Chief Minister Merit Award (CMMA) 2026: ₹3,000 Annual Scholarship for Tamil Nadu Students
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Quick answer
The Chief Minister Merit Award is a Tamil Nadu state scholarship that provides ₹3,000 per year for five years to 1,000 boys and 1,000 girls from Adi Dravidar, Tribal, or Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities who have passed the plus‑2 public examination and continue higher education. Eligible students receive the award based on their plus‑2 marks, provided they remain enrolled in studies. Applications are submitted offline through the educational institution, which forwards them to the District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Financial Support |
| Ministry / department | Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department |
| Level | State Government (Tamil Nadu) |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
The Chief Minister Merit Award scheme launched on 7th May, 2012, by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu, aims to support 1000 boys and 1000 girls belonging to the Adi Dravidar, Tribal, and Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities. These students are selected based on their marks in the plus 2 Public Examinations. Each selected student is awarded ₹3,000/- annually for five years, provided they continue their higher education.
Benefits
- Financial Support: ₹3,000 per year for five consecutive years.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- The beneficiary should be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
- The beneficiary should belong to the Adi Dravidar/ Tribal/ Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities.
- The beneficiary should have passed plus 2 Public Examination.
- The beneficiary should be continuing their studies after plus 2 standards.
Who cannot apply
- Students who discontinue their education are no longer eligible for the award.
Documents required
- Proof of identity (Aadhar card or any other document as directed by the authority).
- Caste certificate (Adi Dravidar/ Tribal/ Adi Dravidar converted to Christian).
- Marksheet of plus 2 Public Examination.
- Proof of continuing education after 10th standard (admission or enrolment certificate).
- Bank account details.
- Any other documents (if required).
How to apply
- 1Collect the application form from the concerned educational institution.
- 2Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form, attach a passport‑sized photograph (signed across if required) and self‑attested copies of all mandatory documents.
- 3Submit the completed and signed application form along with the documents to the educational institution.
- 4Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the authority, ensuring it includes the date, time of submission and a unique identification number if available.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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