NTDNT Scholarship Gujarat helps students from Nomadic and De-notified Tribe communities afford education from primary school through PhD.
What Is the NTDNT Scholarship in Gujarat?
NT stands for Nomadic Tribes. DNT stands for De-notified Tribes. Together, they form the NTDNT category in Gujarat.
These are communities that once led a moving or semi-settled lifestyle. The British government classified many of them as "criminal tribes" under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. India repealed that law in 1952 and formally de-notified these communities. The stigma, however, lasted. Generations of families missed out on stable schooling and steady income.
The Gujarat government runs dedicated scholarship programs to close that gap. These schemes are managed by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department and accessed through the Digital Gujarat Portal. They cover tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and examination costs from Class 1 right through to PhD.
NTDNT is also called Vicharti Vimukt Jati in Gujarati. If you see "Vimukt Jati" or "NT/DNT" on any government form, it refers to the same category covered on this page.
This guide covers every active scheme, the exact eligibility rules, the documents you need, how to get your NTDNT caste certificate, and how to submit your application online. Read it once and you will know exactly what to do.
Who Are the Nomadic and De-notified Tribes in Gujarat?
Gujarat recognizes communities under four sub-categories within NTDNT:
| Category Code | Full Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vimukta Jati (A) | De-notified Tribes | Communities de-notified after the Criminal Tribes Act was repealed in 1952 |
| Nomadic Tribe (B) | NT-B | Traditionally nomadic communities classified under this sub-group |
| Nomadic Tribe (C) | NT-C | Nomadic communities listed under the NT-C classification |
| Nomadic Tribe (D) | NT-D | Nomadic communities listed under the NT-D classification |
The Gujarat government maintains a full official list of castes and sub-castes for each category. You can download this list from the Digital Gujarat portal or verify your community at any Janseva Kendra. If you are unsure which sub-category your community falls under, check your existing caste certificate. The category code is printed on it.
Some communities known to fall under NTDNT in Gujarat include Bhantu, Chharaodi, Nat, Bajaniya, Bavri, Kalbelia, Vaddi, Sapera, and dozens more. The official state list has over a hundred recognized communities across the four sub-categories.
All NTDNT Scholarship Schemes in Gujarat 2026-27
There are several active scholarship schemes for NTDNT students. They cover different education levels and course types. Here is a clear breakdown of each one.
1. Pre-Matric Scholarship (Classes 1 to 10)
This scheme provides monthly scholarships to NTDNT students in primary and secondary school.
- Class 1 to 5: ₹15 per month (₹150 per year for 10 months)
- Class 6 to 10: Amount varies by class level, distributed through the Directorate of Public Instruction
Pre-matric scholarships reduce dropout rates at the middle school stage. Even a small monthly amount helps families keep children in school.
2. Post-SSC Scholarship for Boys (NTDNT)
This is one of the most widely used NTDNT schemes. Male students from Class 11 through to PhD can apply. The scholarship amount depends on your academic group.
| Group | Courses Covered | Hosteller (per month) | Day Scholar (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | B.Sc., Medical, Engineering | ₹280 | ₹125 |
| Group B | Diploma, Engineering Diploma, PG Science/Tech | ₹200 | ₹100 |
| Group C | Arts, Commerce, General degree courses | ₹160 | ₹80 |
| Group D | Class 11 and 12 | ₹140 | ₹70 |
Income limit: Urban areas – father's annual income below ₹1,50,000. Rural areas – below ₹1,20,000.
3. Post-SSC Scholarship for Girls (NTDNT)
This scheme applies to female students from the NTDNT category studying from Class 11 to PhD. Eligibility rules match the boys' scheme. The course groups and monthly amounts are the same.
Regular attendance in the previous academic session is compulsory for renewal.
4. Swami Vivekanand Stipend Scheme for Technical and Professional Courses (NTDNT)
NTDNT students pursuing technical or professional courses can apply for this stipend scheme. Eligible courses include engineering, medicine, pharmacy, law, and management programs.
The scheme provides monthly financial support. It is available to both male and female students. Income rules from the Swami Vivekanand Stipend framework apply.
Check the full scheme list on the Digital Gujarat Scholarships portal for current stipend amounts for 2026-27.
5. Scholarship for Students in Self-Finance Institutes (NT/DNT)
Many NTDNT students take admission in private self-financed colleges. Government-aided college scholarships do not cover these students. This scheme fills that gap.
