Who can apply for NSP scholarship? According to the official National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in, Indian citizens belonging to target categories including minorities, SC/ST, OBC, EBC, DNT, and persons with disabilities can apply for various scholarship schemes. The portal is currently open for the 2025-26 academic year, covering students from Class 1 to PhD level.
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) serves as India’s unified digital platform for discovering, applying for, and tracking government scholarships. According to the official portal, NSP “functions as a unified platform facilitating end-to-end scholarship management for various government schemes.” The platform ensures scholarship funds are transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of who qualifies for NSP scholarships, income limits by scheme, required documents, and the application process for the 2025-26 academic year.
Who Can Apply for NSP Scholarship? General Eligibility
According to the official National Scholarship Portal and information from Buddy4Study, the basic eligibility requirements apply across most NSP schemes:
| Basic Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Target Categories | Minorities, SC/ST, OBC, EBC, DNT, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), Meritorious students |
| Income Limit | Typically ₹2.5 lakh per annum (varies by scheme) |
| Education Level | Class 1 to PhD |
| Academic Standing | Must pass previous qualifying examination |
| Institution | Enrolled in a recognized institution |
According to Studyriserr, to qualify for the NSP Scholarship 2025, applicants need to meet specific requirements including income limits where “the annual family income should not exceed INR 2.5 lakh (varies slightly for different schemes).”
Important Note: The application process is completely free of charge. According to Studyriserr, “the entire application process remains completely free of charge, making educational financial aid more accessible to deserving candidates across India.”
NSP Scholarship Eligibility by Category
Different scholarship schemes target specific student categories. Understanding which category you fall under helps identify relevant opportunities.
Minority Students
According to information from the National Scholarship Portal, minority students from the following communities can apply:
- Muslims
- Christians
- Sikhs
- Buddhists
- Jains
- Parsis (Zoroastrians)
Schemes Available:
| Scheme | Education Level | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities | Class 1 to 10 | ₹1 lakh per annum |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities | Class 11 onwards | ₹2 lakh per annum |
| Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Professional/Technical courses | ₹2.5 lakh per annum |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship | Girls in Class 9-12 | ₹2 lakh per annum |
According to Buddy4Study, the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minorities is “open for students belonging to minority communities” who “must be studying in Class 1 to 10.”
SC/ST Students
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students have access to multiple scholarship schemes:
| Scheme | Eligibility | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST | Class 11 onwards | ₹2.5 lakh per annum |
| Top Class Education for SC Students | Admission to notified institutions | ₹6 lakh per annum |
| National Fellowship for ST Students | Higher education (MPhil/PhD) | As per scheme guidelines |
| PG Scholarship for SC/ST (Professional) | PG in professional courses | As per scheme guidelines |
According to information from Careers360, the Top Class Education for SC Students scheme provides “full tuition fee and other allowances” to eligible candidates.
OBC/EBC/DNT Students
Other Backward Classes, Economically Backward Classes, and De-Notified Tribes students can apply for:
PM YASASVI Scholarship:
According to Careers360, the PM YASASVI scholarship is for students belonging to OBC, EBC, and DNT categories with the following eligibility:
- Family income must be less than ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- Students must maintain 100% pass percentage in the Class 10 examination
- Award: ₹75,000 per annum for Class 9-10 students
- Award: ₹1,25,000 per annum for Class 11-12 students
Students with Disabilities (PwD)
According to the official NSP portal and Buddy4Study, students with disabilities can access multiple schemes:
| Scheme | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric Scholarship for PwD | Minimum 40% disability with valid certificate, Class 1-10 | Maintenance allowance + book grant + disability allowance |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for PwD | Minimum 40% disability, Class 11 onwards | Maintenance allowance + book grant + disability allowance |
| Top Class Education for PwD | Admission to notified institutions | Up to ₹2 lakh per annum and other benefits |
Meritorious Students (All Categories)
Merit-based schemes are available regardless of social category:
| Scheme | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|
| National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) | Class 9+, family income under ₹1.5 lakh, selected through state-level exam | ₹12,000 per annum |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships | Above 80th percentile in Class 12, family income under ₹8 lakh | ₹12,000-₹20,000 per annum |
NSP Scholarship Eligibility for UG Students
Undergraduate students have access to several scholarship schemes through the National Scholarship Portal.
