First Graduate Scholarship Tamil Nadu: Complete Document Checklist, e-Sevai Tahsildar Verification & Certificate Requirements
A comprehensive verification checklist and revenue workflow guide for Tamil Nadu students preparing First Graduate documentation for TNEA and collegiate admissions.
The First Graduate Scheme (முதல் பட்டதாரி திட்டம்) provides a direct state-sponsored tuition fee waiver (up to ₹25,000–₹27,500 per year) for students admitted to professional programs via government single-window counseling such as TNEA.
Because the financial benefit is applied automatically upon college allotment, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE) and counseling authorities strictly require a digitally signed e-Certificate issued by the Revenue Department before allotment.
Self-declarations without verified government certificates are rejected during counseling document upload. Preparing every family document well ahead of counseling registration prevents last-minute panic.
Before applying at an Arasu e-Sevai Maiyam or online through tnesevai.tn.gov.in, compile clear original scans of these documents:
| Family Member | Required Document | Key Verification Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant | 10th & 12th Mark sheets / Provisional | Verifies candidate identity, date of birth, and schooling history. |
| Applicant | Transfer Certificate (TC) from School | Shows highest educational standard completed. |
| Father | School Transfer Certificate / Leaving Record | Demonstrates non-graduate status. If never attended school, self-declaration affidavit. |
| Mother | School Transfer Certificate / Leaving Record | Demonstrates non-graduate status. If never attended school, self-declaration affidavit. |
| All Siblings | School/College TC or Study Bonafide | Must prove no brother or sister holds a degree or previously claimed the First Graduate benefit. |
| Entire Household | Smart Ration Card (குடும்ப அட்டை) | Must list the applicant, parents, and all siblings accurately without omission. |
| Applicant | Community & Nativity Certificate | Confirms Tamil Nadu residency and community category. |
| Student & Parent | Joint Declaration Affidavit | Prescribed Tamil Nadu government legal undertaking signed by student and parent. |
The Joint Declaration is a legal undertaking mandated by the Government of Tamil Nadu. It requires both the candidate and parent to formally declare:
1. That neither the parents nor any elder/younger brothers or sisters have completed a collegiate undergraduate degree.
2. That no other family member has availed of the First Graduate tuition fee concession.
3. That if any statement is later discovered to be false, the candidate will refund the full tuition fee to the government and face legal action under state regulations.
Once you submit your application (Service Code REV-104), it moves through three administrative tiers:
• Tier 1: Village Administrative Officer (VAO) conducts local field verification, cross-checking the household register and ration card records.
• Tier 2: Revenue Inspector (RI) reviews the VAO recommendation and signs off on family lineage validity.
• Tier 3: Headquarters / Zonal Deputy Tahsildar grants final approval and digitally signs the QR-coded e-Certificate.
1. Incomplete Sibling Records: Omitting an elder sibling who dropped out of school without furnishing an explanatory non-graduate affidavit.
2. Ration Card Name Mismatches: Inconsistent spelling of parent or candidate names between school mark sheets and the Smart Family Card.
3. Blurry Document Scans: Uploading low-resolution camera photos instead of clean flatbed 200 DPI PDF scans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if my parents never attended school and have no Transfer Certificate?
If either parent never attended formal schooling, submit a notarized self-declaration affidavit stating that the parent is non-literate and has never enrolled in any collegiate or higher education institution.
Can I use the First Graduate certificate for multiple college counseling sessions?
The digital e-Certificate is valid permanently as an educational status certificate for your admission. You can submit the certificate number across TNEA, TNAU, TANUVAS, and university single-window counseling applications.
Does the First Graduate fee waiver cover hostel or examination fees?
No. The concession applies strictly to state-approved annual college tuition fees. Hostel charges, mess bills, and university examination fees must be paid separately.