Government Scholarship 2025: Apply Online for Central & State-Level Schemes

Govt Scholarship 2025: Educating the youth of India is crucial for the country’s development. And the Government of India is offering educational scholarships to youngsters from varied backgrounds for their empowerment. Well, scholarships can help promote educational equality while narrowing the socio-economic gap.

This type of financial aid is beneficial in various ways. It helps to reduce the rate of dropouts, support meritorious students, and extend financial assistance to those who need it.

Now, a significant percentage of Indian students have financial problems, which is why they do not get access to quality education. The central and various state governments of India help impart education to specific communities, enabling them to overcome financial hardship.

National-Level Government Scholarship Schemes 2026 (Central Government)

Scholarship Name Managed By Eligible Students Level of Study Official Website
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2026 Ministry of Education, Government of India All categories (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS) Class 1 to PhD https://scholarships.gov.in
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) 2026 Department of Higher Education Meritorious students from low-income families Undergraduate https://scholarships.gov.in
INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) 2026 Department of Science & Technology (DST) Top 1% science students in Class 12 UG & PG in Science https://online-inspire.gov.in
AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026 All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Girl students in technical courses Diploma & Degree https://www.aicte-india.org
AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026 AICTE, Ministry of Education Differently-abled students in technical courses Diploma & Degree https://www.aicte-india.org
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2026 Ministry of Education PhD aspirants in IITs, IISc, IISERs, NITs Doctoral https://pmrf.in
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) 2026 Ministry of Education Meritorious students from low-income families Class 9–12 https://scholarships.gov.in
Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships for Minorities 2026 Ministry of Minority Affairs Minority students (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) Class 1–PG https://scholarships.gov.in
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional Courses 2026 Ministry of Minority Affairs Minority students in technical/professional courses UG & PG https://scholarships.gov.in
National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students (NFST) 2026 Ministry of Tribal Affairs Scheduled Tribe students MPhil & PhD https://scholarships.gov.in
ISHAN UDAY Special Scholarship for North Eastern Region 2026 UGC (University Grants Commission) Students from NE states Undergraduate https://scholarships.gov.in
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) 2026 Ministry of Minority Affairs Minority students pursuing MPhil/PhD Postgraduate Research https://scholarships.gov.in
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) 2026 NCERT, Ministry of Education Class 10 students with high academic merit Secondary & Higher Secondary https://ncert.nic.in
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) 2026 Department of Science & Technology Science stream students with research aptitude UG & PG https://kvpy.iisc.ac.in
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students 2026 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Scheduled Caste students Class 11 to PhD https://scholarships.gov.in
Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students 2026 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment SC students in top institutions UG & PG https://scholarships.gov.in
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students 2026 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment OBC category students Class 11 to PG https://scholarships.gov.in
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2026 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment SC/ST students pursuing studies abroad PG & PhD https://nosmsje.gov.in

 

Types of Government Scholarship

The two broad categories of government scholarships in India are seen herein:

Centrally Funded Scholarships are awarded to students throughout India. They are offered by various ministries, including Tribal Affairs, Social Justice, Minority Affairs, and Education.

State-funded Scholarships are given to residents of specific states to fund their education.

Government Scholarship Schemes 2026

Scholarship Name Launched By Eligible Students Level of Study Website
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2026 Ministry of Education, Govt. of India SC/ST/OBC/Minority & General (EWS) Students School to Postgraduate https://scholarships.gov.in
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students 2026 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment SC/ST students Class 11 to PhD https://scholarships.gov.in
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities 2026 Ministry of Minority Affairs Minority community students (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) Class 1–10 https://scholarships.gov.in
AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarship 2026 AICTE, Ministry of Education Girl students & differently-abled students in technical courses Diploma & Degree https://www.aicte.gov.in/
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) 2026 Department of Higher Education Meritorious students from low-income families Undergraduate https://scholarships.gov.in
NSP Merit Cum Means Scholarship 2026 Ministry of Minority Affairs Minority students with strong academics Professional & Technical Courses https://scholarships.gov.in
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2026 Ministry of Education PhD aspirants in top institutions Doctoral https://pmrf.in
National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) 2026 Ministry of Education Meritorious students from low-income families Class 9–12 https://scholarships.gov.in
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026 Department of Science & Technology (DST) Students pursuing science in higher education UG & PG (Science) https://online-inspire.gov.in
State Government Scholarships 2026 Respective State Governments Domicile students of each state School to PG Check state Website

Government Scholarships: Why Are They Important?

Promotes Educational Equity: Because of financial constraints, many youngsters cannot complete their higher education. By offering scholarships, governments can help students gain access to quality education.

Offers Financial Support to Backward Communities: Scholarships are available for students of varied communities to enable them to complete their basic education and promote social equity. Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), economically weaker sections (EWS), and Scheduled Castes (SC) are among the communities that are eligible for scholarships.

Provides Technical Education: Students can apply for scholarships to enroll in tech-oriented courses. They can enrol in STEM, skill training, and digital literacy courses, which equip them to compete in today’s tech-based environment.

Listing the Different Types of Government Scholarships in India

Among the prominent national-level and state-level scholarship schemes offered under the Government Scholarship 2025 are:

Central Government Scholarships in India are offered by the different ministries of the Union Government of India.