According to Collegedunia and the official NSP documentation, the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students offers funding for UG students:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic | Scored above 80th percentile in Class 12 from recognized board |
| Income | Annual family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh (previously ₹4.5 lakh for some schemes) |
| Course | Pursuing regular undergraduate program from AICTE, UGC, or other regulatory body recognized institutions |
| Award | ₹12,000 per annum for Graduation (1st-3rd year) |
AICTE Scholarships for Technical Education:
According to Buddy4Study, AICTE offers several scholarships for students in technical education:
| Scheme | Target Group | Award |
|---|---|---|
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship | Girls in technical degree/diploma | Up to ₹50,000 per annum + other benefits |
| AICTE Saksham Scholarship | Students with disabilities in technical education | Up to ₹50,000 per annum + other benefits |
| AICTE Swanath Scholarship | Orphans in technical education | Up to ₹50,000 per annum + other benefits |
Important: According to Collegedunia, “Students pursuing distance education, correspondence, or diploma courses are not eligible” for the Central Sector Scheme.
NSP Scholarship Eligibility for PG Students
Postgraduate students have access to enhanced scholarship amounts and specialized schemes.
NSP Scholarship Amount for PG Students
According to Careers360 and Buddy4Study:
| Scheme | Eligibility | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scheme | Pursuing PG, income under ₹8 lakh | ₹20,000 per annum |
| PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship (Single Girl Child) | Single girl child pursuing regular PG (non-professional) | ₹36,200 per annum for two years |
| PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders | 1st or 2nd rank in UG from recognized university | ₹3,100 per month for two years |
| PG Scholarship for SC/ST (Professional Courses) | SC/ST students in professional PG courses | ME/MTech: ₹7,800 per month; Other professional: ₹4,500 per month |
According to the official NSP information, for professional and technical courses extending to 4th and 5th years, students receive ₹20,000 per annum under the Central Sector Scheme.
NSP Scholarship Income Limits by Scheme
Understanding income limits is crucial for determining eligibility. According to verified sources:
| Scheme Type | Family Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Most Pre/Post-Matric Minority schemes | ₹2 lakh per annum |
| Merit-cum-Means for Professional Courses | ₹2.5 lakh per annum |
| PM YASASVI (OBC/EBC/DNT) | ₹2.5 lakh per annum |
| Central Sector Scheme | ₹8 lakh per annum |
| Top Class Education for SC | ₹6 lakh per annum |
| NMMS | ₹1.5 lakh per annum |
| Beedi Workers schemes | ₹10,000 per month |
| Cine Workers schemes | ₹1 lakh per annum |
NSP Scholarship Eligibility Percentage Requirements
According to information from the official NSP portal and Collegedunia:
| Scheme | Minimum Percentage/Marks Requirement |
|---|---|
| Central Sector Scheme | 80th percentile in Class 12 board examination |
| Merit-cum-Means (Minority) | 50% marks in qualifying examination |
| PM Scholarship for RPF/RPSF | 60% marks in 10+2/Diploma/Graduation |
| AICTE schemes | 60% in Minimum Entry Qualification (Class 12) |
| Top Class Education for SC | 60% and above in qualifying examination |
| Post-Matric for Minorities | 50% marks in previous qualifying examination |
Renewal Requirements:
According to Collegedunia, to maintain scholarship renewal:
- Maintain minimum 50% marks in annual examinations
- Ensure 75% attendance each academic year
- Avoid any disciplinary action or misconduct
- Complete renewal annually through NSP renewal login before closing date
NSP Scholarship Award Amounts Summary
Pre-Matric Scholarship Amounts
| Scheme | Award Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Matric for Minorities | Admission fee + tuition fee + maintenance allowance |
| Pre-Matric for PwD | Maintenance allowance + book grant + disability allowance |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal (Girls) | ₹5,000 for Class 9-10; ₹6,000 for Class 11-12 |
| Beedi/Cine Workers (Pre-Matric) | Up to ₹1,840 |
Post-Matric Scholarship Amounts
| Scheme | Award Details |
|---|---|
| Post-Matric for Minorities | Admission fee + tuition fee + maintenance allowance |
| Post-Matric for PwD | Maintenance allowance + book grant + disability allowance |
| Beedi/Cine Workers (Post-Matric) | Up to ₹15,000 |
| NMMS | ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month) |
| Central Sector Scheme (UG) | ₹12,000 per annum |
| Central Sector Scheme (PG) | ₹20,000 per annum |
Higher Education Scholarship Amounts
According to Buddy4Study:
| Scheme | Award Details |
|---|---|
| Top Class Education for SC | Full tuition fee + living expenses + books + computer |
| Top Class for PwD | Up to ₹2 lakh per annum + other benefits |
| National Fellowship for ST | Up to ₹28,000 per month + other benefits |
| PM Scholarship (CAPF) | ₹3,000/month (female); ₹2,500/month (male) |
| PM Scholarship (RPF/RPSF) | ₹2,250/month (girls); ₹2,000/month (boys) |
What Documents Are Required for NSP Scholarship?
