Post Matric Scholarship Scheme For The Students Belonging To Scheduled Tribe For Studies In India 2026

The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme offers financial help to boost India's tourism presence in international markets. Read More... Read less

Details

India's Ministry of Tourism has introduced the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme, a part of the Overseas Promotion & Publicity (OPP) initiative. This scheme is designed to give a financial leg-up to tourism businesses and state tourism departments that are approved by the government. Its main goal is to help them promote India more effectively in foreign countries, ultimately aiming to attract more international visitors.

What Is This Scheme?

The MDA Scheme is a government program that provides financial assistance to approved tourism service providers and state tourism departments. This support is specifically for activities that promote India as a travel destination in overseas markets. It covers expenses related to marketing, participation in international events, and online promotions.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is for a wide range of tourism stakeholders. This includes travel agents, inbound tour operators, hotels, homestays, restaurants, and other hospitality service providers, provided they are approved by the Ministry of Tourism or their respective state/UT tourism departments. Additionally, State Government and UT Tourism Departments can also avail benefits under this scheme.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By supporting the promotion of India abroad, the MDA Scheme plays a crucial role in increasing the visibility of 'Incredible India' on the global tourism map. This, in turn, is expected to lead to a rise in the number of foreign tourists visiting the country, benefiting the tourism industry and the economy as a whole.

Objective

The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme offers financial help to boost India's tourism presence in international markets.

Benefits

Stipend:The student will be entitled to stipend as per rates listed below.

CoursesHostellersDay ScholarBachelor, Master Degree, MPhil/PhD degree leading to Degree, PG Diploma, in professional courses in various streamsMonthly: 1200 ; Annually: 12000Monthly: 500 ; Annually: 5500All non-professional recognized courses leading to a Bachelor, Master Degree, MPhil/PhD degree not covered under Group I in Arts, Science and Commerce like BA/B.Sc/B.Com or MA/MSc/M.ComMonthly: 820 ; Annually: 8200Monthly: 530; Annually: 5300Vocational stream, ITI courses, 3 year diploma courses in Polytechnics, etc.Monthly: 570; Annually: 5700Monthly: 300; Annually: 3000All post-matriculation level non-degree courses for which entrance qualification is High School (Class X), e.g. senior secondary certificate (class XI and XII).Monthly: 380; Annually: 3800Monthly: 230; Annually: 2300

Note 1:It needs to be clarified that the stipend is a sort of incentive provided to a student for pursuing a particular course and in no way meant to provide for reimbursement of boarding and lodging charges like mess, hostel or other similar charges.

Note 2:Additional Disability Allowance: -In addition to stipend provided above, an additional Stipend of Rs. 800/-per month (Rs. 9600 annually) will be given to the Divyangjan student who is hosteller and Rs.600 (Rs 7200 annually) to Day scholar. The disability as defined under the relevant ‘Disabilities Act’ has to be certified by competent medical authority of the State Govt./UT Administration. The provisions of Disability allowance will also apply to leprosy-cured and students having sickle cell Anemia or Thalassemia as notified by Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment

Note 3:Under “National fellowship & Scholarship for Higher Education of ST students” Scheme [Top class Scholarship], MoTA is providing Scholarships to students for pursuing graduation and post-graduation courses in Top Class Institutes (currently 252) across India. To avoid duplicity, students pursuing courses in such Institutes will not be entitled for benefit under Post Matric Scholarship. Scholarship holder under this scheme can hold only one scholarship/stipend at a time.

A centrally sponsored scholarship scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for students from scheduled tribes pursuing post-matriculation or post-secondary stages to enable them to complete their education.

