Government Scholarships 2024 – List of Central and State Scholarships

Government Scholarships – The Government of India and the state governments run numerous scholarships for students pursuing their studies at different levels. The aim of these government scholarships is to make education accessible to all irrespective of candidate’s caste, creed, or class. 

This article will help you in having a deeper cognizance of the various central and state government scholarships. Read ahead to have a detailed understanding of all the concerned scholarships. 

Note: 

1. The government scholarships are primarily categorized into two types namely: 

• Centrally-funded government scholarships
• State-funded government scholarships

2. While the centrally-funded scholarships are sponsored by the Government of India and disbursed by different states, the state-funded scholarships are sponsored and disbursed by each state’s government. 

Government Scholarships 2024 – Funded by Central Government

The central government scholarships are funded by the Government of India and disbursed at the state/district level. These scholarships are applicable to Indian citizens irrespective of the state to which they belong. Some of the major departments of the Government of India which are involved in providing scholarship opportunities for students include:

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs
• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability
• Ministry of Human Resource Development
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment 
• University Grants Commission (UGC)
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and many more.

Below is a detailed list of scholarships that are being offered by different department of central government:

Scholarship Name/Provider	Application Deadline*
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities By Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Government of India	January 15, 2024
Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities  By Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Government of India	January 15, 2024
Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities By Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India	November 15, 2022
Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities By Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India	November 30, 2022
Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses CS By Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India	November 30, 2022
National Means Cum Merit Scholarship By Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India	November 30, 2022
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students By Department of Higher Education	January 30, 2024
Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles By Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India	January 31, 2024
Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for RPF/RPSF By Security Directorate, Ministry of Railways, Government of India	January 15, 2024
National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students By Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India	January 15, 2024
Scholarships for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities By Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India	January 15, 2024
Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Pre-Matric By Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India	January 31, 2024
Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Post-Matric By Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India	January 31, 2024
PG Scholarships for Professional Courses for SC/ST By University Grants Commission (UGC)	January 15, 2024
Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders By University Grants Commission (UGC)	January 15, 2024
Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child By University Grants Commission (UGC)	January 31, 2024
ISHAN UDAY – Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region By University Grants Commission (UGC)	January 15, 2024
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls By Ministry of Human Resource Development – AICTE	January 31, 2024
AICTE-Saksham Scholarship Scheme By Ministry of Human Resource Development – AICTE	January 31, 2024

*The application period mentioned above is for the academic year 2023-24.

List of Government Scholarships Funded by State Government 2024

The governments of different states offer scholarships for students who are permanent residents of that respective state. The number of scholarships may vary from state to state, but the key objective that each state government scholarship serves is to ensure a reduced rate of drop-out of students from schools and colleges. 

This section covers a state-wise list of some important states’ scholarships along with their important information.

Government Scholarships 2024 – Delhi

Delhi offers a large number of educational and career opportunities for students. If a student is a resident of Delhi state and looking for suitable financial aid her/his regarding education, the government of Delhi runs various scholarships exclusively for such students. These scholarships fund education at both the school level and college level. 

Here is a compilation of all Delhi government scholarships for reference. 

Scholarship Name/Provider	Application Deadline*
Reimbursement of Tuition Fee for SC/ST/OBC/Minority, Delhi By Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of Delhi	March 31, 2024
Merit Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/Minority Students (Class 1 to 12), Delhi By Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of Delhi	March 31, 2024
Reimbursement of Tuition Fee for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, Delhi By Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minority, Government of Delhi	March 31, 2024
Merit Scholarship to SC/ST/OBC/Minority, Delhi By Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of Delhi	March 31, 2024
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for OBC Students, Delhi By Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of Delhi	March 31, 2024
Post Matric Scholarship for OBC Students By Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of Delhi	December to February
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, Delhi By Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of Delhi	March 31, 2024
Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students, Delhi By Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of Delhi	March 31, 2024
Financial Assistance to Educationally Backward Minority Students, Delhi By Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi	March 31, 2024

*The application period mentioned above is for the academic year 2023-24, which may change at the discretion of the scholarship provider.