According to Collegedunia and Studyriserr, the following documents are required for NSP scholarship applications:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification and OTR registration |
| Income Certificate | Verify family income eligibility |
| Caste Certificate | For SC/ST/OBC categories (if applicable) |
| Disability Certificate | For PwD candidates (minimum 40% disability) |
| Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque | For DBT transfer of scholarship amount |
| Class 10 Marksheet | Academic eligibility verification |
| Class 12 Marksheet/Certificate | Academic eligibility verification |
| Current Year Fee Receipt | Course and enrollment verification |
| Passport Size Photograph | Application submission |
| Domicile Certificate | For state-level schemes |
| Bonafide Certificate | From current institution |
Important: According to Careers360, “Aadhaar is not mandatory to apply for the scholarship.” However, it facilitates the One-Time Registration (OTR) process and verification.
How to Apply for NSP Scholarship 2025-26
According to the official National Scholarship Portal and Collegedunia, follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in
Step 2: New Registration (First-Time Users)
According to Collegedunia:
- Click on “New Registration”
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process
- Verify your mobile number using OTP authentication
Step 3: Complete OTR Authentication
According to Studyriserr:
- Download the NSP OTR App for Aadhaar face authentication
- Complete authentication to generate your One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Receive reference number via mobile
Step 4: Login and Select Scheme
- Use your OTR credentials to log in
- The portal will recommend suitable schemes based on your profile information
- Select the appropriate scholarship scheme
Step 5: Fill Application Form
- Enter all required academic and personal details
- Upload necessary documents in specified format
- Review your application carefully
Step 6: Submit Application
According to Collegedunia:
- Submit the application before the deadline
- Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference
- Note your application ID
Verification Process
According to Collegedunia, applications undergo two-level verification:
- Institutional Verification by the college or university where the student is studying
- State Nodal Agency Verification by the respective State Higher Education Department
After verification, scholarships are disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s bank account.
NSP Scholarship Last Date 2025-26
According to information from the official NSP portal and Careers360:
Deadlines Already Passed
| Scheme | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities | October 31, 2025 | CLOSED |
| National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) | October 31, 2025 | CLOSED |
| Financial Assistance for Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers (Pre-Matric) | October 31, 2025 | CLOSED |
| PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders | October 31, 2025 | CLOSED |
| PM YASASVI Scholarship | November 15, 2025 | CLOSED |
Upcoming Deadlines
| Scheme | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities | December 15, 2025 | OPEN |
| Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities | December 15, 2025 | OPEN |
| Central Sector Scholarship for SC Students | December 15, 2025 | OPEN |
| AICTE GATE Scholarship | December 15, 2025 | OPEN |
Note: According to the YouTube video on NSP scholarships, deadlines are often extended. The presenter stated that based on trends from the past 3-4 years, “deadlines here keep getting extended until December.” However, students should not rely on extensions and should apply before published deadlines.
