Pre-matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste (SC) students in Puducherry supports students studying from classes VI to X in government schools and government recognised private schools. The scheme is implemented by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department and provides cash support for 10 months of the academic year so that SC students can stay in school and complete their secondary education without dropping out.
For the 2026-27 academic year, eligible SC students can apply through the official online process. Students in classes VI to VIII receive ₹1,500 per year, while students in classes IX and X receive ₹2,500 per year. The support is paid directly to help families meet the cost of schooling.
Pre-matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students in Puducherry - Introduction
This state scheme runs under the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Union Territory of Puducherry. Its main aim is to help SC students complete their education up to the secondary level and to reduce the number of SC students leaving school early. The money help is given for 10 months in each academic year.
The scheme covers students enrolled in government schools, government aided schools and government recognised private schools across Puducherry. It is a cash benefit scheme meant for individual students, and the support amount depends on the class the student is studying in.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pre-matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students (VI to X) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Application Mode | Online |
Benefits
The scholarship gives financial support for 10 months in an academic year. The amount is fixed based on the class level of the student, as shown below.
| Class Level | Annual Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| VI to VIII Standard | ₹1,500 per student |
| IX to X Standard | ₹2,500 per student |
This money helps families meet the daily costs of schooling such as books, stationery and other study needs. By giving this regular support, the scheme makes sure that SC students are not forced to leave school because of money problems.
Eligibility
To apply for this scholarship, the student needs to meet a few conditions. These are listed below.
- The student should belong to the Scheduled Caste community and be currently enrolled in classes VI to X in a government school, government aided school or a government recognised private school.
- The student should be a native of Puducherry by birth, or should have lived in the Union Territory continuously for at least five years.
- The student should keep up satisfactory academic progress and pass the exams to move to the next class.
- The annual income of the family should not exceed ₹24,000.
For example, if Ramesh, a resident of Puducherry for over five years, wants to apply for his daughter studying in class 7, he needs to make sure their combined annual family income stays within the limit and that she remains enrolled in a recognised school.
Application Process
The application for this scholarship is submitted online through the official scholarship process. Follow the steps given below to complete the application.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Puducherry government schemes page and find the Pre-matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students entry. The official scheme details and the application link are available on the Puducherry government website.
STEP 2 - Open the online scholarship portal and choose the New Registration option. Provide accurate personal and academic details to generate a unique Student Registration ID.
STEP 3 - Use the generated Student Registration ID to log in to the portal and select the Fresh Application option for the Pre-matric Scholarship.
STEP 4 - Fill out the application form carefully with correct details and click the Final Submit button.
STEP 5 - Save the system-generated registration number shown after successful submission. Keep it safe for future tracking and reference.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before starting the application so that the process goes smoothly.
- Aadhaar Card as identity proof.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Relevant educational mark sheets and certificates.
- Valid Caste certificate.
- Income certificate for the family.
- Residence-cum-nativity certificate issued by the appropriate authority.
- Active bank account details for direct benefit transfer.
References
Puducherry Government Schemes Page
FAQ's
What is the main purpose of this scheme?
This scheme gives money help to Scheduled Caste students so that they can complete their education up to the secondary level, and it lowers the chance of students dropping out of school.
Who manages this scholarship scheme?
The Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Union Territory of Puducherry, implements this scheme.
Who qualifies for the scholarship?
Students from the Scheduled Caste community studying in classes VI to X in government schools, government aided schools or government recognised private schools are eligible.
Is residency in Puducherry mandatory?
Yes, the student should be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry by birth, or should have lived there continuously for at least five years.
What is the income threshold to apply?
The annual income of the parents or guardians should not exceed ₹24,000. This limit matches the government-prescribed income standard for families below the poverty line.
How much financial support will I receive?
Students in classes VI to VIII receive ₹1,500 per year, while students in classes IX to X receive ₹2,500 per year.
How do I submit my application?
The application is submitted online through the official scholarship process. The official scheme details and application link are available on the Puducherry government schemes page.