Government Scholarships for Students in India 2026: Complete List, Eligibility & How to Apply

Quick Answer

India has dozens of active government scholarships in 2026 covering school, undergraduate, and postgraduate students. The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in is the single gateway for most central and state scholarships. Scholarship amounts range from ₹10,000 to ₹1,25,000 per year depending on the scheme. Applications for most NSP scholarships are open from June 2026 with a deadline of October 31, 2026. Money is transferred directly to your bank account — no middlemen involved.

Key Takeaways

• The NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) is now open for 2026–27 applications from June 1, 2026
• Last date to apply for most NSP scholarships: October 31, 2026
• Scholarships are available for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, Minority, General, and girl students
• INSPIRE Scholarship offers ₹80,000/year for science students — no separate entrance test
• Central Sector Scholarship gives ₹10,000–₹20,000/year based on top 20th percentile in boards
• PM Yashasvi provides ₹75,000–₹1,25,000/year for OBC, EBC, and DNT students
• All scholarship money is transferred directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT
• Always verify deadlines and amounts on official government portals before applying

Something No One Tells You About Scholarships

Every year, thousands of eligible students miss out on government scholarships. Not because they didn’t qualify. But because no one told them they existed — or how to apply.

That’s a problem we want to fix.

If your family earns below ₹8 lakh a year, or you scored well in Class 12, or you belong to SC/ST/OBC/Minority communities — there is almost certainly a scholarship waiting for you. The question is just whether you find it before the deadline.

This guide covers every major government scholarship available to Indian students in 2026. We’ve organised it clearly — by type, eligibility, amount, and application process — so you can identify which ones apply to you and act immediately.

What Is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP), available at scholarships.gov.in, is the Government of India’s official one-stop platform for all scholarship applications.

Instead of running to different offices or filling separate forms for every scheme, you apply for all central and many state scholarships through this single portal. It was built under the Digital India initiative to make the process transparent, fast, and paperless.

The NSP hosts scholarships managed by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs, AICTE, UGC, Ministry of Railways, and several state governments.

The NSP portal for academic year 2026–27 is open from June 1, 2026, and the last date to apply is October 31, 2026. The money is transferred directly to your bank account — no one can intercept it or ask for a cut.

Who Can Apply for Government Scholarships in India?

Government scholarships in 2026 cover a very wide range of students. Here’s a quick overview:

Even if you are from a general category with decent board marks and a family income below ₹4.5 lakh, the Central Sector Scholarship is available to you. You do not need to be from a reserved category to benefit from government scholarships.

8 Major Government Scholarships You Must Know in 2026

1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS)

This is one of the most accessible government scholarships for regular college students — and one of the most overlooked.

What is it? A merit-and-means scholarship from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. It rewards students who performed well in Class 12 boards and come from economically weaker backgrounds.

Who can apply?

• Scored in the top 20th percentile of their Class 12 board exam results
• Family income below ₹4.5 lakh per year
• Enrolled in a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate course (not distance education)

Amount:

• ₹10,000 per year for undergraduate studies and ₹20,000 per year for postgraduate studies

Total Scholarships Available: 82,000 scholarships every year — 50% reserved for girl students

How to apply: Through NSP portal — scholarships.gov.in

2. INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) — by DST

If you’re a Science student heading into B.Sc or integrated M.Sc, this is the most generous government scholarship available to you — and surprisingly few students apply for it.

What is it? The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to encourage students to pursue higher studies and research in natural and basic sciences.

Who can apply?

• Students in the top 1% of Class 12 board exams, OR students with high ranks in national-level exams like JEE (Main/Advanced), NEET, KVPY, NTSE, etc.
• Pursuing B.Sc, B.S., or Integrated M.Sc in natural/basic sciences
• Age: 17–22 years at the time of application

Important: Engineering, MBBS, and other professional degrees are not eligible for INSPIRE SHE.

Amount: ₹80,000 per annum, along with opportunities for summer research internships at reputed institutions across India — 10,000 students selected every year

How to apply: Online at online-inspire.gov.in

3. PM Yashasvi Scholarship 2026

This is the government’s flagship scholarship specifically for students from OBC, EBC (Economically Backward Classes), and DNT (De-notified Tribes) communities.

What is it? PM Yashasvi — Pradhan Mantri Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India — provides financial support to meritorious students from these communities at the school level.

Who can apply?

• Students in Class 9 and Class 11
• From OBC, EBC, or DNT categories
• Minimum 60% marks in previous exam; family income below ₹2.5 lakh

Amount:

• Up to ₹75,000 per year for Class 9–10 students and up to ₹1,25,000 per year for Class 11–12 students

Application Window 2026: Expected July 2026 to October 31, 2026, based on the latest academic cycle announcements

How to apply: yashasvi.aicte.gov.in and NSP portal

4. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

This is one of the most widely availed scholarships in India for students from Scheduled Caste communities pursuing education after Class 10.

Who can apply?

