NSP Scholarships 2025-26 — Complete Guide to Apply Online at scholarships.gov.in
Government Scholarship • India • scholarships.gov.in • 2025-26 • Open Now
NSP Scholarships 2025-26 — Complete Guide to Apply Online at scholarships.gov.in
NSP scholarships 2025-26 — the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in — is India’s largest government scholarship platform with 50+ scholarship schemes for students from Class 1 all the way through PhD. It covers Central Government, State Government, UGC, and AICTE scholarships — all in one place, all 100% free to apply, with money sent directly to your bank account. This complete guide tells you every open scheme, who can apply, how much you get, what documents you need, and exactly how to apply step by step.
Sentpo Education Team • Updated April 2026 • Source: scholarships.gov.in
Important before you read: Two schemes with April 2026 deadlines are still open — Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (April 8) and Department of Agriculture Research and Education — DARE (April 22). If you qualify, apply today. The 2026-27 fresh cycle typically opens in June–July 2026.
In This Guide
- What Is the NSP — National Scholarship Portal
- Schemes Open Right Now — April 2026
- All Major NSP Scholarship Schemes — Who Gets What
- Eligibility — Who Can Apply for NSP Scholarships
- What Is OTR and How to Complete It
- How to Apply — Step by Step
- Documents Required
- How to Track Your Application and Payment
- Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
- NSP and Study Abroad — What You Should Know
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the NSP — National Scholarship Portal
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is the Government of India’s official one-stop platform for all scholarship schemes. It was launched under the National e-Governance Plan and is developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Before NSP existed, students had to visit different government offices for different scholarships. NSP brought everything together — one website, one application, one verification process, one bank transfer.
NSP hosts scholarship schemes from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Employment, AICTE, UGC, North Eastern Council, and 15 State Governments. All scholarship money is transferred directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) — no middlemen, no manual process, no cash.
NSP is completely free. There is no registration fee, no application fee, and no agent fee. If anyone charges you money to apply on NSP, they are scamming you. The entire process — from registration to payment — happens online at scholarships.gov.in.
Schemes Open Right Now — April 2026
Most NSP schemes for the 2025-26 academic year had application deadlines between October and December 2025. Two schemes with April 2026 deadlines remain active:
Deadline April 8, 2026 — Act Now
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Scholarship
A scholarship for students who qualify under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s criteria. Apply immediately at scholarships.gov.in — this closes April 8, 2026.
Deadline April 22, 2026
DARE — Department of Agriculture Research and Education Scholarship
The last date for DARE scholarships has been revised to April 22, 2026. Students in agriculture and related research programmes should check their eligibility at scholarships.gov.in immediately.
Next cycle: The 2026-27 fresh cycle for most NSP Central Sector Schemes is expected to open in June–July 2026. Complete your OTR now so you are ready to apply the moment it opens. Renewal applications for existing scholarship holders also typically open around the same time.
All Major NSP Scholarship Schemes — Who Gets What
Here is every major scheme on the NSP portal — what it is, who it is for, and how much it pays:
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSS) — Ministry of Education
For: Students who scored above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 Board Exam, studying in a recognised college or university (not distance mode), with family income below Rs 8 lakh per year. All categories eligible — this is one of the few NSP schemes open to General category students too.
Amount: Rs 10,000 per year for undergraduate students. Rs 20,000 per year for postgraduate students.
Seats: 82,000 fresh scholarships every year. 50% reserved for girls.
Typical deadline: October 31 each year. Next cycle opens June–July 2026.
National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
For: Students from economically weaker sections studying in Class 8, with family income up to Rs 3.5 lakh per year. Must score minimum 55% in Class 7 (50% for SC/ST). A selection test (MAT and SAT, 40% minimum) is conducted to award the scholarship.
Amount: Rs 12,000 per year (Rs 1,000 per month) from Class 9 through Class 12.
Note: The scholarship continues through Class 12 as long as you maintain required academic progress and renew each year.
AICTE Pragati Scholarship — For Girl Students in Technical Courses
For: Girl students admitted to First Year of a Diploma or Degree level technical course (B.Tech, B.Arch, MBA, MCA, B.Pharma) in an AICTE-approved institution. Also available for Second Year lateral entry students. Family income must be less than Rs 8 lakh per year.
Amount: Rs 50,000 per year — covering tuition fees, books, and a computer allowance. 5,000 girl students selected per year.
Why this matters: Rs 50,000 per year is among the highest amounts offered by any NSP scheme for undergraduate-level students and specifically supports girl students entering technical education.
