Madhya Pradesh government runs Ashram Schools (Scheduled Tribes) for tribal students who need free hostel, free mess and study support along with their school education. Tribal Affairs Department currently runs about 1,083 ashram schools across the state for students of class 1 to 5 and class 6 to 8, and admissions for the 2026-27 session are being handled at the school and block level.
A fresh update came on 1 July 2026. Monthly scholarship for students living in ST hostels and ashrams has been revised to ₹1,720 per month for boys and ₹1,770 per month for girls for the 2026-27 session. This revision was done as per the March consumer price index, so students get a little more money for food, study material and daily needs.
Ashram Schools (Scheduled Tribes) Madhya Pradesh 2026
Scheme started on 1 January 1966 under Tribal Welfare and Scheduled Caste Welfare Department of Madhya Pradesh. Main aim is simple. A tribal child should not drop out of school just because there is no school nearby, or no money at home for stay and food.
Students get a room inside the campus, three-time mess food, study space and teacher support. Since stay and food are free, families do not carry that cost. Enhanced scholarship money is paid on top of it, straight into the student bank account.
Scholarship Rates from 1 July 2026
New rates apply to students staying in ST ashram schools and hostels for the academic session 2026-27. Rates were announced by Tribal Affairs Department at the end of June 2026 and payment of the higher amount started from 1 July 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ashram Schools (Scheduled Tribes) |
| Launched By | Government of Madhya Pradesh |
| Launch Date | 1 January 1966 |
| Main Department | Tribal Affairs Department, Madhya Pradesh |
| Eligible People | Scheduled Tribe students of class 1 to 8 in government schools |
| Benefit | Free hostel, free mess, study support |
| Monthly Scholarship (2026-27) | ₹1,720 for boys, ₹1,770 for girls |
| Number of Ashram Schools | Around 1,083 |
| Application Mode | Online through MPTAAS and offline at school level |
| Help Number | 1800-2333-951 |
| Official Website | tribal.mp.gov.in |
How to Apply Online
Online profile registration is done on MPTAAS, the same system used for tribal scholarships in the state. Registration is free and can be done from home or from a common service centre.
STEP 1 - Open the MPTAAS portal of Tribal Affairs Department.
STEP 2 - Click on the New Beneficiary Profile Registration option and create your profile with Aadhaar and Samagra ID.
STEP 3 - Fill every field marked with a star sign, and check the spelling of your name, caste and school details before moving ahead.
STEP 4 - Upload scanned copies of caste certificate, domicile certificate and last class marksheet in the size limit shown on the screen.
STEP 5 - Submit the form and note down the registration number that appears. Keep it safe, it is needed for status check later.
STEP 6 - Log in again with the same ID, select the ashram school or hostel scheme from the list and click Submit Application.
How to Apply Offline
Many families in tribal blocks still prefer the paper form. That option is open.
STEP 1 - Meet the Hostel Superintendent, Block Education Officer or the school Principal and ask for the ashram school admission form.
STEP 2 - Fill the form in clear handwriting and paste a recent passport-size photo on it.
STEP 3 - Attach self-attested copies of all required documents with the form.
STEP 4 - Submit it to the same office and collect the receipt. That receipt is your proof of submission.
Who Can Apply
Rules are basic and the same for boys and girls. Before filling the form, check these points once.
- Student must be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh with a valid domicile certificate.
- Student must belong to Scheduled Tribe category and hold a caste certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Student must be studying in a government school in Madhya Pradesh, mostly in class 1 to 8 for ashram schools.
Benefits You Get
Support is given in two ways. Some of it is in kind, like room and food, and some of it is cash paid every month.
- Free stay in the ashram school campus with basic furniture, bedding and safe drinking water.
- Free mess food every day, so parents do not spend on the child daily meals during the session.
- Monthly scholarship of ₹1,720 for boys and ₹1,770 for girls from 1 July 2026 for the 2026-27 session.
Documents Required
Keep these papers ready in one folder before you go to the school or start the online form. Missing papers are the most common reason for delay.
Passport-size photo, Aadhaar card, Madhya Pradesh domicile certificate, ST caste certificate, previous class marksheet or passing certificate, Samagra ID, and bank passbook copy of the student account. Some blocks also ask for an income certificate or a parent declaration, so ask the school office once.
Help Number and Contact
For problems in profile registration or scholarship payment, the department help desk number is 1800-2333-951, which is toll free. Email can be sent to helpdesk.tribal@mp.gov.in. For hostel seat and admission questions, the block level Assistant Commissioner office of Tribal Affairs Department is the right place to visit.
Related Schemes
Students who finish class 8 in an ashram school usually move to hostels and post matric support. Details of those are given in these guides on Integrated Hostel Scheme, Post Matric Scholarship for class 11th, 12th and college and Chhatrawas (Scheduled Caste).
References
For further details, see these official pages.
Tribal Affairs Department, Madhya Pradesh
FAQ's
What is Ashram Schools (Scheduled Tribes) scheme?
It is a Madhya Pradesh scheme that gives Scheduled Tribe students free hostel stay, free mess food and study support inside residential ashram schools, along with a monthly scholarship.
How much scholarship is given in 2026-27?
Boys get ₹1,720 per month and girls get ₹1,770 per month. These revised rates are being paid from 1 July 2026.
Who can take admission?
ST students who are permanent residents of Madhya Pradesh and studying in a government school, mainly class 1 to 8, can take admission subject to seat availability.
Is the stay and food really free?
Yes, room and mess food are given free in ashram schools. The monthly scholarship is paid separately into the student bank account.
Can private school students apply?
No, this facility is for students studying in government schools of Madhya Pradesh.
Which portal is used for online registration?
MPTAAS portal of Tribal Affairs Department is used for profile registration and scheme application.
Whom to contact if payment is not received?
Call the toll free help desk on 1800-2333-951 or write to helpdesk.tribal@mp.gov.in with your registration number.