Award of Adhoc Merit Grant (Special Incentive) to Scheduled Caste Students

One-time cash grant of ₹1,000 for Scheduled Caste students in Puducherry scoring 65% or above in matriculation.

Key facts

Award₹1,000 one-time cash grant
ForScheduled Caste students in Puducherry
Requirement65% or more in Class 10 / SSLC
Income limitNone
ResidencePuducherry by birth or 5+ years
Apply onNational Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
DepartmentAdi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry
Application windowOpen all year for eligible students

Benefits

Eligible students receive a one-time cash award of ₹1,000 to assist with initial expenses for higher studies.

Full guide

What the incentive is

This is a small but useful reward from the Puducherry government for Scheduled Caste students who do well in the board exam. If you clear Class 10 (SSLC) with 65% or more, you get a one-time ₹1,000 grant. It is a merit incentive, not a needs-based scholarship — so there is no income limit at all.

Who can claim it

You are eligible if you belong to the Scheduled Caste, scored 65% or above in the Class 10 / SSLC board examination, and are a permanent resident of Puducherry — either by birth or by having lived there continuously for at least five years. Family income does not matter.

How to apply

The grant is claimed online on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after your Class 10 result. Register, fill the form, and upload your community certificate, marksheet, residence proof and bank details; your school or institution then verifies it. The portal opens once a year, so apply as soon as it does rather than waiting — the ₹1,000 is paid straight into your bank account after approval.

Who can apply

  • Category: SC
  • Resident of Puducherry
  • not income tax payer
  • poor household

Students must belong to the Scheduled Caste and have secured 65% or more in the 10th Standard/SSLC Board Examination. They should be permanent residents of Puducherry for at least five years and can apply regardless of their family's income.

Who is not eligible

  • Students who are not from the Scheduled Caste category
  • Students who scored below 65% in Class 10 / SSLC
  • Students who are not permanent residents of Puducherry (by birth or five years)

How to apply

Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal.

  1. Visit the NSP Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in/ and select 'New Registration'.
  2. Complete the registration form with accurate details to obtain a 'Student Registration ID'.
  3. Log in using the 'Student Registration ID' and select 'Fresh Application'.
  4. Click on the 'Application Form' icon to access the application screen.
  5. Fill out the application form completely and click 'Final Submit' to submit your application.
  6. A registration number will be generated upon successful submission for future reference.
Apply on the official website ↗

Documents required

  • Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar Card
  • Passport size photograph
  • Educational documents/certificates i.e. Mark sheets
  • Caste certificate
  • Income certificate
  • Residence/Nativity Certificate issued by the Revenue Officials
  • Bank Account details

Common problems and how to fix them

ProblemWhat to do
Missed the application windowThe grant is claimed after the Class 10 result through the National Scholarship Portal, which opens once a year — watch for the annual notification and apply before the deadline.
Grant not creditedCheck that your National Scholarship Portal registration is complete, your bank account is Aadhaar-linked, and your school verified the application.
Community certificate mismatchYour Scheduled Caste certificate must be valid and match the name on your marksheet and Aadhaar. Get it corrected before applying.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the scheme?

The scheme aims to encourage Scheduled Caste students who achieve 65% or above in their matriculation exams by providing financial assistance for their post-metric studies.

Who implements this scheme?

The Adi Dravidar Welfare Department of the Union Territory of Puducherry is responsible for implementing this scheme.

Is there an income limit for eligibility?

No, there is no income limit for students applying for this grant.

Can non-residents of Puducherry apply?

No, only students who are permanent residents of Puducherry for at least five years are eligible to apply.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants need to provide an Aadhaar Card, a passport-sized photograph, educational certificates, a caste certificate, an income certificate, a residence certificate, and bank account details.

How much is the grant?

A one-time cash grant of ₹1,000 for eligible Scheduled Caste students.

Is there an income limit?

No. Any Scheduled Caste student who meets the marks and residence conditions can apply, regardless of family income.

What marks do I need?

65% or more in the Class 10 / SSLC board examination.

Where do I apply?

Online on the National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in.

Who is it for?

Scheduled Caste students who are permanent residents of Puducherry — by birth or by living there for at least five years.

Key terms explained

SC / ST / OBC
Official social categories — Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes — used for reservations and targeted welfare schemes.

Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.

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