Government Scholarships 2024 – Uttar Pradesh

Counted amongst the most populous states of the nation, this northern state boasts of a vast education system. As a part of this education system, the state government also runs several scholarship schemes for the welfare of its domicile students. These schemes are available for students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, Minority and General category. Explore the list of all such scholarships in the list given below.  

Scholarship Name/Provider	Application Period*
Pre-matric Scholarship For ST/SC/General Category, Uttar Pradesh By Social Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	January 02, 2024
Post matric Intermediate Scholarship For ST/SC/General Category, Uttar Pradesh By Social Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	December 31, 2023
Post matric (Other than Intermediate) Scholarship for ST, SC, General Category, Uttar Pradesh By Social Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	December 31, 2023
Post matric Other State Scholarship for ST, SC, General Category, Uttar Pradesh By Social Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	December 31, 2023
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities, Uttar Pradesh By Minority Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	January 02, 2024
Post matric (Other Than Intermediate) Scholarship for Minorities, Uttar Pradesh By Minority Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	December 31, 2023
Post matric Intermediate Scholarship for Minorities, Uttar Pradesh By Minority Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	December 31, 2023
Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students, Uttar Pradesh By Backward Class Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	January 02, 2024
Post matric Intermediate Scholarship for OBC Students, Uttar Pradesh By Backward Class Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	December 31, 2023
Post matric (Other Than Intermediate) Scholarship for OBC, Uttar Pradesh By Backward Class Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh	December 31, 2023

*The application period mentioned above is for the academic year 2023-24, which may change at the discretion of the scholarship provider. 

Government Scholarships 2024 – Madhya Pradesh

The government of Madhya Pradesh also offers suitable financial support in the form of scholarships to students who drop out of their formal education due to financial constraints. Some of the most popular Madhya Pradesh scholarships include Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana (MMVY), Mukhya Mantri Jan Kalyan Yojana (MMJKY) and more. 

Here is the list of all government scholarships available for students of Madhya Pradesh along with their important information.   

Scholarship Name/Provider	Application Period*
Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for OBC Students, Madhya Pradesh By Government of Madhya Pradesh	Open throughout the year
Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana (MMVY), Madhya Pradesh By Department of Technical Education & Skill Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh	Open throughout the year
Mukhya Mantri Jan Kalyan Yojana (MMJKY), Madhya Pradesh By Department of Technical Education & Skill Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh	Open throughout the year
Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, Madhya Pradesh By Government of Madhya Pradesh	Open throughout the year
Model Higher Secondary Schools and Girls Education Complex Scholarship Scheme, Madhya Pradesh By Government of Madhya Pradesh	June to July

*The application period mentioned above is for the academic year 2023-24, which may change at the discretion of the scholarship provider.

Government Scholarships 2024 – Rajasthan

Likewise, the government of Rajasthan also runs scholarships that are exclusively available for the students who are a domicile of the state. Offered by different departments functioning under the government of Rajasthan, these scholarships cover your education from school to college level. 

Scholarship Name/Provider	Application Period*
Post-Matric & CM Scholarship, Rajasthan By Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Rajasthan	TBA
Dr. Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship for EBC Students, Rajasthan By Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Rajasthan	TBA
Post Matric Scholarship for SBC Students, Rajasthan By Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Rajasthan	TBA
Ambedkar International Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, Rajasthan By Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Rajasthan	TBA
Chief Minister’s Higher Education Scholarship Scheme, Rajasthan By Department of College Education, Government of Rajasthan	TBA
Rajasthan Yuva Vikas Prerak Internship Program (RYVP) By Government of Rajasthan	TBA

*The application period mentioned above is for the academic year 2023-24, which may change at the discretion of the scholarship provider. 

Government Scholarships 2024 – Gujarat

In Gujarat, various government scholarships are being run by the state government to encourage deserving minds of the state. Paying equal importance to students coming from different castes and categories, the government scholarships offered by the Gujarat government include Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana, Swami Vivekanand Stipend Scheme and more. 

Here is a list of all Gujarat government scholarships.

