Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students

What is Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students?

Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs that provides financial support to ST students pursuing education after Class 10. It covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other academic expenses to ensure tribal students can access higher education without financial barriers.

The scheme is available for courses from Class 11 right up to doctoral-level studies.

Who is Eligible?

• Must belong to Scheduled Tribe (ST) as notified by the state/central government
• Annual family income must be below ₹2.5 lakh
• Must be studying in Class 11 or above in a government or government-recognised institution
• Should be a regular student (not correspondence/open school for some categories)
• Not availing any other central/state scholarship for the same course

Scholarship Amount

Maintenance Allowance (per month during academic session):

Plus:

• Full tuition fee reimbursement (paid to institution)
• Books and stationery allowance: ₹1,000–₹500 depending on group
• Study tour, thesis allowance for applicable courses

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Go to scholarships.gov.in (National Scholarship Portal)
2. Click "New Registration"
3. Choose your state and look for "Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students" under Ministry of Tribal Affairs
4. Fill the form — personal details, ST category, income details, institution details, bank account
5. Upload all required documents
6. Submit and note your Application ID

Apply early — deadlines are typically October–December for the academic year. Late applications may not be processed.

Renewal for Continuing Students

1. Log in to scholarships.gov.in
2. Click "Renewal Application"
3. Upload new year's marksheet and fee receipt
4. Verify institution and bank details
5. Submit renewal

Documents Required

1. Caste certificate — ST certificate from Tehsildar/SDM/competent authority
2. Income certificate — annual family income below ₹2.5L
3. Aadhaar card of student
4. Class 10 marksheet (for fresh applicants) or previous year marksheet (for renewal)
5. Admission letter / bonafide certificate from institution
6. Fee receipt from institution (current year)
7. Bank account passbook — student's own account, Aadhaar-linked for DBT
8. Passport-size photograph

ST Scholarship vs SC Scholarship — Key Differences

Both schemes have identical structures — the difference is only the beneficiary category and the nodal ministry.

Check Payment Status

1. Log in to scholarships.gov.in
2. Go to "Track Status" → enter Application ID
3. Status moves from: Applied → Institute Verified → State Verified → Payment Released

Payment comes via DBT to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

I live in a forest area with no school above Class 8. Am I eligible for distance learning?

Some tribal-area students in remote areas are eligible under special tribal sub-plan provisions. Contact your District Tribal Welfare Officer for guidance specific to your area.

I am an ST student doing a 3-year diploma at an ITI. Is this covered?

Yes — ITI diploma courses fall under Group II or Group III depending on the level. You are eligible.

My tribe is listed in one state but I study in another state. What happens?

Your ST status is based on the state you belong to (where you have the ST certificate). You can study in any state and still apply — your home state's social welfare/tribal department processes the scholarship.

The institution I am in is not listed on NSP. What to do?

Contact your college/university administration — they need to register on NSP for students to apply. Alternatively, contact your state's Tribal Welfare Department for offline processing.

How long does payment take after approval?

Typically 2–4 months after the academic year starts, provided all verifications are complete. Some states are faster.

Can I get both ST Post Matric Scholarship and a state ST scholarship?

Generally no — you cannot hold two scholarships for the same course from different governments. Check the current year's notification for the exact rule.

Official Links

• Apply: scholarships.gov.in
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs: tribal.nic.in
• NSP helpdesk: 0120-6619540
• State Tribal Welfare Department: Contact via your state government website