PM Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana 2026: Scholarships, Village Funds & Eligibility

At a glance

About the scheme

Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY) is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to ensure the holistic development and cultural preservation of Scheduled Tribe communities across India. The scheme encompasses six core components, ranging from Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships for tribal students to village development grants under Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana. It also covers infrastructure and housing for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), quality education via Eklavya Model Residential Schools, livelihood backing through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and institutional funding for Tribal Research Institutes.

Benefits

• Village development grant of ₹20,38,000 per village under Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana to improve eight sectors including roads, telecom, schools, Anganwadis, health sub-centres, drinking water, drainage, and solid waste management.
• Financial assistance for essential amenities like housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, road and telecom connectivity, healthcare, and nutrition under the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission.
• Pre-Matric scholarship financial support for Scheduled Tribe students studying in Standard IX and X.
• Post-Matric scholarship financial assistance for Scheduled Tribe students studying in Class XI and above.
• Financial grants to State Governments and Union Territories for Tribal Research Institutes to support tribal heritage preservation and documentation.
• Livelihood support through Minimum Support Price procurement of Minor Forest Produce and value-addition training at Van Dhan Vikas Kendras under Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission.
• Free quality residential education from Class VI to XII through Eklavya Model Residential Schools in eligible blocks.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• For Pre-Matric Scholarship: Applicant must belong to a Scheduled Tribe, be studying in Standard IX or X, and have parental annual income up to ₹2,50,000.
• For Post-Matric Scholarship: Applicant must belong to a Scheduled Tribe, be enrolled in Class XI or above, and have parental annual income up to ₹2,50,000.
• For Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana: The village must have at least a 50% tribal population and a total population of at least 500 Scheduled Tribe members.
• For PVTG Development: The beneficiary must belong to a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group family or habitation.
• For Eklavya Model Residential Schools: The applicant must be a Scheduled Tribe student seeking admission in Class VI to XII in eligible blocks (blocks with over 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons).

Documents required

• Caste Certificate verifying Scheduled Tribe status
• Income Certificate showing parental annual income up to ₹2,50,000
• Mark sheet of the last qualifying examination
• Student Identity Card or bonafide certificate issued by the educational institution
• Aadhaar Card or valid identity proof
• Bank account details (Account number and IFSC code) for Direct Benefit Transfer
• Passport size photograph
• Domicile Certificate or proof of residence

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official National Scholarship Portal or the designated State Scholarship Portal.
2. 2Register on the portal with basic details such as name, date of birth, and mobile number to receive your login credentials.
3. 3Log in and choose the relevant application form for the Pre-Matric or Post-Matric Scholarship for ST students.
4. 4Upload clear scanned copies of required documents including the Caste Certificate, Income Certificate, and academic mark sheets in the prescribed format.
5. 5Review all entered information carefully and submit the scholarship form online prior to the specified deadline.

Frequently asked questions