AI SummaryOperation of Ashram Hostels is a welfare scheme of the Department of Tribal Area Development (TAD), Government of Rajasthan for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who cannot reach a nearby school because of distance or family money problems. The scheme gives free accommodation, meals, school uniform, toiletries and other daily needs inside TAD-run ashram hostels so that tribal students can continue their studies without interruption.
For the 2026-27 academic session, online applications for admission in TAD ashram hostels, sports hostels and residential schools were invited through the official website tad.rajasthan.gov.in, under the link "ONLINE PORTAL FOR ADMISSION IN TAD HOSTELS AND SCHOOLS (2026-27)". The last date, which was first fixed as 12 March 2026, was extended to 19 March 2026 by a letter from the Commissioner, Tribal Area Development Department, Udaipur. Admission in these hostels is based on merit.
Operation of Ashram Hostels - Introduction
Operation of Ashram Hostels covers both yearly and monthly essentials to keep tribal students comfortable and focused on their studies. If a student lives in a village where the school is far away, or the family cannot pay for food and staying arrangements, this scheme gives a safe and supportive place to live near the school. The Department of Tribal Area Development runs these hostels across Rajasthan and all facilities are provided free of cost.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Operation of Ashram Hostels |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Rajasthan |
| Category | Education & Learning, Housing & Shelter |
| Benefit Type | In-Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Tribal Area Development Department, Rajasthan |
| Official Website | tad.rajasthan.gov.in |
Benefits
Students who get a seat in a TAD ashram hostel receive both yearly and monthly support. The yearly items are given once in a session, while food and daily care items are provided every month. Below is the full list of benefits under the scheme:
| Frequency | Benefit Items |
|---|---|
| Annually | School uniform (with stitching), shoes, socks, a towel, and a warm sweater |
| Monthly | Nutritious breakfast and meals, hair oil, bathing and washing soap, hair cutting service, laundry for bed linens, electricity and water facilities, newspapers, and magazines |
Eligibility
To get hostel support under this scheme, a student should meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Rajasthan and belong to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
- There should be no primary school within 1.5 km, no upper primary school within 3 km, and no secondary or higher secondary school within 5 km of the applicant's home.
- The family should not be income tax payers.
- The family should own no more than 400 square yards of urban land or 15 bighas of agricultural land.
- The student should pass the current academic year to remain eligible for the next year.
- The student should apply for a hostel within the district where they live.
For example, if Rahul is an ST student from a remote village in Udaipur who passes his class exams and meets the land ownership and distance rules, he can apply for a hostel seat. New admissions in these hostels are purely merit-based, and priority is given to students who live in the tribal areas served by that particular hostel.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready with you before applying for hostel admission:
- Caste Certificate - proof that the applicant belongs to a Scheduled Tribe community.
- Educational Marksheet or Certificate - from the last class passed, to check merit.
- Income Certificate - to show that the family is not an income tax payer.
- Jan Aadhar or Bhamashah Card - for identification and family details of Rajasthan residents.
Application Process
For the 2026-27 session, TAD announced admission in ashram hostels, sports hostels and residential schools through an online portal on the department website. Applications are also accepted through E-Mitra kiosks, as per the earlier procedure. Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Gather all required documents, including caste certificate, previous marksheet, income proof and Jan Aadhar or Bhamashah card.
STEP 2 - Visit the nearest E-Mitra center and complete the biometric verification process there.
STEP 3 - Ask the E-Mitra agent to fill the application form accurately and upload all required documents, or apply directly on the TAD admission portal at tad.rajasthan.gov.in.
STEP 4 - Collect the acknowledgment receipt carefully, since it is needed later for checking the application status and for the merit list.
The department also runs a separate online admission process for government and aided hostels and residential schools under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department through the SJMS portal at sjmsnew.rajasthan.gov.in. Students can check the hostel related rules there as well. For any technical problem, the hostel help number of the department can be used.
References
Official Guidelines and Details
Rules for Operation of Hostels - SJE Rajasthan
SJMS Hostel Portal - Institutional Details
FAQ's
Who can apply for this scheme?
Only Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who are permanent residents of Rajasthan and meet the economic and distance criteria should apply.
What are the main benefits provided?
Students get free food, school uniform, shoes, toiletries, grooming services, utility access and learning materials inside the hostel.
Is there any income limit?
Yes, the parents or guardians must not be income tax payers, and the family land holdings must stay within 400 square yards of urban land or 15 bighas of agricultural land.
What was the last date for admission in 2026-27?
The online application last date, first fixed as 12 March 2026, was extended to 19 March 2026 for the 2026-27 session.
How is admission decided?
All new admissions are purely merit-based, with priority to students living in the tribal areas served by the hostel.
Is there an application fee?
No, the process is completely free of cost.
Is this scheme open to other castes?
No, this scheme is exclusively for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
Can students from other states apply?
No, this scheme is only for permanent residents of Rajasthan.
What documents are mandatory?
Caste certificate, previous marksheet, income certificate and Jan Aadhar or Bhamashah card are required for the application.
How do I apply?
Visit an E-Mitra kiosk or use the official website at tad.rajasthan.gov.in. Hostel and residential school admission under the SJE department can also be done through the SJMS portal at sjmsnew.rajasthan.gov.in.
Can urban residents apply?
Yes, provided the family does not own more than 400 square yards of urban land.