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ActiveCentral Sector SchemeLaunched 1944-01-01Verified: 2026-09-16

Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students (PMS-ST)

Flagship tribal welfare scholarship covering 100% compulsory tuition fees and maintenance allowances for Scheduled Tribe students pursuing higher education.

Government Levelcentral Government
Administering BodyMinistry of Tribal Affairs
Beneficiary Sector
Education & LearningTribal Welfare
Applicable Jurisdiction
All India

₹Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown

Comprehensive financial coverage for post-secondary education for Scheduled Tribe students: 1. Full non-refundable tuition and institutional fees reimbursed. 2. Monthly maintenance allowance across 4 course groups: Group 1 (Medical, Engineering, Tech, Agri, Veterinary): ₹1,200/month (hosteller), ₹550/month (day scholar); Group 2 (Professional Degree/Diploma like Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Management): ₹820/month (hosteller), ₹530/month (day scholar); Group 3 (General graduate/postgraduate degree): ₹570/month (hosteller), ₹300/month (day scholar); Group 4 (Classes XI, XII, ITI): ₹380/month (hosteller), ₹230/month (day scholar). Additional allowances for study tours, thesis typing, and disability support.

📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach

Fiscal Budget Allocation

₹2,400 Crore (Union Budget allocation for PMS-ST under Ministry of Tribal Affairs)

Official Budget Document ↗
Verified Beneficiary Reach

30+ Lakh ST higher education students supported annually

As of: 2024-03-31PIB / Official Citation ↗

Verified Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement:Minimum 16 years
Annual Family Income Ceiling:₹2,50,000 per annum
Target Occupations:student, college_student, tribal_student
Eligible Gender:all
Social Category / Reservation:ST
Specific Operational Conditions & Exclusions:

Must belong to Scheduled Tribe (ST). Must have passed matriculation or Class 10 and be enrolled in a recognized post-matriculation degree/diploma course. Parental annual income must not exceed ₹2,50,000 from all sources.

Required Documents Checklist

  • ✓
    ST Caste Certificate issued by competent revenue authorityMandatory

    Mandatory tribal community verification.

  • ✓
    Income Certificate (< ₹2.50 Lakh)Mandatory

    Valid revenue certificate showing annual family income.

  • ✓
    Class 10 Marksheet & Qualifying Examination MarksheetMandatory

    Proof of academic eligibility.

  • ✓
    College Admission / Fee Structure DocumentMandatory

    Proof of current enrollment and non-refundable fees.

  • ✓
    Aadhaar-seeded Bank Account Passbook with IFSCMandatory

    For receiving scholarship via DBT.

How to Apply

1. Apply online via National Scholarship Portal (https://scholarships.gov.in) or respective State Tribal Welfare Portal. 2. Complete OTR registration with student Aadhaar. 3. Select "Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students" under Ministry of Tribal Affairs. 4. Enter academic course details and upload valid ST Caste Certificate and Income Certificate. 5. School/College verifies bonafide enrollment and uploads approved fee structure. 6. District Tribal Welfare Officer sanctions; funds disbursed directly via DBT/PFMS into student bank account.

Official Government Application Portal

You will be redirected to the secure official portal: scholarships.gov.in

Apply on official government website

Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)

Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.

Can ST students studying in central universities or IITs apply for PMS-ST?

Yes, ST students pursuing courses in recognized central universities, IITs, NITs, and state universities are fully eligible.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

What is the family income ceiling for the Post-Matric ST Scholarship?

The annual family income ceiling is ₹2,50,000 per annum from all sources.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Is there any restriction on the number of children from the same family?

All children of the same parents who qualify are eligible for the scholarship.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings

Family income exceeding ₹2.50 lakh; student pursuing equivalent course after completing one; fake ST certificate; incomplete college verification.

Editorial Verification & Change Log

DateFieldDescription / UpdateSource Citation
2026-09-16initial_verificationBaseline verification of PMS-ST guidelines, fee reimbursement norms, and tribal DBT workflows.Official Source ↗

Application Window & Deadlines

Annual academic window: July through December

Deadline: 2026-12-31

Related Welfare Programs

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY / Skill India)

Skill certification and vocational training scheme under MSDE offering free industry-relevant job-role training, NSQF certification, and placement support.

Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN / Mid-Day Meal Scheme)

National school nutrition programme providing free nutritious hot cooked meals to primary and upper-primary children in government and aided schools.

Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students (Classes IX & X)

Centrally sponsored academic scholarship providing ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 annual financial support to Scheduled Caste students in Class IX and X.

Official Helpline & Nodal Offices

Scholarship Division, Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Shastri Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi - 110001

Helpline: 011-23386176 / 0120-6619540 (NSP Helpdesk)

Jurisdiction: National (All-India)

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Verification Metadata

Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-09-16 against official government documentation.

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