The Central Government’s Post Matric Scholarship Scheme is for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying after Class 10. It is run by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme — implemented by States and Union Territories. According to the Ministry, around 30 lakh ST students across the country receive financial assistance under this scheme through DBT.
Who is eligible
The scholarship is for ST students pursuing any recognised course from a recognised institution for which the qualification is Matriculation (Class X) or above — from Class 11-12 up to graduation, post-graduation, professional courses and PhD. Parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum. The scheme is open-ended for eligible students — there is no fixed national number of awards.
How much support is given
The scholarship has two components. First — payment of compulsory non-refundable fees charged by the educational institution, subject to the limit fixed by the concerned State. Second — a maintenance allowance ranging from ₹230 to ₹1,200 per month, depending on the course group. The rates by course group are: Group I (professional degree/PG, medical, engineering, management, PhD) — ₹1,200 a month for hostellers and ₹550 for day scholars; Group II (other graduate and PG courses) — ₹820 and ₹530; Group III (diploma, polytechnic, ITI, vocational courses) — ₹570 and ₹300; Group IV (Class 11-12) — ₹380 and ₹230 a month. The money is paid directly into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.
How to apply
Applications are invited by State Governments and Union Territories — students apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP, scholarships.gov.in) or their state portal. The state checks the student’s eligibility and the scholarship is then disbursed directly to the bank account. Application dates differ every year and by state, so check the live schedule on NSP or the state portal — no last date is stated in this post, because it changes every year.
Funding and things to note
The cost is shared between the Centre and the States in the ratio of 75:25; for North-Eastern and Special Category States it is 90:10, and for Union Territories without a legislature the Centre bears the full cost. Note that this scheme is the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ scheme for ST students; the Post Matric Scholarship for SC and OBC students is a separate scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Never pay anyone for this application; take information only from NSP, the state portal, or the Ministry of Tribal Affairs website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does the Post Matric Scholarship give ST students?
A: Reimbursement of compulsory fees and a maintenance allowance of ₹230 to ₹1,200 a month, paid directly to the bank account through DBT.
Q2: What is the income limit?
A: Parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum.
Q3: Which students can apply?
A: ST students studying a recognised course at a recognised institution after Class 10.
Q4: Where do I apply?
A: Online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or your state portal. Check the live dates there.
Useful links
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs — scholarship page: https://tribal.nic.in/Scholarship.aspx
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/
- Post Matric Scholarship (ST) on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/post-st
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes
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