The Government of Tamil Nadu State has previously launched a remarkable education welfare program known as Tamil Nadu Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme, under which the Government aims to provide educational facilities to all the students who faced learning losses due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This initiative aims to mitigate the educational setbacks and significant learning losses experienced by students in Classes 1 to 8, which occurred due to prolonged school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. All those students who are interested and eligible to get benefits through this scheme can visit the Official Website and fill out the Application Form online.
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What is Tamil Nadu Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme?
The Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has previously launched this remarkable educational welfare program known as Tamil Nadu Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme on 27th October, 2021, which is a flagship education program launched by the state government in October 2021 to bridge the learning gaps among students of Classes 1 to 8 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main aim behind this scheme is to mitigate the educational losses occurred due to the Pandemic across the Nation. As per the reports stated by the Officials, the Government has allocated a total budget of INR 660 Crores for the implementation of this scheme.
Objective of Tamil Nadu Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme
The main objective behind the Tamil Nadu Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme is to help and empower all the students from Class 1 to 8 who have faced learning losses due to the COVID-19 Pandemic across the nation. Under this scheme, the Government aims to provide educational support and facilities to all the students so that they can recover their educational losses and can get back in their academic careers. This initiative aims ot provide doorstep education facilities to all the stduents to ensure continued and accessible education by providing remedial, non-formal, and activity-based learning sessions to children after school hours in their own communities.
Tamil Nadu Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme Apply Online for Volunteers
- Applicants have to visit the Official Illam Thedi Kalvi Website.
- Now, on the homepage, you have to “Click here to start the Volunteer Registration form” option.
- After that, a new page will open here, and you have to enter all the details such as name, gender, date of birth, contact information, Aadhar number, and address.
- Now you have to enter educational qualifications and professional status details.
- At Last, submit the form to register your interest in volunteering.
Short Highlights of Tamil Nadu Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme
| Scheme Name | Illam Thedi Kalvi (Education at Your Doorstep) |
| Launched By | Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin |
| Launch Date | October 27, 2021 |
| Primary Objective | To bridge the learning gaps among students of Classes 1 to 8 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic school closures |
| Target Audience | Students from government schools in Classes 1 to 8 |
| Operational Model | Community-based, volunteer-driven program offering after-school classes (5 pm to 7 pm) |
| Total Beneficiaries (Overall) | Nearly 9.6 million students across the state have been reached |
| Number of Volunteers | Over 1.65 lakh (165,000) volunteers have been involved |
| Teaching Methodology | Activity-based and play-based learning focusing on foundational skills (literacy and numeracy) |
| Initial Budget | ₹199.96 crore for the pilot project (2021-2022) |
| Total Budget Allocation | ₹660.35 crore allocated from 2021-22 to 2024-25 |
| Official Website | http://illamthedikalvi.tnschools.gov.in/ |
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be studying from classes 1 to 8.
- Students must be permanent residents of Tamil Nadu State.
- This scheme is mainly for Government School Students but students from Private Schools can also apply for the classes.
Eligibility for Volunteers
- Must be at least 17 years old.
- For teaching Classes 1 to 5, volunteers must have passed Class 12 (High School Diploma).
- For teaching Classes 6 to 8, volunteers should hold a degree (graduation).
- Must be well-versed in Tamil to communicate effectively with the children, and have good knowledge of English and Mathematics.
Documents Required
- Proof of Identity
- Address Proof
- Academic Records
- Educational Qualifications
- Professional Status
- Availability
- Vaccination Status
Number of Volunteers
| Total Volunteers Registered (approx.) | 7.46 lakh (746,000) at one point |
| Selected/Retained Volunteers (initial/peak) | Over 2 lakh (200,000+) trained volunteers |
| Active Volunteers (recent data) | Around 1.65 lakh (165,000) volunteers as of late 2025 |
| Number of Centres | Approximately 1.5 – 1.6 lakh centers functioning currently, with plans to downsize to 50,000 in specific blocks |
FAQ’s
When was the scheme launched?
The scheme was launched on October 27, 2021, by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Who are the beneficiaries of the scheme?
Students from government schools in Classes 1 to 8 are the primary beneficiaries.
What is the main objective?
The main objective is to mitigate educational setbacks from prolonged school closures, improve foundational literacy and numeracy, and bring out-of-school children back into the education system.
Who teaches the students?
The classes are conducted by a large network of community volunteers who are screened and trained by the School Education Department.
Are the volunteers paid?
Volunteers receive a nominal honorarium for their services.
When and where are the classes held?
Classes are typically held after regular school hours, usually between 5 pm and 7 pm, in community centers, public spaces, or homes.
Is there an online application for students?
No, there is no direct online application for students. They are identified and enrolled through their schools and local community outreach efforts.
How can one become a volunteer?
Interested individuals must be at least 17 years old with a minimum qualification of Class 12 (for teaching Classes 1-5) or a degree (for Classes 6-8) and can register on the official Illam Thedi Kalvi website.
What is the teaching method used?
The program emphasizes activity-based and play-based learning to make education engaging and enjoyable for the children.
What has been the impact of the scheme?
Studies have shown significant improvements in students’ language and mathematical skills and an increased interest in learning.
Khushi Singh
Khushi Singh is a content writer with 3 years of experience in government schemes. She writes simple and helpful articles that guide people to understand and benefit from public welfare programs.