The picturesque Andaman & Nicobar Islands aren’t just a tropical paradise—they also foster academic growth through dedicated scholarship programs. The two flagship initiatives—Additional Scholarship for ST (Scheduled Tribe) Students and Additional Scholarship for OBC (Other Backward Classes) Students—provide extra financial backing to support higher education pursuits nationwide.
Table of Contents
📘 What Is the Scheme?
- ST Scholarship: Run by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, this scheme offers ₹1,000 per month for up to 10 months per year, renewing annually upon academic progression. It applies to full-time studies beyond Class 12 in recognized Indian institutions
- OBC Scholarship: Administered by the Department of Social Welfare, this scheme provides ₹1,000/month for 10 months for non-creamy layer OBC students from Andaman & Nicobar, pursuing post-secondary courses after Class 10/XII
🎓 Benefits at a Glance
| Feature | ST Scheme | OBC Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Award | ₹1,000 × 10 months = ₹10,000/year | ₹1,000 × 10 months = ₹10,000/year |
| Courses Covered | UG, PG, professional, doctoral, diploma, ITI, polytechnic | UG, PG, professional, vocational, Ph.D. |
| Mode of Payment | DBT to linked bank account | DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank account |
| Renewal Criteria | Yearly based on academic progression; allowance for one failure or medical leave | Based on annual promotion and performance |
| Concurrent Awards | Yes, can supplement central/state scholarships | No overlap with fully funded similar scholarships |
✅ Eligibility Overview
ST Students
- Must belong to Scheduled Tribes listed under the A&N Islands ST Order of 1959
- Domiciled in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Passed Class 12 and enrolled in a recognized, full-time post-secondary course
OBC Students
- Must be non-creamy layer OBC, domiciled in A&N Islands
- Passed Class 10 or 12, and admitted to a full-time diploma or degree program nationwide
- Only two children per family are eligible
🎓 Eligible Courses
Both schemes cover a wide range of full-time, government-recognized programs anywhere in India:
- Undergrad/Postgrad: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, MA, M.Sc, MBA, etc.
- Professional: Medicine (PG allowed non-practicing), Engineering, Law, Management, Pharmacy, Nursing, Mass Communication, CA/CS/ICWA
- Diploma/Certificate: ITI, Polytechnic, vocational courses
- Research Programs: M.Phil, Ph.D., D.Litt., D.Sc.
Exclusions:
- Class XI/XII students
- Repeaters (e.g., B.Sc after BA)
- Distance or part-time courses
- Those already fully funded under another government scholarship
📝 How to Apply
Both schemes are administered online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in
Steps:
- New Registration: Provide Aadhaar, mobile number, email
- Login and choose the relevant scheme under State Scheme → Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Complete personal, academic, and bank information
- Upload documents (see below) and submit
- Note your registration ID for tracking
- For renewals, log in and update previous year’s academic info
Application Window:
Typically opens in September/October, with submission and verification by January–February
📄 Required Documents
- Passport-size photo
- Aadhaar card copy
- Caste certificate (ST/OBC)
- Domicile certificate for A&N Islands
- Class 10/12 mark sheets
- Admission/Bonafide certificate
- Fee receipt
- Bank passbook (first page)
- Renewal: previous academic year’s marksheet
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
🔄 Renewal and Conditions
- Annual renewal is contingent on promotion to the next year
- First failure is allowed; second failure terminates scholarship
- Medical leave accepted with certification
- Misreporting or course discontinuation leads to fund recovery
🎯 Why This Scheme Matters
- Bridges access gap to higher education for tribal and OBC students in remote islands
- Improves retention, reduces dropout in professional and technical courses
- Encourages academic growth, allowing students to focus on studies without financial stress
- Promotes equity, granting additional support beyond central/state scholarships
❓ FAQ
Q1: Who is eligible?
- ST scheme: A&N Islands–domiciled ST students post-Class 12 in full-time higher education
- OBC scheme: Non-creamy layer OBC students post-Class 10/XII in full-time programs
Q2: What is the monthly amount?
₹1,000 per month for 10 months each academic year.
Q3: Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes—renewed each year based on academic promotion; first failure allowed with conditions, second failure disqualifies.
Q4: Can I use it with other scholarships?
ST scheme can supplement other scholarships; OBC scheme cannot be combined with fully funded government scholarships
Q5: Are professional course students eligible?
Yes, both schemes include professional programs like Medicine, Engineering, Law, etc. PG medical students may avail provided they do not practice
Q6: How is the amount disbursed?
Via DBT to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Q7: What if I fail or change course?
- One failure may be permitted.
- Repeaters or course-switchers become ineligible.
- Switching without prior approval cancels the scholarship
Q8: How do I apply?
Register and apply via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) under the “State Scheme – Andaman & Nicobar Islands” section.
✅ Final Thoughts
The Additional Scholarship Schemes for ST and OBC students are a vital initiative to nurture talent and reduce educational disparities in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These schemes offer targeted financial support, encouraging students to pursue higher studies without undue financial burden.
To get started:
- Check NSP around September/October, note deadlines by January/February
- Keep required documents ready (Aadhar, caste, domicile, academic marksheets)
- Track your application and ensure timely renewal
If you’re a tribal or OBC student aiming for higher education, don’t miss this opportunity! Empower your future—apply for the Additional Scholarship Scheme today.