| Who can apply | Scheduled Tribe students in classes IX and X, studying in government or recognised schools |
| Income limit | Parents' or guardian's annual income must not exceed Rs 2,00,000 |
| Scholarship amount | Day scholars: Rs 150–225 per month; Hostellers: Rs 350–525 per month |
| Books and materials grant | Rs 750 per year (day scholars); Rs 1,000 per year (hostellers) |
| Application deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Where to apply | Through your school; proposals go to state government |
What this scholarship covers
The scheme exists because the transition from primary to secondary school is where many ST students drop out. Your family's income matters more than your marks at this stage—if your parents are struggling, you might not make it to class X. This scholarship tries to remove that barrier.
You get two things: a monthly allowance and an annual grant for books. The monthly amount depends on whether you live at school (hostel) or go home each day. Hostellers get more because boarding costs money. The money comes from the central government, not your state's budget, which means the rules are the same across India.
Who qualifies
You must belong to a Scheduled Tribe. That means your name has to be on your state's official ST list. If you're unsure, ask your school office—they will know.
You must be studying in class IX or X. Once you pass class X, you're no longer eligible for this scheme. (There's a separate scholarship for post-matric students, but that's different money and different rules.)
Your school must be government-run or officially recognised by the government or a state/central board. Private unaided schools don't count. If your school is on the board's recognition list, you're fine.
The income rule
Your parents' or guardian's annual income from all sources must not exceed Rs 2,00,000. This is the single most important condition.
Here's how it works in practice: if both your parents are alive and earning, only their income counts—not your siblings', not your grandparents'. Add up salary, business profit, rent, pension, everything. If one parent has died, use the other parent's income. If both have died, use your guardian's income.
The income certificate must be from the current financial year (April to March). An old certificate, even if it was correct last year, will get your application rejected.
House rent allowance that your parents received from their employer is exempt from this calculation, but only if it was also exempt for income tax purposes. This is rare, so don't assume it applies to you.
If one parent dies during the year, you become eligible from that month onwards, even if the other parent's income is above the limit. The guidelines allow late applications on compassionate grounds in this case.
Attendance and conduct
You must attend school regularly. The school can cancel your scholarship if you skip classes without permission or if you're guilty of misconduct—fighting, stealing, or anything the school decides is serious enough.
The scholarship is for one class only. If you repeat class IX, you don't get the scholarship again for that year. This is strict: it's not about how many times you can take the exam, but about which academic year you're in.
How much money you actually get
The monthly amount increased in December 2019. If your school has updated its records, you should receive the new rates. If not, chase your school office.
| Category | Old rate (before Dec 2019) | New rate (from Dec 2019) |
| Day scholars, monthly | Rs 150 | Rs 225 |
| Hostellers, monthly | Rs 350 | Rs 525 |
| Books and materials, yearly | Rs 750 (day); Rs 1,000 (hostel) | Same |
The scholarship is paid for 10 months in an academic year. You don't get money for the two months when school is closed.
Payment starts from 1 April or from the month you were admitted to class IX, whichever is later. If you join school in June, you get paid from June. If you get admitted in April but the scholarship is approved in July, payment starts from July.
The money goes to your school's bank account first, then the school passes it to you. Some schools give it in cash, some transfer it to your account. Ask your school how they do it.
What documents you need
Gather these before you start the application:
- A passport-size photograph with your signature on the back (for fresh applications only)
- Your Scheduled Tribe certificate, signed by a Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar
- An income certificate from your parents or guardian. It must be from the current financial year (April–March). If your parents are employed, get a declaration from their employer on official letterhead, signed and stamped. If they're self-employed or have other income, get an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper.
- A receipt showing you received the scholarship last year (if you're renewing, not applying fresh)
The income certificate is where most applications get stuck. Don't wait until August to collect it. Get it in June. If your parents work in different cities, you might need two certificates. If one parent is unemployed, get a certificate saying so from the local revenue office.
How to apply
You apply through your school, not directly to the government.
- Tell your school you want to apply. Ask for the application form. Your school should have a printed copy or will give you the link to download it.
- Fill the form carefully. Write your name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or Aadhaar. Write your parents' names exactly as they appear on the income certificate.
- Attach all documents. Staple them in the order the form lists them. Don't use a folder or binding—just staple.
- Get your school principal or the scholarship officer to sign and stamp the form. They will verify that you attend the school and that your attendance is regular.
- Submit the form to your school by the deadline. Your school will then send all applications to the district education office.
The application window for 2026 closes on 31 August 2026. Don't assume you have until the last week—the portal slows down in late August and your school might take time to process forms. Submit by mid-August if you can.
What happens after you apply
Your school forwards your application to the district authorities. They check that your documents are complete and that your income is genuinely below the limit. This can take two to three months.
If everything is in order, your name goes on an approved list. The state government then claims central funds and deposits the money into the school's account. The school pays you.
If your application is rejected, your school should tell you why. Common reasons: income certificate is old, Scheduled Tribe certificate is missing, or attendance is below the required percentage. You can reapply next year with corrected documents.
Once approved, the scholarship continues for class X if you pass class IX and maintain regular attendance. You don't need to reapply, but your school will need to confirm you're still eligible.
If you have a disability
If you have a certified disability and study in a private unaided school, you're eligible for additional allowances on top of the scholarship. These cover reader services for blind students, transport, escort services, and coaching. The guidelines list five types of additional support. Ask your school if you qualify, or contact the district education office.
Common mistakes to avoid
Income certificates older than the current financial year will be rejected. If you apply in July 2026, the certificate must be from April 2025 onwards, not April 2024.
Submitting a form without your school's signature and stamp wastes time. The authorities will send it back.
Forgetting to mention that you're already getting another central scholarship (if you are) can lead to rejection. Tell your school if you're receiving any other centrally-funded pre-matric scholarship.
Leaving the form incomplete. Every field matters. If you don't know an answer, ask your school before submitting.
Where to find help
Start with your school office. They handle dozens of these applications every year and know the local process. If your school doesn't respond, contact your district's Tribal Development Department office. Their address should be on your school's scholarship notice board.
The central government's scholarship portal is scholarships.gov.in, but this scheme is implemented by states, so your state's education department website may have updates specific to your state.
Keep copies of everything you submit. If there's a dispute later, you'll need proof that you applied on time and with complete documents.
Official source:
Centrally Sponsored Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme For ST Students-Himachal Pradesh - scheme guidelines (PDF)
· National Scholarship Portal
Verified against the official guidelines on 2026-08-10. Confirm current dates and amounts on the official portal before applying.