Post-Matric PhD Scholarship for ST Students 2026 – Full Tuition + ₹1,200/Month

Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India PhD / Doctoral Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Post-Matric PhD Scholarship for ST Students - Full Tuition Fee Reimbursement

Scholarship Description

The Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, through the Social Welfare Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students domiciled in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to pursue post-matriculation studies, ranging from Class 11 right up to PhD level.

The scholarship reimburses the full tuition fee charged by the institution and provides a monthly maintenance allowance of up to ₹1,200, with hostellers receiving a higher amount than day scholars. The scheme applies whether a student is enrolled at a recognised institution within the islands or on the mainland. Around 15,000 students benefit from this scheme each year.

In addition to the Post-Matric Scholarship, ST students in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands can also apply for the Additional Scholarship for ST Students (a UT scheme offering ₹1,000 per month to students in graduation and above, with no income limit) and the National Fellowship for ST Students (a Central Sector Scheme providing ₹37,000–₹42,000 per month for M.Phil and PhD studies).

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is open to ST students who are domiciles of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Students can pursue their PhD at any recognised institution across India, whether within the islands or on the mainland. The scheme is implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Scholarship Deadline

The last date for submission of applications under all three ST scholarship schemes (Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Additional Scholarship) for the academic year 2026–27 is December 31, 2026.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2026

Verification of Defective Applications: January 1, 2027

Institute-Level Verification: By January 1, 2027

DNO/SNO/MNO Verification: By January 31, 2027

Recommendation: Apply well before the deadline. Ensure your Aadhaar details are updated and linked with your bank account and registered mobile number.

Host Institution / Implementing Agency

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, through the Social Welfare Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Applications are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in. The approved amount is paid by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Post-Matriculation (Class 11) up to PhD/Doctoral level.

Fields: All eligible post-matriculation courses in recognised institutions, including:

  • Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, M.Phil/PhD degree leading to a degree
  • PG Diploma and professional courses in various streams
  • All non-professional recognised courses leading to a Bachelor's, Master's, or M.Phil/PhD degree in Arts, Science, and Commerce
  • Vocational stream, ITI courses, and three-year diploma courses in Polytechnics
  • All post-matriculation level non-degree courses

Target Group

The scholarship targets Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who are domiciles of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The scheme is open to Indian citizens belonging to the ST category and studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary level (Class 11 to PhD level).

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the course, subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Award Benefits:

  • Full tuition fee reimbursement – covers the full tuition fee charged by the institution.
  • Monthly maintenance allowance – up to ₹1,200 per month for hostellers, with day scholars receiving a lower amount.

Maintenance Allowance (Monthly):

  • Group 1 (Bachelor's, Master's, M.Phil/PhD, PG Diploma, professional courses): Hosteller ₹1,200 | Day Scholar ₹550
  • Group 2 (Non-professional BA/B.Sc/B.Com, MA/MSc/M.Com): Hosteller ₹820 | Day Scholar ₹530
  • Group 3 (Vocational, ITI, three-year polytechnic diploma): Hosteller ₹570 | Day Scholar ₹300
  • Group 4 (Post-matric non-degree courses, Class 11 and 12): Hosteller ₹380 | Day Scholar ₹230

Additional: Disability allowance for Divyangjan students (Day scholars: ₹600/month; Hostellers: ₹800/month).

📊 Summary of Benefits:
Tuition: Full reimbursement
Maintenance: Up to ₹1,200/month (PhD – Group 1)
Additional Scheme: ₹1,000/month (no income limit)
Disability Allowance: ₹600–₹800/month

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

  • Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Domicile: Must be a domicile of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Category: Must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
  • Enrollment: Must be studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary level (Class 11 to PhD level).
  • Qualification: Must have passed matriculation or higher secondary or any higher examination of a recognised University or Board of Secondary Education.
  • Income: Annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum.

Additional Scholarship (UT Scheme): Open to all ST students who are domiciles of A&N Islands, irrespective of family income, enrolled in graduation and above (including M.Phil, PhD, and postdoctoral programmes).

✅ Eligible Candidates

  • Indian citizens.
  • Domiciles of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
  • Studying at post-matriculation level (Class 11 to PhD).
  • Passed matriculation or higher secondary.
  • Family income ≤ ₹2.50 lakh per annum (Post-Matric Scheme).