Components of the Scheme:

The scholarship has two components:

Component 1: Payment of compulsory fees charged by educational institutions subject to the limit fixed by the concerned State.
Component 2: Payment of Maintenance amount varying from ₹230/- to ₹1200/- per month, depending upon the course of study pursued by the student.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Tourism Service Providers (TSPs): Must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, or the concerned State/UT Tourism Department. Eligible TSPs include travel agents, inbound tour operators, tourist transport operators, classified hotels, bed & breakfast units, homestays, motels, guest houses, tented accommodations, standalone restaurants, convention centers, and online aggregators.
Financial Criteria for TSPs:
- TSPs showing a minimum fee income of ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore in either 2018-19 or 2019-20 can undertake a maximum of two tours in a financial year.
- TSPs showing a minimum fee income of ₹2 crore and above in either 2018-19 or 2019-20 can undertake a maximum of three tours in a financial year.
State Government/UT Administrations: Tourism departments of State Governments and UT Administrations are also eligible. The specific financial eligibility conditions mentioned for TSPs do not apply to them.

How To Apply

Applications for prior approval must be submitted at least 21 days before the planned tour. You can send your application via email to [email protected].

For reimbursement claims, submit your application within 45 days of returning from the tour. Send your claim via email to [email protected].

Documents Required

For Prior Approval:

Proof of approval as a Tourism Service Provider (TSP) by the Ministry of Tourism or the relevant State/UT Tourism Department.
A declaration or undertaking confirming that no investigation or debarment is pending against the applicant.
A fee certificate, duly certified by a Chartered Accountant.

For Reimbursement:

Details of financial assistance received over the past three years.
Copies of air tickets and boarding passes, or passport pages showing immigration stamps.
A brief tour report (not exceeding 250 words).
Original receipts and proof of payments for air tickets, booth setup costs, participation fees, and lodging expenses.

FAQ’s

Who is eligible to apply for the Marketing Development Assistance Scheme?

Approved Tourism Service Providers (TSPs) and Tourism Departments of State Governments or UT Administrations can apply for support under this scheme.

What kind of activities does the scheme support financially?

The scheme provides financial backing for activities such as sales tours, participation in overseas travel fairs and exhibitions, roadshows, and online promotion of Indian tourism destinations, including the creation of digital content.

What is the financial assistance available for Tourism Service Providers (TSPs)?

TSPs can receive up to 90% of their economy class airfare and 90% of costs for travel fairs (like stall setup, participation fees). Lodging expenses are covered for up to 5 nights, with a maximum of ₹10,000 per night. The total support is capped at ₹3.5 lakh per tour.

How many promotional tours can a TSP undertake in a financial year under this scheme?

TSPs whose fee income was between ₹1 crore and ₹2 crore in 2018-19 or 2019-20 are limited to a maximum of two tours per financial year. Those with a fee income of ₹2 crore and above in the same period can undertake up to three tours.

What is the procedure to get prior approval for a tour?

You need to submit your application and the required documents via email to [email protected] at least 21 days before your intended travel date.

How can I claim reimbursement after my promotional tour?

After your tour, you must submit your claim along with all supporting documents via email to [email protected] within 45 days of your return.

Are there any specific rules for air travel when claiming reimbursement?

Yes, if Air India operates directly on a route, travel must be on Air India. For shorter routes where Air India doesn't operate directly, economy class on other airlines is acceptable.

Can I receive financial help for the same promotional activity from different government sources?

No, you cannot claim or receive financial assistance for the same activity from any other government department or agency. You must ensure there is no duplication of support.

Is this scheme available for all tourism service providers?

No, only those tourism service providers who are officially approved by the Ministry of Tourism or their respective State/UT Tourism Departments are eligible to apply.

Does the scheme provide financial support for domestic travel and promotion?

No, this scheme is exclusively for promotional activities conducted in overseas markets. It does not cover domestic travel or promotion.

Are there any restrictions on which employee can undertake a tour under the scheme?

Yes, only one person from the company can undertake the tour. This person must be either the CEO, Managing Director, Director, Managing Partner, Proprietor, or a regular employee of the organization.

Does getting prior approval guarantee that I will receive the financial support?

No, receiving prior approval does not automatically guarantee financial support. Reimbursement is still subject to the successful submission of your complete claim and the availability of funds.

If there are more applications than available funds, how is priority decided?

Priority for financial assistance is generally given to service providers who have not previously availed of financial support under the MDA Scheme.