The “Free Education Scheme” was launched by the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, and Minorities Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu on 7th May, 2012. This helps students from all the three above-mentioned BC, MBC, and De-notified communities to pursue education without any fear of fees paid. This involves all special fees, non-refundable compulsory fees, and the examination fees payable by students joining 3-year undergraduate programs like B.A., B.Sc., B.Com in government and government-aided arts and science colleges.
Benefits
All the advantages from the Free Education Scheme are:
- Full Waiver of Special Fees: It pays all the special fees besides other non-returnable compulsory fees fixed by the Government.
- Examination Fees: All examination fees shall be fully waived for students enrolled in the aforementioned courses.
Eligibility
The applicant for the Free Education Scheme must meet the following criteria:
- Student: The applicant is a student.
- Resident of Tamil Nadu: The applicant must be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Community: The applicant must be a BC, MBC, or DNC.
- Course: The students should be from 3-year undergraduate courses like B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com.
- Institutes: Must be studying through a Government/ Government-Aided Arts and Science College.
Method of Application
Offline Application
- Step 1: Obtain Application Form from the educational institution concerned of the student.
- Step 2: Fill in all the mandatory fields in the application form, pasting a passport-sized photograph signed across, if required, and attach the self-attested copies of the mandatory documents.
- Step 3: Submit the completed and signed application form with documents to the institution.
- Step 4: Submit and request for receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority. The receipt must contain the date, time of submission, and unique identification number (if provided).
List of Documents Required
The applicant needs to present the following documents:
- Identification Proof such as Aadhaar Card or any document issued by the authority.
- Caste Certificate.
- Admission letter or proof of enrollment in Government or Government-Aided Arts and Science College.
- Bank Account Details for fee reimbursement.
- Previous Academic Records (as applicable).
- Any Other Documents (applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the objective of the “Free Education Scheme”?
The program would support undergraduate education to the students of BC, MBC, and DNC by means of special fees, non-refundable required fees, and examination fees.
Q2: Who are beneficiaries of the Free Education Scheme?
The program is open to Tamil Nadu residents who are BC, MBC, or DNC community members and who are seeking admission to a government or government-aided arts and science college for a three-year undergraduate program leading to a B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com degree.
Q3: What does the plan cover?
It covers undergraduate courses like B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com.
Q4: Is there an income cap for this program?
No, it has no income limit affecting eligibility under the program.
Q5: Is this program applicable to private university students?
No, it is only applicable to students who are registered in a government or government-aided arts and science college.
Q6: What fees are eligible under the scheme?
The scheme covers the examination fees that are mandated by the government, the special fees that are non-refundable, and the mandatory non-refundable expenses.
Q7: Does this scheme have any specific age limit that needs to be fulfilled for eligibility?
Such an age restriction does not exist.
Q8: Which documents are required in order to submit an application?
Proof of identity, caste certificate, admission letter, bank account information, and prior academic records are among the documents included in the application.
Q9: How long has the Free Education Program been in place?
This program went into effect on May 7, 2012.
Q10: Is there a full waiver of the exam fee?
Yes, the scheme covers all costs of examinations.
Q11: Is the scheme for students studying professional courses?
No, it includes undergraduate course study only like B.A., B.Sc., B.Com only.
Q12: Will the scheme cover charges for hostels or lodgings?
No, the scheme does not include costs for hostels or lodgings.
Q13: For how long will the benefits of the scheme be available for students?
All expenses and benefits are covered over the course of the three-year undergraduate program.