SEED Scheme: Free Coaching for DNT Students

SEED Scheme, or Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNT is a unique program of the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and SemiNomadic Communities (DWBDNC), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, aimed at providing Free Coaching for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT) Students. The purpose of such a program is to help student communities build the capacity to avail themselves of such high-quality coaching, clear competitive examinations, and take up jobs in the public or private sector. Look at the following paragraphs for Detailed information regarding the scheme, its features, who can apply and how, etc.

Also Read: How to Obtain DNTs/NTs/SNTs Certificates

Table of Contents

Key Objectives of the SEED Scheme

The SEED Scheme intends to support De-notification Tribes (DNTs) and Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NTs, SNTs) students by various means:

Quality Coaching Support: Assisting such students in preparing for competitive examinations such as JEE, NEET, CLAT, NDA, SSC, etc.
Financial Assistance: Assisting with fees and stipends for coaching to help the educational goals of these students.

Eligibility Criteria for the SEED Scheme

The benefits and opportunities of FCS are available for students satisfying the following conditions.

Community Membership: The candidates must be DNTs, NTs or SNTs recognized by the government of India.
Academic Level: At present studying in class 12 or passing class 12.
Qualifying Marks:
For class 12 students: Students should have got a minimum of 50% marks in Class 10.
For 12th Pass Students: The student should have obtained the minimum required marks in relevant competitive examinations.
Annual Family Income: Should be less than ₹ 2,50,000 (two lacs fifty thousand).
Non-Availing of Other Similar Benefits: The applicants must not receive coaching from any other central or state government schemes.

SEED Scheme Supported Competitive Examinations

The scheme supports a variety of exams, including:

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
Law (e.g., CLAT)
SSC (Staff Selection Commission)
Bank/Insurance Examinations
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Engineering (e.g., JEE)
State & Central Police Recruitment
Non-Commissioned Military Ranks
National Defence Academy (NDA)
Medical (e.g., NEET)
CA-CPT (Common Proficiency Test)

SEED Scheme Awards

The SEED Scheme provides three main benefits to support students throughout their coaching journey.

1. Coaching Fees Assistance

The following table summarizes the fee assistance available under the SEED Scheme:

Course	Maximum Course Fee	Minimum Course Duration
JEE/NEET	₹1,20,000	9-12 months
CA-CPT	₹75,000	9 months
CLAT	₹50,000	6 months
Banking/Insurance Exams	₹50,000	6 months
SSC/RRB/State & Central Police	₹40,000	6 months
NDA/Non-Commissioned Military Ranks	₹20,000	3 months

Note: The course fee is payable in two instalments, 50% at the time of admission and the remaining at the time of confirmation. The students already enrolled in the coaching institutes receive a single payment of 100% in advance.

2. Monthly Stipend

A monthly stipend for students attending any coaching programs to assist them in meeting their living expenses

Local Students: ₹1,500 per month
Outstation Students: ₹3,000 per month

Note: After 3 months and up to a maximum of 12 months, the stipend will be available in instalments based on the course duration.

3. Special Allowance for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities can avail of a special assistance amount of ₹2,000 paid monthly for additional costs like paying a tutor, a helper or an attendant. The students must possess a valid disability certificate with disability rating above 40%.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit the following documents to confirm eligibility:

Bank Account: The bank account details of the applicant who holds an Aadhaar Card.
Photograph: Recent passport-size photo (4.5 cm X 3.5 cm, under 100 KB).
Income Proof:
An income certificate issued by the Tehsildar
An employment certificate from an employer
Academic Records: Class 10 or 12 mark sheets, as applicable.
Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, Ration card, etc.
Disability Certificate: (If applicable) The certificate carries information with it having more than 40% of disability.
A confirmation Letter: A letter of assurance or confirmation mentioning the fees.
Community Certificate: DNT certificate.

Seed Scheme Application Process

Eligible students can apply online or offline.

1. Online Application

Get Registered: Go to the DWBDNC website and log in or register.
Provide the Needed Information: Enter your details, educational details, and contact details.
Submit Documents: Take a scan and upload the required documents.
Finish the Application process: Check your application and submit it. Save your application number for tracking purposes.

2. Offline Application

Visit Local Authority: Visit the nearest Tehsil, BDO, or DM’s office, whichever is closer.
Collect Application Form: Collect the DNTs/NTs/SNTs application form.
Complete and Attach Documents: Collect the form, fill it out and attach all the necessary documents.
Submit and Receive Acknowledgment: Submit the filled form and keep the filled form receipt for future reference.

Verification and Selection Process

Document Verification: The government authorities verify all the submitted documents.
Interviews: Selected applicants will participate in telephonic or video interviews.
Final Selection: After verification, the department will transfer money to the successful applicant’s bank accounts.

Important Considerations

Accurate Documentation: Ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete.
Multiple Copies: Keep copies of significant documents and certificates.
State-Specific Guidelines: Check if there are other conditions that you need to qualify at the state level.

Conclusion

The free coaching for DNT Students under the SEED Scheme has expanded the benefits for disadvantaged communities, including denotified tribes and nomadic or semi-nomadic. The scheme’s purpose is for these communities to flourish educationally and economically.

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