• Students belonging to SC category
• Studying at Class 11 onwards up to PhD level
• Family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year (varies slightly by state)
• Enrolled in a government-recognised institution

What it covers:

• Maintenance allowance (living expenses)
• Tuition fee reimbursement
• Study tour charges
• Thesis typing and printing charges (for research students)

Amount: Varies by course level and whether you live at home or in a hostel. Undergraduate hostel students generally receive ₹1,200–₹2,000/month plus fee reimbursement.

How to apply: NSP portal — scholarships.gov.in

5. Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students

Similar to the SC Post-Matric Scholarship but for Scheduled Tribe students, administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Who can apply?

• Students from ST category, Class 11 to PhD
• Family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year
• Enrolled in a recognised institution

Coverage: Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, study tour charges, hostel charges. The scheme prioritises students from remote tribal areas.

How to apply: NSP portal under Ministry of Tribal Affairs schemes

6. Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for Minority Students

For students from minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, and Jain), the Ministry of Minority Affairs runs dedicated scholarship schemes at both school and college levels.

Pre-Matric Scholarship: Class 1 to 10 students from minority communities with family income below ₹1 lakh.

Post-Matric Scholarship: Class 11 and above, including UG, PG, PhD. Family income below ₹2 lakh.

Maulana Azad National Fellowship: For minority students pursuing M.Phil and PhD — one of the most valuable research scholarships available.

Amount: ₹1,000–₹12,000/year depending on level and residential status, plus fee reimbursement.

How to apply: NSP portal — scholarships.gov.in

7. AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship (Engineering & Technical Students)

For students in engineering, technology, and diploma programs, AICTE runs its own scholarship scheme under the Yashasvi umbrella.

Who can apply?

• Admitted to the first year (or second year via lateral entry) of a degree or diploma program in AICTE-approved institutions
• Core branches: Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Agriculture Engineering, Textile Technology
• Family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh per year — merit-based selection

Amount:

• ₹18,000 per year for UG/PG Engineering students; ₹12,000 per year for Diploma students — paid via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

How to apply: NSP portal — scholarships.gov.in under AICTE schemes

8. Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students (AICTE)

One of the most important scholarships specifically for girls pursuing technical education.

Who can apply?

• Girl students in first year of AICTE-approved degree or diploma technical programs
• Maximum two girl children per family can avail this
• Family income below ₹8 lakh per year

Amount: ₹50,000 per year — covers tuition fees and incidental charges

Why this matters: AICTE’s Pragati scholarship directly supports girls in engineering and technology — fields where female enrollment is still growing. If you are a girl student in B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Pharm, or similar AICTE-approved programs, this scholarship should be your first application.

How to apply: NSP portal under AICTE schemes

Complete Scholarship Quick Reference Table

Always verify current amounts and deadlines on scholarships.gov.in before applying — figures are reviewed annually.

How to Apply on NSP — Step by Step

The NSP process looks complicated at first but is very straightforward once you start.

Step 1: Register on the NSP Portal Go to scholarships.gov.in. Click “New Registration.” Aadhaar number is not mandatory for registration, but having it makes the process smoother and faster. Enter your mobile number and email ID to create your account.

Step 2: Complete One Time Registration (OTR) New students need to complete a One Time Registration (OTR) on the portal. This is a one-time step — you won’t need to redo it in subsequent years.

Step 3: Log In and Select Your Scholarship Log in with your credentials. Browse the list of scholarships available to you based on your details. Generally, students are allowed to apply for only one eligible scholarship scheme on NSP to avoid duplication. Choose the one that best matches your profile.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form Enter your personal details, academic information, family income details, and bank account information carefully. Errors here cause delays or rejections.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents Standard documents required across most schemes:

• Class 10 and 12 marksheets
• Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
• Family income certificate (issued by State/UT government)
• Bank account details (Aadhaar-linked preferred)
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Domicile/Residence certificate
• College/school admission proof and fee receipt

Step 6: Submit and Note Your Application Number Once submitted, note your Application ID. Use it to track your application status. The scholarship amount is transferred directly to your bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Counsellor’s note: The most common reason for scholarship rejection is wrong bank account details or a mismatch between the name in the application and the name on the bank account. Double-check this before you hit submit. It saves weeks of back-and-forth.

Documents You Must Keep Ready Before Applying

Gather these before you sit down to apply. It saves time and prevents incomplete applications:

• Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/Minority certificate from a competent authority
• Income certificate — issued by a tehsildar, SDM, or state government officer. Should be recent (usually current financial year)
• Class 10 and 12 marksheets — both required for most post-matric schemes
• College admission letter or fee receipt — for current academic year
• Bank passbook (first page) — showing account number, IFSC code, and name
• Aadhaar card — for identity verification and DBT
• Domicile certificate — proof of state residence, often required for state-level schemes
• Passport-size photographs — at least 4 copies, white background

Private Scholarships Worth Applying For Too

Government scholarships are the most reliable — but don’t stop there. These well-known private scholarships are genuinely helpful and are not difficult to apply for:

Reliance Foundation Scholarship For UG and PG students in STEM and humanities from economically weaker sections. Amount varies. Apply at reliancefoundation.org.

Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship For Class 11, 12, and UG students from families earning below ₹4 lakh. Covers up to ₹12,000 per year. Apply via Buddy4Study.

Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship One of the most accessible private scholarships — open to students across streams and levels with no minimum income cut-off. Apply directly at the Sitaram Jindal Foundation website.

HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECS Scholarship For Class 1 to UG students from economically weaker sections. Apply through HDFC Bank’s scholarship portal.

Counsellor’s note: Private scholarships are not as large as government ones, but they’re easier to get and have fewer documentation hurdles. Apply for 3–4 of these in parallel with your NSP application. Every rupee of scholarship is money your family doesn’t have to borrow.

Q&A For Students and Parents

Question: What is the last date to apply for NSP scholarship 2026?

Answer: The NSP scholarship portal for 2026–27 is open from June 1, 2026, and the last date to apply is October 31, 2026. However, state scholarship deadlines may differ — check your specific scheme.

Question: How do I know which scholarship I am eligible for?

Answer: Log in to scholarships.gov.in and use the scholarship search tool with your details — category, state, education level, and family income. The portal shows all schemes you qualify for. Alternatively, talk to a counsellor at Siksha Helpline who can help you identify the right scheme quickly.

Question: Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?

Answer: Generally, students are allowed to apply for only one scholarship scheme on NSP to avoid duplication. However, you may be able to combine an NSP central scholarship with a state scholarship or a private scholarship — verify this based on the specific scheme’s terms.

Question: Is INSPIRE scholarship only for students who took pure science after 12th?

Answer: Yes. INSPIRE SHE is for students pursuing B.Sc, B.S., or Integrated M.Sc in basic and natural sciences. Engineering (B.Tech) and Medicine (MBBS) students are not eligible. However, students who had JEE or NEET ranks but chose B.Sc are eligible.

Question: What is the income limit for Central Sector Scholarship?

Answer: The family income limit for Central Sector Scholarship (CSSS) is ₹4.5 lakh per year from all sources. This is one of the more generous income limits among government scholarships, making it accessible to many middle-class families.

Question: Do I need Aadhaar for NSP scholarship 2026?

Answer: Aadhaar number is not a mandatory requirement to apply for any NSP scholarship. However, having an Aadhaar-linked bank account speeds up the DBT payment significantly. Without it, you may face delays in receiving the money.

Question: How is scholarship money paid?

Answer: All government scholarship money is transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) — directly into your Aadhaar-linked bank account. No cash, no cheques, no middlemen. This is the standard process for all NSP-listed schemes.

Question: Can a student renewing their scholarship apply the same way?

Answer: Renewal applications are done separately through your existing NSP login. You do not need to re-register — just log in and select “Renewal Application.” You will need to submit updated marksheets and current year fee receipts.

Question: What happens if my scholarship application is rejected?

Answer: You will receive a reason for rejection in your NSP account. Common reasons include incorrect bank details, income certificate mismatch, or missing documents. Most rejections can be corrected and re-applied. Act quickly — don’t wait for the deadline to pass.

Question: Are there scholarships for students who scored below 60% in Class 12?

Answer: Yes. Many scholarships — especially Post-Matric scholarships for SC, ST, Minority, and OBC students — do not require a minimum board percentage. Their primary criterion is category and family income. Check the specific scheme terms before concluding you’re ineligible.

Question: Which scholarship is best for an engineering girl student?

Answer: The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is specifically designed for girl students in AICTE-approved technical programs. It offers ₹50,000 per year and is one of the most directly targeted scholarships for this group. Apply for it through the NSP portal.

Final Thoughts — Apply Now, Not Later

Here’s the one thing we want you to take away from this guide.

Most students who miss scholarships don’t miss them because they didn’t qualify. They miss them because they assumed they didn’t qualify — or because they found out too late.

The NSP portal is open right now. The October 31 deadline sounds distant, but between gathering documents, getting income certificates, fixing bank account details, and going through institutional verification — time disappears faster than you expect.

So here’s what we suggest you do this week:

First, check if your family income falls under the limit for at least one of the scholarships in this guide. Second, gather your documents — marksheets, income certificate, category certificate, bank details. Third, go to scholarships.gov.in and register. Even if you’re not ready to apply yet, register now so your account is ready.

And if you’re confused about which scholarship is right for your specific situation — your stream, your category, your board marks — the counsellors at Siksha Helpline can help you identify the right scheme and guide you through the application. It’s free, and it takes less time than you think.

Your education is worth fighting for. And a scholarship is not charity — it is money the government has set aside specifically for students like you. Claim it.

👉 Get free scholarship guidance 
👉 Explore education loan options 
👉 Check courses after 12th Science

Last updated: June 2026 | Scholarship amounts and deadlines are reviewed annually by respective government bodies. Always verify the latest figures and application dates on scholarships.gov.in or the respective official scheme portals before applying.