Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Award to Scheduled Caste Students is a state-level scheme run by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department in Puducherry. It gives a cash award of ₹15,000 to the top-ranking boy and girl student in each region of Pondicherry, Karaikal and Yanam who score at least 55% marks in the Higher Secondary Examination.
The scheme is open for the 2025-26 academic year, and the department has released a fresh notice for its implementation in the Yanam region. Eligible Scheduled Caste students who clear their Class 12 exams with the required marks can apply through the district offices of the department.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Award to Scheduled Caste Students - Overview
This award honours meritorious Scheduled Caste students who perform well in their Class 12 board exams. One top-ranking boy and one top-ranking girl student are chosen from each of the three regions of the Union Territory, namely Pondicherry, Karaikal and Yanam. The chosen students get a one-time cash award of ₹15,000 as a mark of appreciation for their hard work.
The scheme is run by the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department of the Government of Puducherry. There is no income limit for this award, which means students from all income groups can apply as long as they meet the basic residence and caste conditions.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Award to Scheduled Caste Students |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Benefit Type | Cash Award |
| Amount | ₹15,000 |
| Category | Education and Social Welfare |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Benefits
Selected students receive a one-time cash award of ₹15,000. Along with the money, the award also brings recognition for academic excellence in the region, which can help students in their future education and career.
Eligibility
To apply for this award, students need to meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must belong to a Scheduled Caste community and hold a valid caste certificate.
- The applicant must have cleared the Higher Secondary Examination with at least 55% marks in the aggregate.
- The applicant must be a native or permanent resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
- There is no income limit, so students from any family income group can apply.
Application Process
The application process for this award is done offline through the department offices. Students should follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the local office or sub-office of the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department in your region during official working hours.
STEP 2 - Ask the authorised staff for the prescribed application form and collect it from the office.
STEP 3 - Fill in all the required details correctly, attach a recent passport-sized photograph, and include self-attested copies of all supporting documents.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application to the designated officer and collect a formal receipt or acknowledgment that shows the submission date and reference details.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before filling the application form:
- Residence or nativity certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Caste certificate confirming Scheduled Caste status.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Aadhaar Card and copies of bank account details.
- Attested copies of the Higher Secondary examination mark sheet.
If the applicant does not have an Aadhaar Card, they can provide the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of these identity documents: bank passbook with photo, PAN Card, Passport, Ration Card, Voter ID, MGNREGA Card, Kisan Photo Passbook, Driving License, or a photo identity certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar.
References
Check 2025-26 Yanam Implementation Notice
FAQ's
How does this scheme support Scheduled Caste students?
It gives a cash award of ₹15,000 to top-performing Scheduled Caste students, which honours their academic work and gives them money support for future studies.
Is 55% the minimum requirement for eligibility?
Yes, students must secure at least 55% marks in the aggregate in the Higher Secondary Examination to be eligible for the award.
Are there specific age rules for this award?
There are no specific age rules mentioned. The focus is on academic performance in the Higher Secondary level as a Scheduled Caste student.
Can students from Yanam or Karaikal apply?
Yes, the award is open to top-ranking students from the Pondicherry, Karaikal and Yanam regions.
How much is the cash award?
Eligible winners receive a cash award of ₹15,000.
Is there any fee to apply for the scheme?
No, the application process is free. Students should not pay any charges for the application form.
Can residents from other states apply?
No, this award is only for permanent residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry who have lived there for at least 5 years.
Is there a specific deadline to apply?
The department issues a notice each year for the implementation of the award. Students should check with their regional department office for the current year's application dates.