National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes are provided by the Central government, State Governments, and government bodies such as the AICTE and UGC.

Merit-cum-Means Scholarships are designed for those students who demonstrate academic excellence and face financial problems.

Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students is offered to students from marginalized communities to support higher studies after completing Class 10.

Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities is offered to students from minority communities who are studying from Class 1 to Class 10.

AICTE Pragati Scholarships for Girl students is an AICTE initiative to support meritorious female students to enrol in technical education courses at AICTE-approved institutions.

AICTE Saksham Scholarships for Differently-abled Students have been devised for students with 40% or more disability who want to pursue technical courses.

The PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is offered by the central government of India to help children of armed forces personnel and ex-servicemen pursue higher education.

The INSPIRE Scholarship has been introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. High-performing science students who want to build careers in natural and social sciences are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which is an initiative of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE).

Step-By-Step Guide on How To Apply For Government Scholarships

Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to check the different scholarships for students across India. On this centralized platform, you can apply for scholarships and track your application status online. Follow the given steps to apply for the government scholarships posted on the portal:

  • Start by registering on the National Scholarship Portal.
  • Provide some personal and academic details to get registered.
  • It is mandatory to upload the list of compulsory documents. Among the documents you need to submit are a caste certificate, an income certificate, an Aadhaar Card, educational documents, and bank details.
  • Select the relevant scholarship scheme and fill out the application form for the same.
  • Go on to submit your application online.
  • You can check your application status regularly by signing in to your account.

Key Dates

The application deadlines for most scholarships fall between the months of July and October every year. It’s important to visit official websites to read the latest notifications and avoid missing application timelines.

Useful Tips for Scholarship Applicants

Ø Start applying for scholarships early when they open between June and October.

Ø Read the scholarship eligibility norms and submit your application only if you fulfil the given criteria.

Ø Apply only through official websites for safety.

Ø Strive to improve your academic performance to avail scholarships.

State-Wise Government Scholarship Schemes 2026

State Scholarship Scheme Name Conducting Department Eligible Students Official Portal / Website
Andhra Pradesh Jnanabhumi Scholarship 2026 Social Welfare Dept., Govt. of AP SC/ST/OBC/EBC/Minority students https://jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in
Assam Assam Scholarship 2026 Directorate of Higher Education SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://directorateofhighereducation.assam.gov.in
Bihar Bihar Scholarship 2026 Education Department, Govt. of Bihar SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://pmsonline.bih.nic.in
Chhattisgarh CG Scholarship 2026 ST & SC Development Dept. SC/ST/OBC students https://postmatric-scholarship.cg.nic.in
Delhi Delhi Scholarship 2026 Dept. for Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in
Gujarat Digital Gujarat Scholarship 2026 Education Department, Govt. of Gujarat SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://www.digitalgujarat.gov.in
Haryana Har-Chhatravratti Scholarship 2026 Higher Education Department SC/BC/Minority students https://harchhatravratti.highereduhry.ac.in
Jharkhand e-Kalyan Jharkhand Scholarship 2026 Dept. of SC/ST, Minority & Backward Class Welfare SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://ekalyan.cgg.gov.in
Karnataka SSP Scholarship 2026 Social Welfare & Minority Welfare Dept. SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://ssp.karnataka.gov.in
Kerala Kerala eScholarship 2026 Dept. of Collegiate Education SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://www.dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in
Madhya Pradesh MPTAAS / MP Scholarship Portal 2.0 Tribal Affairs & Social Justice Dept. SC/ST/OBC students https://scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in
Maharashtra MahaDBT Scholarship 2026 Higher & Technical Education Dept. SC/ST/OBC/SBC/VJNT/Minority students https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
Manipur Manipur State Scholarship Scheme 2026 Directorate of University & Higher Education SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students https://scholarship.manipur.gov.in
Odisha Odisha State Scholarship Portal 2026 ST & SC Development Dept. SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in
Punjab Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship 2026 Dept. of Welfare of SC & BC SC/OBC students https://scholarships.punjab.gov.in
Rajasthan Raj Scholarship 2026 Department of Social Justice & Empowerment SC/ST/OBC/Minority students https://scholarship.rajasthan.gov.in
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Scholarship 2026 Directorate of Collegiate Education SC/ST/Minority students https://ssp.tn.gov.in
Telangana ePASS Telangana Scholarship 2026 BC Welfare Dept., Govt. of Telangana SC/ST/OBC/EBC/Minority students https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
Uttar Pradesh UP Scholarship 2026 (Pre & Post Matric) Social Welfare Department, Govt. of UP SC/ST/OBC/Minority/General students https://scholarship.up.gov.in
West Bengal Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM) 2026 Higher Education Department Meritorious & minority students https://svmcm.wbhed.gov.in

Conclusion

Government scholarships hold importance for various reasons. Going beyond financial aid, they help to promote social equity and support the nation’s development. Also, centrally funded and state-funded scholarships are offered to meritorious students to equip them to complete their education.

So, do not let financial constraints come in the way of higher studies. Apply for government scholarships and adhere to all the given instructions to increase your chances of getting scholarships.