Scholarship Name/Provider	Application Period*
Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana, Gujarat	TBA
Higher Education Scheme, Gujarat By Government of Gujarat	TBA
Post Matric Scholarship for SC Girl Students, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat	TBA
Umbrella Scheme for Education of ST Students Post-Matric Scholarship, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat	TBA
Swami Vivekanand Stipend Scheme for ITI Courses, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat	TBA
Scholarship for the Students of Government Colleges, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat	TBA
War Concession Scheme, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat	TBA
EBC Fees Exemption Scheme, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat	TBA
Instrumental Help to SC Students (Medical, Engineering, Diploma Courses), Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat	TBA
Post Matric Scholarship of Government of India for the OBC Students, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat	TBA
Fellowship Scheme for M.Phil & Ph.D. (SC) Students, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat	TBA
Post Matric Scholarship for ST Girl Students, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat	TBA
Higher Secondary Scholarship (SEBC), Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat	TBA
Special Scholarship for Boys and Girls Students, Gujarat By Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat	TBA

*The application period mentioned above is for the academic year 2023-24, which may change at the discretion of the scholarship provider.

Government Scholarships 2024 – West Bengal

Students who reside in West Bengal state can also avail state government scholarships. One of the most popular scholarships of the West Bengal government is the Swami Vivekananda Merit- Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities which supports the education of deserving and underprivileged students belonging to the Minority community so that they can fulfill their dream academic aspirations. Here is a list of government scholarships in West Bengal. 

Name of Scholarship/Provider	Application Period*
Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities, West Bengal By Government of West Bengal	March 31, 2024
West Bengal Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC By Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal	March 31, 2024
West Bengal Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC ST Students By Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal	November 30, 2023

 *The application period mentioned above is for the academic year 2023-24, which may change at the discretion of the scholarship provider.

Government Scholarships 2024 – Karnataka

Just like other states, the Government of Karnataka and its subsidiary departments also run a number of state government scholarships for the welfare of students belonging to underprivileged sections of the society. Here is a list of all such scholarships. 

Name of Scholarship/Provider	Application Period*
National Overseas Scholarship for Minority Community Students, Karnataka By Directorate of Minorities, Government of Karnataka	TBA
Scheme of Overseas Scholarships for SC/ST Students, Karnataka By Social Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka	TBA
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities of Karnataka By Directorate of Minorities, Government of Karnataka	TBA
Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities of Karnataka By Directorate of Minorities, Government of Karnataka	TBA

*The application period mentioned above is for the year 2023-24, which may change at the discretion of the scholarship provider.

Government Scholarships 2024 – Kerala

The Government of Kerala runs several scholarship schemes to support the education of students residing within the state. Here is the list of Kerala government scholarships that one must not miss out on. 

Scholarship Name/Provider	Application Deadline*
Sanskrit Scholarship (SSE), Kerala By Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Kerala	TBA
State Merit Scholarship, Kerala By Government of Kerala	TBA
Suvarna Jubilee Merit Scholarship, Kerala By Government of Kerala	TBA
Hindi Scholarship (HS), Kerala By Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Kerala	TBA
Music Fine Arts Scholarship (MFAS), Kerala By Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Kerala	TBA
Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship, Kerala By Government of Kerala	TBA
Bhinnaseshy Souhrida Scholarship, Kerala 2023 By Government of Kerala	March 08, 2023
ITC Fee Reimbursement Scholarship, Kerala By Department of Minority Welfare, Government of Kerala	January 30, 2024
APJ Abdul Kalaam Scholarship (APJAK), Kerala By Department of Minority Welfare, Government of Kerala	October 25, 2023
Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship Award (PJMS), Kerala By Department of Minority Welfare, Government of Kerala	March 09, 2023
Mother Teresa Scholarship (MTS), Kerala By Department of Minority Welfare, Government of Kerala	November 17, 2023
CA/ICWA/CS Scholarship (IWCS), Kerala By Department of Minority Welfare, Government of Kerala	March 09, 2023
District Merit Scholarship (DMS), Kerala By Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Kerala	TBA

*The application period mentioned above is tentative for 2023-24 which may change on the discretion of the scholarship provider.

