This guide covers eligibility, benefits, application steps, required documents, and key highlights to help students apply with ease
Key Highlights of the Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship
| Particulars | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Indira Gandhi PG Scholarship for Single Girl Child 2025 |
| Launched by | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Beneficiaries | Single girl children pursuing 1st year of postgraduate degree |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹36,200 per annum |
| Duration of Scholarship | 2 years (non-extendable) |
| Mode of Application | Online via National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Official Website | www.ugc.ac.in |
| Application Deadline (Tentative) | October 31, 2025 |
Objectives of the Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship
The scholarship serves multiple transformative goals:
- Empowering Girls’ Education: Offers financial support to help single girl children pursue postgraduate studies without economic barriers.
- Promoting Gender Equity: Challenges societal norms that favor male education and promotes equal opportunities for women.
- Encouraging Small Family Norms: Reinforces the value of small families, contributing to sustainable population growth.
- Reducing Dropout Rates: Enables financially disadvantaged girls to complete their education, lowering dropout rates.
Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Single Girl Child Status: Must be the only girl child in the family, with no brothers. Twin or fraternal daughters are also eligible.
- Age Limit: Should be 30 years or younger at the time of admission to the first year of the PG program.
- Academic Enrollment: Must be enrolled in a regular, full-time first-year Master’s degree program at a university, college, or institution recognized by the UGC, central/state government, or designated as an institute of national importance.
- Course Type: Applicable only for non-professional PG courses (e.g., MA, MSc, MCom). Professional courses like medicine, engineering, and law are not eligible.
- Mode of Study: Distance or online PG courses are not accepted.
- No Income Criteria: There is no family income limit, making the scholarship accessible to all eligible single girl children.
Exclusive Tip: Before applying, verify your institution’s UGC recognition status at www.ugc.gov.in, as unrecognized institutions may lead to application rejection—a commonly overlooked step.
Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – Benefits
The scholarship offers substantial support to recipients:
- Financial Assistance: ₹36,200 per year (₹3,100 per month) for two years, totaling ₹72,400, disbursed via DBT.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Host institutions are encouraged to waive tuition fees, easing the overall financial burden.
- Compatibility with Other Scholarships: As an incentive-based program, recipients may also avail other scholarships concurrently.
- No Additional Grants: Expenses such as hostel fees, medical costs, or miscellaneous charges are not covered.
Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – Courses Covered
This scholarship applies to non-professional PG degrees such as:
- M.A.
- M.Sc.
- M.Com.
- M.S.W.
- M.Ed.
Ineligible Courses: MBA, MCA, M.Tech, LL.B., M.Pharm, or other professional programs.
Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – Step-by-Step Process (As per UGC Official Guidelines)
The application for the Indira Gandhi PG Scholarship for Single Girl Child must be submitted online only via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at https://scholarships.gov.in. Below is the official procedure as prescribed in the UGC’s guideline document:
Step 1: Registration on NSP
- Visit: https://scholarships.gov.in
- Click on “New Registration”.
- Read the scholarship guidelines carefully before proceeding.
- Fill in the necessary details such as:
- Name of the student
- Date of birth
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Bank account number (must be in the name of the applicant)
- Identification details (preferably Aadhaar Number)
Once registered, you will receive a unique Application ID and password on your registered mobile/email.
Step 2: Log in and Fill out the Application Form
- Use your Application ID and password to log in to the NSP dashboard.
- Choose Post-Matric Scholarships and then select UGC – Indira Gandhi PG Scholarship for Single Girl Child.
- Enter your:
- Personal details
- Academic details (Undergraduate performance, university/institution, etc.)
- PG course details (Name, duration, discipline, institution)
- Bank details (Account number, IFSC code, Aadhaar link confirmation)
Step 3: Upload Required Documents (As per UGC Format)
You are required to upload the following mandatory documents in PDF/JPEG format:
- Affidavit on ₹50 Stamp Paper, signed by parent/guardian, attested by First Class Magistrate/SDM/Gazetted Officer, clearly mentioning:
- You are the only girl child in the family
- No other siblings exist (brother/sister)
- Joining/Admission Certificate from the Head of the Institution on letterhead confirming admission into 1st year of a full-time PG course.
- Marksheet of Undergraduate Examination
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar Card copy
- Copy of Bank Passbook showing account holder name and account details
Note: Incomplete applications or missing documents will lead to rejection without any communication.
Step 4: Submit and Track Application
- After uploading documents, review all information entered in the application form.
- Click on “Final Submit” after ensuring all details are correct.
- No edits are allowed after final submission.
- Save a copy of your submitted application for records.
Step 5: Institution Verification
- Your institution must verify your application online through the NSP login.
- The Head of Institution or Nodal Officer will certify:
- You are enrolled in 1st year of a full-time PG course
- The institution is recognized by UGC under Section 2(f) & 12(B)
IMPORTANT: Applications that are not verified by the institution within the deadline specified on NSP will be automatically rejected.
Step 6: Selection and Disbursement
- The shortlisted candidates will be published on the UGC website or NSP dashboard.
