This article will walk you through all the important details about CBSE scholarships, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application timeline and more.
What is the CBSE Scholarship?
CBSE scholarships are financial assistance programs designed to support students enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools. Established in 1921 as India’s premier national education board, CBSE oversees more than 28,000 schools and serves millions of students. The board’s scholarship schemes aim to promote academic excellence, reduce gender disparities, and support economically weaker sections. In 2025, CBSE offers three primary scholarships:
| CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) |
| CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students |
In 2024-25, over 1 lakh students benefited from the CSSS alone, with a budget allocation of ₹1,827 crores for the period 2021–25. These scholarships not only ease financial burdens but also motivate students to excel academically.
CBSE Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria
In this section, we have provided the eligibility criteria for the three scholarships offered under CBSE scholarship. It is important for students applying for any of these scholarships to ensure that they meet the respective eligibility requirements.
1) CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child – Launched in 2008, the CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child aims to empower single girl children to pursue education in Classes 11 and 12. The application window for 2025–26 is open until February 8, 2025.
- The applicant must be an Indian national and the only child of her parents (i.e. no siblings).
- She must have scored 70% or more in the CBSE Class 10 examinations (2024).
- She must be enrolled in Class 11 or 12 in a CBSE-affiliated school.
- The tuition fees of the school must not exceed ₹2,500 per month for Indian nationals and ₹6,000 for NRI applicants.
2) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) – For the 2025-26 academic year, the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students aims to empower over 82,000 meritorious CBSE students annually by reducing financial limitations and boosting retention rates by 90%.
Eligibility Requirements –
- The applicant must be an Indian national.
- The applicant must have scored above the 80th percentile in the CBSE Class 12 exams (2025).
- The applicant must be enrolled in a regular undergraduate or postgraduate program.
- The applicant’s annual family income must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
Ineligibility Conditions –
- The applicant must not be receiving any other scholarships or fee reimbursements.
- Students enrolled in distance learning programs are not eligible under this scheme.
3) CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students: This financial assistance aims to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. In 2024, it has supported over 8,000 students by reducing dropout rates by 12% among marginalized communities
- The applicant must be an Indian national.
- The applicant must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- The student must have passed Class 10 or Class 12 from a CBSE-affiliated school with at least 85% marks.
- The student must be enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school for further studies.
CBSE Scholarship – Benefits
Students applying for these CBSE scholarship will receive the following benefits –
| Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Duration |
| CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child | ₹1,000 per month (₹24,000 total) | Up to 2 years |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) |
|
3-5 years (undergraduate) |
| CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students | ₹12,000 per year | Varies (Class 11-12 or higher) |
CBSE Scholarship – Required Documents
Below is a detailed list of required documents for the CBSE scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year. These documents are essential to avoid rejection, as nearly 25% of applications are rejected due to incomplete or incorrect submissions.
1) CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child
- Class 10 marksheet and certificates
- Notarised affidavit (in prescribed CBSE format) confirming the applicant is the only child, signed by a First-Class Judicial Magistrate or equivalent
- Undertaking signed by parents, confirming single girl child status and enrollment in Class 11/12
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank passbook showing account details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Proof of school enrollment
- Class 11 marksheet and certificates (for renewal)
- Updated bank details (for renewal)
Note: All documents must be uploaded in a single PDF file (≤1 MB).
2) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)
- Class 12 marksheet and certificates
- Income certificate issued by a competent authority
- Bank Passbook, copy of the first page with account number and IFSC code for Direct Bank Transfer (DBT)
- Aadhaar card for identity verification and bank account linking
- Institute verification form
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
3) CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students
- Class 10 or 12 marksheet and certificates
- Caste certificate issued by a competent authority
- Proof of school enrollment
- Bank passbook details
- Aadhaar card
Note: Documents must be submitted through the school, which will forward them to CBSE’s scholarship branch.
Also Read: Meghalaya Post-Matric Scholarship
CBSE Scholarship – How to Apply?