AICTE Saksham Scholarship — For Students with Disabilities
For: Students with disabilities (Divyangjan) pursuing technical education — Degree or Diploma — at AICTE-approved institutions.
Amount: Rs 50,000 per year — covering study material, specialised equipment, and tuition fees.
Ministry of Minority Affairs Scholarships
Communities covered: Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi students.
Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class 1–10): For students from Class 1 to 10. Family income up to Rs 1 lakh per year. Covers maintenance allowance and tuition fees.
Post-Matric Scholarship (Class 11–PhD): For students from Class 11 through doctoral studies. Family income up to Rs 2 lakh per year. Covers maintenance, fees, book allowance.
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: For minority students in professional and technical degree courses. Income up to Rs 2.5 lakh per year. Covers full tuition and a maintenance allowance.
Post-Matric Scholarships for SC and ST Students
SC — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: For Scheduled Caste students from Class 11 through postgraduate and professional courses. Family income up to Rs 2.5 lakh per year. Covers maintenance allowance, compulsory non-refundable fees, book allowance, and thesis typing charges.
ST — Ministry of Tribal Affairs: For Scheduled Tribe students from Class 11 through PhD and research. Same income limits and benefits as the SC scheme. Covers all major educational expenses.
Top Class Education Scholarships — For Meritorious Students in Premier Institutions
For: Meritorious SC, ST, OBC, EBC, and DNT students who have secured admission to top institutions including IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, and other premier government colleges. The goal is to ensure that students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds can attend the country’s best institutions without financial constraints.
Amount: Up to Rs 75,000 per year. Covers full tuition, books, and living expenses at the institution. One of the highest-value NSP schemes available.
NEC Merit Scholarship — North Eastern Council
For: Students from the eight North Eastern states — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. For post-matric and postgraduate studies. Requires a Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) from the home state.
Purpose: Encourages higher education among students from the North East, covering tuition and a maintenance allowance for studies inside and outside the home state.
PM Scholarship for CAPF, Police and Defence Personnel Wards
For: Wards or widows of States and UTs police personnel who were martyred in terror attacks or Naxal attacks. Also available for wards of CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) and Railway Protection Force personnel. Applicants must be pursuing professional or degree-level courses in a recognised institution.
Eligibility: Minimum 60% marks in 10+2, diploma, or graduation for new applicants. Renewal applicants must pass each year with at least 50%.
PM-USP Special Scholarship — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
For: Youth from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh who want to study in institutions outside their state or UT. The scholarship encourages interaction with students from across India.
Seats and Amount: 5,000 fresh scholarships per year covering tuition fees and maintenance allowance for Medical, Engineering, and General Degree courses.
Eligibility — Who Can Apply for NSP Scholarships
The eligibility criteria vary by scheme but most NSP scholarships share these common requirements:
Citizenship and Residency
Must be an Indian citizen currently enrolled in a recognised school, college, or university in India. Distance or correspondence education is not eligible for most schemes.
Family Income
Income limits range from Rs 1 lakh per year (some minority pre-matric schemes) to Rs 8 lakh per year (AICTE Pragati, CSS). Most Central Government post-matric schemes allow up to Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh. Check each scheme individually — the limit varies significantly.
Academic Performance
Most schemes require a minimum of 50% to 55% in the previous qualifying examination. Renewal applicants typically need to pass each year with a minimum of 50%. The CSS requires above the 80th percentile in Class 12 board exams — a merit-based threshold.
Category
SC, ST, OBC, Minority (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi), EWS (Economically Weaker Sections), and Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) students have dedicated schemes. General category students can apply for CSS and some other merit-based schemes.
One Scholarship at a Time
In most cases, a student can apply for and receive only one NSP scholarship per academic year. The portal has built-in checks to prevent duplicate applications for overlapping schemes. Choose the scheme most relevant to your category and course before applying.
Institution Must Be Registered
Your school, college, or university must be registered on the NSP portal for your application to be verified. If your institution is not registered, ask your principal or registrar to complete NSP institute registration before you apply.
What Is OTR and How to Complete It
OTR stands for One Time Registration. It is a unique 14-digit number generated by the NSP portal using your Aadhaar. You register once — and this OTR number is valid for your entire academic career. Every year when you apply or renew, you use the same OTR number. You never need to create a new account.
OTR is the first thing you must complete before applying for any NSP scholarship. Here is how to do it:
Step 1 — Download the NSP OTR App
Download the NSP OTR App from Google Play Store. Also download the AadhaarFaceRD app — you will need this for face authentication.
