What is the purpose of the scheme?

This scheme provides free education for Adi Dravidar, Tribal and Adi Dravidar Converted to Christianity students up to 12th standard, covering tuition fees, which are reimbursed by the government.

What expenses are covered under this scheme?

The scheme covers the full reimbursement of tuition fees up to the 12th standard.

Is there an income limit for eligibility?

No, there is no income limit for eligibility under this scheme.

Up to which class does the scheme provide free education?

The scheme provides free education up to the 12th standard.

What documents are required to apply?

A caste certificate and proof of school enrollment are the key documents required.

Where should the application be submitted?

The Headmaster of the school is responsible for submitting the application on behalf of the student.

Can students apply directly to the government?

No, students cannot apply directly. The application is processed through the school.

How often must students apply?

The application process is usually handled annually or at the time of admission by the school.

Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department: Scholarship-Free Education upto 12th Std. to All

Q: Who is eligible for the scholarship?

Students from the Adi Dravidar, Tribal, and Adi Dravidar Converted to Christianity communities are eligible.

By Expertie Editorial Team · Expertie editorial desk

Overview

About ADTWSFE

The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu runs this scheme so that schooling stays free up to the 12th standard for students from the Adi Dravidar, Tribal and Adi Dravidar (converted to Christianity) communities. It is a state welfare programme, administered through the department's directorates and the district Adi Dravidar Welfare offices.

The support is a tuition-fee reimbursement. Rather than pay the student, the government settles the fee with the institution, so a family's ability to pay does not decide whether a child stays in class.

The scheme is for students who belong to the Adi Dravidar, Tribal or Adi Dravidar (converted to Christianity) communities and are studying in Tamil Nadu. A community certificate establishes eligibility, and the application usually moves through the head of the student's school, who forwards it to the department.

Sources: Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu - Scholarships · myScheme (Digital India Corporation, MeitY) - Scholarship-Free Education upto 12th Std (adtwsfe)

Who runs it

Provider

Tamil Nadu State Government

State / UT Government

Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department

At a glance

Key details

Level	State/ UT
Scheme type	—
Category	Education & Learning
Beneficiaries	Individual
Benefit type	Cash
Application mode	Offline

Calendar

Important dates

Across all open application cycles.

Important dates by cycle
Cycle	Stage	Date

Who can apply

Eligibility criteria

The beneficiary should be a Student.
The beneficiary should be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
The beneficiary should belong to the Adi Dravidar/Tribal/Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity community.
The beneficiary must be enrolled in a school up to the 12th standard.

What you get

Award & benefits

Reimbursement: Full reimbursement of tuition fees for students up to the 12th standard.

What to prepare

Documents required

Proof of identity (Aadhar card or any other document as directed by the authority).

Caste certificate Adi Dravidar/Tribal/Adi Dravidar Converted to Christianity community).

Income certificate (if applicable).

Proof of Admission.

Any other documents (if required).

Step by step

How to apply

1
Apply offline
See the official links below for the application portal.

Source

Official links

Guidelines myScheme (Government of India)

Questions

ADTWSFE – FAQ

Disclaimer

Scheme details are compiled from myScheme, the Government of India’s official scheme-discovery platform, and are reproduced without alteration. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility change between cycles — always confirm on the official links above before applying. Expertie does not process applications or charge fees.

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Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department: Scholarship-Free Education upto 12th Std. to All(ADTWSFE)