AI SummaryReimbursement of College Fees for Scheduled Caste Students in Professional Colleges (Top 20) is a state government scheme of Puducherry. It pays back the tuition fees and examination fees of Scheduled Caste students who scored above 75% in their Higher Secondary Course Examination and secured a place in the Top 20 rank while taking admission to a professional college through CENTAC.
Puducherry government continues to accept applications for the academic year 2026-27. Eligible students can apply online through the e-District portal or visit the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department office. The scheme is open for students studying in government and government-recognised private professional colleges.
Reimbursement of College Fees for Scheduled Caste Students in Professional Colleges (Top 20) - Introduction
The scheme is run by the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department of Government of Puducherry. Its main aim is to support bright Scheduled Caste students who want to study professional courses but face money problems. Reimbursement of tuition and examination fees helps these students continue their studies without stress.
Students who have passed Higher Secondary with more than 75% marks and got admission to professional courses through CENTAC counselling are the main beneficiaries. Money is paid back directly after the fee is submitted, so the course can be completed without interruption.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Reimbursement of College Fees for Scheduled Caste Students in Professional Colleges (Top 20) |
| Level | State |
| Launched By | Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department, Government of Puducherry |
| Beneficiaries | Scheduled Caste students in professional colleges |
| Benefit Type | Reimbursement of tuition fees and examination fees |
| Mode of Application | Online and Offline |
| Nodal Department | Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Official Website | adwelfare.py.gov.in |
Benefits
The main benefit is reimbursement of tuition fees and examination fees paid by eligible students. This support reduces the money burden on the family for the whole professional course. Students from poor Scheduled Caste families can focus on their studies instead of worrying about college expenses.
Eligibility
Candidates need to meet the following conditions to get the reimbursement benefit:
- Resident of Puducherry - The applicant should be a native or permanent resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Scheduled Caste community - The applicant should belong to a Scheduled Caste community.
- Professional course student - The applicant should be enrolled in a professional course in a government or government-recognised private college.
- Top 20 rank - The applicant should have secured a place in the Top 20 bracket in the admission merit list.
- 75% and above - The applicant should have scored above 75% marks in the Higher Secondary Course Examination.
- CENTAC admission - The applicant should have obtained admission to the college through the CENTAC process.
- Family condition - The student should come from a poor family that does not pay income tax and has no government employee.
Application Process
Applications are accepted both online and offline. There is no application fee for this scheme. Students can choose the easier mode and submit the form with the required documents. Admission to professional courses for the academic year 2026-27 is handled through the CENTAC common admission portal of Government of Puducherry.
Offline Application
STEP 1 - Visit the office or sub-office of the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department during office hours and ask for the prescribed application format.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the details correctly and attach the required documents with the form.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application to the authority and take a signed receipt that shows the date, time and application number.
Online Application
STEP 1 - Open the e-District Portal of Government of Puducherry. If you are a new user, register by clicking on Register a New Membership and provide your personal details.
STEP 2 - Log in with your credentials and select the scheme from the departmental list of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department.
STEP 3 - Fill in the online form, upload the required documents and submit the application.
STEP 4 - Note down the application number and use the track application option to check the progress of your application. The official user manual can also be reviewed for step-by-step guidance.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
- Residence-cum-nativity certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bank passbook.
- Educational certificates and Higher Secondary marksheets.
- Caste certificate.
- Certificate from the Head of the Institution.
- Original fee payment receipt.
If you do not have an Aadhaar Card, you can provide your Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with an alternative identity document such as a PAN card, Passport, Voter ID or Ration Card.
References
Official scheme rules and department information are available on the website of the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department at adwelfare.py.gov.in. Admission procedures and notifications for the 2026-27 academic year are published on the CENTAC portal at centacpuducherry.in.
FAQ's
Is pursuing professional education mandatory for applicants?
Yes, the applicant must be actively enrolled in a professional education course in a government or government-recognised private college to qualify.
What financial aspects does the scheme cover?
Scheme covers reimbursement of tuition fees and examination fees paid by eligible students.
How does the scheme decide academic merit?
Student should have scored above 75% in the Higher Secondary Course Examination and ranked within the Top 20 for admission to professional colleges.
How is admission to professional colleges handled?
Student should have been selected for the professional college seat through the CENTAC admission process. For 2026-27, CENTAC has published admission notifications for professional courses on its portal.
Is there any application fee?
No, the entire application process is free of charge.
Is compensation provided for delayed disbursements?
Current scheme rules do not include provisions for compensation regarding delayed payments.
Can residents from neighbouring States apply?
No, this scheme is strictly for permanent residents of Puducherry.
Where can I find the department website?
The official office website of the department is adwelfare.py.gov.in.
Is there a specific application deadline?
Scheme rules do not specify any rigid opening or closing dates for applications. Applications are generally accepted during the academic year, and the exact schedule should be confirmed with the department.