What is the objective of the "Free Education Scheme" scheme?

The scheme provides financial support to Backward, Most Backward Classes, and Denotified Communities students pursuing 3-year undergraduate courses (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com.) in Government and Government Aided Arts and Science Colleges.

Who is eligible for the Free Education Scheme?

Students belonging to the Backward Classes (BC), Most Backward Classes (MBC), and Denotified Communities (DNC) who are enrolled in 3-year undergraduate courses at Government or Government Aided Arts and Science Colleges.

What courses are covered under the scheme?

The scheme covers 3-year undergraduate degree programs such as B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com.

Are there any income restrictions to avail of this scheme?

As per the guidelines, there are no income restrictions for this scheme.

Does the scheme apply to students studying in private colleges?

No, the scheme is only applicable to students enrolled in Government or Government Aided Arts and Science Colleges.

What fees are covered by the scheme?

The scheme covers special fees, non-refundable compulsory fees, and full examination fees.

Is there an age limit to be eligible for this scheme?

As per the guidelines, there is no age limit under this scheme.

What documents are required for the application process?

Students need to submit their community certificate, proof of admission, bank account details, and previous academic records.

When was the Free Education Scheme introduced?

The scheme was introduced on May 7, 2012.

Is the examination fee fully covered?

Yes, the full examination fee is covered under this scheme.

Are students in professional courses eligible for the scheme?

No, the scheme is limited to students pursuing Arts and Science undergraduate courses.

Does the scheme cover hostel or accommodation fees?

No, hostel or accommodation fees are not covered by the scheme.

For how long will students receive benefits under the scheme?

Students will receive benefits for the full duration of their 3-year undergraduate degree course.

Free Education Scheme

By Expertie Editorial Team · Expertie editorial desk

Overview

About FES

The Free Education Scheme is run by Tamil Nadu's Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department. It supports students from Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities who are studying for a three-year undergraduate degree at a government or government-aided arts and science college in the state.

The help comes as fee support rather than a lump-sum grant. The scheme meets the special fees, the non-refundable compulsory fees and the examination fee in full, so that BC, MBC and DNC students can finish a B.A., B.Sc. or B.Com. without the burden of these fees.

It is meant for students already admitted to an eligible programme at a government or government-aided college in Tamil Nadu, not a private college. There is no income restriction and no age bar on the scheme. The form is collected from and submitted to the college, along with a community certificate, proof of admission and bank details for the fee reimbursement.

Sources: myScheme - Free Education Scheme (Government of India scheme portal) · Buddy4Study - Tamil Nadu scholarships (Free Education Scheme, BC/MBC/DNC arts and science degree) · OBC Rights - Tamil Nadu Free Education for BC, MBC & DNC students

Who runs it

Provider

Tamil Nadu State Government

State / UT Government

Backward Classes Most Backward Classes and Minorities 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
Current	Applications open	2012-05-07

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 Backward Classes (BC), Most Backward Classes (MBC), and Denotified Communities (DNC).
The beneficiary should be studying 3-year undergraduate degree (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com.).
The beneficiary should be enrolled in a Government or Government Aided Arts and Science College.

What you get

Award & benefits

Financial Assistance: Special fees and other non-refundable compulsory fees are paid as prescribed by Government and examination fee in full.

What to prepare

Documents required

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

Caste certificate.

Admission letter or proof of enrollment (Government or Government Aided Arts and Science College).

Bank account details for fee reimbursement.

Previous academic records (as required by the college).

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-1 Guidelines-2 myScheme (Government of India)

Questions

FES – 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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Free Education Scheme(FES)