Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Students for Studies in India

About this scheme

The Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Introduced in 1944 and revised periodically (last major revision w.e.f. 01-04-2022), it enables eligible ST students to pursue quality education from Class XI through post-graduation and doctoral studies by providing financial assistance covering tuition fees and a monthly maintenance allowance. The scheme is administered through State/UT Governments, with applications invited via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or respective state portals. Scholarship amounts are transferred directly to students' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Eligibility

• Caste category: Must belong to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) as notified for the applicant's domicile State/UT, with a valid ST caste certificate
• Academic qualification: Must have passed Matriculation or Higher Secondary or any higher examination of a recognized University or Board
• Annual family income: Parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000 per annum — valid income certificate required
• Institution: Must be enrolled in a recognized post-matriculation/post-secondary course at a government or recognized private institution in India
• Bank account: Must have a valid bank account in a scheduled bank linked with Aadhaar and mobile number, in the student's own name
• Other scholarships: Student must not be receiving any other scholarship or stipend for the same course
• Academic performance: Minimum 50% marks in the previous academic year (40% for students studying in tribal-area institutions)

Benefits

• 100% tuition fee reimbursement — all compulsory fees charged by the educational institution (subject to state-level fee limits)
• Monthly maintenance allowance ranging from ₹230 to ₹1,200 depending on course group (Group I–IV)
• Study tour charges up to ₹1,600 per annum
• Thesis typing and printing charges up to ₹1,600 for research scholars
• Additional disability allowance: ₹800/month (hosteller) or ₹600/month (day scholar) for students with disabilities
• Annual book allowance of ₹1,200 for correspondence course students
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to student's own bank account

Required documents

• ST Caste Certificate (from State Tahsildar/Competent Authority)
• Aadhaar Card
• Domicile / Nativity Certificate
• Annual Family Income Certificate (below ₹2.5 lakh)
• Previous academic year marksheet
• Current institution bonafide certificate and fee receipt
• Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked, in student's name)

Optional

• 10th and 12th marksheetsRequired for renewal applications