How to Check NSP Scholarship Status
Method 1: Online Portal
- Visit scholarships.gov.in
- Click “Check Your Status” or “Track Application Status”
- Enter your Application ID and academic year
- View current verification and disbursement status
Method 2: Using UMANG App
- Download the UMANG App from your app store
- Log in with your credentials
- Navigate to Scholarship Services
- Check application status
Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending at Institute | Awaiting institutional verification |
| Verified by Institute | Forwarded to State Nodal Agency |
| Pending at SNO/DNO | Awaiting state-level verification |
| Approved | Scholarship sanctioned |
| Disbursed | Amount transferred to bank account |
| Rejected | Application rejected (check reason) |
Types of NSP Scholarships
According to Careers360, NSP scholarships are categorized into different sections:
Central Schemes (All-India)
Administered by various Central Ministries:
| Ministry | Schemes |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Minority Affairs | Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Merit-cum-Means for Minorities |
| Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment | Schemes for SC students |
| Ministry of Tribal Affairs | Schemes for ST students, National Fellowship |
| Department of Empowerment of PwD | Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Top Class for PwD |
| Ministry of Labour & Employment | Beedi/Cine Workers schemes |
| Ministry of Home Affairs | PM Scholarship for CAPF, RPF/RPSF |
UGC Schemes
| Scheme | Target Group |
|---|---|
| ISHAN UDAY | Students from North Eastern Region |
| PG Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child | Single girl children pursuing PG |
| PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders | 1st and 2nd rank holders |
| PG Scholarship for SC/ST (Professional) | SC/ST in professional PG courses |
AICTE Schemes
| Scheme | Target Group |
|---|---|
| Pragati Scholarship | Girls in technical education |
| Saksham Scholarship | Students with disabilities in technical education |
| Swanath Scholarship | Orphans in technical education |
State Schemes
According to Careers360, several states offer scholarships through the NSP portal including Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Assam, Goa, Jammu Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for NSP scholarship?
According to the official NSP portal, Indian citizens belonging to target categories (minorities, SC/ST/OBC, persons with disabilities, meritorious students) with family income typically under ₹2.5 lakh per annum (varies by scheme) and studying from Class 1 to PhD level are eligible. Specific eligibility varies by individual scheme.
Is NSP for everyone?
No. NSP targets specific categories including minorities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis), SC/ST/OBC students, students with disabilities, and meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds. General category students may qualify for merit-based schemes like Central Sector Scholarship if they meet income and academic criteria.
What is the income limit for NSP scholarship?
Income limits vary by scheme:
- Most minority schemes: ₹1-2 lakh per annum
- Merit-cum-Means: ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- Central Sector Scheme: ₹8 lakh per annum (previously ₹4.5 lakh)
- Top Class Education for SC: ₹6 lakh per annum
- NMMS: ₹1.5 lakh per annum
Can I apply for multiple NSP scholarships?
According to NSP guidelines, students typically cannot hold multiple NSP scholarships simultaneously. You should apply for the scheme most relevant to your category and eligibility. If scholarship is available for one year and a student repeats a class, they will not receive the scholarship for subsequent years in that class.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for NSP?
According to Careers360, “No, Aadhaar is not mandatory to apply for the scholarship.” However, Aadhaar facilitates the One-Time Registration (OTR) process and face authentication, making the application process smoother.
How is NSP scholarship money transferred?
Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the student’s bank account linked to the application. This ensures transparency and eliminates intermediaries in the disbursement process.
Can distance education students apply for NSP?
According to Collegedunia, “Students pursuing distance education, correspondence, or diploma courses are not eligible” for most NSP schemes including the Central Sector Scheme. Only students in regular courses at recognized institutions qualify.
What happens if my application is rejected?
Check the rejection reason on the portal. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, incorrect information, not meeting eligibility criteria, or verification issues. You may be able to reapply in the next cycle after addressing the issues.
How long does it take to receive the scholarship?
After successful verification at institutional and state levels, funds are disbursed through DBT. The timeline varies but typically takes several weeks to months after final approval.
Contact Information
For queries related to NSP scholarships:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Portal | scholarships.gov.in |
| Helpline | Available on NSP portal |
| Check scheme-specific contact on portal |
Apply Now: National Scholarship Portal
For students exploring international scholarship opportunities alongside NSP, understanding how different scholarship systems work can be valuable. Our guide on how to apply for scholarships provides general application strategies, while the guide on how to write a scholarship essay offers tips applicable to any scholarship application requiring written statements.