Step 2 — Register with Mobile OTP
Open the NSP OTR App. Click Registration. Enter your mobile number and click Send OTP. Enter the OTP, enter the captcha, and click Verify.
Step 3 — Complete e-KYC with Aadhaar
Enter your Aadhaar number. The app will prompt you to open AadhaarFaceRD for face authentication. Complete the face scan. Your biometric lock must be UNLOCKED in your Aadhaar settings before you attempt this — if biometrics are locked, unlock them via the MyAadhaar portal or mAadhaar app first.
Step 4 — OTR Number Generated
Once e-KYC is complete, your unique 14-digit OTR number is generated and sent to your registered mobile number. Save this number carefully — you will use it every time you log in to NSP. You are now ready to apply for scholarships.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Once you have your OTR number, here is exactly how to apply for an NSP scholarship:
1 — Go to scholarships.gov.in
Visit the official NSP portal at scholarships.gov.in. Click on Apply for Scholarship in the Applicant Corner section.
2 — Log In with OTR
Enter your OTR number and password, solve the image captcha, and enter your security pin. If you are a first-time applicant select Fresh. If you are continuing a scholarship select Renewal.
3 — Check Eligibility and Select Scheme
Use the Eligibility Check tool on the portal. Enter your state, category, gender, and course level. The portal shows you a filtered list of schemes you qualify for. Choose the most relevant scheme carefully — you can apply for only one scheme per academic year. Read the scheme guidelines before selecting.
4 — Fill the Application Form
Fill in all personal details, academic information, bank account details, and scheme-specific fields. Choose your domicile state carefully — this cannot be changed later. Enter only accurate information as printed on your documents.
5 — Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of all required documents in PDF or JPG format. File size must be between 20KB and 500KB per document. Ensure every document is clear, complete, and valid.
6 — Review and Submit
Review every detail carefully before clicking Final Submit. Once you click Final Submit, no edits are allowed. Print the application form and submit it physically to your institution’s NSP Nodal Officer with original documents attached.
7 — Verification and Payment
After submission, your application goes through Institute Nodal Officer (L1 verification) → District or State Nodal Officer (L2 verification) → Ministry Approval → DBT payment directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account. This process typically takes 2 to 6 months.
Documents Required for NSP Application
Gather all of these before starting your application — incomplete document uploads are one of the most common reasons for rejection:
Documents for All Students
✓ Aadhaar card — must be active and biometrics unlocked
✓ OTR number — generated before application
✓ Recent passport-size photograph
✓ Income certificate — must be issued after April 1, 2025 for the 2025-26 cycle
✓ Previous year marksheets — for all academic years to date
✓ Current year admission or fee receipt
✓ Bank passbook copy — account must be Aadhaar-seeded with correct IFSC
✓ Bonafide certificate from your current institution
Additional Documents by Category
✓ SC/ST: Caste certificate from competent authority
✓ OBC: Non-Creamy Layer OBC certificate
✓ Minority: Self-declaration of minority community membership
✓ Divyangjan: Disability certificate from government medical authority
✓ NEC scholarships: Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) from home state
✓ AICTE schemes: Admission letter to AICTE-approved institution
✓ CAPF/Police ward: Certificate of martyrdom from competent authority
How to Track Your Application and Payment
After submission, you can track your application at any stage by logging into the NSP portal with your OTR number. Click on My Application and then Status. You will see one of these statuses:
Submitted — Application has been submitted and is awaiting Institute Nodal Officer review.
Verified by Institute (L1) — Your college or school has verified your application. It has moved to District/State Nodal Officer.
Verified by District/State (L2) — District or State Nodal Officer has verified. Now with Ministry for final approval.
Approved — Ministry has approved. Payment is being processed through PFMS.
Payment Initiated / Credited — Scholarship amount has been transferred to your bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
For payment tracking, use your NSP application ID at the PFMS portal (pfms.nic.in). If payment has not arrived after 30 days of approval, check that your bank account is Aadhaar-seeded and the IFSC code is correct — these are the two most common causes of payment failure.
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Every year, thousands of valid applications are rejected due to easily avoidable mistakes. Avoid all of these:
Bank account not Aadhaar-seeded. Your bank account must be linked to your Aadhaar before applying. Without this, the DBT payment cannot reach you and your application may be rejected at the payment stage.
