The Umbrella Scheme for Education of ST Students – Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class IX & X) is a targeted welfare initiative designed to reduce school drop-outs among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Arunachal Pradesh. Introduced by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and implemented through the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the scheme focuses on students at a critical academic stage—secondary education.
Many ST families in remote and hilly regions struggle with education-related expenses such as books, uniforms, transport, and daily schooling costs. This scholarship directly addresses those challenges by offering monthly financial assistance, ensuring that economic hardship does not interrupt a child’s education after middle school.
Objective of Umbrella Scheme for Education of ST Students
The primary objective of the Pre-Matric Scholarship is to encourage continuity in education among ST students studying in Class 9 and 10. The scheme aims to:
- Reduce dropout rates after Class VIII
- Support students from economically weaker tribal households
- Promote equal access to secondary education
- Strengthen long-term educational outcomes in tribal communities
- By supporting students early, the scheme lays a strong foundation for higher education opportunities later.
Scholarship Benefits & Financial Assistance
Financial support under this scheme is provided for 10 months in an academic year, helping families manage regular schooling expenses.
Monthly Maintenance Allowance
Day Scholars: Rs. 225 per month
Hostellers: Rs. 525 per month
Books & Ad-hoc Grant (Annual)
Day Scholars: Rs. 750 per year
Hostellers: Rs. 1,000 per year
This assistance is intended to cover books, stationery, uniforms, and basic academic needs, reducing the financial pressure on parents or guardians.
Additional Support for Students with Disabilities (PwD)
To promote inclusive education, the scheme provides special allowances for Students with Disabilities studying in private unaided schools:
Reader Allowance (Blind students): Rs. 160 per month
Transport Allowance: Rs. 160 per month (if not staying in hostel)
Escort Allowance: Rs. 160 per month (for students with 80% or more disability)
Helper Allowance: Rs. 160 per month (for hostellers requiring assistance)
Coaching Allowance: Rs. 240 per month (for mentally challenged students)
These provisions ensure that physical or mental challenges do not become barriers to schooling.
Eligibility Criteria (Arunachal Pradesh)
To apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship, students must meet all of the following conditions:
- Must be studying in Class IX or Class X
- Must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
- Must be a domicile of Arunachal Pradesh
- Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 2.50 lakh
- Must be a regular, full-time student
- Should not be availing any other Pre-Matric Scholarship
- Scholarship is granted for one academic year and requires renewal
- Students repeating the same class are not eligible.
Application Process (Offline – State Mode)
- Unlike some other schemes, this scholarship is processed offline through State authorities.
- Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Collect Application Form from the State Government office or official source
- Fill the form carefully with accurate student and family details
- Submit the form to the Head of Institution (School)
- School verifies and forwards it to Block/District authorities
- State authority sanctions and releases the scholarship
- Students are advised to submit applications well before the deadline to avoid delays.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Number
- Passport-size photograph with student’s signature
- ST Certificate (issued by Revenue Officer, not below Tehsildar rank)
- Income Certificate / Income Affidavit of parents or guardians
- Previous year scholarship receipt (if applicable), countersigned by school head
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation may lead to rejection.
Application Timeline (Important Dates)
For Arunachal Pradesh ST students, the application window generally:
Starts: September
Ends: January (every year)
Exact dates may vary slightly each academic year based on State notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are disability allowances available under this scheme? Yes, eligible Students with Disabilities receive additional monthly allowances.
Q2. How is the scholarship amount paid? The amount is disbursed after verification through State authorities, usually during the academic year.
Q3. Is there a fixed number of beneficiaries? Scholarships depend on Central and State budget allocation, but eligible students are generally covered.
Q4. Can repeat students apply? No, students repeating the same class are not eligible.
Q5. Can I apply if I already receive another Pre-Matric Scholarship? No, availing another centrally funded Pre-Matric Scholarship disqualifies the applicant.
Conclusion
The Umbrella Scheme for Education of ST Students – Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class IX & X) is a crucial support system for tribal students in Arunachal Pradesh. By providing monthly assistance, book grants, and disability support, the scheme helps students remain focused on education during a decisive academic phase. Eligible families should ensure timely application and accurate documentation to fully benefit from this government initiative.
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