Government Scholarships in Tamil Nadu 2026 — BC/MBC, Pudhumai Penn and More
Tamil Nadu scholarships 2026: BC/MBC/DNC and SC/ST post-matric scholarships, Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan (₹1,000 a month) — who can apply and how.
Tamil Nadu's main student schemes are the post-matric scholarships for BC, MBC, DNC, SC and ST students, and Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan, which pay ₹1,000 a month to government-school students in higher education. Central schemes such as NMMS and the Central Sector Scheme are open to Tamil Nadu students too — see our government scholarships guide.
Key scholarships in Tamil Nadu
| Scheme | Who it is for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Post-matric scholarship for BC, MBC and DNC students | ITI to PhD, family income up to ₹2.5 lakh | Fees and allowance |
| Post-matric scholarship for SC and ST students | Class 11 onwards, within the income limit | Fees and allowance |
| Pudhumai Penn | Girls who studied Classes 6–12 in government schools, now in UG, diploma or ITI | ₹1,000 a month until the course is completed |
| Tamil Pudhalvan | Boys who studied Classes 6–12 in government or government-aided Tamil-medium schools, now in UG, diploma or ITI | ₹1,000 a month until the course is completed |
| First graduate tuition concession | First-generation graduates in eligible professional courses (for example through TNEA counselling) | Tuition concession |
How to Apply
- Check eligibility — each scholarship has specific criteria (income, marks, category).
- Gather documents — marksheet, income certificate, caste certificate, bank details, Aadhaar.
- Apply online — your school or college, which applies through the state's welfare departments (BC, MBC & Minorities Welfare; Adi Dravidar & Tribal Welfare) and, for Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan, the Social Welfare Department. Central schemes are on the National Scholarship Portal.
- Track your application — save the application number and check status regularly.
Tips to Maximise Your Chances
- Apply early — do not wait for the deadline. Portal issues are common near deadlines.
- Pick the scheme that suits you best — you can usually hold only one government scholarship for the same purpose.
- Keep documents ready — income certificate, domicile, and caste certificate take time.
- Check both state and central government scholarships — many students miss central schemes.
Merit scholarships reward strong marks
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BC/MBC scholarship in Tamil Nadu for college students?
The state's post-matric scholarship for Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities students in ITI, diploma, degree, PG, professional and PhD courses, for families with income up to ₹2.5 lakh a year. Your institution submits the application through the BC, MBC & Minorities Welfare Department.
What are Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan?
Both pay ₹1,000 a month until you finish your UG degree, diploma or ITI course. Pudhumai Penn is for girls who studied Classes 6–12 in government schools; Tamil Pudhalvan is for boys who studied Classes 6–12 in government or government-aided Tamil-medium schools.
How do I apply for scholarships in Tamil Nadu?
Mostly through your institution: colleges collect and submit post-matric and Pudhumai Penn/Tamil Pudhalvan applications to the state departments. Ask your college's scholarship section at admission.