AI SummaryScheme of Free Supply of Textbooks, Stationery, Uniforms and Footwears to Poor Children supports students from LKG to 12th standard in government and government-aided schools in Puducherry by giving them textbooks, notebooks, uniforms, footwear and stationery free. For the 2026-27 academic year, the rollout has started again, and free textbooks and notebooks were distributed to children on the first day when schools reopened in Puducherry and Karaikal in June 2026.
Directorate of School Education, Puducherry manages this scheme through the school system. Students do not have to pay anything for the items, and there is no income ceiling, so every child studying in a government or government-aided school can get the benefit.
Scheme of Free Supply of Textbooks, Stationery, Uniforms and Footwears to Poor Children - Introduction
The main aim of the scheme is to reach 100% enrolment and stop dropouts in government schools of the Union Territory. Most benefits are aimed at children in the 6 to 14 age group, but the free material is given to every student from LKG to 12th standard across all regions of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The scheme covers students from all government schools and government-aided private schools. There is no parental income limit, so children from poor families and economically weaker sections get the same support as every other eligible student. Applications move through the Head of the Institution, and the school office forwards the forms to the Directorate of School Education for approval and distribution.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Scheme of Free Supply of Textbooks, Stationery, Uniforms and Footwears to Poor Children |
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Directorate of School Education, Puducherry |
| Classes Covered | LKG to 12th standard |
Benefits
Students receive different items based on their grade. Uniform is given as two sets from LKG to 12th standard, and footwear is provided from LKG to 12th standard. Textbooks and notebooks are given from 1st to 12th standard, with 5 notebooks for classes 1 to 5 and 10 notebooks for classes 6 to 12.
| Grade Level | Items Provided |
| LKG and UKG | Crayons, drawing notebooks, uniforms (2 sets) and footwear |
| UKG | Copywriting notebook |
| 1st Standard | Umbrella, pencils, erasers, textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and footwear |
| 2nd to 3rd Standard | Textbooks, notebooks, pencils, erasers, uniforms and footwear |
| 4th Standard | Geometry box, plastic scale, textbooks, notebooks, pencils, erasers, uniforms and footwear |
| 5th to 8th Standard | Ink pen, textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and footwear |
| 6th Standard | Geometry box, atlas, textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and footwear |
| 8th Standard | Dictionary, textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and footwear |
| 9th to 12th Standard | Textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and footwear |
| 12th Standard Passout | Laptop |
Eligibility
Eligibility rules are simple, and there is no income limit for this scheme. A student just needs to meet the following conditions:
- Place of study - the student should study in a school located within the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- School type - the school should be a government school or a government-aided private school.
- Class - the student should be enrolled in any class from LKG to 12th standard.
Application Process
There is no online application for this scheme. The whole process is done through the school, and the steps are given below:
STEP 1 - Visit the Head of the Institution (HoI) at your school and collect the official application form for the free supply scheme.
STEP 2 - Fill in all required details correctly, attach a passport-sized photograph and keep all required documents ready with you.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed and signed application form along with the documents to the HoI. The school office will then forward your application to the Directorate of School Education, Puducherry for processing.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Photograph - a passport or stamp-sized photograph.
- Aadhaar card - for identity proof.
- Educational certificates - relevant certificates of the student.
- Admission proof - proof of valid admission into the current school.
References
For latest details, check the official pages below:
- Official scheme page of Directorate of School Education, Puducherry
- School Education Department, Government of Puducherry
FAQ's
Is there any helpline for applicants?
For any support, contact the Head of the Institution of the school or the Directorate of School Education, Puducherry.
Do 8th-standard students get dictionaries?
Yes, providing a dictionary to 8th-standard students is a key part of this scheme.
How does this scheme reduce dropouts?
By giving all required learning material free, the scheme removes the money burden on families, which helps keep children enrolled in school.
Are there any community criteria?
No, the scheme is open to all eligible students who study in a recognized government or government-aided school in Puducherry, regardless of their community.
When should a student apply?
Apply within the timelines notified by the school at the start of the academic year so that the process finishes on time.
Can a student apply directly to the Directorate of School Education?
No, the application should be submitted to the Head of the Institution, who handles coordination with the higher authorities.
What extra items do 5th to 8th standard students get?
Students of 5th to 8th standard receive ink pens along with their textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and footwear.
Does financial background affect eligibility?
No, there is no income ceiling, so the scheme supports all eligible students irrespective of family income.
Can students from other states apply?
No, the scheme is only for students studying in schools within the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Does the scheme cover government-aided schools?
Yes, students in government-aided private schools are fully covered under this scheme.
What items are given to 1st-standard students?
1st-standard students get an umbrella, pencils and erasers in addition to textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and footwear.