Lakshadweep Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific nativity and residency criteria to qualify for the Lakshadweep scholarship. The scheme applies only to students who are bona fide natives of the Lakshadweep Islands. This includes:
- The scheme is strictly for students who are natives of the Lakshadweep Islands
- The student and both parents must be born in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Islands, OR the student is eligible if:
- Mother or father was born in the islands, and
- The other parent is either an islander or has valid residence in the islands.
- Students must be studying in recognised institutions
- Scholarship is granted only to students who secure pass marks in the relevant examinations
- Students with physical disabilities or health-related challenges may receive scholarship support under exceptional circumstances
- Students cannot receive this scholarship if they are already receiving any other financial assistance from the government or private entities
- For certain professional courses, students may have to sign a bond agreeing to serve the Lakshadweep Administration after completing their studies
Lakshadweep Scholarships – Benefits
Eligible students applying for Lakshadweep scholarships will receive the following awards according to their course/class –
Lakshadweep scholarship Amount 2026
| Name of Course/Category | Rate of Monthly Scholarship | Rate of Lump Sum Grant (Annually) |
| Pre-degree, Post-Matric Certificate/Diploma, Degree (Arts, Science, Commerce, B.Ed, LLB, etc.) | ₹1,800 | ₹1,500 |
| Post Graduate Course (Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, etc.) | ₹2,100 | ₹ 1,800 |
| MBBS, BDS, Engineering Degree, MBA, BVSc, BSc(Agriculture), etc. | ₹2,100 | ₹3,600 |
| Post Graduate Course (Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, etc.) and Research Studies (Ph.D.) | ₹3,000 | ₹9,000 |
| High school courses or equivalent | ₹1,200 | N/A |
| Primary school courses (I to VIII) | ₹600 | N/A |
| Secondary school courses (VIII to X) | ₹200 | N/A |
| Plus two students to whom the course facilities are available in their native island | ₹450 | N/A |
| Students of Bitra Island studying in Secondary Std. in other islands | ₹450 | N/A |
| Students of Plus 2 courses who belong to other islands than where the Institutions is situated and staying outside the hostel for want of hostel accommodation | ₹750 | N/A |
| Students of high school staying outside the hostel for want of accommodation in the hostel | ₹600 | N/A |
| Pocket money (per month) for petty expenses (For post-matric certificate, degree, PG, professional, and research students) | ₹50 | N/A |
| Daily allowances payable in advance through the Head of Institutions for maintenance during holidays (e.g., Onam, Christmas) | N/A | ₹50 (Per day) |
Scholarship Rates for Studying in Island Institutions
These rates are paid every month –
| Student Category | Monthly Amount |
| Secondary School Course (Class 8 to 10) | ₹50 |
| P.D.C. (Students who are natives of Kavaratti/Andrott Island, day scholars) | ₹125 |
| For students of Bitra Island studying in other Islands | ₹80 |
| For students of J.N. College/M.G. College studying outside the hostel for want of accommodation in the hostel | ₹175 |
| For students of High School staying outside the hostel for want of accommodation in the hostel | ₹150 |
Note: This scholarship will be continued till facilities for higher studies in Primary Education are available in Bitra.
For Students Staying in Government Hostels in the Islands/Mainland
The following will apply:
- Actual expenses for boarding and lodging will be met by the Administration.
- Actual boarders will be paid ₹15 per month as pocket money.
Lakshadweep Scholarships – Application Process
Students who meet the eligibility criteria for the Lakshadweep Scholarships can easily apply through the National Scholarship Portal.
Steps to apply on the National Scholarship Portal –
Step 1: Visit the official website of the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in/
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Students’ option on the left-hand side of the dashboard and click on it.
Step 4: Click on the ‘New user? Register yourself’ on the left-hand side of the dashboard and click on it.
Step 5: Read the details carefully, tick the checkbox, and click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 6: Enter a functional mobile number, captcha code, and OTP, then submit to complete the registration process.
Step 7: Fill in the required details and click on ‘Save & Register’ to complete the ‘One-time registration (OTR)’ process. (Note:- This is a temporary registration number; students need to download the OTR mobile application for face authentication to complete the OTR process.)