Government Scholarships 2024 – Maharashtra

Maharashtra has around 19 states and 21 deemed universities and that is why the Government of Maharashtra also runs a number of scholarship opportunities for students of all age groups to support them financially in pursuing their aspirations. Here is a  comprehensive list of Maharashtra scholarships.

Scholarship Name/Provider	Application Deadline*
Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students, Maharashtra By Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Tuition Fees and Examination Fees to OBC Students, Maharashtra By VJNT, OBC and SBC Welfare Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Tuition fees and Examination fees to SBC students, Maharashtra By VJNT, OBC and SBC Welfare Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Tuition Fees and Examination Fees to VJNT Students, Maharashtra By VJNT, OBC and SBC Welfare Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Post-matric Scholarship for Persons with Disability, Maharashtra By Social Justice & Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Post-Matric Scholarship to SBC Students, Maharashtra By Social Justice & Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Vasatigruh Nirvah Bhatta Yojna, Maharashtra By Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Education Concession to the Children of Ex-Servicemen, Maharashtra By Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance to ST Students, Maharashtra By Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship, Maharashtra By Social Justice & Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Vocational Education Fee Reimbursement, Maharashtra By Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Jawaharlal Nehru University Scheme, Maharashtra By Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Education Concession to Children of Freedom Fighters, Maharashtra By Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Maintenance Allowance for SC Students in Professional Courses, Maharashtra By Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Government Research Adhichatra, Maharashtra By Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Maintenance Allowance to VJNT and SBC Students of Professional Courses, Maharashtra By VJNT, OBC and SBC Welfare Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Tuition Fees and Examination Fees to ST Students, Maharashtra By Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Post Matric Scholarship Scheme Government of India, Maharashtra By Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Post-Matric Scholarship to OBC Students, Maharashtra By VJNT, OBC and SBC Welfare Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Post-Matric Scholarship to VJNT Students, Maharashtra By VJNT, OBC and SBC Welfare Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna, Maharashtra By Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Chief Minister Fellowship (CMF) Program, Maharashtra By Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Government Vidyaniketan Scholarship, Maharashtra By Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
State Government Daxshina Adhichatra Scholarship, Maharashtra By Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Eklavya Scholarship, Maharashtra By Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024
Post-Matric Tuition Fee and Examination Fee (Freeship), Maharashtra By Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra	March 31, 2024

*The application period mentioned above is tentative for 2023-24 which may change on the discretion of the scholarship provider.

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Government Scholarships 2024 – FAQs

How can a student get a government scholarship?

While most of the central and state government scholarships are available on the National Scholarship Portal, a dedicated online portal for scholarship implementation and disbursement, there are some states which have their respective scholarship portals through which the students can avail government scholarships. For example, the students of Uttar Pradesh can avail UP government scholarships through its SAKSHAM portal, and the students of West Bengal can avail their respective government scholarship through OASIS portal and other dedicated websites. The students are advised to refer to respective state articles to get a clear idea on how they can get government scholarships.

Can General category students get a government scholarship?

Yes, there are some scholarships available for General category students belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of the society. For example, the UP government offers scholarships for general category students.

How many types of government scholarships are there?

The government scholarships can be broadly categorized into merit-based scholarships, means-based scholarships and merit-cum-means based scholarships. While merit scholarships are disbursed on the basis of a student's academic merit, the means-based scholarships are disbursed on the basis of their financial need. However, a merit-cum-means based scholarship takes both the academic merit and financial need into consideration.

How will a student receive the amount of government scholarship?

With everything becoming centralized and transparent, the government has adopted the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode to transfer the scholarship amount directly into the account of the beneficiaries.

Can a student avail more than one government scholarship?

One important condition that comes with most of the government scholarships is that the students cannot avail two or more scholarships at the same time. This condition varies from scholarship to scholarship. The students may apply for as many scholarships they are eligible for but can avail only one at a time. It is advised to the students to refer to respective scholarship guidelines for better understanding.