Students who are eligible for any of the CBSE scholarships can apply through the respective portals or application methods.
| Scholarship Name | Application Portal/Method |
| CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child | Apply online through the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) portal at cbse.gov.in |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) | Apply online through National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in |
| CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students | Apply offline, obtain application form from your school, submit it along with the necessary documents to CBSE’s scholarship branch in Delhi |
CBSE Scholarship – Application Timeline
The table below outlines the application timelines for the CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child, Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS), and CBSE Board’s Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students.
| Scholarship Name | Application Timeline/Period |
| CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child | November-February |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) |
|
| CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students | July-August |
CBSE Scholarship – Contact Details
Students who have any queries can contact the address or telephone number given below:
| Address: CBSE Integrated Office Complex, Sector-23, Phase – 1, Dwarka New Delhi – 110077 |
| Telephone Number: (011)-22509256, 22509257, 22509258, 22509259 |
Also Read: Nabanna Scholarship
CBSE Scholarship – FAQs
What is the application process for the CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship 2025?
Visit cbse.gov.in, select 'Single Girl Child Scholarship – 2024 (Fresh Application),' and enter your Class 10 roll number and date of birth. Fill out the form and upload the required documents (affidavit, undertaking, and marksheet) in a single PDF (≤1 MB). Get the application verified by your school, and print the confirmation page. For renewals, submit the Class 11 marksheet, Aadhaar card, and bank passbook to CBSE’s Delhi office by February 8, 2025.
What are the eligibility criteria and amount for the CBSE CSSS scholarship?
Eligible students must score above the 80th percentile in the CBSE Class 12 exams (2025), enroll in a regular undergraduate/postgraduate program, and have a family income of ≤ ₹4.5 lakh/year. The scholarship provides ₹12,000/year for the first three years and ₹20,000/year for the fourth and fifth years of integrated/professional courses, totalling up to ₹80,000. Apply via scholarships.gov.in between June 2 and October 31, 2025.
How can I apply for a CBSE scholarship?
For the Single Girl Child Scholarship, apply on cbse.gov.in by February 8, 2025, with school verification. For CSSS, register on scholarships.gov.in from June 2 to October 31, 2025, and get institute verification. For SC/ST Merit Scholarship, submit forms through your school with marksheets and caste certificates. Refer to the above article for details.
What is the CBSE scholarship for SC/ST students in 2025?
The CBSE Board’s Merit Scholarship for SC/ST students supports those scoring ≥85% in Class 10 or 12 CBSE exams and enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school. It provides ₹12,000/year to cover educational expenses. Applications are submitted through schools with marksheets and caste certificates. Check cbse.gov.in for 2025–26 deadlines. Over 8,000 students benefited in 2024, reducing dropout rates by 12%.
What are the application deadlines for CBSE scholarships in 2025?
The Single Girl Child Scholarship application is open until February 8, 2025, with school verification until March 2025. CSSS applications run from June 2 to October 31, 2025, with institute verification by December 15, 2025. The SC/ST Merit Scholarship deadlines vary, typically aligned with the academic calendar. Check cbse.gov.in for exact dates to ensure timely submission and avoid rejections.
How can I check the status of my CBSE scholarship application online?
For the Single Girl Child Scholarship, track your application on cbse.gov.in using your registration number. For CSSS, log in to scholarships.gov.in with your One-Time Registration (OTR) number to view updates; SMS notifications are also sent. For SC/ST Merit Scholarship, check status via cbse.gov.in or contact scholarship.cbse@nic.in. Ensure timely school/institute verification to avoid delays.
What documents are required for a CBSE scholarship application?
Single Girl Child Scholarship requires a Class 10 marksheet, affidavit, undertaking, Aadhaar, and bank passbook. CSSS needs a Class 12 marksheet, income certificate, and bank passbook. SC/ST Merit Scholarship requires Class 10/12 marksheet, caste certificate, and enrollment proof. Incomplete documents cause 25% of rejections, so follow the guidelines on cbse.gov.in or scholarships.gov.in.