State Talent Search Examination in Mathematics and Science for Tribal Students of Meghalaya at the Close of Upper Primary Stage (Class VIII)

State Talent Search Examination in Mathematics and Science for Tribal Students of Meghalaya at the Close of Upper Primary Stage (Class VIII) is a competitive scholarship program run by the Government of Meghalaya to find and support bright Class VIII tribal students. The Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT), Shillong conducts this exam every year, and the 2026 edition was held on 23 May 2026 across the state.

Selected students get a talent incentive award of ₹600 per month for twelve months in a year, for two years, as they move through Class IX and X. The money is sent directly to the awardee's bank account through NEFT or RTGS, which makes the whole process clear and easy.

State Talent Search Examination in Mathematics and Science for Tribal Students of Meghalaya - Introduction

State Talent Search Examination in Mathematics and Science for Tribal Students of Meghalaya at the Close of Upper Primary Stage (Class VIII) is run by the Education Department of Meghalaya. The Directorate of Educational Research and Training, Shillong carries out the scheme to support tribal students studying in Class VIII under different Sub Divisional School Education Office (SDSEO) areas.

The program focuses on students from the Khasi, Garo, Jaintia (including Rabha) and Koch communities. Selection depends on merit, with 40 awardees chosen from SDSEO Shillong, East Khasi Hills, and 20 awardees from each of the remaining 14 SDSEOs. The scheme finds gifted students through a competitive exam and gives them a financial talent incentive award to help their academic growth.

Key Information

Benefits

Selected students receive a financial incentive of ₹600 per month. This support continues for a total of twelve months per year, covering a duration of two academic years as the students progress through Class IX and X. The funds are transferred directly into the awardee's bank account via NEFT or RTGS.

The scholarship is given at the end of the academic session. Students get the benefit for two years, and the continuation depends on the student keeping up satisfactory academic progress during Class IX and X.

Eligibility

To take part in this exam, a student should meet the following criteria:

1. The student should belong to the Khasi, Garo, Jaintia (including Rabha) or Koch tribal communities of Meghalaya.
2. The student should be currently enrolled in Class VIII at any recognized school in Meghalaya.
3. The student should have scored at least 50% marks in aggregate in Mathematics and Science subjects during Class VII.
4. The student should continue studies in a recognized secondary school to keep the eligibility.

Application Process

Unlike many other scholarships, this exam is not applied for directly online. Students apply through their schools, and the whole process is handled by the SDSEOs. Here are the steps to follow:

STEP 1 - The student should apply through the school to the concerned Sub Divisional School Education Office (SDSEO). The school forwards the application of the eligible Class VIII tribal student.

STEP 2 - The SDSEO checks the application and the required documents to confirm the student belongs to a tribal community and meets the Class VII marks condition.

STEP 3 - The SDSEO issues the admit card for the State Talent Search Examination to the eligible student.

STEP 4 - The student appears for the State Talent Search Examination in Mathematics and Science conducted by the respective SDSEOs on the announced date.

STEP 5 - After the results, the selected awardees submit the required documents to DERT, and the scholarship is transferred directly to the student's bank account through NEFT or RTGS.

The date of the examination is announced through local newspaper advertisements by the Directorate of Educational Research and Training, Shillong. For the 2026 cycle, the exam was held on 23 May 2026, and the results for the 2025 cycle have already been declared on the DERT notice board.

Documents

Make sure the following documents are ready when applying through the school:

1. Aadhaar Card as identity proof.
2. Recent passport size photograph.
3. Class VII mark sheets.
4. Valid Schedule Tribe Certificate.
5. Residential or Domicile Certificate.
6. Bonafide Student Certificate from the school.
7. Front page of the personal savings bank account passbook.

References

Official Web Portal | DERT Notice Board | STSE 2026 Examination Notice

FAQ's

What is the primary goal of this scheme?

The scheme finds bright tribal students in Class VIII through a competitive exam and gives them financial support to help their talent in Mathematics and Science.

Who manages this scholarship program?

The Directorate of Educational Research and Training, Meghalaya, Shillong handles the implementation of this scheme.

What is the amount of financial assistance provided?

Selected students receive ₹600 per month for two years during their studies in Class IX and X.

How are awardees selected?

Students are selected based on their merit in the State Talent Search Examination conducted by the respective SDSEOs.

How do students apply for this exam?

Students apply through their schools to the concerned SDSEO. The SDSEO issues the admit card and conducts the examination.

Can the scholarship be discontinued?

Yes, the continuation of the incentive depends on the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress during Class IX and X.