The Government of India has extended the Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students for 2025-26, offering ₹3,000 to ₹6,250 per year for Class 9 and 10 students, plus ₹9,600 additional support for disabled ST students. Learn full eligibility, income norms, benefits, documents required and how to apply through the National Scholarship Portal.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students 2025-26: Full Details, Eligibility & How to Apply
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 21, 2025: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has extended the Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students for the academic year 2025-26, ensuring financial support for lakhs of tribal children studying in Classes 9 and 10. This Centrally Sponsored Scheme continues to play a vital role in preventing dropouts at the critical secondary level and enabling tribal students to transition confidently toward higher education.
Introduced to address the high dropout rate after Class 8, the scholarship directly transfers annual assistance to the bank accounts of eligible ST students through the DBT system. The support covers books, stationery, study material and hostel expenses, reducing the financial burden faced by poor tribal households.
Scholarship Amount for 2025-26 (Per Year)
The assistance under the Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students is structured as follows:
Day Scholars
- Scholarship: ₹225 per month → ₹2,250 per year
- Books & Ad-hoc Grant: ₹750 per year
- Total: ₹3,000 per year
Hostellers
- Scholarship: ₹525 per month → ₹5,250 per year
- Books & Ad-hoc Grant: ₹1,000 per year
- Total: ₹6,250 per year
Additional Support for Disabled ST Students
- Extra ₹800 per month → ₹9,600 per year
This ensures inclusive support for students with disabilities, especially those facing additional challenges in accessing education.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025-26
Students can apply for the scheme if they meet the following conditions:
- Must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community
- Studying in Class 9 or 10 in a government or recognised private school
- Family’s annual income must be ≤ ₹2.50 lakh
- Income certificate required only once in Class 9
- Aadhaar-linked bank account is mandatory (DBT benefit)
- Cannot receive any other scholarship simultaneously
- Benefit available only once per class
- Orphans: Income criteria waived if supported by a guardian
How Family Income Is Calculated
- Both parents alive → Combined income
- Single parent → Only that parent’s income
- Income of siblings or extended family not included
- Gross annual income considered; tax deductions not excluded
Key Features of the Scheme (2021-22 to 2025-26)
The Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students includes several student-centric provisions:
- Fully funded by the Government of India
- DBT directly to student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account
- Applicable across all States and Union Territories
- Additional allowance for ST students with disabilities
- Same income certificate valid for both Classes 9 and 10
- Domicile rule applies, ensuring students apply from their home state
These features make the scheme among India’s most consistent and accessible scholarship programmes for tribal youth.
How to Apply for 2025-26
Applications must be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): scholarships.gov.in
Step-by-Step Process
- Register/Login on the NSP portal
- Select Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students (Class 9–10)
- Fill in student details accurately
- Upload required documents:
- Aadhaar card
- ST certificate
- Income certificate
- Bank details
- Bonafide certificate from school
- Submit application for Institute → District → State level verification
The portal typically opens between July and August, so early submission is strongly recommended.
Must Read: SBI Scholarship 2025: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship
Why This Scholarship Matters for Tribal Education
The Classes 8–9 transition has historically recorded the highest dropout rates among Scheduled Tribe communities due to financial constraints. With annual support ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹6,250, and an additional ₹9,600 for disabled students, the Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students provides essential assistance for books, uniforms, transportation and hostel costs.
This timely funding helps bridge the educational gap and ensures that tribal students do not discontinue studies due to a lack of resources.
Key Takeaways: Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students (2025-26)
- Scholarship of ₹3,000 for day scholars and ₹6,250 for hostellers
- Disabled ST students receive ₹9,600 additional allowance
- Applicable for Class 9 and 10 across India
- Annual family income must be ≤ ₹2.50 lakh
- DBT transfer to Aadhaar-seeded bank account
- Income certificate valid for two years (Class 9 & 10)
- Application through NSP portal – scholarships.gov.in
- Orphans eligible without income criteria
- Aimed at reducing dropout and supporting secondary education
Official Portal: scholarships.gov.in
For Assistance: Contact school principal or District Tribal Welfare Officer