🌟 Introduction
Education is every student’s right — but financial struggles can hold back talented students from achieving their dreams. For Arts and Humanities students in Tamil Nadu, several state government, central government, and college-level scholarships offer valuable support.
In this guide, BookTime.in brings you the most updated list of scholarships in 2025 that can help Arts students complete their studies with confidence and financial freedom.
🏛️ 1. Tamil Nadu Government Scholarships for Arts Students
🎯 1. Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Scholarships (SC/ST Students)
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Eligibility: Students belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Adi Dravidar communities.
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Courses Covered: Arts, Science, Law, Commerce, and other recognized degree courses.
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Benefits:
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Post-Matric Scholarship (11th standard onward): Tuition + exam + maintenance allowance.
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Higher Education Special Scholarship: ₹7,500/year for hostel students.
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Overseas Scholarship for higher studies abroad.
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How to Apply: www.tnadw.in
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Documents: Community certificate, income certificate, bonafide certificate, bank details.
🎯 2. BC, MBC, and DNC Scholarships
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Eligibility: Students from Backward, Most Backward, or Denotified Communities.
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Scheme: Free Education Scheme for BC/MBC/DNC students in recognized colleges.
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Benefits:
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Full waiver of tuition, special, and non-refundable compulsory fees.
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Hostel and book allowances.
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Apply At: bcmbcmw.tn.gov.in
🎯 3. Folk Artist Education Assistance Scheme
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Eligibility: Children of registered folk artists in Tamil Nadu.
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Benefits:
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School to post-graduation assistance.
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UG students with hostel: ₹3,250/month.
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PG students: ₹5,000/month.
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Apply Through: Department of Art and Culture, Tamil Nadu.
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Documents Needed: Proof of artist registration, student ID, income certificate.
🎯 4. Pudhumai Penn Scheme (Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Scheme)
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Eligibility: Girl students who studied in government schools from Classes 6–12.
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Benefits: ₹1,000/month till completion of UG degree (Arts, Science, Commerce).
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Portal: penkalvi.tn.gov.in
🎯 5. First Graduate Scholarship
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Eligibility: First graduate in a family pursuing Arts/Science degree in government or aided college.
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Benefit: ₹25,000–₹50,000 one-time grant (varies by course and institution).
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Apply Via: College office or Directorate of Collegiate Education.
🏫 2. College & Private Scholarships for Arts Students
| College / Organization | Type | Benefits | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Arts College, Coimbatore | SC/ST, BC/MBC scholarships | Tuition & exam fee waivers | gacbe.ac.in |
| Sriram College of Arts & Science | Merit & need-based | Full/partial fee scholarships | sriramcas.edu.in |
| Devanga Arts College, Aruppukottai | Government + Trust | Aid for poor and meritorious students | dac.ac.in |
| Chennai National Arts & Science College | Pudhumai Penn & TN Govt schemes | Monthly allowance for girls, fee support | cnasc.edu.in |
| Kalaignar Karunanidhi Govt Arts College for Women, Pudukkottai | State & central govt scholarships | SC/ST, BC, First Graduate | gacwpdkt.ac.in |
📋 3. Central Government Scholarships (For Tamil Nadu Arts Students)
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Post Matric Scholarship (Minority Students) – For minority (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Jain) students with income ≤ ₹2 lakh/year. Apply at scholarships.gov.in.
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National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) – ₹12,000/year for meritorious students from Class 9–12.
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Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – ₹36,200 per year for single girl children pursuing UG/PG degrees.
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ISHAN UDAY Scholarship (for NE students in TN universities) – ₹5,400/month (UG) & ₹7,800/month (PG).
🧾 4. Common Eligibility & Documents
Eligibility (General):
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Tamil Nadu domicile.
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Studying in recognized Arts/Science/Aided college.
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Annual family income within specified limit (usually ₹2–3 lakh).
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Minimum 60% attendance and satisfactory performance.
Documents Required:
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Aadhaar card
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Income & community certificate
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Bonafide certificate
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Previous mark sheets
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Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
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Passport-size photos
🖊️ 5. How to Apply
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Online:
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National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – www.scholarships.gov.in
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TN Government Portals – tnadw.in, bcmbcmw.tn.gov.in, penkalvi.tn.gov.in
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Offline:
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Apply through your college scholarship section or principal’s office.
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Attach required documents and get official signatures.
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💡 6. Tips to Secure Scholarships
✅ Apply before the deadline.
✅ Submit all documents correctly—errors lead to rejections.
✅ Maintain strong attendance and marks.
✅ Reapply every year if it’s renewable.
✅ Keep checking government portals for new announcements.
❓ FAQs (For SEO)
Q1. Can Arts students apply for government scholarships in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, many state and central scholarships like Adi Dravidar Welfare, BC/MBC schemes, Pudhumai Penn, and Folk Artist schemes are open to Arts students.
Q2. What is the Pudhumai Penn Scheme?
It’s a Tamil Nadu government scholarship offering ₹1,000/month to girl students who studied in government schools.
Q3. Are private college scholarships available for BA students?
Yes, almost every Arts & Science college has internal scholarships for merit or economic need.
Q4. What documents are required for Tamil Nadu scholarships?
You’ll need income, caste, Aadhaar, bonafide certificate, mark sheets, and bank details.
🏁 Conclusion
Scholarships are a great support for Arts students in Tamil Nadu who aim to study without financial stress. Whether you’re pursuing a BA, BFA, BSW, B.Com, or any Arts course, there’s likely a government or private scheme you can benefit from.