Step 8: After successful registration, navigate to the ‘Apply for Scholarship‘ option and click on the ‘Login’ button.
Step 9: Select the scholarship, fill in the required details, upload the necessary documents and submit.
Also Read: Goa Scholarship – List of Schemes, Eligibility Criteria and Rewards
Lakshadweep Scholarships – Selection Process
The selection of students for the Lakshadweep Scholarship Scheme is based strictly on academic merit as reflected in the results of specific qualifying examinations. Eligible students are evaluated on their performance in the Class VII examination of High or Higher Secondary Schools, School Leaving Examinations such as Matriculation or Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate, Pre-Professional examinations including P.D.C. or equivalent university-level assessments, and first degree examinations like B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., or B.Sc. (Agri).
Scholarships are awarded to ensure that no student is denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints, and the final selection is made based on the marks secured in these examinations.
Lakshadweep Scholarships – Concessions & Guidelines
- The scholarship and other fee concessions sanctioned under these rules shall be granted for a period of twelve months starting from the academic year. These will be payable monthly in advance.
- The stipend for the annual vacation will be payable only if the scholar remains on the mainland during this period, and only when such stay is necessitated due to reasons beyond the scholar’s control, such as non-availability of passage or medical treatment.
- The payment of the scholarship will begin from the date of admission (the date the student first attends class). For renewal cases, scholarship for the succeeding year of the same course will be paid from the month following the annual vacation at the start of the next academic year.
- After passing a University examination and taking admission in the next higher class (e.g., B.A./B.Sc./M.A./M.Sc. or Engineering and other professional courses), whether in the same institution or another recognised institution, the payment of scholarship will continue from the date of admission into the higher class. There may be a gap between the end of scholarship in one class and its resumption in the next. No payment will be made for this gap period, and no relaxation of this rule will be entertained.
- Full scholarship will be admissible for absences due to illness, provided:
- The scholar submits a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, and
- The head of the institution recommends the application and certifies that the scholar is likely to compensate for any deficiency in lectures and studies for the remaining period of the course.
- Married women scholars will be eligible for a full scholarship during leave taken on account of maternity, provided:
- The head of the institution recommends the application, and
- It is certified that the scholar is likely to make up for the deficiency in lectures and studies during the rest of the course period.
- The awardee will continue to receive the scholarship as long as he/she remains on the rolls of an institution, subject to sub-rule (2).
- If the awardee’s name is removed due to prolonged illness or other valid reasons, he/she may be eligible for restoration of scholarship upon re-admission, based on the recommendation of the head of the institution.
- Scholarships and fee concessions will be sanctioned by the Director of Education and will be disbursed through the head of the institution where the student is studying.
Also Read: National Scholarship Portal 2025: Scholarships Last Date and Application Process
Lakshadweep Scholarships 2026 – FAQs
Who can apply for the Lakshadweep Scholarship?
To be eligible, you need to be a permanent resident of Lakshadweep, meaning you or at least one of your parents must be born there. You should also be studying in a recognised institution, and your family’s annual income should generally be under ₹6 lakh. One important thing to note: if you’re already receiving another scholarship, you won’t be able to apply for this one.
How much financial support do students get?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend that usually falls between ₹700 and ₹3,000, depending on your course and whether you’re a hosteller. You also get an annual book or grant allowance of ₹1,000 to ₹1,500. The amount is sent directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Can students studying on the mainland apply?
Yes, absolutely. If you’re studying on the mainland, you can still receive the scholarship, especially for courses that aren’t available in Lakshadweep, like engineering, medicine, or MBA programs. You’ll just need to provide proof that the course isn’t offered in the islands.
How do I apply for the Lakshadweep Scholarship 2026?
You can apply through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Just register with your Aadhaar, fill in the Lakshadweep State Scheme form, upload the required documents (such as Aadhaar, domicile, income certificate, marksheets, etc.), and submit it before the deadline. Renewals are also done through the same portal.
What documents do I need to submit for the Lakshadweep Scholarship?
You’ll typically need your Aadhaar card, domicile certificate, income certificate, recent marksheets, bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked), admission proof, and a certificate from the institution if the course isn’t available in Lakshadweep. Make sure all documents are clear and up-to-date before uploading.