The Tamil Nadu state has earned distinctions as one of the high-performing states in India concerning literacy with a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of one hundred percent at the Primary and Upper Primary levels of education. In addition to this developing picture, the Government of Tamil Nadu, in conjunction with its various Ministries, has put up several Tamil Nadu scholarship schemes targeting children of varying socio-economic status. Private organizations also offer scholarships for students from Tamil Nadu. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the available Tamil Nadu scholarships, how and where to apply for them, and the qualifications required for support.

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List of Tamil Nadu Scholarships

Tamil Nadu offers a wide range of scholarships managed by different government departments and private organizations. Below is a detailed list of scholarships available in Tamil Nadu:

1. Scholarship to Son and Daughter of Differently Abled Persons

• Scholarship Provider: Commissionerate for Welfare of Differently Abled, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Children of differently-abled persons who possess an identity card issued by the Welfare Board of Differently Abled.
• Applicable for: Class 11 to postgraduate level, including ITI and Polytechnic diploma courses.
• Award: Up to INR 6,000.
• Application Process: Apply offline through the District Office of Differently Abled Welfare

2. Scholarship for Differently Abled Students

• Scholarship Provider: Commissionerate for Welfare of Differently Abled, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Differently-abled students studying from Class 9 to the postgraduate level, including vocational, professional, medical, and engineering courses. Minimum of 40% marks in the previous qualifying examination.
• Award: Up to INR 7,000 per annum.
• Application Process: Apply offline through the District Office of Differently Abled Welfare

3. Scholarship for Differently Abled Students towards Purchase of Books & Note Books

• Scholarship Provider: Commissionerate for Welfare of Differently Abled, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Differently-abled students from Class 1 to 8.
• Award: INR 100 per month (Class 1 to 5), INR 300 per month (Class 6 to 8).
• Application Process: Apply offline through the District Office of Differently Abled Welfare

4. R.I.M.C. Dehradun Tamil Nadu Scholarship

• Scholarship Provider: Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Students studying at the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun.
• Award: INR 1,000 per month.
• Application Process: Apply offline through the Directorate of Collegiate Education

5. Deceased Government Servants Tamil Nadu Scholarship

• Scholarship Provider: Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Wards of government servants who died in service.
• Award: Covers tuition fees, hostel fees, and other admissible items up to the undergraduate level.
• Application Process: Apply offline through the Directorate of Collegiate Education

6. PhD Tamil Nadu Scholarship

• Scholarship Provider: Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Students in the first, second, or third year of full-time PhD research in government or government-aided colleges. M.Phil. holders must be in the first or second year of their PhD. Not applicable to part-time students or recipients of other scholarships.
• Award: INR 3,000 per month.
• Application Process: Apply offline through the Directorate of Collegiate Education

7. EVR Nagammai Tamil Nadu Scholarship

• Scholarship Provider: Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Girl students pursuing postgraduate courses in arts and science at recognized colleges.
• Award: Variable financial assistance.
• Application Process: Apply offline through the Directorate of Collegiate Education

8. Free Education Schemes for BC, MBC & DNC Students, Tamil Nadu

• Scholarship Provider: Department of Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes and Minority Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Students from BC, MBC, and DNC categories pursuing three-year degree or polytechnic diploma courses. Family income should not exceed INR 50,000 per annum.
• Award: Tuition fees, examination fees, special fees, and other fees up to INR 10,000.
• Application Process: Apply through the District Office of Backward Classes and Minority Welfare

9. Incentive Scheme for Rural MBC/DNC Girl Students, Tamil Nadu

• Scholarship Provider: Department of Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes and Minority Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Rural girl students from MBC/DNC category studying from Class 3 to 6. Family income should not exceed INR 25,000 per annum.
• Award: INR 500 per annum (Class 3 to 5), INR 1,000 per annum (Class 6).
• Application Process: Apply through the District Office of Backward Classes and Minority Welfare

10. Thanthai Periyar Memorial Tamil Nadu Award

• Scholarship Provider: Department of Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes and Minority Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Top two boys and girls from each district, belonging to BC/MBC/DNC categories, who scored the highest marks in Class 10 and are pursuing a polytechnic diploma.
• Award: INR 3,000 per annum for three years.
• Application Process: Apply through the District Office of Backward Classes and Minority Welfare

11. Perarignar Anna Memorial Award, Tamil Nadu

• Scholarship Provider: Department of Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes and Minority Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Eligibility: Top two boys and girls from each district, belonging to BC/MBC/DNC categories, who scored the highest marks in Class 12 and are pursuing professional degree courses.
• Award: INR 3,000 per annum for four years or until the course completion.
• Application Process: Apply through the District Office of Backward Classes and Minority Welfare

12. Vidyadhan Scholarship Program

• Scholarship Provider: Sarojini Damodaran Foundation
• Eligibility: Students from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Telangana, who have passed Class 10/SSLC. Family income should not exceed INR 2,00,000 per annum.
• Award: Up to INR 6,000 per annum for Classes 11 and 12.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation’s website or click here.

13. National Talent Search Exam (NTSE)

• Scholarship Provider: National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
• Eligibility: Students of Class 10, including those studying through open schools or distance learning (under 18 years of age).
• Award: INR 1,250 per month (Class 11 and 12), INR 2,000 per month (undergraduates and postgraduates), PhD students receive the amount specified by UGC.
• Application Process: Apply offline through the respective state liaison officer

Final Remarks

Various scholarships are available for students from different categories and education levels in Tamil Nadu. The scholarships give finance, boost education, and promote socio-economic equity. Determining the criteria for eligibility and understanding the application process enables the students to access the necessary opportunities to achieve their educational dreams. For additional information, visit the official portals of Tamil Nadu Scholarship or the relevant departments themselves.

Several scholarships in Tamil Nadu enable students to grow intellectually and professionally; therefore, students must stay updated and apply on time.

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FAQs

What are Tamil Nadu scholarships?

It is a financial assistance awarded mainly by the Government of Tamil Nadu, its various departments, and other organizations to enable students from different communities to continue their education.

Who is eligible for Tamil Nadu scholarships?

As with many scholarships, the criteria are different; however, applicants are generally required to be residents of the state of Tamil Nadu and additionally meet other requirements such as their records of achievement in school, their family income, or some specified Social Category (such as BC, MBC, DNC, disabled among others).

How can I apply for Tamil Nadu scholarships?

There are separate methods to apply for different scholarships; for example, for some scholarships, students can apply online, and for others, it is on application forms to submit at specified district offices and departments.

What does the Vidyadhan Scholarship Program refer to?

The Sarojini Damodaran Foundation offers this Vidyadhan Scholarship Program for students who studied in Tamil Nadu and have passed the 10th standard with arrangements for further study for a substantial amount.

Can students from outside Tamil Nadu apply for these scholarships?

Generally, applicants must be residents of Tamil Nadu, although certain scholarships may cater to students studying away from Tamil Nadu.

Is there any scholarship for PhD students in Tamil Nadu?

Yes, the PhD Scholarship provided by the Directorate of Collegiate Education is available for full-time PhD students in the State Tamil Nadu government or government-aided colleges.

Are scholarships available specifically for girls in Tamil Nadu?

Yes, scholarships such as the EVR Nagammai Scholarship and the Incentive Scheme for Rural MBC/DNC Girl Students are available, particularly for female students.

Where can I get details regarding Tamil Nadu scholarships?

Details on Tamil Nadu scholarships are available on the Tamil Nadu government’s official websites, district offices, and or through relevant scholarship portals.