The Grant of Additional Scholarship to ST Students for Higher Studies is a government initiative aimed at empowering Scheduled Tribe (ST) students of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This scholarship provides additional financial assistance to support students pursuing higher education after completing Class 12. Administered by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, this scheme ensures that deserving students can continue their education without financial constraints.
Key Highlights of the Scholarship
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Scheme | Grant of Additional Scholarship to ST Students for Higher Studies, Andaman and Nicobar 2024-25 |
| Administering Authority | Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Administration |
| Eligibility | Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher studies |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹1,000 per month for a period of 10 months per academic session |
| Application Mode | Online via National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Application Deadline | To be announced |
Objectives of the Scholarship
The primary aim of this scheme is to provide financial aid to ST students domiciled in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. By offering an additional scholarship, the program aims to:
- Encourage ST students to pursue higher education.
- Reduce the dropout rate among students after Class 12.
- Promote professional and technical education among tribal communities.
- Bridge the educational gap for economically weaker sections.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the scholarship, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
Essential Criteria:
- Domicile: The applicant must be a permanent resident of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Category: The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- Educational Status: Must be a full-time student enrolled in higher education in any government-recognized institution. Courses must be approved by AICTE/UGC or equivalent bodies.
Eligible Courses:
The scholarship covers a wide range of courses, including:
- Undergraduate Courses: B.A, B.Sc, B.Com, etc.
- Postgraduate Courses: M.A, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Phil, Ph.D., etc.
- Professional and Technical Courses:
- Engineering, Technology, Medicine, Architecture, Agriculture, and Veterinary Sciences.
- Management, Business Finance, Computer Applications, and Fashion Technology.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and postgraduate diplomas in Management and Medicine.
- Vocational and Diploma Courses:
- ITI courses, 3-year polytechnic diplomas, and other paramedical branches.
Ineligibility Criteria:
- Students pursuing the same level of education in a different stream (e.g., B.Sc after B.A).
- Those repeating a course after failing it multiple times.
- Students who have completed one professional course and are applying for another (e.g., LLB after B.Ed).
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:
- Visit NSP Website: Go to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Register:
- Click on “Register” and fill in your details.
- Use your mobile number/email ID for verification via OTP.
- Login:
- After registering, log in under the “Students” section.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process using the OTR mobile app for face authentication.
- Fill Application Form:
- Select the scholarship from the list.
- Fill in your personal, academic, and bank details accurately.
- Upload Documents:
- Domicile certificate.
- Caste certificate.
- Academic marksheets and certificates.
- Front page of your bank account passbook.
- Submit Application: Double-check all details before submission. Note that multiple submissions will lead to disqualification.
Scholarship Disbursement
- The scholarship amount of ₹1,000 per month will be disbursed directly to the student’s bank account.
- Beneficiaries will receive payments for a maximum of 10 months per academic year.
Important Notes
- Students failing their exams for the first time may still have their scholarships renewed.
- If a student changes from a general course to a professional or technical course after failing, they remain eligible for the scholarship.
- Class 11 and 12 students are not eligible unless they are pursuing professional/technical courses after Class 10.
Overview of Eligible and Ineligible Categories
| Eligibility Status | Details |
| Eligible | ST students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma-level courses in recognized institutions |
| Ineligible | Students repeating the same educational level in a different stream or those pursuing Class 11/12 |
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Grant of Additional Scholarship offers the following advantages:
- Financial assistance to cover educational expenses.
- Support for higher education in professional, technical, and vocational courses.
- Encouragement for tribal students to achieve academic excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Students from the ST category, domiciled in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and pursuing higher education after Class 12 in recognized institutions are eligible.
2. What is the scholarship amount?
The scholarship provides ₹1,000 per month for a maximum of 10 months per academic year.
3. Can I apply if I’m pursuing a diploma course?
Yes, students enrolled in diploma courses (e.g., polytechnic, ITI) after Class 12 are eligible.
4. Are postgraduate medical students eligible?
Yes, postgraduate medical students are eligible, provided they do not practice during their course.
5. How do I apply for the scholarship?
You can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal by completing the registration and application process.
6. What documents are required for the application?
- Domicile certificate
- Caste certificate
- Academic marksheets
- Bank account details
7. Can the scholarship be renewed if I fail?
Yes, the scholarship can be renewed for the first failure. However, subsequent failures will disqualify the student until they are promoted.
8. What happens if I submit incorrect information?
Submitting incorrect or incomplete information will lead to the rejection of your application.
By availing of the Grant of Additional Scholarship, ST students of Andaman and Nicobar Islands can pursue their educational goals and build brighter futures. Make sure to apply before the deadline and fulfill all the requirements for a successful application!