AI SummaryPudhumai Penn Scheme in Tamil Nadu gives girl students monthly financial support so they can continue their studies without money problems. This scheme, officially called Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme, is one of the main steps taken by the Tamil Nadu government to promote girls' education.
Pudhumai Penn Scheme was launched on 5 September 2022 and gives eligible girls ₹1,000 every month until they complete their undergraduate, diploma, ITI or other recognized higher education course. On 25 September 2025, former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin confirmed the expansion of this scheme under the "Tamil Nadu Excels in Education" program. The scheme continues in 2026-27, and the state budget has set aside ₹512 crore for it this year.
Through this scheme, lakhs of girls studying in government and government-aided schools are able to continue their higher education confidently. It is reducing school and college dropouts and also helping delay early marriages in poor families.
How to Apply Online for Pudhumai Penn Scheme
Applications are completed through the Penkalvi online portal at penkalvi.tn.gov.in. Students register on the portal, and the school or college verifies and forwards the application. As of now, the official portal shows that registrations for the latest phase are closed, so students should contact their college nodal officer to know the next opening window.
Application Steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Penkalvi portal at penkalvi.tn.gov.in or use the link provided by the institution.
STEP 2 - Register with the student's mobile number and complete the OTP verification on the login page.
STEP 3 - Enter personal, school and course details, and add the student's own bank account information.
STEP 4 - Upload scanned documents such as Aadhaar, residence proof, transfer certificate and the parent's mobile number.
STEP 5 - Submit the application, and the institution verifies and forwards it for approval.
Students who missed earlier registration camps can still apply by approaching their school or college principal.
Also Read: Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Scheme
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting the application:
- Aadhaar card or voter ID for identity proof.
- Residence proof to show permanent stay in Tamil Nadu.
- Transfer certificate from school as proof of studying in Class 6-12 in a government school.
- Parent or guardian's mobile number for OTP and updates.
- Bank account details in the student's own name; zero balance accounts can also be opened for students.
Eligibility for Pudhumai Penn Scheme
To apply for the scheme, a student must meet these conditions:
- Must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Must be a girl student who studied in Class 6-12 in a government or government-aided school.
- Must be enrolled in a recognized UG, ITI, diploma or other higher education course in Tamil Nadu. Only the first higher education course is counted.
- Students doing distance education, correspondence or open university courses are not eligible. There is no family income limit and no minimum marks requirement.
Benefits of Pudhumai Penn Scheme
The scheme gives both financial and social benefits to girl students:
- Every eligible girl gets ₹1,000 per month directly into her Aadhaar-seeded bank account through DBT.
- The benefit continues until the completion of her first higher education course (UG, ITI, diploma, etc.).
- Other scholarships do not affect eligibility; students can get both together.
- No limit on the number of daughters in a family; all eligible girls can receive benefits.
- Around 6 lakh students can benefit every year, and 5,29,728 girl students received the benefit in 2025-26.
- Encourages parents to support their daughters' education instead of early marriage.
Highlights of Pudhumai Penn Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme (Pudhumai Penn Scheme) |
| Launched On | 5 September 2022 (announced in the state budget speech on 18 March 2022) |
| Beneficiaries | Girl students from government schools (Class 6-12) pursuing their first higher education course |
| Benefit | ₹1,000 per month till completion of first UG, diploma or ITI course |
| Mode of Transfer | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank accounts |
| Beneficiaries in 2025-26 | 5,29,728 girl students |
| Budget 2026-27 | ₹512 crore allocated in the state budget |
| Portal | Pudhumai Penn official page of Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Department |
| Helpline | 044-24351885, mraheas@gmail.com |
Latest Update on Pudhumai Penn Scheme
On 25 September 2025, Tamil Nadu showed its educational progress at the "Tamil Nadu Excels in Education" event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. The Pudhumai Penn Scheme was expanded to reach more students. Former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin pointed out at the event that this scheme, along with the Tamil Pudhalvan Scheme for boys, is shaping a stronger future for Tamil Nadu.
For 2026-27, the state budget has set aside ₹512 crore for Pudhumai Penn Thittam. The budget details are available on the Tamil Nadu Finance Department budget page. Around 5.29 lakh girl students received the monthly support in 2025-26.
FAQ's
Who can apply for Pudhumai Penn scheme?
Girl students of Tamil Nadu who studied in Class 6-12 in government schools and are now enrolled in UG, ITI, diploma or other recognized higher education courses.
Can a student take this benefit along with other scholarships?
Yes, the scheme allows students to continue receiving other scholarships too.
How is the money given to students?
The amount of ₹1,000 is directly transferred every month to the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
Can multiple daughters from one family apply?
Yes, there is no restriction. All eligible daughters in a family can apply and get benefits.
What is the helpline contact number?
You can call the helpline at 044-24351885 or email mraheas@gmail.com.