Education is a powerful instrument for social transformation and economic empowerment, particularly for historically disadvantaged communities. Recognizing this, the Government of Goa has been implementing several welfare schemes aimed at ensuring inclusive education and reducing dropout rates among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. One such important initiative is the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Students, administered by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Government of Goa, under the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swayampurna Goa.
This scholarship scheme is designed to support ST students studying in Classes V to X by providing financial assistance that helps them continue their education without economic hardship. The scheme aims to improve school retention, enhance literacy levels, and promote educational advancement among tribal communities in Goa. For the academic year 2025–26, the Government of Goa has extended the application timeline to ensure that no eligible student is deprived of the scholarship benefits.
Dates and Objectives of the Scheme
Important Dates (Academic Year 2025–26)
- Last Date for Application Submission: 31 December 2025
- Last Date for Institution (INO) Level Verification: 15 January 2026
- Last Date for District Level Verification: 31 January 2026
These timelines have been extended as a final extension to allow maximum participation of eligible ST students.
Objectives of the Scheme
The key objectives of the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students are:
- Encouraging School Education
To promote education among Scheduled Tribe students at the pre-matric level (Classes V to X). - Reducing Dropout Rates
To minimize school dropouts caused by financial constraints among tribal students. - Providing Financial Support
To assist students and their families in meeting educational expenses such as books, stationery, and other incidental costs. - Promoting Social Inclusion
To ensure equal educational opportunities for students belonging to Scheduled Tribes. - Strengthening Human Capital
To build a strong educational foundation for ST students, enabling them to pursue higher education and employment opportunities in the future.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students in Goa has the following salient features:
- Implemented by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Government of Goa
- Applicable to Scheduled Tribe students studying in Classes V to X
- Scholarship applications submitted through the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal
- Scheme operates under Atmanirbhar Bharat – Swayampurna Goa initiative
- Transparent multi-level verification system (Institution Level and District Level)
- Strict monitoring of application verification by designated Nodal Officers
- Accountability fixed on institutions to ensure no eligible student is left out
- Final beneficiary approval after district-level scrutiny
Scholarship Amount
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible Scheduled Tribe students to support their education.
- The scholarship amount is provided as per government norms applicable for pre-matric ST students.
- The assistance is intended to cover educational and incidental expenses.
- The scholarship is disbursed annually for the approved academic year.
- Payment is made directly to the eligible student’s bank account through the approved financial mechanism.
(The exact amount varies as per class and government norms and is notified by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare.)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
- Community Requirement
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community of Goa.
- Class of Study
- The student must be studying in Class V to Class X in a recognized school.
- Residence
- The applicant must be a resident of Goa.
- Institution
- The student must be enrolled in a recognized school within the state.
- Scholarship Portal Application
- Application must be submitted through the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal within the prescribed timeline.
- Verification
- The application must be verified at Institution Level and District Level to be considered valid.
Reservation Policy
The scheme is exclusively meant for Scheduled Tribe students, hence:
- 100% reservation is applicable for students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe community.
- No other caste or category is eligible under this scheme.
- Selection is strictly based on eligibility and verification, not on merit ranking.
Distribution of Scholarships
The distribution of scholarship benefits follows a structured and accountable process:
- Application Submission
- Eligible students submit their applications through the designated scholarship portal.
- Institution Level Verification
- Headmasters/Headmistresses or designated Institutional Nodal Officers verify student details and documents.
- District Level Verification
- Verified applications are forwarded to the District Level authorities for final scrutiny.
- Approval by Directorate
- The Directorate of Tribal Welfare reviews and approves eligible applications.
- Disbursement of Scholarship
- Approved scholarship amounts are transferred to students through the official payment system.
- Monitoring and Accountability
- Nodal Officers are held responsible if any eligible student is excluded due to delay or negligence.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Student Awareness
Schools are required to inform all eligible Scheduled Tribe students studying in Classes V to X about the scholarship scheme and application deadline.
Step 2: Online Application
Students apply under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme through the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal before 31 December 2025.
Step 3: Submission of Details
Students submit required personal, academic, and community details along with necessary documents.
Step 4: Institution Level Verification
- The Headmaster/Headmistress or Institutional Nodal Officer verifies applications.
- Verification must be completed by 15 January 2026.
- Applications should be forwarded daily without waiting for the last date.
Step 5: District Level Verification
- Applications are scrutinized at the district level.
- Verification must be completed by 31 January 2026.
Step 6: Final Approval
The Directorate of Tribal Welfare grants final approval after verification.
Step 7: Scholarship Disbursement
The scholarship amount is released to approved students for the academic year.
Role of Educational Institutions and Nodal Officers
- Schools must actively ensure 100% coverage of eligible ST students.
- Institutional Nodal Officers must verify and forward applications on a daily basis.
- Delay or failure resulting in exclusion of eligible students may lead to administrative responsibility.
- Schools play a critical role in the successful implementation of the scheme.
Importance of the Scheme
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme is crucial for:
- Improving literacy levels among tribal communities
- Ensuring continuity of education at foundational levels
- Reducing economic barriers to schooling
- Empowering Scheduled Tribe students through education
- Supporting the vision of inclusive and self-reliant Goa
