AI SummaryBorder Areas Scholarship gives financial support to students living in notified international border villages of Meghalaya so they can complete their studies up to the degree level. The scheme, started by the Border Areas Development Department of the Government of Meghalaya in 1973, still accepts fresh and renewal applications every year through the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education.
Students from economically weaker border families often struggle to continue school because of money problems. This scheme removes that handicap by offering a year-wise scholarship or stipend, awarded on the basis of promotion examinations. Applications are invited every year through an advertisement released by the department.
Border Areas Scholarship - Introduction
Border Areas Scholarship is a state-level scheme of Meghalaya. It was introduced after the partition of India in 1947, when people living along the Indo-Bangladesh border faced acute economic distress because normal trade channels with the neighbouring country were closed. Many students from those areas had to give up their studies midway because their parents could not afford it.
To remove this handicap, the Border Areas Development Department started giving financial assistance to students hailing from the international border areas under the name Border Areas Scholarship. The support covers students studying in higher secondary schools and colleges up to the degree level, so money matters do not stop a capable student from achieving educational goals.
As per the official Meghalaya government portal, the scheme is fully funded by the state and has no income ceiling. It is a grant or subsidy, which means a student enjoying this scholarship can also get benefit from any other scholarship scheme at the same time.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Border Areas Scholarship |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Meghalaya |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Students in notified border villages |
| Benefit Type | Cash scholarship and stipend |
| Nodal Department | Border Areas Development Department |
| Start Date | 1973 |
| Application Mode | Offline through head of institution |
Benefits
The scheme provides annual financial support so students can focus on their studies without stress. Benefits are awarded year-wise, provided the student passes the promotion examinations consecutively. It is designed to cover the full educational journey up to the degree level for students residing in a notified border village.
Since the scheme is a grant or subsidy, it does not stop a student from claiming any other scholarship at the same time. This makes it a useful extra source of money help for students who already get support from other state or central schemes.
Eligibility
To get the benefit, a student must live in a village officially notified as a border area village and meet the academic and conduct conditions set by the department. The main points are given below.
- Residence: The student should be a resident of a village officially notified as a Border Area village by the Border Areas Development Department.
- Income source: Parents must derive their entire income from within that specific border area.
- Academic progress: The student should pass the year-wise promotion examinations to keep receiving the help.
- Conduct and attendance: Good behavior, high attendance, and consistent academic progress must be maintained.
- Course completion: The student should complete the course without leaving midway.
Exclusions
Some students cannot claim this assistance even if they live in a border village. The department has set clear rules on who is not covered.
- Government employees: A student is not eligible if either parent is in government service.
- Research degrees: Students aiming for M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees cannot claim this assistance.
- Political activities: The scholarship is lost if a student joins any government political activities or strike demonstrations.
- Employed students: If a student is already employed while pursuing a B.Ed or M.Ed course, the scholarship cannot be received.
Application Process
Border Areas Scholarship follows an offline application process. The student has to reach out to the head of the school or college, who assists with the required forms and submission steps. Applications are submitted through the head of the institution to the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Shillong, once the advertisement is released every year.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Meghalaya government portal and open the Border Areas Scholarship page to check the latest advertisement and the revised application form for fresh and renewal applications.
STEP 2 - Download the application form from the official forms page and fill in all the required details correctly, including personal, academic, and residence information.
STEP 3 - Attach all the required documents, such as the residential certificate for the notified border area, academic mark sheets, and bank details.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed form to the head of your educational institution, who reviews it and forwards the application to the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Shillong.
Official Portal: Border Areas Scholarship Official Page
Application Form: You can download the revised application form here to get started.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while filling the application form so the process goes smoothly.
- Aadhaar Card for identity proof.
- Date of Birth Certificate to confirm age.
- Residential Certificate issued for the notified Border Area.
- Educational Certificates and previous year academic mark sheets.
- Recent passport size photograph for the form.
- Admission confirmation proof and bank account details for fund transfer.
- Valid photo ID along with an active email ID and mobile number.
References
Detailed Scheme Information | Official Application Page | Application Form | Education Department Website
FAQ's
Who can apply for this support program?
Any student living in a village officially recognized as a border area who meets the specific income and academic criteria can apply. The application is submitted through the head of the educational institution.
Is the program open to college students?
Yes, if you are studying in higher secondary or college up to the degree level, you may receive this support. The scheme covers studies from higher secondary school through the degree level.
How is the support amount decided each year?
The scholarship is awarded annually based on your promotion to the next class and your overall academic performance. Benefits are given year-wise on the basis of promotion examinations.
Can students who are already working apply?
No, if you are already employed, especially in a government role, you cannot claim this benefit. Employed students pursuing B.Ed or M.Ed are also not covered.
Is this benefit applicable to students pursuing B.Ed or M.Ed?
Yes, you are eligible for the B.Ed or M.Ed level as long as you are not currently employed while studying.
Are students pursuing higher research studies eligible?
No, this financial aid does not cover Ph.D. or M.Phil. research programs.
What happens if a student fails their promotion exam?
You may face a discontinuation of benefits if you do not pass your academic examinations, since the award depends on promotion to the next class.
Who verifies the eligibility of applicants?
The head of your institution reviews and forwards your application, and the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Shillong, conducts the final verification.
Is academic performance monitored throughout the course?
Yes, your financial support remains dependent on your regular attendance and satisfactory grades throughout the course.
Can a student reapply if the assistance was previously discontinued?
You may be able to reapply if you resume your studies, maintain good academic standards, and fulfill all current scheme conditions.