Wrong IFSC code entered. Double-check your bank’s IFSC code from the bank passbook — not from memory.
Blurry or incomplete documents. All scanned documents must be clear and complete. A document where the seal or signature is not visible will be rejected.
Income certificate issued before April 1, 2025. The income certificate must be from the current financial year. Old income certificates are not accepted.
Applying for the wrong scheme. Read the eligibility criteria of every scheme before selecting. Applying for a scheme you do not qualify for will result in rejection at the verification stage.
Not submitting physical form to institution. After Final Submit online, you must also print the application and submit it to your institute’s NSP Nodal Officer with original documents. Without this, the L1 verification cannot happen.
Applying too close to the deadline. Technical issues and server load spike near deadlines. Apply at least 2 weeks before the deadline to have time to fix any errors.
NSP and Study Abroad — What You Should Know
NSP scholarships are exclusively for students studying in India at recognised Indian institutions. If you are planning to study abroad, NSP schemes do not apply — but the Government of India has a separate scheme for that: the National Overseas Scholarship for SC, ST, and DNT students, administered through nosmsje.gov.in, which covers full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and insurance for study at a top 500 QS-ranked university abroad.
If you are an Indian student who has completed NSP-funded education in India and is now considering studying abroad, the Sentpo app lists scholarship-linked university programmes in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and more — including the GREAT Scholarship (£10,000), Erasmus Mundus (fully funded), and Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation (Rs 20 lakhs interest-free). Browse these on Sentpo alongside your NSP scholarship journey.
Our complete guide to currently open international scholarships for Indian students is available here: Scholarships for Indian Students 2026 — Open Now.
Scholarship and Study Abroad Guidance — All in One Place
Download Sentpo — Explore Scholarships and University Programmes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and how does it work?
The NSP (National Scholarship Portal) at scholarships.gov.in is the Government of India’s official one-stop platform for all central and state government scholarships. Students apply online, their institution and district verify the application, the ministry approves it, and the scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT. It is 100% free and covers students from Class 1 through PhD.
What is OTR in NSP and how do I get it?
OTR (One Time Registration) is a unique 14-digit number generated once using your Aadhaar. It is valid for your entire academic career — you use the same number every year to log in and apply or renew. To generate your OTR, download the NSP OTR App from Google Play Store, register with your mobile number and OTP, then complete e-KYC using the AadhaarFaceRD app for face authentication. Your OTR number will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Which NSP scholarships are open in April 2026?
As of April 2026, two NSP schemes have active deadlines: the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation scholarship (deadline April 8, 2026) and the DARE — Department of Agriculture Research and Education scholarship (deadline April 22, 2026). Most other 2025-26 schemes closed between October and December 2025. The 2026-27 fresh cycle is expected to open in June–July 2026.
How much scholarship money can I get from NSP?
Amounts vary by scheme. NMMS gives Rs 12,000 per year (Rs 1,000 per month) for Class 9 to 12 students. AICTE Pragati and Saksham give Rs 50,000 per year each. The Central Sector Scheme gives Rs 10,000 per year for undergraduates and Rs 20,000 for postgraduates. Top Class Education Scholarships give up to Rs 75,000 per year for students in premier institutions. Minority and SC/ST post-matric schemes cover maintenance allowance, fees, and book allowance — amounts depend on the level of study.
Why has my NSP scholarship payment not been received?
The most common reasons for NSP payment failure are: your bank account is not Aadhaar-seeded, the IFSC code entered is incorrect, your application is still pending at institute or district level verification, your application was rejected due to document issues, or there is a technical issue with the PFMS DBT system. Check your application status on the NSP portal and payment status at pfms.nic.in using your NSP application ID. If the account seeding is the issue, visit your bank branch immediately with your Aadhaar card to get it linked.
Can General category students apply for NSP scholarships?
Yes. The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSS) is open to students from all categories including General, provided they scored above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 board exam and have family income below Rs 8 lakh per year. The AICTE Pragati scholarship for girl students and the PM-USP scholarship for J&K/Ladakh students are also not restricted by category. Most other NSP schemes are category-specific (SC, ST, OBC, Minority, Divyangjan).
When does the NSP 2026-27 fresh application cycle open?
The NSP fresh application cycle for the 2026-27 academic year is expected to open in June–July 2026, based on the pattern of previous years. Most schemes then have an application deadline of October 31, 2026. Complete your OTR now if you have not done so already — it is valid for your entire academic career and takes only a few minutes to complete using the NSP OTR App on Google Play Store.
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