National Scholarship Scheme is one of the main scholarship programs offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which is part of the Indian government’s Ministry of Education. The program was created to assist deserving individuals who want to pursue graduate studies but might have financial difficulties. The scholarship seeks to advance higher education, improve academic achievement, and motivate individuals to pursue post-undergraduate study by offering direct financial aid.
Under the National Scholarship Scheme, the students pursuing their first postgraduate degree at accredited institutions and colleges throughout India are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which is given out via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Approximately 10,000 scholarships are given out annually based on an all-India merit list, guaranteeing that worthy students from all geographical areas and socioeconomic backgrounds receive funding for their postgraduate study.
Selected students receive ₹15,000 per month for ten months of the academic year under this plan, totaling ₹1.5 lakh annually. Beneficiaries might receive a total of ₹3 lakh during the two-year postgraduate program because the scholarship is renewable for a second year. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method transfers the funds straight to the student’s bank account connected to Aadhaar.
One noteworthy aspect of National Scholarship Scheme for Post Graduate Students is its dedication to advancing gender parity in higher education. 30% of the scholarship seats are set aside for female applicants in accordance with UGC regulations. Regardless of their undergraduate grades, single, twin, or fraternal girl offspring are given priority within these reserved spaces. The remaining scholarships are given out solely on the basis of merit while adhering to the reservation policy of the Indian government.
Students who have earned a recognized undergraduate degree and been accepted into the first year of a postgraduate program at an educational institution recognized by the UGC are eligible to apply for the National Scholarship Scheme. However, only students enrolled in normal or full-time programs can access it. Students enrolled in postgraduate programs via private, part-time, correspondence, or remote learning are ineligible. Additionally, candidates must be under 30 years old when they are accepted into the postgraduate program.
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Key Objectives of National Scholarship Scheme
The important objectives of the scheme are:
- The award allows students to opt for postgraduate education and continue pursuing higher education after college.
- While pursuing higher education, numerous talented pupils encounter economic difficulties. The scholarship offers financial support to cover the cost of their education.
- The National Scholarship Scheme encourages pupils to uphold academic excellence by rewarding deserving students.
- The government aims to boost enrollment in postgraduate programs nationwide by offering financial assistance.
- Higher education helps produce highly qualified professionals and researchers who are crucial to the advancement of the country.
- Research and innovation are frequently facilitated by postgraduate study. Students who receive the scholarship are encouraged to do study and add to the plethora of knowledge.
- The National Scholarship Scheme increases job prospects among post graduate students and competitiveness in the job market by enabling them to get advanced degrees.
- By reducing the financial load on students and their families, the scholarship enables them to concentrate more successfully on their academic goals.
Eligibility Criteria for National Scholarship Scheme
- Applicant must be pursuing first postgraduate degree.
- Applicant who have already completed a postgraduate degree are not eligible to apply.
- Applicant must be enrolled in first year of postgraduate program.
- Applicant must be under 30 years old.
- Applicant must be enrolled in full-time program.
- Applicant must be pursuing recognized postgraduate degree program.
Application Process: Detailed Procedure for National Scholarship Scheme 2026
The applicants of National Scholarship Scheme should apply online via National Scholarship Portal
- New Registration:
Step 1: Visit the New Registration page of the National Scholarships Portal.
Step 2: Guidelines for Registration will appear. Scroll to the bottom. Read the undertaking carefully and Accept the Terms. Click “Next”.
Step 3: In the next window, enter your mobile number and OTP. Then click “Verify”.
Step 4: After successful verification, continue with e-KYC process (as applicable).
Step 5: Once completed, your reference number will be generated and the same will be sent to your registered phone number. - Process for OTR ID Number Generation:
Step 1: Download and install AadhaarFaceRD services in the android device.
Step 2: Download and install the NSP OTR App from the Google Play Store.
Step 3: After opening the mobile app Select the option “eKYC with FaceAuth” highlighted in red.
Step 4: Enter the allotted reference number and click on “Send OTP” to receive OTP on your mobile no.
Step 5: Enter the received OTP and captcha in the screen and click Next.
Step 6: Click on “Proceed for Face Authentication” button highlighted in red.
Step 7: UIDAI AadhaarFaceRD services will be invoked for face authentication. Ensure AadhaarFaceRD services are preinstalled on your device.
Step 8: On Successful completion of face-authentication OTR no. will be generated and will also be sent on your registered mobile no. - Fresh Application:
- Step 1: Visit the applicant Login page of the National Scholarships Portal Enter your One Time Registration (OTR) number and password.
- Step 2: Type the Captcha and click “Login”.
- Step 3: On the next screen, provide the OTP received on your registered mobile number. You will be directed to the Password Reset screen. Create a new password and confirm.
- Step 4: Click “Submit”. You will be directed to the “Applicant’s Dashboard”.
- Step 5: On the left pane, click “Application Form”. The fields marked as * are compulsory. Fill in the details and upload the documents.
- Step 6: You can either click on “Save as Draft” to complete the application later. Else, click “Final Submit” to submit the application.
- Track Payment Status:
- The student can track their payment status from the template “Know Your Payment” in the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) Portal either by indicating their Aadhaar Number, Bank Account number or NSP Application ID.
- NOTE 1: The National Scholarships Portal will provide the timelines for opening & closing of the portal.
- NOTE 2: Online applications will be verified at two levels i.e. by the Institute, where the student is studying and thereafter by the concerned State Higher Education Department or any other Agency/ Official nominated by the State as State Nodal Agency (both for fresh and renewal applicants).
- NOTE 3: Students will not be permanently debarred for scholarships due to delay in renewal or verification. However, students will have to submit renewal applications within a cut-off date. Renewal for that year will not be allowed if an applicant misses this deadline.
- Documents Required
- Attested copies of mark sheets and certificates from class IX onwards.
- Attested copy of the provisional or final admission letter to the PG course.
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License).
- Bank details.
- Two recent passport size photographs.
Tentative Timeline for National Scholarship Scheme
| APPLICATION START DATE | 1ST JUNE 2026 |
| OTR START DATE | ONGOING |
| NEW APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED | ONGOING |
| EXPECTED LAST DATE OF APPLICATION | DECEMBER 2026 |
| INSTITUTION VERIFICATION | DECEMBER 2026 (LATER HALF) |
| SCHOLARSHIP DISBURSEMENT | JANUARY 2027 |
How much financial assistance is provided under National Scholarship Scheme?
Selected students receive ₹15,000 per month for 10 months each academic year. The scholarship is available for two years, providing a total financial assistance of ₹3 lakh.
Who is eligible to apply for the National Scholarship Scheme for Post Graduate Studies?
Indian students below 30 years of age who are enrolled in the first year of a regular, full-time postgraduate programme and pursuing their first PG degree are eligible to apply, subject to the scheme’s guidelines.
Can students enrolled in distance or open learning programmes apply for the Scheme?
No. The scholarship is available only to students pursuing regular and full-time postgraduate courses. Students enrolled through distance education, correspondence, or part-time modes are generally not eligible.
How can I apply for the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies?
Applications must be submitted online through the National Scholarship Scheme Portal (NSP). Applicants need to complete One-Time Registration (OTR), fill in the application form, upload the required documents, and submit the application before the deadline.
Is there any reservation for women candidates?
Yes. Thirty percent of the scholarships are reserved for women candidates. Preference is also given to single girl children, twin girl children, and fraternal girl children as per UGC guidelines.
What is the age limit for applying?
The applicant should generally be below 30 years of age at the time of admission to the postgraduate programme.
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