Chief Minister Awards Laptops and Certificates to 136 Tribal and Adi Dravidar School Students Admitted to Prestigious Higher Education Institutions

In a remarkable show of encouragement, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M. K. Stalin, today (31.07.2025) at the Secretariat, presented laptops and certificates of appreciation to 136 students (both boys and girls) from Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Schools who secured admission to prestigious institutions for the academic year 2025–2026. These institutions include IITs, Central Universities, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and Miranda House, University of Delhi, among others.

Currently, Tamil Nadu operates 98 Adi Dravidar Welfare schools and 36 Tribal Welfare schools under the Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare. These schools have seen significant improvements in infrastructure and academic standards over the past four years. Due to consistent efforts, the Class 12 pass percentage in these schools has risen impressively—from 82% (Adi Dravidar schools) and 84.55% (Tribal schools) in 2022 to 91.85% and 95.5%, respectively, in 2025—showing a 10% improvement.

To ensure academic parity and motivate students to excel in competitive exams such as JEE, CLAT, NIFT-EE, and CUET, the government fully funds tuition fees, hostel charges, and entrance exam application fees.

Moreover, special coaching for Class 12 students is provided both online and offline, and comprehensive support is offered—ranging from exam preparation and transportation to counselling and course selection guidance—ensuring students are mentally and academically equipped to choose the right career path.

As a new initiative, coaching is also extended to students who have cleared CLAT and CUET to prepare them for the next phase. Even after securing admissions, these students are mentored through structured mentorship programs in their respective colleges.

In the academic year 2024–25 alone, 16 students from these welfare schools successfully cleared national-level competitive exams like JEE, NIFT-EE, CUET, and CLAT, gaining admission to top-tier institutions such as IIT, NIT, NIFT, and FDDI (Footwear Design and Development Institute).

Thanks to the proactive measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government, a record number of students from Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Schools have successfully cleared entrance exams and joined prestigious higher education institutions in 2025–26.

In recognition of their achievements, the Hon’ble Chief Minister presented laptops and certificates to the 136 meritorious students.

Dignitaries Present at the Event:

• Hon’ble Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin
• Hon’ble Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare Dr. M. Mathiventhan
• Chief Secretary Mr. N. Muruganandam, IAS
• Secretary, Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Ms. K. Lakshmi Priya, IAS
• Director of Adi Dravidar Welfare Mr. D. Anand, IAS
• Director of Tribal Welfare Mr. S. Annadurai
• Other senior government officials

Issued by:
Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai – 9