🗓️Updated June 2026 · 6 Schemes · All 36 States & UTs

Government Scholarships India 2026

India's central government offers scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, minority, and meritorious students through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Select a scholarship type below, then your state, for a complete guide — eligibility, income limits, documents, and the NSP application process.

Scholarship Schemes

States & UTs Covered

NSP

Application Portal

Free

Application Fee

ℹ️

All central scholarships are applied through one portal: scholarships.gov.in (National Scholarship Portal). Application windows typically open in August and close in October each year. Register early — institution verification takes additional time.

🎓 Choose a Scholarship Type

🎓

SC Scholarship

Scheduled Caste Scholarship

Central Scheme

Financial assistance for Scheduled Caste students from Class 9 to post-graduation. Covers tuition fees and maintenance allowance. Apply via NSP.

Scheduled Tribe Scholarship

Central Scheme

Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe students to pursue education from pre-matric to professional courses. Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

OBC Pre & Post Matric Scholarship

Central Scheme

Pre and post-matric scholarships for OBC non-creamy layer students. Income limit ₹1–₹1.5 lakh/year. Tuition fees reimbursed.

National Scholarship for Minority Students

Central Scheme

National scholarship for Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi students. 30% seats reserved for girls.

Central Merit Scholarship Scheme

NMMSS

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship for top Class 8 students. Based on state exam — not an application-only scheme. ₹12,000/year for Class 9–12.

Amount

₹12,000/year

Deadline

State exam in Nov–Dec

Post-Matric Scholarship

Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC

Central Scheme

Comprehensive post-matric scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students from Class 11 to Ph.D. Covers professional courses including MBBS and B.Tech.

📁 Documents Needed (All Schemes)

▸Aadhaar card — mandatory; must be linked to mobile number and bank account

▸Caste / community certificate — SC/ST/OBC/Minority as applicable; issued by Tehsildar or SDM

▸Income certificate — issued by Tehsildar/SDM; annual family income from all sources

▸Previous year's marksheet — attested copy showing percentage

▸Admission / fee receipt — bonafide certificate from current institution

▸Bank passbook — account in student's name; Aadhaar-linked; IFSC code visible

▸Passport-size photograph — recent, white background

▸Domicile / residence certificate of your state

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where do I apply for all these scholarships?

All central government scholarships are applied through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. Register once and apply for the relevant scheme each year.

Q. Can I apply for multiple scholarships in the same year?

You cannot avail of two central government scholarships simultaneously. However, you can apply for one central and one state-level scholarship if the state scheme permits it.

Q. When does the application window open?

Typically in August each year. The window usually closes by October. Renewal applications for continuing students follow the same schedule.

Q. My application was rejected last year. Can I apply again?

Yes. Each year's scholarship is a fresh application. Correct the reason for rejection (usually document mismatch or institution not registered on NSP) and reapply.

Q. Is the scholarship amount per month or per year?

Maintenance allowance is typically per month (paid quarterly), while tuition fee reimbursement is annual. The total disbursement covers the academic year.

🔗 Related Guides

Caste Certificate — All States →Income Certificate — All States →EWS Certificate — All States →Aadhaar Update Guide →

⚠️

Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.