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Chief Minister Merit Award

CMMA

Published: Oct 2026

3 min read

Reviewed by Navin, Editor · First published: 6 Oct 2026

Chief Minister Merit Award
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Written by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 17 Oct 2026 · How we verify scheme facts

About this education scheme

The scheme offers Rs. 3,000/- per year for five years to 1000 boys and 1000 girls from SC/ST communities, based on their plus 2 public examination marks, provided they continue their education.

The "Chief Minister Merit Award" scheme launched on 7th May, 2012, by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu, aims to support 1000 boys and 1000 girls belonging to the Adi Dravidar, Tribal, and Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities. These students are selected based on their marks in the plus 2 Public Examinations. Each selected student is awarded Rs. 3,000/- annually for five years, provided they continue their higher education.

Benefits at a glance

Scheme nameChief Minister Merit Award (CMMA)
Launched byAdi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department
Benefit typeCash (money paid to your bank account)
CategoryEducation
Level / StateState ยท Tamil Nadu
Official portaltn.gov.in (link at the end of this page)

Key facts

Scheme forFamily
Application modeOffline
Last dateOngoing (no last date notified)
DBT (direct bank transfer)No

Who can apply (quick check)

  • ๐Ÿ‘คAll genders
  • ๐Ÿท๏ธSC / ST
  • ๐ŸŽ“Students only
  • ๐Ÿ“Offline

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

What you receive

  • Financial Support: Rs. 3,000/- per year for five consecutive years.

Who qualifies

  • The beneficiary should be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
  • The beneficiary should belong to the Adi Dravidar/ Tribal/ Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity communities.
  • The beneficiary should have passed plus 2 Public Examination.
  • The beneficiary should be continuing their studies after plus 2 standards.

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Registration walkthrough

Offline

Step 1: The interested applicant should collect the application form from the concerned educational institution.

Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the educational institution.

Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of this scheme ?

The "Chief Minister Merit Award" scheme offers Rs. 3,000/- per year for five years to 1000 boys and 1000 girls from SC/ST communities, based on their plus 2 public examination marks, provided they continue their education.

Who is eligible for the Chief Minister Merit Award?

Students from SC/ST (Adi Dravidar, Tribal, or converted to Christianity) communities who are among the top 1000 boys or top 1000 girls in the plus 2 Public Examinations.

How much is the award amount?

The award amount is Rs. 3,000/-per annum for 5 years.

How long is the award granted for?

The award is granted for 5 consecutive years, provided the student continues their education.

Is there an income limit for eligibility?

No, there is no income limit for this award.

How are students selected?

Selection is based on the marks obtained in the plus 2 Public Examinations.

What happens if a student discontinues education?

The student will no longer be eligible for the award if they discontinue their education.

Can students from other communities apply?

No, only SC/ST students (Adi Dravidar, Tribal, or converted to Christianity) are eligible.

Can students apply after the plus 2 examination results?

Yes, the application must be processed through their educational institution after the plus 2 results.

How does a student apply for the award?

The application is processed through their educational institution, which forwards it to the District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer (DADWO).

Can the award be renewed each year?

Yes, the award is given annually for 5 years, subject to verification of continued education.

Who administers the scheme?

The District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer (DADWO) administers the scheme.

When was the โ€œChief Minister Merit Awardโ€ introduced?

It was introduced on May 7, 2012.

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