National Level ST Scholarships 2025
National level ST scholarships are centrally funded schemes available to eligible Scheduled Tribe students across India, regardless of their state of residence. These scholarships aim to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs for school, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies, both in India and abroad.
National Level ST Scholarships:
| Scholarship | Eligibility Highlights | Award/Benefits | Deadline |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship | ST students in Class 9/10, family income ≤₹2.5 lakh/year | Up to ₹350–₹525/month + ad hoc grants | 31 August 2025 |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (Class XI–PG/Postdoc) | ST students from Class 11 onward, recognized institutions, family income ≤₹2.5 lakh/year | Up to ₹1,200/month + tuition fee, allowances | 31 October 2025 |
| Top Class Education Scholarship
(Higher Edu.) |
ST students in IITs/NITs etc., income ≤₹2.5 lakh/year | Full tuition fee, living expenses, laptop | September – 15 December 2025 |
| National Overseas Scholarship | ST students, full-time PG/Ph.D abroad, age ≤35, income limits apply | Tuition fee, living expenses, travel grant | 15 July 2025 |
| National Fellowship for Higher Education (NFST) | ST students in full-time M.Phil/Ph.D (≤36 years old), 55% in PG | Up to ₹35,000/month + contingency grant | 31 October 2025 |
State/UT-Specific ST Scholarships 2025
While national schemes are open to all eligible ST students, each State and Union Territory runs its own centrally sponsored or state-funded ST scholarships. Eligibility, award amounts, and timelines vary according to the respective government’s rules. Applications are typically submitted through either the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the state’s own scholarship portal.
| State/UT | Pre-Matric Award | Post-Matric Award | Deadline |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Up to ₹525/month (IX–X) | Up to ₹1,200/month + benefits | Pre: October 2025
Post: December 2025 |
| Puducherry | Up to ₹350/month | Up to ₹1,200/month + benefits | September 2025 |
| Dadra-Nagar Haveli (DNHDD) | Up to ₹350/month | Up to ₹1,200/month + grants | Pre: August 2025
Post: October 2025 |
| Goa, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh | Up to ₹350–₹525/month | Up to ₹1,200/month | August – December
2025 (Tentative) |
Private Scholarships for ST Students 2025
While national and state governments in India offer significant financial support to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, a number of private organizations and corporate foundations also provide valuable scholarships. These private scholarships aim to bridge financial gaps, reward merit, and expand educational opportunities for underprivileged and deserving ST candidates at various academic levels.
| Scholarship Name | Target Group/Eligibility | Award/Benefits | Deadline |
| Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship | 1st-year UG, any stream, income <₹15 lakh | Up to ₹200,000 (full UG) | Closed for 2024–25, opens annually |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Scholarship | School (1–12), diploma/UG, income ≤₹2.5 lakh | Up to ₹75,000 | September 2025 (tentative) |
| Santoor Scholarship Program | 12th pass girls, specific states incl. ST | ₹24,000/year | September 2025 (tentative) |
| Virtusa Engineering Excellence Scholarship | 1st-year engineering; merit + need | ₹50,000 (one-time) | Rolling (Open all year) |
| Kotak Mahindra Scholarships | UG/PG, low-income | Up to ₹150,000/year | September 2025 (tentative) |
| JK Tyre Shiksha Sarthi Scholarship | School/college, low-income, ST/SC/OBC/merit | Up to ₹25,000 (one-time) | October 2025 (tentative) |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | PG/Ph.D, merit-based | Merit-based loan | March 2025 (tentative) |
| Panasonic Ratti Chhatr Scholarship | UG engineering, selected colleges | ₹70,250/year | September 2025 |
| Swami Dayanand Merit India Scholarship | UG, income ≤₹8 lakh | ₹20,000–₹50,000/year | September – October 2025 |
| Foundation for Excellence (FFE) | Engineering/Medical, strong merit | Tuition (actuals covered) | July – September 2025 |
| Vidyadhan Scholarship | Class 10 pass, ST/SC/OBC/merit, low-income | ₹6,000–₹60,000/year | June – September 2025 |
| IET India Scholarship Award | Engineering, merit | Up to ₹300,000 | March 2025 |
How to Apply for ST Scholarships 2025
Applying for Government Scholarships (National & State/UT Level):
- Visit the official portal: Government scholarships are primarily applied for online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Some states and UTs may have their own dedicated portals where applications can also be submitted.
- Register and log in: Create an account using your personal details or log in if you are already registered.
- Select the relevant scholarship: Choose the applicable ST scholarship scheme based on your education level and domicile.
- Fill in the application form carefully: Provide accurate details such as academic information, income details, and course information.
- Upload required documents (see Documents Required section below).
- Submit the form before the deadline: Be mindful of state/UT-specific deadlines.
- Track application status: NSP and state portals allow you to track the status of your scholarship application.
Applying for Private Scholarships:
- Individual application processes: Each private scholarship provider has its own application portal or process (some linked from popular scholarship aggregator sites like Buddy4Study).
- Online registration or direct application: Most private scholarships require online application, while some may also accept offline forms.
- Check eligibility criteria carefully: Private scholarships often target specific streams, income levels, or demographics.
- Prepare for additional selection rounds: Some schemes may require interviews, written tests, or financial verification.
- Adhere strictly to deadlines: Private scholarships often have fixed annual windows around mid-year or early academic sessions.
Documents Required for ST Scholarships 2025
Both government and private scholarships generally require the following documents at the time of application:
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) Caste Certificate issued by the competent authority
- Income Certificate proving annual family income as per scholarship criteria
- Aadhar Card or other valid ID proof for identity verification
- Domicile Certificate (especially for state/UT-specific scholarships)
- Marksheets and Certificates from the last qualifying examination
- Admission/Enrollment Certificate from the recognized institution
- Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Passport-sized photograph as per specifications
- Fee receipt or proof of tuition fee payment (if applicable)
- Additional documents as specified by particular schemes (e.g., disability certificate, income affidavits)
FAQs
Who is eligible for ST scholarships?
Students belonging to Scheduled Tribe communities who meet the income, academic, and age criteria as specified by each scholarship scheme are eligible.
Can I apply for both government and private scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships to maximize financial aid, provided you meet their eligibility requirements.
What is the difference between pre-matric and post-matric scholarships?
Pre-matric scholarships are for students in Classes 9 and 10, while post-matric scholarships cover Class 11 and above, including higher education.
Do I need to renew my scholarship every year?
Yes. Most scholarships require annual renewal by submitting progress reports and updated documents.
How will I receive the scholarship amount?
Scholarships are typically paid via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the student’s bank account.
What happens if I miss the application deadline?
Late applications are usually not accepted, so it is crucial to apply within the announced timelines.
Are scholarships available for research and overseas studies?
Yes. Schemes like the National Fellowship for Higher Education (NFST) and the National Overseas Scholarship support research and study abroad.
Can female ST students avail themselves of any special scholarships?
Yes. Many private scholarships and some government schemes offer special provisions or reservations for female ST students.