Pre Matric Scholarship for ST Students 2026: Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
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Quick answer
The Pre Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students provides financial support to ST students enrolled in Classes 9 and 10 to help prevent school drop-outs. Eligible candidates whose family income does not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per year receive scholarship assistance for 10 months of the academic session. Applications are submitted offline through the head of the student's school.
At a glance
| Main benefit | 10-month scholarship for Class 9-10 |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Tribal Affairs |
| Level | Central Government |
| Income limit | ₹2.5 lakh |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
Implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Pre Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students is designed to support tribal families in educating their children during the crucial transition from elementary to secondary school. Awarded by the State Government or Union Territory administration where the applicant is domiciled, the scheme covers regular full-time students in Classes 9th and 10th attending government or recognised secondary schools. The initiative aims to minimise drop-out rates, improve learning outcomes, and prepare tribal students for subsequent post-matric education across India.
Benefits
- Scholarship payable for 10 months during the academic year, starting from 1st April or the month of admission, whichever is later
- Special monthly allowances for Students with Disabilities (SwDs), including Reader Allowance, Transport Allowance, Escort Allowance, Helper Allowance, and Coaching Allowance
- Covers all eligible Scheduled Tribe students without any restrictive quota or ceiling on numbers
- Entire application and selection process is completely free of cost
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
- Must be a regular, full-time student studying in Class 9th or Class 10th in a government school or a school recognised by the government or a Central/State Board of Secondary Education
- Total annual income of parents or guardians from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum (scheme description specifies Rs. 2.00 lakh per annum)
- Applicant must not be availing of any other scholarship provided by the government
- Scholarship is tenable only for studies within India and is awarded by the State or Union Territory where the student is domiciled
Who cannot apply
- Students repeating a class are not eligible (scholarship is terminated upon class repetition)
- Students already availing of another government-funded or Centrally-funded Pre-Matric scholarship
- Students pursuing education outside India
- Students with family annual income exceeding the specified ceiling
Documents required
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) caste certificate
- Income certificate of parents (or guardian's income certificate if both parents are deceased)
- Proof of regular admission or enrolment in Class 9th or 10th in a recognised school
- Disability certificate (for students seeking disability allowances)
How to apply
- 1Obtain the pre-matric scholarship application form from the office of your school or institution.
- 2Fill in all details accurately, ensuring that all mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are completed.
- 3Attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents, including your Aadhaar Card and category certificates.
- 4Submit the finalized application and documents directly to the Head of the Institution or School for onward processing.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Pre Matric ST Scholarship?+
Regular ST students studying in Class 9th or 10th in government or recognised schools with a parental annual income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakh are eligible.
For how long is the scholarship paid during the year?+
The scholarship is paid for 10 months of the academic year, starting from 1st April or the month of admission, whichever is later.
Are there additional benefits for students with disabilities?+
Yes, Students with Disabilities receive monthly allowances such as Reader Allowance, Transport Allowance, Escort Allowance, Helper Allowance, and Coaching Allowance based on the type and degree of disability.
Will the scholarship continue if a student repeats Class 9 or 10?+
No, the scholarship is terminated if a student repeats a class, as it is awarded for only one year per class.
Is there an application fee for this scheme?+
No, the application process is entirely free of cost.
When is the guardian's income required instead of parents' income?+
A guardian's income must be declared only when both parents of the student are deceased.
Can I apply if I already receive another government scholarship?+
No, students who are already availing of another government or centrally funded pre-matric scholarship are not eligible.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)