What is the Adi Dravidar Scholarship?
The Adi Dravidar Scholarship is a government-funded financial aid program specifically designed to support students from the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Scheduled Caste Converted to Christianity (SCC) communities in Tamil Nadu. It aims to reduce financial barriers and promote higher education by covering tuition, living expenses, travel and other academic-related costs.
The scholarship ensures that deserving students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds can pursue higher studies in India and abroad — especially at top-ranked universities — without financial stress.
It is part of the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department's broader goal to empower students from marginalised communities through quality education, with special provisions for both domestic and international study.
Who Provides the Adi Dravidar Scholarship?
The scholarship is provided by the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, under the funding and guidance of the Government of Tamil Nadu and, in certain cases, the Government of India.
Some scholarships are jointly funded under Central Sector Schemes and may include support from bodies such as the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, or international government collaborations where applicable.
Who is Eligible for the Scholarship?
This scholarship is strictly meant for students belonging to:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Scheduled Caste Converted to Christianity (SCC)
Eligibility is based on both a valid community certificate and family income, certified by the competent authorities.
General Eligibility
- The applicant must be a native of Tamil Nadu.
- The student must belong to the SC, ST or SCC community.
- Family annual income should not exceed ₹2.5 Lakhs for Post-Matric scholarships, or ₹6 Lakhs for scholarships supporting higher education abroad.
Educational Qualification
- Completed 10th or 12th standard (as applicable) from a recognised board.
- For PG or doctoral scholarships, a valid undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- For study abroad, confirmed admission to a recognised foreign university in an eligible country.
Academic Performance
- At least 60% marks in the last qualifying examination.
- Consistent academic performance without major gaps is preferred.
Amounts, income limits and criteria are as per current Tamil Nadu government norms and may be revised. Vibedu helps you confirm the latest details and check your eligibility — free.
Benefits of the Adi Dravidar Scholarship
This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
1 Tuition Fee Coverage
Full reimbursement of tuition fees for students pursuing education in government, government-aided or recognised private institutions in India and abroad.
2 Hostel & Accommodation
Monthly hostel charges of ₹7,000–₹10,000 depending on location and institution, plus a maintenance allowance for food and daily living expenses.
3 Books & Stationery Allowance
A one-time book allowance ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹7,500 depending on your course and level of study.
4 Travel Grant (Foreign Studies)
Economy-class airfare to and from your foreign destination, plus visa fees, insurance costs and local travel assistance.
5 Research & Thesis Grant
For postgraduate and doctoral students — funding for thesis work, lab materials and field visits.
Countries Covered Under the Overseas Scholarship
Tamil Nadu supports students who secure admission to world-renowned universities across:
United States (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)
Canada
Australia
Germany
New Zealand
Singapore
Sweden
France
Ireland
Universities must be top 500 ranked institutions as per global rankings such as QS, THE or ARWU.
Courses Covered
Postgraduate (PG) Programs
MA, MSc, MBA, MTech, MS and other master's degrees.
Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs
Research-based doctoral studies across disciplines.
Professional Courses
Medicine, Law, Engineering, Architecture and similar professional degrees.
Higher Technical & Management
Advanced specialised programs and management studies abroad.
Preference is given to high-opportunity disciplines, including:
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- Engineering & Biotechnology
- Medicine & Healthcare
- Business Analytics
- Environmental Studies & Public Policy
- Law & Human Rights
How & Where to Apply
Go to www.tn.gov.in → Welfare Schemes → Adi Dravidar Scholarships.
Select the appropriate scheme — Domestic or Overseas.
Register with your Aadhaar number and upload your community certificate, income certificate, educational certificates, admission letter (if studying abroad) and bank passbook.
Submit the application and track its status online. For offline help, contact your District Adi Dravidar Welfare Office.
How Vibedu Helps You
Accessing scholarships like the Adi Dravidar Scheme can feel overwhelming. Our expert counsellors assist you with:
We match you with top-ranked institutions that qualify for the scholarship.
Personalised guidance based on your career goals and market trends.
Help compiling and verifying all required scholarship documents.
Professional assistance crafting compelling application materials.
Guidance through the entire visa application process.
Step-by-step support through the scholarship application.
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photo
- Aadhaar card
- Community certificate (SC / ST / SCC)
- Income certificate
- Educational certificates (10th / 12th / UG / PG)
- Admission letter (for foreign studies)
- Passport & visa (for overseas application)
- Bank passbook (in the student's name)
- Domicile / native certificate (Tamil Nadu)
Frequently Asked Questions
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