The Naan Mudhalvan & AICSCC UPSC Prelims Scholarship Exam 2026 is an excellent opportunity for graduates in Tamil Nadu who dream of becoming IAS, IPS, IFS, or other Civil Service officers. Conducted by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), this examination provides deserving candidates with a 75,000 scholarship, free UPSC coaching, and residential facilities for selected aspirants.
Instead of conducting separate examinations for scholarships and coaching admissions, the Tamil Nadu Government has introduced a single screening test that determines eligibility for both benefits. If you are preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2027, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Important Notice: Apply by 3 August 2026. Hall Ticket releases in August. Scholarship Exam on 6 September 2026 (10 AM–12 PM).
Why Has Tamil Nadu Introduced This Scholarship Exam?
Preparing for UPSC is expensive. Coaching fees alone can range from 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh, excluding hostel, books, and test series.
To reduce this financial burden, TNSDC launched the Naan Mudhalvan & AICSCC UPSC Prelims Scholarship Exam 2026, allowing talented graduates to compete through a single examination for:
- Monthly financial assistance
- Free UPSC coaching
- Residential facilities
- Structured mentoring
- UPSC-focused study materials
A total of 1,000 candidates will receive scholarships through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Naan Mudhalvan Scholarship 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Naan Mudhalvan & AICSCC UPSC Prelims Scholarship Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) |
| Scholarship | 7,500 per month |
| Total Scholarship | 75,000 |
| Scholarship Duration | 10 Months |
| Total Scholarship Seats | 1,000 |
| Coaching Institutes | AICSCC Chennai & ACCSCA Coimbatore and Madurai |
| Exam Date | 6 September 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Official Website | skilldevelopment.tn.gov.in |
Read More: GO Classes Scholarship Test
Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of the important schedule below.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 18 July 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 18 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 August 2026 |
| Hall Ticket | Third Week of August 2026 |
| Examination | 6 September 2026 (10 AM–12 PM) |
Since the application period is short, candidates should complete the registration process well before the deadline.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates possessing any graduate degree from a recognized Indian university are eligible.
Eligible graduates include:
- BA
- BSc
- BCom
- BE/BTech
- MBBS
- BBA
- Any other recognized UG degree
Age Limit (As on 1 August 2027)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General | 32 Years |
| BC / BCM / MBC / DNC | 35 Years |
| SC / ST / SC(A) | 37 Years |
| Differently Abled | Additional 10 Years |
Minimum age for all candidates is 21 years.
Who Cannot Apply?
- They are currently employed under any Central or State Government department.
- They have already received the UPSC Prelims Scholarship twice during the last three years.
However, such candidates may still appear for the examination to seek admission into the coaching programme.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected candidates receive substantial financial and academic support.
Monthly Scholarship
- 7,500 per month
- Paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Total assistance of 75,000
The scholarship can help cover:
- Books
- UPSC Test Series
- Hostel expenses
- Study material
- Daily preparation costs
Free UPSC Coaching
Selected candidates may also receive admission into:
- AICSCC Chennai
- ACCSCA Coimbatore
- ACCSCA Madurai
Full-Time Residential Programme
- Free Coaching
- Free Hostel
- Free Food
Part-Time Coaching
Classes are conducted:
- Weekdays: 6 PM – 8 PM
- Saturdays & Sundays: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Hostel facilities are not provided under the part-time programme.
Important Scholarship Rule
Scholarship recipients must apply for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2027.
Failure to submit proof of UPSC application will result in discontinuation of scholarship payments.
Application Process
The application process is entirely online.
Before applying, candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- SSLC Certificate
- HSC Mark Sheet
- Degree Certificate
- Community Certificate
- Nativity Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
After collecting the documents:
- Visit the official TNSDC portal.
- Register with personal details.
- Enter educational qualifications.
- Fill UPSC attempt details.
- Select preferred optional subject.
- Enter bank account information.
- Choose examination district.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Verify details carefully.
- Submit and print the application.
Exam Pattern
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 Mark |
Question Distribution
General Studies
- Current Affairs
- History
- Geography
- Indian Polity
- Economy
- Environment
- General Science
CSAT
- Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Ability
- Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy
- Data Interpretation
Questions are available only in English.
Why Should You Apply?
The scholarship offers much more than financial assistance.
- 75,000 scholarship
- Free UPSC coaching
- Residential facilities
- Experienced faculty
- Quality study material
- Structured preparation
- Opportunity to study with top UPSC aspirants
Even candidates who do not secure the scholarship may still receive coaching admission based on their performance.
Final Checklist Before Applying
- Your degree is from a recognized university.
- Your age falls within the prescribed limit.
- You are not employed in any government department.
- Your certificates are valid.
- Bank account details are correct.
- Photograph and signature meet the specifications.
- Application is submitted before 3 August 2026.
Important Links
| Particular | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
| Hall Ticket Download | Download Hall Ticket |
| Scholarship Exam Result | Check Result |
| Helpdesk Email | upscgrievances@tnsdc.in |
Contact Details
Phone: 9043710214 / 9043710211
Email: upscgrievances@tnsdc.in
Official Website: skilldevelopment.tn.gov.in
Conclusion
The Naan Mudhalvan & AICSCC UPSC Prelims Scholarship Exam 2026 provides one of the best government-supported opportunities for Tamil Nadu graduates preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2027. With a scholarship of 75,000, free coaching, hostel facilities, and expert mentoring, this initiative significantly reduces the financial burden of UPSC preparation.
Interested candidates should submit their applications before 3 August 2026 and begin preparing seriously for the examination scheduled on 6 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the scholarship amount under the Naan Mudhalvan UPSC Scholarship 2026?
Selected candidates receive 7,500 per month for 10 months, totaling 75,000.
2. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application is 3 August 2026.
3. Who can apply for the scholarship exam?
Any graduate from a recognized Indian university meeting the age criteria can apply.
4. Is there any negative marking?
Yes. One-third mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
5. Is the examination available in Tamil?
No. The examination will be conducted only in English.
Menka Singh is an education researcher and scholarship consultant with over 5 years of experience helping Indian students navigate central, state and private scholarship programmes. Having personally applied for and received scholarships during her own education, she brings firsthand understanding to every guide she writes. She specialises in Bihar, UP, Maharashtra and all India scholarship schemes and has helped thousands of students find verified funding opportunities. Read More: Click Here
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