Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship Scheme-Sikkim

Description
The scheme "Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship Scheme" was launched by the Education Department, Government of Sikkim in the year 2010. This scheme aims to provide free education up to the Graduation level to talented and deserving children from underprivileged family with an opportunity to study in reputed Public Schools both within and outside the State. The selected students will be admitted to the Public Schools empanelled with HRD Department within and outside the State.

Benefits
• Free Education: Full waiver of academic fees up to the Graduation level for selected students.
• School Admission: Admission into reputed public schools empanelled by the HRD Department within and outside the state.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a local student of Sikkim.
2. The applicant should be between the ages of 11 to 12.5 years at the time of application.
3. The applicant should have studied from class 1st to class 5th in a government school in Sikkim.1. The applicant should have secured the 1st rank in the class 5th annual examination.
4. **Note:**
5. - If the first-ranked student does not qualify, the next eligible student in rank will be considered.
6. - The eligible candidates must appear for the Selection Test conducted by the Examination Section of HRD Department.

Required Documents
• School Transfer Certificate (from class 5th)
• Marksheet of 5th Class Annual Examination
• Local Residential Certificate
• Proof of age
• Any Other Documents specified by the HRD Department at the time of application

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for this scheme?
A: Local students between 11–12.5 years who studied in Government schools from Class I–V and ranked 1st in Class V exams.

Q: Is there a test for selection?
A: Yes, eligible students must appear for a Selection Test conducted by the HRD Department.

Q: What if the top student is ineligible?
A: Then the next ranked student becomes eligible.

Q: Which schools are included in the scheme?
A: Reputed Public Schools within and outside Sikkim empanelled by the HRD Department.

Q: Is the scheme applicable to private school students?
A: No, only students from Government Schools are eligible.

Q: Is there any income limit for eligibility?
A: The scheme is focused on underprivileged students.

Q: How are students selected?
A: Based on school nomination, eligibility verification, and performance in the selection test.

Q: Can I choose the school I want to join?
A: The HRD Department allots the school based on availability and merit.

Q: Is there any reservation or quota under the scheme?
A: The preference is given to top-performing students.