❌ Ineligible Candidates

  • Non-Indian citizens.
  • Students not domiciled in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Students not belonging to the ST category.
  • Students with family income above ₹2.50 lakh (for Post-Matric Scheme).
  • Students who have not passed matriculation.

Application Procedure

  1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – Go to https://scholarships.gov.in and navigate to the State Scheme – Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  2. Register / Log in – If you are a new user, click on 'New user? Register yourself' and complete the registration with your mobile number and email. If you are already registered, log in using your credentials.
  3. Complete the OTR (One-Time Registration) – The OTR option is required to apply for a scholarship on the NSP. Complete the OTR process if you have not already done so.
  4. Select the scheme – Choose the Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students under the State Scheme – Andaman & Nicobar Islands. You may also apply for the Additional Scholarship for ST Students if eligible.
  5. Fill in the application form – Enter your personal details, academic information, bank account details, and other required information.
  6. Upload required documents – Upload the following documents:
    • Domicile certificate
    • Passport-size photograph
    • Family's annual income certificate
    • Caste certificate duly signed by an authorised Revenue Officer
    • Academic marksheets/degree certificates
    • Front page of savings bank account passbook
    • Aadhaar card (linked with bank account and mobile number)
  7. Submit the application – Submit your application online before December 31, 2026.
  8. Verification – Institute-level verification will be completed by January 1, 2027, and DNO/SNO/MNO verification by January 31, 2027.
  9. Receive funds via DBT – Approved scholarship amounts are paid by Direct Benefit Transfer into your Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Important notes: Dedicated helpdesks have been established in all schools and colleges to assist ST beneficiaries in filling out online applications. A central helpdesk is available at the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Secretariat Complex, Sri Vijaya Puram. Ensure your Aadhaar details are updated and linked with your current bank account and registered mobile number to prevent payment failures.

Official Website & Application Links

National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – Official Website

Ministry of Tribal Affairs: https://tribal.nic.in

Andaman & Nicobar Administration: https://www.andaman.gov.in

Helpdesk: Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Secretariat Complex, Sri Vijaya Puram

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💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students is a vital financial support programme for Scheduled Tribe students from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands pursuing higher education, including PhD and doctoral research. With full tuition fee reimbursement and a monthly maintenance allowance of up to ₹1,200, the scheme removes financial barriers and enables students to focus on their academic and research goals.

Key strategies for a successful application:

  • Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria — Indian citizen, A&N domicile, ST category, and family income within the prescribed limit (for the Post-Matric Scheme).
  • Gather all required documents, including domicile certificate, caste certificate, income certificate, and academic marksheets.
  • Ensure your Aadhaar details are updated and linked with your bank account and registered mobile number.
  • Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal before December 31, 2026.
  • Consider applying for the Additional Scholarship for ST Students (₹1,000/month, no income limit) and the National Fellowship for ST Students (₹37,000–₹42,000/month for PhD) for additional financial support.
  • Utilise the helpdesks available at schools, colleges, and the Directorate of Tribal Welfare for assistance.

Important reminders: The scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India for UTs without a Legislative Assembly like Andaman & Nicobar. The scholarship is paid by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account. Applications for the 2026–27 academic year close on December 31, 2026.

Post-Matric PhD Scholarship for ST Students 2026 – FAQ

What is the Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students?

It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs providing financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe students from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for post-matriculation studies, including PhD and doctoral research.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scheme reimburses the full tuition fee charged by the institution and provides a monthly maintenance allowance of up to ₹1,200 for hostellers (₹550 for day scholars) at the PhD level.

Who is eligible to apply?

Indian citizens who are domiciles of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, belong to the Scheduled Tribe category, are studying at post-matriculation level (Class 11 to PhD), have passed matriculation, and have a family income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakh per annum.

What is the application deadline?

The last date for submission of applications for the 2026–27 academic year is December 31, 2026.

How do I apply?

Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. Register or log in, complete the OTR, select the Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students under the State Scheme – Andaman & Nicobar Islands, fill in the form, upload documents, and submit before the deadline.

What documents are required?

Domicile certificate, passport-size photograph, family income certificate, caste certificate, academic marksheets, bank passbook front page, and Aadhaar card (linked with bank account and mobile number).

Is there an additional scholarship for ST students?

Yes. The Additional Scholarship for ST Students (UT Scheme) provides ₹1,000 per month to ST students in graduation and above, including PhD and postdoctoral programmes, with no family income limit.

How is the scholarship amount disbursed?

The approved amount is paid by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account.

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