In Tamil Nadu, the scholarship landscape is comprehensive, covering community-based aid, first-generation learner support, and recent incentive schemes for government school students.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the various scholarship categories you mentioned:

1. Community-Based Scholarships (SC / ST / BC / MBC)

These are administered by the respective welfare departments and typically cover tuition, special fees, and exam fees.

Category Eligibility (Annual Income) Benefits SC / ST Scholarship Up to ₹2.5 Lakhs Full reimbursement of compulsory fees and maintenance allowance.

SCC (SC Converted) Up to ₹2.5 Lakhs Similar benefits to the SC/ST scholarship.



2. Incentive Schemes (TP & PP)

These are monthly cash incentives for students who studied in Tamil Nadu Government Schools from Class 6 to 12. There is no income limit for these schemes.

• Pudhumai Penn (PP) Scheme:

o For: Female students pursuing Higher Education (Diploma/Degree/ITI).

o Amount: ₹1,000 per month directly credited to the student's bank account.


• Tamil Pudhalvan (TP) Scheme:

o For: Male students pursuing Higher Education (Diploma/Degree/ITI).

o Amount: ₹1,000 per month to encourage higher enrollment of boys in colleges.



3. Special Category Scholarships (7.5 & FG)

7.5% Reservation Scholarship (Free Education)

This is one of the most significant schemes for government school students entering professional courses.

• Eligibility: Students who studied in Government schools from Class 6 to 12 and secured admission under the 7.5% horizontal reservation quota.

• Benefit: The Tamil Nadu Government bears 100% of the costs, including: o Tuition Fees & Hostel Fees.

o Counselling Fees & Books.

o Even mess bills are covered in professional colleges (Engineering, Medical, Law, Agriculture).



First Graduate (FG) Scholarship

• Eligibility: The student must be the first graduate in their entire family (parents and siblings should not have a degree).

• Benefit: A tuition fee concession (approx. ₹20,000 to ₹27,500) for students joining professional courses (like Engineering) through Anna University single-window counselling.

• Document Required: A "First Graduate Certificate" issued by the Tahsildar/VAO.



4. Application Process & Portals

For the 2025-2026 academic year, most applications are streamlined through digital portals:

1. TN State Scholarship Portal: umisfees.tnega.org

2. Required Documents:

o Community Certificate & Income Certificate.

o Aadhaar Card (linked with Bank Account).

o School Bonafide Certificate (especially for 7.5, TP, and PP schemes).
o First Graduate Certificate (if applicable).