Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Overview
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) is designed to support underprivileged students in securing admission or employment through competitive exams for which the minimum requirement is Class 12 pass. The scheme provides up to INR 1,20,000 for coaching fees for a wide range of exams like NEET, JEE Main, CLAT, NDA, TOEFL, SAT, CA-CPT, RRB, Banking, Insurance, State Police, and CPL Courses. The scholarship is provided by the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment works to promote the welfare and upliftment of disadvantaged and marginalised communities, such as Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and individuals affected by drug abuse. Through its policies, programmes, legislation, and institutional support, the Ministry strives to enable these groups to become self-reliant and actively participate in the nation’s development journey.
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Scholarship | Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) |
| Provider Name | Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. |
| Scholarship Type | Need-Based |
| Eligibility |
|
| Award | Up to INR 1,20,000 |
| Application Mode | Online through the Buddy4Study portal |
| Direct Application Link | Click here |
| Academic Session | 2025-26 |
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Key Dates
The application process for the Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) 2025-26 is currently open. Interested candidates are advised to complete and submit their application forms on or before the last date to avoid any last-minute issues or delays.
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Application Dates
| Event | Dates |
| Last Date to Apply | August 03, 2025 |
Note: The deadline mentioned above may be subject to change at the discretion of the scholarship provider.
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Eligibility Criteria
- Open for students belonging to De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.
- Applicants must be willing to pursue coaching for competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE Main, CLAT, NDA, TOEFL, SAT, CA-CPT, RRB, Banking, Insurance, State Police, and CPL Courses.
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 or are currently studying in Class 12 to be eligible for this scheme.
- Students must have secured the minimum marks required in the competitive exam for which coaching is sought, as per the guidelines of that exam.
- The annual family income of the applicants must be less than or equal to ₹8,00,000.
- Applicants should not be availing of similar benefits (waiver for coaching classes) from any other Central Government or State Government Scheme.
Note:
- If the student has not yet appeared for the exam or if the result has not been declared, marks from the previous exam (Board exam) will be considered.
- For exams with two stages (Preliminary and Mains), priority will be given to students who have qualified at least once in the Preliminary stage.
- A student can avail the benefits under the scheme a maximum of two times, regardless of the number of attempts allowed for the competitive examination.
- Students may enroll in any coaching institute of their choice, either online or offline.
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) 2025-26 Awards
Selected students can receive up to INR 1,20,000 to cover coaching fees for various competitive exams. Additionally, a monthly stipend of up to INR 4,000 is provided, along with a special allowance of INR 2,000 for students with disabilities. These benefits aim to support and empower students from marginalized DNT communities.
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Tuition Fee Aid Amount
| Course | Maximum Total Course Fee | Minimum Duration of the course (in months) |
| RRB and State Police | ₹40,000 | 6 months |
| Banking/Insurance/CLAT | ₹50,000 | 6 months |
| JEE Main and NEET | ₹1,20,000 | 9 months (not exceeding 12 months) |
| TOEFL/SAT | ₹35,000 | 3 months |
| CA-CPT | ₹75,000 | 9 months |
| CPL Courses | ₹30,000 | 6 months |
| NDA | ₹50,000 | 3 months |
Note: A minimum physical coaching of 16 hours per week will be mandatory for all the above courses.
| Category | Amount | Duration |
| Local students attending the coaching institute | ₹1,500 per month | For one year or until the completion of the course duration, whichever is shorter. |
| Outstation students attending the coaching institute | ₹4,000 per month | For one year or until the completion of the course duration, whichever is shorter. |
Special Allowance Under the Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) 2025-26
A special allowance of ₹2,000 per month will be provided to students with disabilities for expenses such as reader allowance, escort allowance, and helper allowance. To receive this special allowance, students must have a valid disability certificate indicating a disability of 40% or more. This allowance will be provided for the duration of the course or for one year, whichever is less.
Note:
- These limits for fees, stipends, special allowances, etc., will be subject to periodic review by the competent authorities in MoSJE, in accordance with the practices and rates followed by other departments/ministries of the central government.
- Fees must be paid to the tuition provider within 3 months of receiving the first installment; otherwise, the second installment of the scholarship will be withheld and the first installment must be returned to the government.
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) 2025-26 Application Process
The application process for the Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) 2025-26 can be completed online, and students need to visit Buddy4Study.com to fill out the application form. The detailed steps are as follows.
Step 1: Visit the official Buddy4Study page to apply for the scholarship (buddy4study.com/page/free-coaching-for-dnt-students-under-seed-scheme)
Step 2: Scroll down and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Step 3: Now, log in to Buddy4Study with your registered ID or register for an account. If not registered, you can click on the ‘Create an Account’ button, provide your Email/Mobile number/Gmail account and then choose a password to create an account.