- Selected scholars will receive ₹36,200/year via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- The award is given for two years only, covering the full duration of the PG course, and no extension is allowed.
Renewal Conditions (Automatically Covered)
- No separate renewal form is required.
- The scholarship continues in 2nd year only if:
- The scholar successfully passes the first year
- The institution certifies satisfactory academic performance
- There is no discontinuation or break in the course
Disqualifications and Rejections
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Girls who are not the only child (even if they are the only girl among multiple children)
- Students enrolled in distance mode/open universities
- Candidates who fail to upload attested affidavit with proper wording
- Applicants whose institutions do not verify their application
Official UGC Guidelines_SGC1819.pdf
Documents Required for Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship 2025
The Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship 2025, offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC), supports single girl children pursuing postgraduate studies in India. To ensure a smooth application process through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), applicants and their institutions must submit specific documents.
Documents to be Submitted by the Student
Applicants must upload the following documents on the NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) in the specified formats (PDF/JPEG) to complete their application:
- Aadhaar Card: A scanned copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar card for identity verification. Ensure the card is valid and all details are legible.
- Proof of Admission: A certificate or admission letter from a UGC-recognized institution confirming enrollment in the first year of a regular, full-time, non-professional Master’s program.
- Joining Report: A joining report in the prescribed format (Annexure-I, available on www.ugc.gov.in), signed by the Head of the Department or institution.
- Single Girl Child Affidavit: An affidavit on ₹50 stamp paper, attested by a First Class Magistrate, Gazetted Officer, or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), confirming the applicant is the only girl child (as per Annexure-II on the UGC website).
- Bank Passbook Copy: A clear copy of the applicant’s bank passbook showing the name, account number, IFSC code, and bank details for DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
- Birth Certificate or Class 10th Marksheet: A document verifying date of birth, such as a birth certificate or a self-attested Class 10 marksheet.
Exclusive Tip: Scan documents using a high-quality scanner or app (e.g., Adobe Scan) to ensure clarity. Label each file clearly (e.g., “Aadhaar_Card.pdf”) to avoid upload errors on the NSP portal.
Documents to be Submitted by the Institution
The applicant’s institution must provide the following documents to support the scholarship application and its continuation:
- Progress Report: After the first year of the PG program, the institution must submit a Progress Report detailing the candidate’s academic performance, including the percentage of marks obtained. This report, signed by the Head of the Department and Registrar/Principal, is essential for releasing second-year funds.
- Funds Utilization Certificate: At the end of the first year, the institution must submit a Funds Utilization Certificate, confirming the appropriate use of the scholarship funds received for the candidate.
Exclusive Tip: Applicants should maintain regular communication with their institution’s scholarship nodal officer to ensure timely submission of these documents, as delays can impact fund disbursement.
Additional Notes
- Document Formats: Ensure all documents meet NSP guidelines for size and format (typically PDF or JPEG, under 200 KB each).
- Verification: Institutions verify uploaded documents online via the NSP. Applicants should confirm their institution’s familiarity with this process.
- Backup Copies: Save digital and physical copies of all documents for reference, as corrections post-submission are not permitted.
For detailed formats (Annexure-I and Annexure-II) and further guidance, visit www.ugc.gov.in or scholarships.gov.in. Prepare and submit documents by the deadline to secure this transformative scholarship opportunity!
Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – Terms and Conditions
To maintain eligibility and continue receiving the scholarship, recipients must adhere to the following UGC guidelines:
- Academic Progress: Recipients must submit a Progress Report (signed by the Head of the Department and Registrar/Principal) to Canara Bank after the first year to release second-year funds.
- Conduct Guidelines: Misconduct or failure to meet eligibility criteria may lead to scholarship cancellation.
- No Tuition Fees: Host institutions are expected to waive tuition fees for recipients.
- Non-extendable: The scholarship is limited to two years, with no extensions.
- No Reimbursement for Additional Costs: Hostel fees, medical costs, or other expenses are not covered.
Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – Impact of the Scholarship
The Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship has transformed the lives of thousands of female students by:
- Empowering Women: Recipients have excelled in academia, healthcare, and other fields, inspiring future generations.
- Promoting Gender Equity: The program challenges societal norms and encourages families to invest in daughters’ education.
- Reducing Dropout Rates: Financial support enables economically disadvantaged girls to complete their PG studies.
- Encouraging Small Families: The scholarship supports sustainable family planning by recognizing and rewarding single girl children.
Exclusive Insight: After completing their degrees, recipients can access career counseling services offered by many UGC-recognized institutions. These often-overlooked services include resume workshops, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities—benefits not widely highlighted elsewhere.
Real-Life Example: Making a Difference
Anjali Sharma, the only daughter of a small shopkeeper in Rajasthan, received the Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship in 2023. With the ₹72,400 support, she managed to pay hostel fees, buy academic books, and focus solely on her M.A. in Political Science. Today, she is preparing for the Civil Services Exam, a journey made possible by this financial assistance.
Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – Implementation Structure
- Administered by: University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Funding Source: Government of India (Ministry of Education)
- Application Channel: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Disbursal: Direct Bank Transfer via Public Finance Management System (PFMS)
Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – Institutional Responsibility
Colleges and universities where candidates are enrolled must:
- Issue a bonafide student certificate
- Verify student applications on the NSP portal
- Upload admission details promptly
- Assist candidates with affidavits and other legal documentation
Contact Information
In case of any query regarding the Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship, the applicants can submit their questions at the email ID mentioned below:
Email ID – sosa3ugc@gmail.com
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Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship – FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship?
Only girl students who are the only child of their parents and are enrolled in the first year of a full-time, regular, non-professional postgraduate course at a recognized university/college are eligible. The applicant must be 30 years old or younger at the time of admission.
Can I apply if I have a brother or sister?
No. The scholarship is exclusively for single girl children with no brothers. However, if you are a twin or fraternal daughter (e.g., one of two girls born together), both daughters may apply. An affidavit confirming single girl child status is mandatory.
Can twin daughters apply for the scholarship?
Yes. Both twin girls can apply, provided there are no other siblings. In such cases, each twin is considered a “single girl child” for the purpose of this scholarship.
Is there an income limit to be eligible for the scholarship?
No. There is no income criterion. Students from any income background can apply as long as they meet the other eligibility conditions.
Can students enrolled in distance learning or online PG programs apply?
No. The scholarship is only applicable to students enrolled in regular, full-time postgraduate programs. Those pursuing courses through distance mode, open universities, or correspondence are not eligible.
Is this scholarship available for professional courses like MBA, MCA, or M.Tech?
No. The Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship is meant for non-professional PG courses only, such as M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., M.Ed., etc.
How much scholarship amount is given, and for how long?
The selected student receives ₹36,200 per year for a duration of two years, totaling ₹72,400. The amount is credited directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Do I need to renew the scholarship after the first year?
No separate renewal form is required. However, the student must pass the first-year examination and continue in the same course and institution. The university will confirm the continuation for the second-year disbursement.
What is the affidavit requirement for the scholarship?
Applicants must submit an affidavit on ₹50 stamp paper, duly signed by a parent or guardian and attested by a First-Class Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or Gazetted Officer. It should clearly state that the applicant is the only girl child in the family.
What should be the exact wording of the affidavit for 'Single Girl Child' status?
As per UGC guidelines, the affidavit should declare: I, the parent guardian of Miss Name, hereby certify that she is the only girl child in our family. We have no other children (brother or sister). It must be printed on ₹50 stamp paper, signed by the parent or guardian, and attested by a First-Class Magistrate, SDM, or Gazetted Officer.
Where can I apply for the scholarship?
Applications are accepted only online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at https://scholarships.gov.in.
What happens if the institution does not verify my application?
If your institution fails to verify your application within the specified timeline on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), your application will be automatically rejected—even if you meet all other eligibility criteria. Verification is mandatory.
Can I apply for this scholarship along with another scholarship?
Yes, you can—unless the other scholarship explicitly prohibits receiving multiple scholarships. Always review the terms and conditions of both scholarships to avoid disqualification.
What are the key documents required for the application?
Students must submit: Aadhaar card, proof of admission to a UGC-recognized Master’s program, joining report (Annexure-I format), single girl child affidavit (Annexure-II on ₹50 stamp paper), bank passbook copy, and birth certificate or Class 10th marksheet. Institutions must submit: progress report and funds utilization certificate after the first year.
Is there any reservation quota under this scheme?
No. There is no caste-based or category-based reservation. All eligible single girl child applicants are considered equally, regardless of caste, religion, or economic background.
What if I fail the first year of my PG course after receiving the scholarship?
If you fail or discontinue the course in the first year, the scholarship is discontinued and you will not receive the second-year installment. Also, no recovery is made of the first-year amount.
My Aadhaar is not linked to my bank account. Can I still apply?
You may apply, but linking your Aadhaar to your bank account is mandatory for the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the scholarship amount. Without Aadhaar seeding, funds will not be released.
How many students are selected each year under this scheme?
There is no fixed number of slots. Eligible applications are considered as per budget availability. On average, around 3,000 to 4,000 students are selected annually.
I got admission in a university not listed under UGC’s 2(f) & 12(B). Can I still apply?
No. Your institution must be recognized by UGC under Section 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act to be eligible for this scholarship. You can check UGC's official list to confirm your college’s status.
Can I apply in the second year of my PG course?
No. Only first-year PG students are eligible. Applications submitted after admission into the second year are not accepted under any circumstance.
Is it compulsory to submit the affidavit every year?
No. The affidavit confirming 'only girl child' status is to be submitted only once, at the time of initial application in the first year.
Can I edit my application after submitting it on NSP?
You can only edit the application before final submission. Once submitted, you cannot modify any details. You can, however, withdraw and re-apply, if done before the deadline.
I missed the deadline. Can I apply offline or late?
No. There is no offline provision or late application facility. Applications must be completed within the official timeline via the National Scholarship Portal.