The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has confirmed that Scheduled Tribe (ST) students will continue to receive financial help for their education. This support covers students from Class 9 up to postgraduate courses . The Ministry stated that two main scholarship schemes, Pre-Matric and Post-Matric, are available to every eligible ST student. Students whose family income is up to ₹2.5 lakh per year can apply for these benefits.
These scholarship schemes are crucial for tribal families. They help students continue their studies without worrying about high costs. Since there is no limit on how many students can benefit, all eligible ST students across India can get this support.
Scholarship Schemes for ST Students
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs offers five different scholarship schemes to support ST students at various levels of their education. These schemes aim to make sure tribal students have access to schooling and higher education.
| Scholarship Name | For Which Students |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship | Class IX and X students |
| Post Matric Scholarship | Class XI and above students |
| National Fellowship for Higher Education | ST students pursuing M.Phil, Ph.D. |
| National Scholarship for Higher Education (Top Class) | ST students studying in top-ranked colleges/institutions |
| National Overseas Scholarship | ST students who wish to study abroad |
The Pre-Matric Scholarship helps ST students in Classes 9 and 10 with their school expenses. The Post Matric Scholarship supports ST students from Class 11 onwards, covering college and university education. For those wanting to pursue advanced studies, the National Fellowship for Higher Education helps ST students doing M.Phil. and Ph.D. courses.
The National Scholarship for Higher Education (Top Class) is designed for ST students who get admission into India's best colleges and universities. Lastly, the National Overseas Scholarship provides financial aid to ST students who wish to study at universities outside India.
Who Can Apply?
All students from Scheduled Tribes are eligible to apply for these scholarships. The main condition is that their family's total income should not be more than ₹2.5 lakh per year from all sources. The schemes are 'open-ended,' which means there is no fixed number of students who can receive the scholarship. If a student meets the eligibility rules, they will get the financial help.
How to Apply: Role of States and Union Territories
The process of applying for these scholarships is managed by the State and Union Territory (UT) governments. Here is how it generally works:
- State and UT governments announce when students can apply.
- Students submit their application forms and necessary documents.
- Government officials check all documents to confirm the student's eligibility.
- Once approved, the scholarship money is paid to the eligible students.
The exact steps and timelines for applying might be different in each state or UT. However, the responsibility for finding eligible students and giving them the scholarship money lies with the respective state and UT governments.
Funding and Oversight
The Central government provides its share of funds to the States and UTs for these scholarships. Before releasing funds, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs carefully reviews annual reports from each state. These reports include details such as:
- The number of ST students who received support.
- How much money was spent.
- Certificates showing that funds were used correctly.
This review process ensures that the money is used for its intended purpose and that the schemes are being carried out effectively on the ground. This also helps to prevent any delays in getting funds to the states, ensuring continuous support for ST students.
