Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship Scheme
Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu · Tamil Nadu
| Scheme Name | Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship Scheme |
| Provided By | Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Eligibility Summary | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional · SC, ST, SCA, SCC · Tamil Nadu residents · No income limit |
About the Program
Detailed guide to the Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship Scheme in Tamil Nadu. Learn about eligibility criteria, selection of top 2,000 SC/ST students, and renewal details.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹3k+
Selected students receive an annual financial grant of ₹3,000. The scholarship is awarded for a maximum duration of five consecutive years, provided the student continues their higher education. The funds are disbursed directly into the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
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Financial grant of ₹3,000 per year.
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Renewable for a maximum duration of 5 years to cover undergraduate or integrated courses.
Note: No income ceiling applies for this scholarship. It is awarded purely on academic merit.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional |
| Course / Stream | All Streams |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | SC, ST, SCA, SCC |
| Domicile State | Tamil Nadu |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Class 12 Marksheet (Plus Two Public Exam marks)
- ✓Community Certificate
- ✓Aadhaar Card
- ✓Bank Account Passbook
- ✓College Admission Proof
Selection Process
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Candidates are selected based on their academic performance in the Plus 2 Public Examinations
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The scheme aims to support 1000 boys and 1000 girls who belong to the Adi Dravidar, Tribal, and Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities and are among the top scorers in the state in their Plus 2 examinations.
Renewal Policy
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The scholarship is granted for five consecutive years, subject to annual verification that the student is continuing their higher education without interruption
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If a student discontinues their higher education at any point during this period, they will no longer be eligible for the award.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Obtain Application Form
Collect the application form from your concerned educational institution after the Plus 2 Public Examination results are announced.
- 2Fill the Form
Complete all required fields in the application form accurately. Paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required).
- 3Attach Documents
Attach self-attested copies of all necessary documents. These typically include: * Proof of identity (Aadhaar card). * Caste certificate (Adi Dravidar/Tribal/Adi Dravidar converted to Christian). * Class 12 Marksheet (Plus 2 Public Exam marks). * Proof of continuing education (admission/enrolment certificate from your higher education institution). * Bank account details (ensure your bank account is linked with your Aadhaar for DBT).
- 4Submit Application
Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with all required documents to your educational institution.
- 5Get Acknowledgment
Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority at your institution, ensuring it contains essential details like the date and time of submission. (Note: While some sources mention online submission, the detailed steps provided consistently indicate the application process originates and is submitted through educational institutions. Students are advised to confirm the current application method with their institution.)
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the Chief Minister's Merit Scholarship Scheme?
The Chief Minister's Merit Scholarship Scheme (also known as Chief Minister Merit Award) aims to support 1000 boys and 1000 girls from Adi Dravidar, Tribal, and Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities, based on their Plus 2 Public Examination marks, by offering ₹3,000 per year for five years, provided they continue their higher education.
Who is eligible for the Chief Minister's Merit Scholarship Scheme?
Students who are residents of Tamil Nadu and belong to the Adi Dravidar, Tribal, or Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities are eligible. They must have passed the Plus 2 Public Examination and be continuing their higher education, being among the top 1000 boys and 1000 girls in these examinations.
Is there an income limit for eligibility for this scholarship?
No, there is no income limit for eligibility for the Chief Minister's Merit Scholarship Scheme. It is awarded purely on academic merit.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu website before final submission.