Free Coaching for DNT Students under SEED Scheme 2025
Schooling can be a big tool for change in society, and India’s plan to give free tutoring to DNT students shows this idea well. Under the SEED (Plan to Help DNTs Make Money), made by the Ministry of Social Justice and Help, this move goes after the deep school issues that some tribes (called De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic) face. What’s the aim? To give these left-out kids a way to pass major tests and lead them to better days ahead.
What Is the SEED Scheme’s Free Coaching Scholarship?
The Free Coaching for DNTs under the SEED scheme is a need-based scholarship targeting students who belong to DNT/NT/SNT communities. Recognizing the financial barriers to quality education, the government offers up to ₹1,20,000 per student for coaching fees. This makes coaching for exams like NEET, JEE Main, CLAT, NDA, TOEFL, SAT, CA-CPT, RRB, Banking, Insurance, State Police, and CPL accessible to those who otherwise might not afford it.
The scheme runs under the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), a division of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria Defined
To apply for the Free Coaching for DNTs, you must:
- Are part of groups known as De-notified, Nomadic, or Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs/SNTs). This must be backed by state folks who know this stuff.
- Go for coaching for tests you can take to move up. These tests include NEET, JEE Main, CLAT, NDA, TOEFL, SAT, CA-CPT, RRB, Banking, Insurance, State Police, or CPL Courses.
- Have passed, or be studying in, Class 12.
- Meet the minimum marks requirement set by the exam for which you seek coaching.
- Have a family annual income of ₹8,00,000 or less.
- Not already receive similar coaching benefits from another central or state government scheme.
Important notes:
- If your chosen exam has not been conducted yet, your last board exam marks will be considered.
- For exams with two selection stages (Prelims/Mains), priority goes to candidates who have cleared at least the Prelims once.
- Benefits under this scheme are limited to two times, regardless of the number of exam attempts.
- You can enroll at any coaching institute (online or offline).
- Students taking coaching for the GATE exam are not eligible.
Key Dates: SEED Scheme 2025
Last Date to Apply: August 25, 2025
Be prompt! Delays may lead to missed opportunities, as the deadline could change per the provider’s discretion.
Benefits Breakdown: How Much Is Supported?
Coaching Fee Support
| Course Type | Max Fee Supported | Minimum Duration |
| RRB & State Police | ₹40,000 | 6 months |
| Banking/Insurance/CLAT | ₹50,000 | 6 months |
| JEE Main & NEET | ₹1,20,000 | 9 months (max 12) |
| TOEFL & SAT | ₹35,000 | 3 months |
| CA-CPT | ₹75,000 | 9 months |
| CPL Courses | ₹30,000 | 6 months |
| NDA | ₹50,000 | 3 months |
Physical coaching must cover at least 16 hours per week for all courses.
Monthly Stipends
| Category | Amount | Duration |
| Locals (institute city natives) | ₹1,500/mo | Course duration/max 1 yr |
| Outstation students | ₹4,000/mo | Course duration/max 1 yr |
Special Allowance for Disabled Students
A special allowance of ₹2,000 per month (for reader, escort, helper) is available—provided you have a valid disability certificate showing ≥40% disability.
Note: Fee limits, stipend, and special allowance may be reviewed periodically by MOJSE.
Application Process: 9 Simple Steps
Here’s a human-friendly outline to steer you through the Buddy4Study application portal:
- Go to Buddy4Study Website: Visit the “Free Coaching for DNT Students under SEED scheme” page.
- Click ‘Apply Now’: Scroll, spot the button, and hit it.
- Log In or Register: Use an existing account or create one with your email/mobile/Gmail.
- Open Application Form: You’ll be redirected to the specific form page for 2025-26.
- Start Your Application: Click the button to begin filling details.
- Complete Eligibility Check: Fill out the eligibility form as required.
- Enter Required Details + Upload Documents: Gather everything and upload:
- Passport-size photo (within 100KB)
- Aadhaar/Ration Card (identity proof)
- Caste/DNT certificate stating your sub-caste
- 12th mark sheet
- Family income proof (from Revenue Officer/Employer)
- Aadhaar-linked bank account details and passbook copy
- Admission confirmation from coaching institute (with fee details if possible)
- Self-declaration of not availing similar scholarships
- Disability certificate if applicable
- Review & Accept Terms: Check all boxes, preview the form for errors.
- Submit: Finish the process by submitting your finalized application.
Selection Process: What Happens After You Apply?
- Merit List Generation: The system creates a merit list based on the eligibility and data provided.
- Application Review: Officials review applications by merit. Incomplete or ineligible ones get rejected.
- Screening Committee: A committee finalizes selected candidates after deeper scrutiny.
- Credential Verification: Chosen scholars’ documents and credentials are checked.
- Results: Merit list is published on the Ministry’s website. If selected, the scholarship is transferred directly to your bank account (based on actual coaching expenses).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are De-notified Tribes?
DNTs are communities that were once labeled under the Criminal Tribes Acts in British India. The acts were repealed, and these tribes were “de-notified” in 1952—finally freeing them from discriminatory tags.
Which exams qualify under the scheme?
NEET, JEE Main, CLAT, NDA, TOEFL, SAT, CA-CPT, RRB, Banking, Insurance, State Police, CPL. All must require Class 12 as the minimum qualification.
Is preparing for GATE eligible?
No—GATE coaching is not covered.
Passed Class 12 in 2022 and preparing for JEE—can I apply?
Yes! You’re eligible, provided you meet all other conditions.
Bank job exam prep during graduation—is that allowed?
Yes, as long as the minimum eligibility for that exam is Class 12 pass.
How do I get a DNT certificate?
Apply through your state government portal or competent authorities. Many issue them online via the DWBDNC portal.
Why is the DNT certificate important?
It’s mandatory for accessing scheme benefits and verifying your community status.
About the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
This Ministry works to lift up groups in India who have it hard, like SCs, OBCs, DNTs, and others. Their aim is to give power to these groups with fair rules, money for school, and growth plans like SEED.
Last Words
The no-cost coaching for DNTs with SEED can really change school results for many all over India. It helps by paying for not only tutoring, but also other needed costs. If you or a person you know fits the rules, don’t wait. Get your papers set, apply now, and grab this chance for a better, strong future.