AI SummarySpecial Incentive to ST (P)/OBC/MOBC Meritorious Students is a state-level scheme of Assam government that gives cash grants to students from Scheduled Tribe (Plain), OBC, and MOBC communities who score high marks in their exams. Qualified students get between ₹10,000 and ₹25,000 based on their academic level, from matriculation up to post graduation, so that bright students can continue their studies without money problems.
Applications are invited online for every academic year through the DIDS portal of Assam. For the 2025-26 academic year, Directorate of Tribal Affairs (Plain) opened the online window from September 25 to October 31, 2025. For 2026-27, the department is expected to open a similar window around late September 2026, and eligible students should keep checking the official portal at dids.assam.gov.in.
Special Incentive to ST (P)/OBC/MOBC Meritorious Students - Introduction
This scheme is run by Welfare of Plains Tribes and Backward Classes Department of Assam, and the ST (Plain) applications are processed through Directorate of Tribal Affairs (Plain). It supports young students from ST (P), OBC, and MOBC backgrounds who show strong academic performance in HSLC, higher secondary, graduation, or post graduation examinations.
For example, if Rahul from the OBC category scores over 75% in his 10+2 exams, he can apply for the grant at that level. Similarly, if Sunita from the ST (P) community secures 85% in her 10th board exams, she qualifies for the matriculation level grant. The department announces the application window through official notices and local media, and the whole application is completed online.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Special Incentive to ST (P)/OBC/MOBC Meritorious Students |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Assam |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash incentive |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes Department |
| Online Application Portal | dids.assam.gov.in |
Benefits
To support the academic journey, the government provides the following financial incentives based on exam performance:
| Educational Level | Minimum Marks Required | Financial Support |
| Matriculation (Class X) | 80% or above | ₹10,000 |
| 10+2 (Higher Secondary) | 75% or above | ₹15,000 |
| Graduation | 70% or above | ₹20,000 |
| Post Graduation | 65% or above | ₹25,000 |
Payments are released on a first-come, first-served basis and depend on the funds available for that year. If the number of applications is low, the Selection Committee may adjust the cut-off scores so that deserving students still get support. Once approved, the amount is transferred directly to the bank account given in the application.
Eligibility
To apply for this scheme, the student should meet the conditions given below:
- Must belong to ST (P), OBC, or MOBC community of Assam.
- Should have the required minimum percentage in the recent board or university exam for that level, such as 80% in HSLC, 75% in 10+2, 70% in graduation, or 65% in post graduation.
- No income limit applies, so every eligible meritorious student can apply.
This grant cannot be claimed as a legal right. It is given based on the decision of the Selection Committee and the availability of funds.
Application Process
Applications are now accepted online through the DIDS portal of Assam. Steps for applying are listed below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official portal at dids.assam.gov.in and open the scheme section for Special Incentive to ST (P) Meritorious Students.
STEP 2 - Register or log in with the Aadhaar number and mobile number, then select the current academic year for which the application is open.
STEP 3 - Fill in the online application form with correct personal, educational, and bank details.
STEP 4 - Upload scanned copies of the required documents, including the photograph and signature.
STEP 5 - Submit the form and save the acknowledgment or reference number for future use.
OBC and MOBC students should also watch the official notices of Welfare of Plains Tribes and Backward Classes Department, as the department announces the application format and window separately for these groups.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before starting the online application:
- Aadhaar Card.
- Digital Caste Certificate of the ST (P), OBC, or MOBC community.
- Marksheet and pass certificate of the qualifying exam, whether HSLC, 10+2, Graduation, or Post Graduation.
- HSLC admit card.
- Bank account details with correct IFSC code.
- Recent passport-sized photograph and signature.
References
Sentinel Assam: Applications for Special Incentive to ST (Plain) Meritorious Students 2025-26
FAQ's
How much financial support is given to a student who passes Matriculation with 80% or above?
Students who secure 80% or higher in the Matriculation exam get a grant of ₹10,000 under this scheme.
Is there any income limit for this scheme?
No. There is no income restriction, so all eligible students from ST (P), OBC, and MOBC communities can apply.
How can a student apply for this scheme?
Students apply online through the DIDS portal at dids.assam.gov.in when the application window opens for the academic year. For 2025-26, the window was open from September 25 to October 31, 2025.
Can this grant be claimed as a right?
No. The grant depends on budget availability and the final approval of the Selection Committee.
What happens if there are not enough applications?
In such cases, the Selection Committee may lower the cut-off marks so that the benefit reaches more students in the community.
How is the money given to selected students?
Once approved, the incentive is deposited directly into the bank account given in the application.