AI SummaryManipur government's Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) scheme is running in 2026 to help art students and young artistes buy musical instruments and performance equipment for their training. Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, picks 300 students every academic year under this instruments and equipment support part, and pays a cash reimbursement based on the actual purchase bill.
Application is fully offline. Eligible students have to fill a printed form and submit it at Palace Compound, Imphal, along with the original bill of the instrument, an income certificate from a Gazetted Officer, and other required documents. Family income including the applicant's own income should stay below ₹1,00,000 per year. A student can apply twice during their studentship with a one-year gap between two applications.
CMAT Scheme 2026 for Purchase of Instruments and Equipment
This is a state-sponsored scheme, 100% funded by Manipur government, and it sits under the larger CMAT umbrella that also covers artistes pension, festival participation support, training and production support, and awards for distinguished artistes. This particular part is only about buying instruments or professional equipment needed for study or performance. You can read about the full CMAT umbrella and its five parts in our detailed guide on CMAT scheme guidelines.
Screening Committee at Directorate of Art & Culture reviews every application. There is no fixed cash cap in the scheme rules. The committee looks at the actual bill, the type of instrument, the student's course, and decides the reimbursement amount. Payment goes directly into the applicant's bank account after approval.
Application Process for CMAT Instruments Purchase
Application is fully offline. You have to download and print the form, fill it by hand, attach documents, and submit it in person at Directorate of Art & Culture, Imphal. Please submit your application at least one month before your planned travel or performance schedule so the committee has enough time to process it. Steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official website at artnculturemanipur.gov.in and download the CMAT purchase of instruments and equipment application form. Take a good quality print of the form on A4 paper.
STEP 2 - Fill in every required detail by hand. Write your name, course details, college name, date of birth, family income, bank account details, and the exact instrument or equipment you have bought or plan to buy. Attach self-attested copies of every supporting document.
STEP 3 - Write a short cover letter addressed to the Director (Art & Culture), Government of Manipur. Attach the letter, the filled form, and all document copies together in one set.
STEP 4 - Submit the complete set at the office of the Directorate of Art & Culture, Palace Compound, Imphal. Get an acknowledgement receipt from the office for your records. Screening Committee will then review your application and inform you about the sanctioned amount.
Eligibility for CMAT Instruments Support
Only Manipur students studying in specific approved art institutes can apply. Applicant should be actively pursuing an art course at the time of application, and should be under 30 years of age as on 1st April of the application year. Family income and personal income together must stay under ₹1,00,000 per year. For example, if Ramesh is a music student earning nothing and his parents together earn ₹80,000 a year, he fits into the income rule.
Approved institutes covered under this scheme are given below.
- Government Dance College, where students train in classical Manipuri dance forms.
- Shree Shree Bal Mukunda Dev Music College, mainly for music students.
- Imphal Art College, for visual and fine art students.
- Manipur University of Culture, for degree students in cultural studies.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, for advanced dance training students.
- Manipur University Dance, Music, and Fine Art Departments, for university-level art students.
Benefits Under CMAT Instruments Purchase Scheme
Main benefit is a cash reimbursement for the purchase of a musical instrument or professional equipment. There is no fixed rupee limit. Screening Committee decides the amount based on the type of instrument, its market cost, and the student's course requirement. Some common covered items are traditional Manipuri instruments like Pung, tabla, harmonium, sitar, sarangi, and modern audio equipment or fine art supplies for eligible students.
Every academic year, 300 students get support under this component. Same student can apply again after a one-year gap, so a long-course student can get help twice during their studentship. Payment is transferred to the applicant's bank account after the bill and other papers are verified. A dedicated Screening Committee decides the exact amount for each case.
Required Documents for CMAT Application
All copies have to be self-attested. Original bill of the instrument is the most important document because the reimbursement amount is decided from it. Documents to keep ready are listed below.
- Recent passport size photograph, one copy for the form.
- Aadhaar card copy for identity proof.
- Residential or Domicile Certificate of Manipur.
- Reading certificate from your current college or institute confirming active enrolment.
- Date of birth proof such as school leaving certificate or birth certificate.
- Recommendation letter from your teacher explaining why the instrument is needed for your training.
- Income certificate from a Gazetted Officer. Income certificates issued by college teachers or staff are not accepted.
- Original purchase bill or voucher of the instrument or equipment.
- Active bank account passbook copy for direct payment.
CMAT Instruments Scheme Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) Purchase of Instruments and Equipment |
| Launched By | Government of Manipur |
| Nodal Department | Art and Culture Department, Government of Manipur |
| Implementing Agency | Directorate of Art & Culture, Palace Compound, Imphal |
| Beneficiaries | Manipur art students and young artistes under 30 years |
| Number Supported | 300 students per academic year |
| Income Limit | Family plus personal income under ₹1,00,000 per year |
| Benefit Type | Cash reimbursement for instrument or equipment purchase |
| Frequency | Twice during studentship with a one-year gap |
| Application Mode | Offline only, at Directorate of Art & Culture, Imphal |
| Official Website | artnculturemanipur.gov.in |
References
Guidelines And Application Form
FAQ's
What is the CMAT Purchase of Instruments and Equipment scheme?
It is a state scheme from Government of Manipur that reimburses art students and young artistes for the money they spend on buying musical instruments and professional equipment for their studies.
Who can apply under this scheme?
Manipur domicile students under 30 years of age, actively studying at approved art institutes like Government Dance College, Manipur University of Culture, JNMDA, and similar bodies, with family plus personal income under ₹1,00,000 per year.
How many students are picked every year?
Around 300 students get support under the instruments purchase component every academic year.
What is the maximum amount given under this scheme?
There is no fixed cap. Screening Committee at Directorate of Art & Culture decides the reimbursement amount based on your actual purchase bill and the type of instrument.
Can I apply online for CMAT instruments purchase?
No, this is an offline-only scheme. You have to submit the printed application at Directorate of Art & Culture, Palace Compound, Imphal.
Which department runs this scheme?
Art and Culture Department, Government of Manipur, runs the scheme through its Directorate of Art & Culture at Imphal.
Can I apply for the benefit more than once?
Yes, you can apply twice during your entire studentship, but there must be at least a one-year gap between two applications.
Are students of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy eligible?
Yes, JNMDA students are covered under the list of approved institutes for this scheme.
Is there an age limit for applying?
Yes, applicant must be under 30 years of age as on 1st April of the application year.
Will an income certificate from my college be accepted?
No, income certificates issued by college teachers or staff are not accepted. You have to submit one issued by an authorised Gazetted Officer.
What is the family income limit for CMAT scheme?
Combined annual income of the applicant and family should stay below ₹1,00,000 per year.
Where do I submit the CMAT application form?
Submit at office of the Directorate of Art & Culture, Palace Compound, Imphal, addressed to the Director (Art & Culture), Government of Manipur.
Is CMAT a central scheme or a state scheme?
It is a 100% state-sponsored scheme, fully funded by Manipur government.
Is there any reservation based on caste or gender under CMAT?
No, there is no reservation based on caste, gender, or community for this scheme.