificate, income certificate, school bonafide, marksheets, and bank account details
- 5Submit application for institutional and state nodal officer verification
- 6Track application status through the portal until Direct Benefit Transfer disbursement
Rules and guidelines
- Awardees are processed by the State or Union Territory of permanent domicile
- Scholarship is available for studies in India only
- Active bank account in the student's name is required for Direct Benefit Transfer
- Renewal each year requires academic verification by the institution
- Stipend is payable for 10 months in each academic year
Technology requirements
- Internet access
- Computer or mobile device for online application
About this opportunity
The Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The scheme aims to encourage parents from Scheduled Tribe communities to send their children to school, reduce dropout rates at the secondary stage, and improve participation of ST students in pre-matriculation education.
Following the 2021 restructuring of pre-matric scholarship schemes, the central component now supports Scheduled Tribe students studying in Classes IX and X at Government schools or schools recognised by Government or a Central or State Board of Secondary Education. Annual parental income from all sources must not exceed Rs. 2,50,000 to qualify.
Financial support is provided as a monthly stipend of Rs. 225 for day scholars and Rs. 525 for hostellers, payable for 10 months each academic year. The scheme is implemented by State Governments and Union Territories, with funding shared between the Centre and States in a 75:25 ratio for general states, 90:10 for North East and special category states, and 100 percent central support for Union Territories without a legislature.
Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in or through respective State Government scholarship portals. Verified applications result in Direct Benefit Transfer of the scholarship amount to the student's bank account through the DBT Tribal portal.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key factors considered during the scholarship selection process for students?
The selection process primarily focuses on verifying the student's Scheduled Tribe status, parental income eligibility, and active enrollment in Class IX or X at a recognized school. Accurate documentation is crucial for successful application processing.
How can students optimize their application to increase their chances of receiving the scholarship?
Students should ensure all personal and academic details are accurately entered, upload clear and valid copies of all required documents, and submit the application well before the deadline. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
What is the long-term impact of receiving this scholarship on a student's educational journey?
Receiving this scholarship significantly reduces financial barriers, enabling students to continue their secondary education without interruption. It fosters academic continuity and can serve as a foundation for pursuing higher education opportunities.
Are there specific academic or extracurricular achievements that strengthen a scholarship application?
While this scholarship is primarily need-based and category-specific, maintaining satisfactory academic progress is a prerequisite for renewal. Strong academic records demonstrate commitment to education, which is beneficial for overall educational trajectory.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
Snehapoorvam Scheme
by Kerala Social Security Mission
Monthly financial assistance from the Government of Kerala for orphan and single-parent children studying from Class 1 to professional courses.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Children of those Engaged in Unclean Occupations
by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
Centrally sponsored pre-matric scholarship for Class I to X children whose parents work as manual scavengers, tanners, flayers, waste pickers, or in hazardous cleaning.
JM Sethia Merit Scholarship Scheme for Indian Students
by JMS Trust
The JM Sethia Merit Scholarship Scheme offers financial assistance to meritorious Indian students from Class 9 to postgraduate and professional courses, supporting those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Download app