The “Cash Award to Top Ranking Holders in Public Examinations” scheme was launched to recognize academic excellence and encourage students who secure top ranks in public examinations. Cash awards are given to students securing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Exam, Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Exam, Matriculation Exam, Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Exam, and Intermediate (2nd Year) Public Examinations in Puducherry.
Benefits of the Scheme
Cash Awards:
| Rank | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Rank | ₹50,000/- |
| 2nd Rank | ₹30,000/- |
| 3rd Rank | ₹20,000/- |
Key Features:
- Awards are granted separately for each of the top three rank holders in SSLC, SSC, Matriculation, HSC, and Intermediate (2nd Year) Examinations.
- Awards are provided region-wise across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
- Separate awards for Government and Private Schools.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- The applicant must be a native of Puducherry (either by birth or by continuous residence for at least five years).
- The applicant must be a student.
- The applicant must have studied in a Government/Private High School, Higher Secondary School, or Government Junior College in Puducherry.
- The applicant must have secured the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd rank in any of the following examinations:
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Exam
- Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Exam
- Matriculation Exam
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Exam
- Intermediate (2nd Year) Public Examination
Application Process
Offline Application:
- Download and Print Application Form:
- Take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form.
- Fill the Application Form:
- Complete all the mandatory details.
- Attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required).
- Self-attest all required documents (if applicable).
- Submit the Application Form:
- Submit the completed application form along with documents to the Head of the Institution of the respective school.
- The school authorities will send the applications to the Directorate of School Education through Google Forms.
- Acknowledgment:
- Ensure you obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the Head of the Institution.
Documents Required
- Nativity/Citizenship/Residential Certificate issued by a Revenue Department officer (not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar).
- Stamp-sized Photograph.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Educational Certificate (SSLC/SSC/HSC/Intermediate).
- Public Information Certificate (PIC).
- Marksheet for Proof of 1st/2nd/3rd Rank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can students from schools outside Puducherry apply for the scheme?
A: No, only students who studied in Government/Private schools in Puducherry are eligible.
Q: Are there any income limits for applicants?
A: No, the scheme is merit-based and does not consider financial background.
Q: How are the cash awards distributed among rank holders?
A: The top three rank holders in each examination receive ₹50,000 (1st rank), ₹30,000 (2nd rank), and ₹20,000 (3rd rank).
Q: Which public examinations are covered under this scheme?
A: The scheme covers SSLC, SSC, Matriculation, HSC, and Intermediate (2nd Year) Public Examinations.
Q: If a student secures the 4th rank, can they apply for the scheme?
A: No, only the top three rank holders (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) are eligible.
Q: A student from a private school in Puducherry secured the 2nd rank in the SSLC Exam. Are they eligible?
A: Yes, students from both Government and Private schools in Puducherry are eligible.
Q: If a student is originally from Puducherry but is studying Intermediate (2nd Year) in another state, can they apply?
A: No, only students who studied in Puducherry are eligible.
Q: If a student has dual citizenship, with one being Indian, can they apply?
A: Only Indian citizens are eligible, so if the student holds Indian citizenship, they may apply.
Q: If a student has been residing in Yanam for six years but was born in a different state, are they eligible?
A: Yes, if they can provide a residence certificate proving continuous residence in Puducherry for at least five years.
Q: If a student is temporarily in Puducherry for education and plans to leave after studies, can they apply?
A: No, students must be natives of Puducherry by birth or have resided continuously for at least five years.
Q: What if a student misses the deadline for submitting the application?
A: Late submissions are generally not accepted. Students should contact the Directorate of School Education for possible exceptions.
Q: If a student cannot access the application form online, how can they obtain it?
A: They can request a hard copy from their school authorities or visit the Directorate of School Education.