Madhya Pradesh government is running Chhatrawas (Scheduled Caste) scheme in 2026 to give free hostel stay to Scheduled Caste boys and girls studying in recognised schools and colleges. Students staying in these hostels get a monthly amount of ₹1,460 to ₹1,500 for food and daily needs, and admission for the 2026-27 session is handled by district offices of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department.
Running since 1966-67, this hostel scheme is still one of the main study support schemes in the state. Free stay, free meals, library and sports facilities are part of it, so a student from a poor family can study in a town or city without worrying about room rent.
Chhatrawas (Scheduled Caste) Scheme Details
Scheme is managed by Tribal Welfare and Scheduled Caste Development Department, Madhya Pradesh. Separate hostels run for boys and girls, and seats are given at junior, senior and college level. Hostel data, seat details and district-wise hostel lists are kept on the Scheduled Caste Development Portal under the hostel management module.
One point students should know about payment. Around 90 percent of the monthly amount goes into a joint account run by the hostel superintendent and the mess secretary, who is a student representative. Remaining 10 percent comes into the student's own bank account through DBT payment. This is done so the mess keeps running smoothly through the year.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chhatrawas (Scheduled Caste) |
| Started In | 1966-67 |
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Main Department | Tribal Welfare and Scheduled Caste Development Department |
| Eligible People | Scheduled Caste students of Madhya Pradesh |
| Benefit | Free hostel stay plus ₹1,460 to ₹1,500 per month |
| Application Mode | Offline at district office, profile registration online on MPTAAS |
| Help Number | 1800-2333-951 |
| Official Website | scdevelopmentmp.nic.in |
Benefits Students Get
Support under this scheme is not only cash. Hostel life itself covers most of the study costs a family has to bear when a child moves out for school or college.
- Monthly amount of ₹1,460 to ₹1,500 for food and daily expenses, paid for the months the hostel runs.
- Free room and free meals inside the hostel, so no rent burden on the family.
- Library books, sports items and a basic cosmetic kit given to hostel students.
- Study material support and a warden looking after safety, mainly useful for girls staying away from home.
Who Can Apply
Rules are simple and mostly about caste, residence and study status. District officers check these papers before giving a hostel seat.
- Student should belong to Scheduled Caste category with a valid caste certificate.
- Student should be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh.
- Student should be studying as a regular student in a recognised school, college or institute.
- Student should genuinely need hostel stay, usually because the institute is far from the home village.
How To Apply For Hostel Seat In 2026
Application for hostel seat is still mainly an offline process at district level, but scholarship and profile work is linked with the MPTAAS portal. Keep both in mind while applying for the 2026-27 session.
STEP 1 - First make your student profile on the MPTAAS portal at tribal.mp.gov.in/mptaas. Profile registration needs Samagra ID, Aadhaar number and caste certificate details, and the same profile is used later for post matric scholarship.
STEP 2 - Go to the office of the Assistant Commissioner or District Coordinator, Tribal Affairs and Scheduled Caste Development Department, in your district during working hours and ask for the hostel admission form.
STEP 3 - Fill the form fully, paste a passport size photo, and sign at the marked places. Write the hostel name and class you are seeking admission in.
STEP 4 - Attach self attested copies of all required documents and submit the form at the same office within the admission dates announced by the district.
STEP 5 - Take an acknowledgement receipt with date and reference number. Seat allotment lists are put up at the district office and the hostel notice board, so check back after a few days.
Documents Required
Keep photocopies ready before going to the office, because incomplete forms are usually sent back.
Passport size photo, Aadhaar card, Scheduled Caste certificate, Madhya Pradesh residence proof, Samagra ID, last marksheet or admission receipt, student ID card, bank passbook copy, income certificate, and any extra paper the district office asks for.
Help Number And Complaint Support
For profile or portal problems, the department help desk number is 1800-2333-951 and the email is helpdesk.tribal@mp.gov.in. Digital caste certificates are now being given within 3 days, as per the department notice, which makes hostel admission faster for new students. For hostel level problems like mess quality or payment delay, first talk to the hostel superintendent, then to the district office.
Other Related Schemes
Students taking hostel benefit can also apply for study money support in the same session. See Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students Madhya Pradesh and Operation of SC Senior Hostel Madhya Pradesh. Girls of class 11 can also check Kanya Saksharta Protsahan Yojana.
References
Scheduled Caste Development Portal Hostel Section
CM Helpline Scheme Entitlement Details
MPTAAS Portal For Profile Registration
Tribal Welfare Department Madhya Pradesh
FAQ's
Is Chhatrawas (Scheduled Caste) scheme running in 2026?
Yes, hostels are running for the 2026-27 session and district offices are taking admission forms as per their own dates.
How much money does a hostel student get every month?
Between ₹1,460 and ₹1,500 per month, out of which about 90 percent goes to the hostel mess joint account and 10 percent to the student's bank account.
Can the form be filled online?
Hostel seat form is taken offline at the district office, but student profile registration is done online on the MPTAAS portal.
Which documents are must for admission?
Caste certificate, Madhya Pradesh residence proof, Aadhaar, Samagra ID, last marksheet, bank passbook and income certificate.
Do girls get separate hostels?
Yes, separate hostels run for boys and girls at junior, senior and college level.
Can students from another state apply?
No, only permanent residents of Madhya Pradesh from Scheduled Caste category can apply.
What is the help number for this scheme?
Toll free help desk number is 1800-2333-951 and email is helpdesk.tribal@mp.gov.in.
Is there a fee for hostel stay?
No, stay and meals are free for selected students.