Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students in Goa 2026: Eligibility, Amount, Documents & Application
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students is designed to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in schools in Goa.
The scheme aims to improve the educational status of ST students and reduce the tendency of students to drop out of school because of financial difficulties.
Eligible students can receive financial assistance based on their class, eligibility and applicable scholarship rules. Depending on family income and class, students may need to apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) as well as the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal.
In this article, ScholarSetu explains the objective, eligibility criteria, scholarship amount, income limits, documents required and important conditions under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students in Goa.
Objective of the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme
The main objective of the scheme is to improve the educational status of Scheduled Tribe students and help prevent school dropouts caused by financial difficulties.
The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible families who may otherwise find it difficult to support their children’s education.
Key objectives include:
- Improving the educational status of Scheduled Tribe students.
- Reducing school dropout rates.
- Providing financial assistance to economically weaker families.
- Encouraging ST students to continue their education.
- Supporting students studying from Class V to Class X, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT: Use an image showing a Goan school student studying / ST student education / scholarship assistance]
Who Can Apply for the Pre-Matric ST Scholarship in Goa?
Students must satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions to receive benefits under the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant:
- Must be a bonafide resident of the State of Goa.
- Must be a regular student of an institution.
- The combined annual income of the applicant’s parents/guardians must not exceed ₹5,00,000 per annum.
- Must not be residing in and receiving a maintenance grant from an institution under the Government, local bodies or private organisations receiving grants-in-aid from the Government.
- Must not be receiving a stipend or scholarship from any other source.
- Must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- A student cannot receive the scholarship twice for studying in the same standard/class.
Students should carefully verify their eligibility before submitting an application.
Income Limit for Goa ST Pre-Matric Scholarship
Family income plays an important role in determining which scholarship route an eligible ST student should use.
There are two important income categories:
| Annual Family Income | Applicable Application Route |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹2.50 lakh | Central Pre-Matric Scholarship on NSP + State Pre-Matric Scholarship on CM Scholarship Portal |
| Above ₹2.50 lakh and up to ₹5.00 lakh | State Pre-Matric Scholarship through CM Scholarship Portal |
This distinction is important because students with annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh may have to apply under the Centrally Sponsored Pre-Matric Scholarship for needy ST students studying in Classes IX and X through NSP, in addition to the State scheme where applicable.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT: Use an infographic showing ₹2.50 lakh and ₹5 lakh income categories]
NSP and CM Scholarship Portal: Which One Should ST Students Apply On?
One of the most important aspects of this scholarship is understanding the difference between the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal.
Students With Family Income Up to ₹2.50 Lakh
Eligible applicants whose annual family income is up to ₹2.50 lakh should apply under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for needy ST students studying in Classes IX and X through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
They should also apply under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST students studying in Classes V to X through the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal, as applicable.
Important
If an eligible applicant does not apply on NSP and applies only under the State Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme through the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal, the benefit may be limited to the difference between the Central Pre-Matric Scholarship amount and the State Pre-Matric Scholarship amount, as per the applicable scheme provisions.
Therefore, eligible students should not ignore the NSP application requirement.
Students With Family Income Above ₹2.50 Lakh and Up to ₹5 Lakh
Students whose annual family income is:
More than ₹2.50 lakh but not more than ₹5 lakh
are eligible for the State Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students through the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal, subject to all other eligibility conditions.
In such cases, the student is eligible only under the State scheme and the applicable scholarship amount along with the meritorious amount may be paid under the State Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT: Use a screenshot-style/illustration image of the Goa Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal]
Scholarship Amount Under the Scheme
The financial assistance provided under the scheme depends on the student’s class.
Scholarship Assistance
| Class | Amount Per Annum | Bonus / Meritorious Amount |
| 5th & 6th | ₹3,575 | ₹900 |
| 7th & 8th | ₹3,575 | ₹1,000 |
| 9th | ₹1,125 – Day Scholars | ₹1,100 |
| 10th | ₹1,125 – Day Scholars | ₹1,600 |
The applicable amount may depend on the scheme category and the student’s eligibility.
Students should always verify the latest amount displayed on the concerned scholarship portal before applying.
