Government Scholarships for Students in India 2026–27: Eligibility, Benefits & Apply Online

Government Scholarships for Students in India 2026–27: Eligibility, Benefits, Documents & How to Apply

Government Scholarships for Students in India 2026–27

Education can be expensive, especially for families managing school fees, college tuition, books, accommodation and other educational expenses. Government scholarships provide financial assistance to eligible students and can make continuing education more affordable.

In India, scholarship schemes are offered by the Central Government, State Governments, ministries, departments and government-supported institutions. Depending on the scheme, eligibility may be based on academic performance, family income, social category, disability, gender, location, course or other specific conditions.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is open and lists multiple central and state-linked scholarship opportunities. The portal states that students need a One Time Registration (OTR) to apply for scholarships through NSP.

This guide explains the major government scholarship opportunities, eligibility categories, documents generally required, application procedure and important points students should know before applying.

Important: Scholarship eligibility, amounts and deadlines can change. Always verify the latest information on the official government portal before submitting an application.

What Is a Government Scholarship?

A government scholarship is financial assistance provided by a government department or government-authorized institution to help eligible students continue their education.

Depending on the scheme, financial support may help with:

Tuition fees

Admission fees

Maintenance or living expenses

Books and study materials

Hostel expenses

Educational allowances

Special educational expenses

Technical or professional education costs

Some scholarships are merit-based, while others are means-based, welfare-based or merit-cum-means schemes.

National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is one of the most important online platforms for government scholarships in India.

For academic year 2026–27, NSP states that the portal opened from 1 June 2026. It also states that OTR is mandatory for applying for scholarships through the portal.

Students can use NSP to:

1. Register for One Time Registration.

2. Find eligible scholarship schemes.

3. Submit fresh applications.

4. Submit renewal applications where applicable.

5. Track application status.

6. Complete required verification.

7. Track scholarship payments through the applicable payment system.

Official portal: [National Scholarship Portal](https://scholarships.gov.in/)

Major Government Scholarships for Students 2026–27

The following are some of the important schemes currently listed on the National Scholarship Portal or official government sources.

1. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is designed to support students from economically weaker sections and encourage them to continue secondary education.

The 2026–27 NSP listing shows NMMSS as a merit-based scheme under the Department of School Education & Literacy. The current student application deadline shown on NSP is 31 October 2026.

This scheme is particularly relevant for eligible school students who meet the prescribed academic and income requirements.

2. PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students supports meritorious students pursuing higher education.

The Ministry of Education describes it as a merit-cum-means scholarship. The published eligibility information includes students who perform above the prescribed percentile in Class XII, pursue a regular course and satisfy the family-income and other conditions of the scheme.

Students should carefully distinguish fresh applications from renewals, because the applicable dates can differ.

For 2026–27, NSP currently shows the fresh student application period as closed for this particular listing, while renewal verification continues according to the dates displayed on the portal.

3. PM YASASVI – Top Class Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students

The PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education includes scholarship support for eligible OBC, EBC and DNT students.

The 2026–27 NSP listings include separate schemes for:

Top Class Education in Schools

Top Class Education in College

The NSP currently lists the applicable 2026–27 application/verification timeline, with student applications for the listed schemes shown through 31 October 2026.

Students should check the scheme-specific eligibility conditions before applying.

4. Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students

This scheme provides financial support to eligible students belonging to Scheduled Castes for higher education.

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment states that the scheme supports SC students pursuing studies beyond Class 12 in empanelled institutions. Official 2026–27 guidelines are available from the department.

The NSP listing currently shows the student application deadline as 31 October 2026.

5. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

The Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students provides financial assistance for eligible SC students studying after the matriculation level.

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment explains that the scheme aims to increase participation in higher education by providing financial assistance at the post-matriculation or post-secondary stage. Selection and implementation involve the student's State/UT according to applicable rules.

Because state-level implementation can affect application procedures, students should check their state's scholarship instructions as well as the relevant central information.

6. National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs operates the National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students.

The ministry describes it as a Central Sector Scheme supporting eligible ST students pursuing prescribed higher-education courses in identified premier institutions. Its published information includes financial support for tuition and other specified educational expenses, subject to scheme conditions.

The 2026–27 NSP listing also includes the scholarship for higher education of ST students.

7. Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has scholarship schemes covering different educational levels.

The 2026–27 NSP listing includes:

Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Scholarship for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities

The current NSP listing shows these schemes with student applications scheduled through 31 October 2026, subject to the applicable scheme and verification process.

8. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme supports eligible girl students pursuing technical education.

For 2026–27, NSP lists:

AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students – Technical Degree

AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students – Technical Diploma

Both are currently listed with student application deadlines of 31 October 2026 on NSP.

Eligibility depends on the specific AICTE scheme requirements and the student's institution/course.

9. AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme is intended for eligible specially abled students pursuing technical education.

NSP currently lists separate schemes for:

Technical Diploma students

Technical Degree students

The 2026–27 NSP listing shows 31 October 2026 as the student application deadline for these listed schemes.

10. AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme

The AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme is another opportunity listed on NSP for eligible technical-education students.

The 2026–27 NSP listing includes both:

Swanath Scholarship – Technical Degree

Swanath Scholarship – Technical Diploma

The listed student application deadline is 31 October 2026.

11. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region

The Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme is intended for eligible students from the North Eastern Region pursuing higher education.

It is listed under UGC on the National Scholarship Portal. For 2026–27, NSP shows the student application period through 31 October 2026.

Students should check the latest UGC/NSP eligibility conditions before applying.

12. National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies

Students pursuing postgraduate education may find the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies on NSP.

For 2026–27, the NSP listing shows the scheme opening on 16 September 2026, with student applications currently listed through 31 October 2026.

13. Scholarships for Wards of Armed and Security Personnel

NSP also lists scholarships designed for specific groups connected with security personnel.

Current 2026–27 listings include:

Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles

Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for eligible wards of police personnel martyred during terror/Naxal attacks

Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for the Ministry of Railways

The eligibility requirements differ substantially between these schemes, so applicants should read the individual scheme guidelines carefully.

14. Scholarships for Children of Beedi, Cine and Certain Mine Workers

NSP lists Financial Assistance for Education to the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers at both pre-matric and post-matric levels.

For the 2026–27 listings, the student application deadline shown is 31 October 2026.

These scholarships are targeted at eligible wards of workers covered under the relevant scheme.

15. ICAR Scholarships

Students pursuing agricultural education can also find opportunities associated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The current NSP listing includes:

ICAR National Talent Scholarship – UG

ICAR Post Graduate Scholarship

ICAR National Talent Scholarship – PG

ICAR Junior Research Fellowship

ICAR Senior Research Fellowship

The applicable eligibility requirements depend on the particular programme.

Government Scholarships by Student Category

Instead of searching randomly, students can identify scholarships according to their educational level and eligibility.

Student Category Scholarship Opportunities to Check

School students NMMSS, disability scholarships, PM YASASVI school scheme

Class 10–12 students Post-matric and category-based schemes

College students PM-USP CSSS, Top Class schemes

SC students Post-Matric SC, Top Class Education

ST students Higher Education Scholarship

OBC/EBC/DNT students PM YASASVI

Girl students AICTE Pragati and applicable state schemes

Students with disabilities Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Top Class schemes

Technical students AICTE Pragati, Saksham and Swanath

PG students National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies

Agriculture students ICAR scholarship schemes

Students from North Eastern states Ishan Uday and applicable regional schemes

This table is a starting point—not a substitute for checking the detailed eligibility rules of each scheme.

State Government Scholarships

Students should not limit their search to Central Government schemes.

Every state can have its own scholarship programmes for residents and students studying within the state.

For example, West Bengal has state scholarship programmes, including Shikshashree, which is listed for eligible SC students in Classes V–VIII subject to specified conditions. The official scheme information includes an annual family-income ceiling and requirements concerning school type, residence and other eligibility criteria.

Therefore, students should check:

State education department
State scholarship portal
Social welfare department
Tribal welfare department
Minority affairs department
Higher education department

Tip: Search for your state name + “government scholarship 2026–27” and then verify the result through the official government website.

Eligibility for Government Scholarships

There is no single eligibility rule for all government scholarships.

Common criteria may include:

Academic Performance :

Some scholarships require a particular percentage, percentile, rank or academic performance.

Family Income :

Many welfare and merit-cum-means schemes have annual family-income limits.

Social Category :

Certain scholarships are specifically intended for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, DNT or other eligible groups.

Disability :

Specific scholarships may require recognized disability documentation and other prescribed conditions.

Gender :

Some schemes are specifically designed to encourage girls and women to pursue education.

Course and Institution :

Some scholarships are restricted to particular courses, technical programmes, professional courses or approved institutions.

Residence or Domicile :

State scholarships may require the applicant to be a resident/domiciled student of that state.

Documents Required for Scholarship Application:

The exact document list varies by scheme, but students may commonly need:

Aadhaar or applicable identity document

One Time Registration/OTR details

Passport-size photograph

Previous examination marksheet

Current admission/enrolment details

School/college ID

Income certificate

Caste certificate, where applicable

Disability certificate/UDID details, where applicable

Domicile/residence certificate, where applicable

Bank account details

Bank passbook

Fee receipt

Bonafide certificate

Course or institution details

Students should ensure that their name, date of birth, bank details and other information are consistent across documents.

How to Apply for a Government Scholarship Online

Step 1: Identify the Correct Scholarship

First determine your:

Class/course

State

Important Scholarship Deadlines for 2026–27:

As of 4 October 2026, several scholarships displayed on NSP have a 31 October 2026 student application deadline.