- Maximum benefit: Up to ₹50,000 per year
- Covers registration fees, examination fees, and other educational expenses
- Applies to students studying in government-certified self-finance institutes
- Income limit: Family annual income must not exceed ₹2,00,000
- Students must have passed HSC or an equivalent examination
Important: The institute must be certified by the Gujarat government. Check with your college before applying to confirm it qualifies under this scheme.
6. Scholarship for Technical and Professional Courses (NTDNT) – Monthly Stipend
This scheme provides a monthly maintenance allowance for NTDNT students in technical or professional degree programs.
- Monthly scholarship: up to ₹400 per month
- Income limit: ₹1,20,000 per year in rural areas; ₹1,50,000 per year in urban areas
- Available to both NTDNT and SEBC students
7. Vimukt Jati Hostel Scheme
This is not a scholarship but a welfare support scheme. The Gujarat government runs 141 Vimukt Jati hostels and ashrams across the state. Students who come from remote areas for education can stay in these facilities.
- Boys receive ₹1,090 per month (for 10 months)
- Girls receive ₹1,130 per month (for 10 months)
- Total approved seats: 6,550 across all hostels
Contact your district Social Justice and Empowerment Department office to check seat availability.
8. Fellowship Scheme for M.Phil. and Ph.D. Students
Students from the NTDNT category pursuing M.Phil. or PhD programs can apply for research fellowships under the SEBC/NTDNT framework. The scholarship amount varies based on the research discipline and institution type.
Eligibility Criteria for NTDNT Scholarship Gujarat
Each scheme has its own rules. But these core conditions apply to most NTDNT scholarships.
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Community | Must belong to a recognized NT, DNT, Vimukta Jati, or related sub-category in Gujarat |
| Domicile | Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat |
| Enrollment | Must be enrolled as a regular student in a government-recognized institution |
| Income (Urban) | Father's or family's annual income below ₹1,50,000 (Post-SSC); ₹2,00,000 for self-finance scheme |
| Income (Rural) | Father's or family's annual income below ₹1,20,000 (Post-SSC) |
| Attendance | Regular and satisfactory attendance in the previous academic year (for renewal) |
| Not availing duplicate aid | Cannot receive two central or state post-matric scholarships simultaneously |
Quick check: If your family income exceeds the limit for Post-SSC schemes, check the self-finance scheme. Its income ceiling is ₹2,00,000 – higher than most other NTDNT scholarships.
Documents Required for NTDNT Scholarship Gujarat
Prepare these documents before you start the online form. Uploading clear, readable scans is critical. Blurry or incomplete documents cause rejection.
Bank account must be Aadhaar-seeded. The scholarship is transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). If your Aadhaar is not linked to your bank account, the payment will fail. Get it linked at your nearest bank branch before applying.
Additional Documents for Specific Schemes
- Self-finance college scheme: Government certification letter of your institute
- Hostel scheme: Hostel allotment letter or warden certificate
- Renewal applications: Attendance certificate signed by principal or head of institution
- Research scholarship: Letter of enrollment from university, research guide certificate
How to Get Your NTDNT Caste Certificate in Gujarat
Your NTDNT caste certificate is the single most important document for this scholarship. Without it, your application cannot proceed. Here is exactly how to get one.
Who Issues the NTDNT Caste Certificate?
The Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) is the authorized authority to issue caste certificates for Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribe communities in Gujarat. Applications go through Public Service Centres (Janseva Kendra).
How to Apply for an NTDNT Caste Certificate
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1Go to the Digital Gujarat Portal Visit digitalgujarat.gov.in or the Digital Gujarat mobile app. The caste certificate service is available online.
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2Or visit a Janseva Kendra You can apply in person at any Janseva Kendra or Mamlatdar office in your district. They can process the application and submit it on your behalf.
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3Submit required documents Bring your Aadhaar card, proof of residence, and any earlier family caste certificates (parent's certificate is strong supporting evidence). The Mamlatdar office will verify your community before issuing.
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4Collect your certificate Once verified, the Sub-Divisional Officer issues the certificate. The category code – Vimukta Jati (A), NT-B, NT-C, or NT-D – is clearly mentioned on it.
Tip: If your parents already have a caste certificate, bring a copy. It speeds up the verification step and reduces back-and-forth with the office.
Documents Needed for NTDNT Caste Certificate
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Proof of residence in Gujarat (ration card, utility bill, voter ID)
- Parent's or guardian's caste certificate (if available)
- Birth certificate or school leaving certificate
- Recent passport-size photograph
Income certificate – needed separately for scholarship applications – is also available through the Digital Gujarat Portal or Janseva Kendra.