Step 4: You will now be redirected to the ‘Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) 2025-26’ application form page.
Step 5: Click the ‘Start Application’ button to begin the application process.
Step 6: Fill in the ‘Check Your Eligibility’ form to ensure that you are eligible for this scholarship.
Step 7: Fill in the required details in the online application form and upload the relevant documents.
Step 8: You need to check all the boxes and accept the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and click on ‘Preview’. Check the image below for more information.
Step 9: Do a final check of all the information you entered in the Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) 2025-26 application form, and then hit the ‘Submit’ button to complete the process.
Documents Needed for Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Application Process
Listed below are the important documents which you need to prepare before you start the Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) application process.
- Recent passport-size photograph (4.5 cm X 3.5 cm, size below 100 KB)
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, etc.)
- DNT Certificate or caste certificates issued by the competent authority of their respective states, which clearly mention the sub caste of the applicant.
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Proof of family income (any one of the following):
- An income certificate issued by a Revenue Officer, not below the rank of Tehsildar
- Employed parents/guardians must obtain an income certificate from their employer
- Employed parents/guardians should also obtain a consolidated certificate from the Revenue Officer for any additional source of income
- Bank account details of the applicant, linked to their Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook copy
- Admission confirmation/assurance letter from the coaching institute, preferably stating the fees
- A declaration stating that the applicant is not availing of a scholarship from any other similar Central/State Government scheme
- Disability certificate issued by the concerned authority (indicating a disability of 40% or more), if applicable
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Selection Process
The selection process for the Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) involves a multi-stage process as detailed below –
- Merit List Creation: After the application portal closes, the IT system will generate merit lists for both levels of competitive examinations based on the submitted candidate information.
- Application Review: Applications will be reviewed in merit order for eligibility. Incomplete or ineligible applications will be rejected.
- Screening Committee: The finalised merit lists will be reviewed by a Screening Committee, which will recommend the selected candidates.
- Verification: Selected candidates will receive the scheme benefits after credential verification. The merit list will be uploaded on the Ministry’s website
Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) Contact Details
For any queries related to the scholarship program such as eligibility, application deadlines, document requirements, or disbursal details, students can get in touch with the scholarship provider via phone or email.
Contact Information for Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) 2025-26
| Particulars | Details | Timings |
| Phone
Number |
011-430-92248 (Ext number: 357) | Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (IST) |
| Email Address | mosje@buddy4study.com | Any time |
FAQs
Who are ‘De-notified Tribes’?
De-notified tribes are those that were notified under the Criminal Tribes Acts (CTA) enforced during British Rule. The Act was repealed and these communities were officially de-notified by the Indian Government in 1952 on the basis of recommendations of a Committee constituted under Shri Ananthasayanam Ayyangar in 1950.
What is the selection process for this scheme?
The selection process for the Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) involves a multi-stage process: Merit List Creation, Application Review, Screening Committee Review, and Credential Verification. The final merit list is uploaded on the Ministry's website.
How will the scholarship funds be disbursed to me?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment transfers the scholarship amount directly to the scholar’s bank account based on actual expenses incurred.
I am taking coaching for the GATE examination. Am I eligible for this scheme?
No, students who are taking coaching for the GATE exam are not eligible to apply for the Free Coaching for DNT Students under the SEED scheme.
I passed my Class 12 in 2022 and I am currently preparing for the JEE entrance exam. Am I eligible for this scholarship?
Yes, you are eligible to apply for this scholarship, provided you meet the specified eligibility criteria.
I am currently pursuing graduation and preparing for the Banking examination for a clerical position. Can I apply for this scheme?
Yes, you may apply for this scheme if you are preparing for a bank exam for which the minimum qualifying exam is a Class 12 pass.
Which competitive examinations will be considered eligible under this scheme?
The following competitive exams are eligible: NEET, JEE Main, CLAT, NDA, TOEFL, SAT, CA-CPT, RRB, Banking, Insurance, State Police, and CPL Courses. Only exams with Class 12 as the minimum eligibility criterion are considered.
What is a De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs) certificate?
The DNT, NT, and SNT certificate is an official document verifying a person’s belonging to De-notified, Nomadic, or Semi-Nomadic Tribes in India. State governments are categorising these communities under SC, ST, or OBC lists, followed by sub-categorisation in their certificates.
Why are the DNT, NT, and SNT certificates important?
This certificate is a crucial identity document for availing benefits under this scheme.
Who is eligible to apply for a DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?
Individuals belonging to recognised ‘De-notified, Nomadic, or Semi-Nomadic Tribes’ in India are eligible to apply for this certificate.
How can I obtain the DNTs/NTs/SNTs certificate?
Apply through your state government portal or competent state authorities with required documents. You can also apply online via the DWBDNC portal. This certificate is essential for accessing benefits like education, financial aid, and welfare schemes.