These include schemes such as NMMSS, AICTE Pragati, AICTE Saksham, AICTE Swanath, Ishan Uday, National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies, Top Class schemes and several other listed programmes.

However, deadlines are scheme-specific. For example, the PM-USP CSSS listing currently shows a different status for fresh and renewal applications.

Students should never rely only on an old article or social-media post for the deadline. Always check the live official portal.

Common Reasons Scholarship Applications May Be Rejected:

Students should avoid common mistakes such as:

1. Entering incorrect personal information.

2. Providing incorrect bank details.

3. Uploading unclear documents.

4. Using an expired or invalid certificate.

5. Selecting an incorrect scholarship scheme.

6. Failing to meet income requirements.

7. Not completing institutional verification.

8. Missing correction deadlines.

9. Applying despite not meeting the eligibility conditions.

10. Providing inconsistent information across documents.

Before submission, carefully review the entire application.

How to Avoid Scholarship Scams:

Scholarship-related scams can circulate through social media, WhatsApp and unofficial websites.

Students should be cautious if a website:

Promises guaranteed scholarship approval.

Demands an unnecessary payment to “release” scholarship money.

Requests sensitive information without a legitimate reason.

Uses a government logo but is not a government website

Claims that every student is automatically eligible.

Provides a deadline that does not match the official portal.

Whenever possible, verify scholarship information directly through official government websites.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the National Scholarship Portal?

The National Scholarship Portal is an online government platform through which students can find and apply for various scholarship schemes. For 2026–27, NSP states that OTR is mandatory for applying for scholarships through the portal.

2. Can school students apply for government scholarships?

Yes. Several government scholarship programmes are available for eligible school students. NMMSS and certain category-specific scholarships are examples currently listed or supported through government scholarship systems.

3. Can college students get government scholarships?

Yes. There are scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, technical, professional and other higher-education students. Examples include PM-USP CSSS, Top Class schemes and various AICTE and UGC programmes.

4. Is OTR mandatory for NSP scholarships?

According to the National Scholarship Portal, OTR is mandatory for applying for scholarships through NSP.

5. Can a student apply for more than one scholarship?

Eligibility depends on the individual schemes and their rules. NSP currently states that from academic year 2026–27, students may apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes, subject to scheme eligibility.

Students should still read the specific scheme rules before submitting multiple applications.

6. Do all government scholarships have the same deadline?

No. Deadlines vary by scheme, academic year and sometimes fresh/renewal status.

7. Is a scholarship guaranteed after applying?

No. Submission of an application does not automatically guarantee selection or payment. Applications must satisfy eligibility and verification requirements.

8. Where can I check my scholarship application?

For NSP schemes, students can use the official National Scholarship Portal to access application-related services and track the applicable status/payment information. �

Scholarships India

9. Are scholarships available for girls?

Yes. Some government schemes specifically support female students. AICTE's Pragati Scholarship is one example listed on NSP for eligible girls pursuing technical degree or diploma programmes. �

Scholarships India

10. Are scholarships available for students with disabilities?

Yes. NSP currently lists pre-matric, post-matric and Top Class scholarship schemes for eligible students with disabilities. �

Scholarships India

Final Checklist Before Applying:

Before submitting a government scholarship application, students should check:

[✅] I meet the eligibility requirements.

[✅] My academic information is correct.

[✅] My income certificate is valid, if required.

[✅ ] My category certificate is valid, if required.

[✅] My bank account details are correct.

[✅ ] My Aadhaar/identity information is correct where applicable.

[✅ ] My institution details are correct.

[✅ ] I have completed OTR if applying through NSP.

[✅ ] I have uploaded the required documents.

[✅ ] I have checked the official deadline.

[✅ ] I have completed all required verification steps.

[✅ ] I have saved my application/reference details.

Conclusion:

Government scholarships can provide valuable financial support to students who want to continue their education despite financial or other barriers. Opportunities are available across different levels, including school education, undergraduate studies, postgraduate education, technical education and professional courses.

For 2026–27, the National Scholarship Portal contains a wide range of central scholarship schemes covering students based on merit, income, social category, disability, gender, region, course and other eligibility conditions. �

Scholarships India:

The most important step is to verify the latest eligibility requirements and deadlines on the official government portal before applying. Students should also keep their certificates, academic records and bank details ready and complete all verification requirements within the specified time.

Official resources:

National Scholarship Portal (NSP)⁠�

Ministry of Education – Scholarships & Fellowships⁠�

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment – Scholarships⁠�

Ministry of Tribal Affairs – Scholarships⁠�

SANSKRIT BHUVAN

Government Scholarships for Students in India 2026–27: Eligibility, Benefits & Apply Online