The Scheme for Grant of Additional Scholarship is an initiative by the Department of Tribal Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, aimed at providing financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher education anywhere in India after their Senior Secondary (10+2) education. This scheme supplements existing scholarships provided by the Department of Education and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
Scope of the Scheme
- Financial assistance is provided in addition to existing scholarships.
- Available for higher education (Post 10+2 courses) in any government-recognized institution across India.
- Funded under the Union Territory Plan and implemented by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Administration.
Benefits
- ₹1,000 per month as an additional scholarship.
- Paid for 10 months in an academic session.
- Amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribes (ST) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as notified under The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Scheduled Tribes Order No. 58 (31.03.1959).
- The applicant must be a domicile of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- The applicant must have passed Senior Secondary (10+2) or an equivalent exam from a recognized board/university.
- The applicant must be pursuing a full-time, recognized post-10+2 course in any government-recognized institution across India.
Eligible Courses
- Graduate Degree Programs (B.A, B.Sc, B.Com, etc.).
- Postgraduate Degree Programs (M.A, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Ed, etc.).
- Professional and Technical Courses (Engineering, Medicine, Law, Management, etc.).
- Diploma and Certificate Courses (Pharmacy, Nursing, Hotel Management, etc.).
- Doctoral & Post-Doctoral Programs (M.Phil, Ph.D., D.Sc., D.Litt., etc.).
- ITI & Polytechnic Courses.
Exclusions
- Students studying in Class XI and XII are not eligible.
- Students pursuing the same stage of education in a different subject (e.g., B.Sc. after B.A.) are not eligible.
- Students who fail and re-enroll in the same course are not eligible.
- Students who switch courses/institutions without approval.
- Students already receiving scholarships from other sources that fully cover expenses.
Renewal of Scholarship
- Renewal is allowed only if the student secures promotion to the next academic year.
- If a student fails in an exam for the first time, the scholarship may be renewed. However, further failures will disqualify the student.
- If a student is unable to appear for an exam due to illness, renewal may be granted upon submission of a medical certificate.
- Students pursuing postgraduate medical courses can receive the scholarship, provided they are not engaged in professional practice during the course.
Application Process
Mode: Online
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): scholarships.gov.in
- Click on “New Registration” and provide the required details.
- After registration, log in using your “Student Registration ID”.
- Fill out the application form with personal and academic details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Click “Final Submit” to complete the application process.
- A system-generated registration number will be issued for future reference.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Caste Certificate (ST Category).
- Residence/Domicile Certificate.
- Class X and XII Marksheets.
- Admission Proof (Fee Receipt/College Admission Letter).
- Bank Account Details (First Page of Passbook Copy).
- Renewal students must submit a marksheet of the previous academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Who is eligible for the scheme?
Only Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who are domiciled in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and pursuing post-10+2 courses in recognized institutions anywhere in India.
Q. How much financial assistance is provided?
Students receive ₹1,000 per month for 10 months in an academic session.
Q. Is this scholarship available for postgraduate students?
Yes, students pursuing postgraduate courses (M.A, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Ed, etc.) are eligible.
Q. Can students studying in Class XI or XII apply?
No, this scheme is only for students pursuing higher education (Post-10+2 courses).
Q. Can a student receive multiple scholarships?
No, students who are already receiving another full-funded scholarship from the government are not eligible.
Q. Is this scholarship available for students studying outside Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Yes, eligible students can study in any UGC/AICTE-recognized institution in India.
Q. How will the scholarship be disbursed?
The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
Q. What happens if a student fails an exam?
If a student fails for the first time, renewal may be granted. However, second-time failures will result in disqualification.
Q. How can I track my scholarship application?
Applicants can track their status on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) under “My Applied Scheme History”.
Q. Can I switch courses after applying for the scholarship?
No, switching courses or institutions without prior approval will result in cancellation of the scholarship.