Revised Financial Assistance
The revised financial assistance mentioned under the scheme is:
| Standard | Amount Per Annum |
| V – VII | ₹4,290 |
| IX – X | ₹4,950 |
Students should carefully check the applicable academic year and scheme notification because scholarship amounts and conditions may be revised by the concerned authority.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT: Use an educational infographic showing scholarship amounts by Class V–X]
Meritorious Scholarship for ST Students
In addition to the scholarship assistance, students securing 50% marks or above in the qualifying examination may be eligible for a Meritorious Scholarship, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
The revised meritorious assistance is:
| Standard | Meritorious Amount Per Annum |
| V – VI | ₹1,080 |
| VII – VIII | ₹1,200 |
| IX | ₹1,320 |
| X | ₹1,920 |
Important
Students should verify the qualifying examination, minimum marks requirement and other conditions applicable to their academic year before relying on the meritorious benefit.
Documents Required for Fresh Students
Students applying for the scheme for the first time are treated as fresh applicants and are required to submit all prescribed documents.
Documents Required
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Attested copy of previous year’s marksheet/passing certificate
- Income Certificate for the year 2024–25
- Copy of Bank Passbook seeded with Aadhaar
- Caste Certificate issued by the competent authority
- Passport-size photographs
Students should ensure that all documents are clear, valid and properly uploaded/submitted as required by the concerned portal.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT: Use an image/infographic showing Aadhaar Card, marksheet, income certificate, bank passbook and caste certificate]
Documents Required for Renewal Students
Students who have previously applied for the scheme and are eligible for renewal may need to submit the following documents:
- Income Certificate for the year 2024–25
- Previous academic year’s marksheet
- Copy of Bank Passbook seeded with Aadhaar
Students should check the portal instructions for the concerned academic year because additional information or documents may be requested.
Who Is Considered a Fresh Applicant?
Students applying for the scholarship for the first time under the scheme are treated as fresh applicants.
Fresh applicants should submit all the required documents along with their application.
Who Is Considered a Renewal Applicant?
According to the information provided for this scheme, students who had applied during the academic year 2022–23 onwards are treated as renewal students, subject to eligibility and the applicable renewal rules.
Renewal students should carefully check their previous application information and submit the documents required for renewal.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT: Use an image showing a student completing an online scholarship renewal application]
Aadhaar-Seeding of Bank Account Is Important
Students are required to provide a copy of their bank passbook seeded with Aadhaar as part of the document requirements mentioned for the scheme.
Before submitting the application, students should verify:
- Bank account is active.
- Aadhaar is linked/seeded with the bank account as required.
- Bank account details are correct.
- Name and other details are accurate.
- The submitted bank document is clear and readable.
Students should also follow the latest instructions of the concerned scholarship authority regarding DBT and Aadhaar/NPCI requirements.
Important Conditions Students Should Remember
Before applying, ST students should carefully remember the following conditions:
1. Goa Residency
The applicant must be a bonafide resident of Goa.
2. ST Category
The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category and have the required caste certificate.
3. Income Limit
The combined annual income of the parents/guardians must not exceed ₹5 lakh, subject to the applicable income-category rules.
4. No Double Scholarship
The applicant should not receive a stipend or scholarship from another source where prohibited by the scheme.
5. No Duplicate Benefit for the Same Class
A student cannot receive the award twice for studying in the same standard.
6. Institute Requirement
The applicant must be a regular student of an eligible institution.
Important Difference Between Central and State Scholarship
Students with family income up to ₹2.50 lakh should pay particular attention to the Central and State scholarship requirements.
If family income is up to ₹2.50 lakh:
NSP application + CM Scholarship Portal application
may be required according to the applicable scheme.
If family income is above ₹2.50 lakh and up to ₹5 lakh:
CM Scholarship Portal application
is applicable under the State Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, subject to eligibility.
Students should not assume that applying on only one portal is sufficient when the applicable rules require applications on both.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT: Use a simple flowchart image: Income ≤ ₹2.50 lakh → NSP + CM Portal; Income ₹2.50–₹5 lakh → CM Portal]
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Mistake 1: Applying on Only One Portal
Eligible students in the lower-income category may need to apply under both the Central and State schemes.
Mistake 2: Using an Old Income Certificate
Make sure the income certificate corresponds to the period required by the scheme.
Mistake 3: Submitting an Unseeded Bank Account
Check the Aadhaar seeding requirement before submitting the application.