How to Apply for NTDNT Scholarship on Digital Gujarat Portal
All NTDNT scholarship applications go through the Digital Gujarat Portal. There is no offline national scholarship portal for these schemes. The process is fully online.
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1Register on the Digital Gujarat Portal Go to digitalgujarat.gov.in. Click "New Registration." Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
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2Complete your citizen profile Add your personal details, educational background, and upload a photograph. This profile connects to every scholarship application you submit on the portal.
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3Navigate to the Scholarship section Log in and go to the Scholarship section from the main menu. Browse the list of available NTDNT schemes. Select the scheme that matches your education level, course, and income.
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4Fill in the application form Enter all required details carefully. Your institution name, course details, enrollment number, and bank account information must match your documents exactly.
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5Upload your documents Upload clear scanned copies of your NTDNT caste certificate, income certificate, marksheet, enrollment proof, Aadhaar, and bank passbook. Unreadable uploads lead to rejection.
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6Submit and save your Application ID After submission, save the Application ID and take a printout of the form. You will need this to check your application status and for any future queries.
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7Submit physical documents to your institution Most NTDNT schemes follow an institute-level verification process. After online submission, take your original documents to your college or school office. They verify and forward the application to the department.
No institution change after submission. Once you submit your application, the portal does not allow you to change your institution. Fill in all details carefully before hitting submit.
Checking Your Application Status
Log in to the Digital Gujarat Portal to track your application in real time. Go to the Scholarship section and click on "Application Status." You can also visit our status check guide for step-by-step tracking help.
Scholarship Renewal
Returning students apply for renewal each academic year. Log in with your existing credentials. Update your current year marks and attendance. The process is faster for renewals since your core details are already saved.
Where to Apply and Get Help
You have two main options to apply and resolve issues.
Online – Digital Gujarat Portal
- Portal: digitalgujarat.gov.in
- Helpline: 1800-233-5500 (toll-free)
- Mobile app: Available for Android and iOS
In Person – Janseva Kendra
Every district in Gujarat has Janseva Kendra offices (also called Jan Seva Kendra or Common Service Centres). Staff there can help you register, fill the form, and upload documents if you face difficulty online.
Mamlatdar offices at the taluka level also handle caste and income certificate applications for NTDNT communities.
Department Contact
The Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat oversees NTDNT welfare schemes. For policy queries and scheme-specific issues, contact the department through the Digital Gujarat Portal or your district collector's office.
How Is the Scholarship Amount Paid?
The Gujarat government transfers all scholarship amounts directly to your bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). There is no cash payment or cheque.
- Your bank account must be in your own name
- The account must be Aadhaar-seeded (linked to your Aadhaar number)
- Payment happens after institute-level verification is complete
- You can track payment status through the Digital Gujarat Portal
If payment fails, the most common reasons are a mismatch between Aadhaar and bank account details, or an account that is not Aadhaar-seeded. Resolve these at your bank branch before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong scheme selection: Picking the SEBC scheme instead of the NTDNT-specific scheme. Always verify your sub-category certificate first, then select the matching scheme.
- Uploading poor-quality scans: The system rejects documents that are blurry or cut off. Scan at 200 DPI or higher. All text must be readable.
- Outdated income certificate: Income certificates should not be older than one year. Get a fresh one from the Janseva Kendra or portal if yours is expired.
- Mismatched bank details: Your name on the passbook must match your Aadhaar name exactly. Even a spelling difference can cause DBT failure.
- Not submitting physical documents to college: Many students complete the online form but forget to submit originals to their institution. Payment does not release until institute verification is done.
- Missing the deadline: Deadlines for each scheme vary by year and category. Log in to the portal regularly to check your scheme's current closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Gujarat Scholarships for Backward Communities
If you do not qualify for NTDNT-specific schemes, check these related scholarships on the Digital Gujarat Portal.
- SEBC Post-Matric Scholarship Gujarat – for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes
- SC Post-Matric Scholarship Gujarat – for Scheduled Caste students
- ST Post-Matric Scholarship Gujarat – for Scheduled Tribe students
- MYSY Scholarship Gujarat – Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana for general category students in professional courses
- Check Your Digital Gujarat Scholarship Status
All scholarships are managed on a single portal. One registration on digitalgujarat.gov.in gives you access to all active schemes you qualify for.