Mistake 4: Uploading Blurred Documents
Make sure scanned copies and photographs are clear and readable.
Mistake 5: Incorrect Category
The scheme is specifically for eligible Scheduled Tribe students.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Renewal Requirements
Renewal students should check the documents and conditions applicable to renewal applications.
Pre-Matric ST Scholarship Goa: Quick Eligibility Checklist
Before applying, check:
☑ I am a bonafide resident of Goa.
☑ I belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.
☑ I am a regular student of an institution.
☑ My family income is within the prescribed limit.
☑ I am not receiving another prohibited scholarship/stipend.
☑ My Aadhaar and bank details are ready.
☑ My bank account is seeded with Aadhaar where required.
☑ I have the required income certificate.
☑ I have my previous year’s marksheet.
☑ I have the required caste certificate.
☑ I understand whether I need to apply through NSP and/or CM Scholarship Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students in Goa?
Eligible Scheduled Tribe students who are bonafide residents of Goa and satisfy the prescribed educational, income and other conditions can apply.
What is the income limit for the Goa ST Pre-Matric Scholarship?
The maximum annual family income mentioned for the State scheme is ₹5,00,000.
Which students need to apply on NSP?
Eligible applicants whose annual family income is up to ₹2.50 lakh and who fall under the applicable Centrally Sponsored Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST students studying in Classes IX and X should apply through NSP as prescribed.
Which students can apply only through the CM Scholarship Portal?
Applicants whose annual family income is above ₹2.50 lakh and up to ₹5 lakh are eligible under the State Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme through the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal, subject to the scheme conditions.
What documents are required for fresh applicants?
Fresh applicants generally need Aadhaar Card, previous year’s marksheet/passing certificate, applicable income certificate, Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook, caste certificate and passport-size photographs.
What documents are required for renewal students?
Renewal students generally need the applicable income certificate, previous academic year’s marksheet and Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook.
Is Aadhaar seeding of the bank account important?
Yes. The scheme’s document requirements specify a copy of a bank passbook seeded with Aadhaar. Students should follow the latest DBT and bank-seeding requirements.
Can a student receive the scholarship twice in the same class?
No. The scheme states that a student is not eligible to receive the award twice for the same standard.
What is the meritorious scholarship?
Students securing 50% marks or above in the qualifying examination may receive an additional meritorious scholarship subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
How ScholarSetu Can Help
Understanding scholarship rules can sometimes be confusing, especially when students need to determine whether they should apply through NSP, the Goa Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal, or both.
ScholarSetu provides easy-to-understand scholarship information and application assistance to help students and parents understand:
- Scholarship eligibility
- Required documents
- NSP applications
- OTR registration
- Scholarship renewal
- Aadhaar seeding
- Application tracking
- Scholarship payment information
Follow ScholarSetu Insights for more guides on scholarships and student financial assistance.
Final Words
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students in Goa provides financial support to eligible Scheduled Tribe students and aims to encourage them to continue their education without being forced to discontinue their studies because of financial difficulties.
Students should pay particular attention to the family income limit, ST category requirement, Aadhaar-seeded bank account, required documents and the difference between the Central NSP scholarship and the State scholarship.
If your family income is up to ₹2.50 lakh, carefully check whether you are required to apply through both NSP and the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal.
If your family income is above ₹2.50 lakh and up to ₹5 lakh, check the State scheme available through the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal.
Always verify the latest notification, eligibility conditions, scholarship amounts and application deadlines on the official government portals before applying.
Related ScholarSetu Articles
- [How to Track Application on NSP Portal]
- [OTR on NSP Portal: Complete Guide for Students]
- [Aadhaar Seeding for Scholarship: Complete Guide]
- [NSP Scholarship Registration Guide]
- [NSP Scholarship Renewal Guide]
- [How to Check NSP Scholarship Payment Status]
- [Goa CM Scholarship Portal: Complete Guide]
- [Scholarships for ST Students in Goa]
Official Portals
National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
https://scholarships.gov.in/
Goa Chief Minister’s Scholarship Portal:
https://cmscholarship.goa.gov.in/
UIDAI:
https://uidai.gov.in/
PFMS:
https://pfms.nic.in/
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for educational and informational purposes. Scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria, income limits, documents, deadlines and portal procedures may be revised by the concerned authorities. Students should verify the latest official notification before applying.