Latest Update – The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has opened applications for the academic year 2026-27. Click here to apply.
List of Scholarships for Graduate Students in India 2026–27
1. Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)
2. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
3. Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
4. Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
6. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Minorities
7. PM YASASVI Scholarship
8. AICTE Pragati Scholarship
9. AICTE Saksham Scholarship
11. UGC Scholarship for NER Students
12. PM Scholarship Scheme for J&K and Ladakh
13. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
Scholarships for Graduate Students in India: Application Deadlines 2026–27
| Scholarship Name | Application Open | Application Deadline |
| CSSS | June 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| Post-Matric SC | June 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| Post-Matric ST | June 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| Post-Matric OBC | June 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| Post-Matric Minorities | June 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| Merit-cum-Means Minorities | June 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| PM YASASVI | June 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| AICTE Pragati | To be announced | To be announced |
| AICTE Saksham | To be announced | To be announced |
| INSPIRE SHE | January 2026 | April–May 2026 (tentative) |
| UGC NER Scholarship | To be announced | To be announced |
| PMSSS J&K/Ladakh | To be announced | To be announced |
| PMSS (Ex-servicemen) | To be announced | To be announced |
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Scholarships in India 2026–27
| Scholarship Name | Educational Qualification | Income Limit | Category |
| CSSS | Class 12 passed, enrolled in UG (first year or continuing) | ≤ ₹4.5 lakh/year | General (all categories) |
| Post-Matric SC | Class 12 passed, enrolled in UG | No limit | SC only |
| Post-Matric ST | Class 12 passed, enrolled in UG | No limit | ST only |
| Post-Matric OBC | Class 12 passed, enrolled in UG | No limit | OBC (non-creamy layer) |
| Post-Matric Minorities | Class 12 passed, enrolled in UG | ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year | Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi |
| Merit-cum-Means Minorities | Class 12 passed with 50% marks, enrolled in professional/technical UG | Assessed (varies) | Minority communities |
| PM YASASVI | Class 12 passed, enrolled in UG | No limit | OBC/EBC/DNT |
| AICTE Pragati | Girl students in AICTE-approved technical UG | ≤ ₹8 lakh/year | Women/Girl students (all categories) |
| AICTE Saksham | Students with benchmark disabilities in AICTE-approved technical UG | Income criteria applies | Differently-abled students (all categories) |
| INSPIRE SHE | Top 1% in Class 12 board exams, pursuing BSc/BS/Integrated MSc in natural sciences | No limit | Science students (all categories) |
| UGC NER Scholarship | Class 12 passed, enrolled in UG at a recognised institution | Varies by state | Students from North Eastern states |
| PMSSS J&K/Ladakh | Class 12 passed from J&K or Ladakh, enrolled in UG at a recognised institution | Income criteria applies | Residents of J&K or Ladakh (all categories) |
| PMSS (Ex-servicemen) | Class 12 passed, enrolled in UG at a recognised institution | May apply | Wards of ex-servicemen or ex-Coast Guard personnel |
Scholarships for Graduate Students in India: Benefits and Financial Support 2026–27
Since these scholarships are provided by different authorities, their benefits and awards also vary.
CSSS (Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship)
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Partial (up to ₹10,000/year)
2. Stipend: ₹10,000/year
3. Hostel/Living Support: Hostel allowance up to ₹5,000/year
4. Other Benefits: Book allowance
5. Total Annual Benefit: Up to ₹15,000/year
Post-Matric SC Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full tuition coverage
2. Stipend: ₹500–₹1,000/month (state-dependent)
3. Hostel/Living Support: Partial to full hostel reimbursement
4. Other Benefits: Special allowance for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹8,000–₹15,000/year (approx.)
Post-Matric ST Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full tuition coverage
2. Stipend: ₹500–₹1,000/month (state-dependent)
3. Hostel/Living Support: Partial to full hostel reimbursement
4. Other Benefits: Special allowance for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹8,000–₹15,000/year (approx.)
Post-Matric OBC Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full tuition coverage
2. Stipend: ₹500–₹1,000/month (state-dependent)
3. Hostel/Living Support: Partial to full hostel reimbursement
4. Other Benefits: Special allowance for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹8,000–₹15,000/year (approx.)
Post-Matric Minorities Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Up to ₹20,000/year
2. Stipend: ₹1,000/month (₹12,000/year)
3. Hostel/Living Support: Up to ₹10,000/year
4. Other Benefits: Book allowance of ₹2,000/year
5. Total Annual Benefit: Up to ₹44,000/year
Merit-cum-Means Minorities Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Up to ₹30,000/year
2. Stipend: Up to ₹500/month
3. Hostel/Living Support: Hostel reimbursement if applicable
4. Other Benefits: Professional course allowances
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹30,000+/year
PM YASASVI Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full tuition coverage
2. Stipend: ₹2,000–₹3,000/month (varies by course)
3. Hostel/Living Support: Partial to full hostel reimbursement
4. Other Benefits: Book and stationery allowance
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹40,000–₹50,000/year
AICTE Pragati Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full tuition coverage
2. Stipend: ₹50000/year
3. Hostel/Living Support: Included in package
4. Other Benefits: Internship and placement support
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹50,000/year
AICTE Saksham Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full tuition coverage
2. Stipend: ₹50,000/year
3. Hostel/Living Support: Included in package
4. Other Benefits: Assistive device allowance if needed
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹50,000/year
INSPIRE SHE Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Tuition support (varies)
2. Stipend: ₹5,000/month (₹60,000/year)
3. Hostel/Living Support: Partial hostel support
4. Other Benefits: Mentorship grant of ₹20,000/year; summer internships at CSIR/IISc
5. Total Annual Benefit: Up to ₹80,000/year
UGC NER Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full tuition coverage
2. Stipend: ₹5,400–₹7,800/month
3. Hostel/Living Support: Included in monthly amount
4. Other Benefits: Travel allowance for remote-area students
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹64,800–₹93,600/year
PMSSS J&K/Ladakh Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full tuition coverage
2. Stipend: Varies by institution and course
3. Hostel/Living Support: Partial to full hostel support
4. Other Benefits: Travel allowance
5. Total Annual Benefit: Up to ₹1.25–₹1.5 lakh/year
PMSS (Ex-servicemen) Scholarship
1. Tuition/Fee Coverage: Full or partial tuition coverage
2. Stipend: ₹2,500–₹3,000/month
3. Hostel/Living Support: Hostel fee support
4. Other Benefits: Allowances for dependents
5. Total Annual Benefit: ₹30,000–₹36,000+/year
How to Apply for Scholarships for Graduate Students in India?
Step 1: Register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) using your basic details and create an account.
Step 2: Complete your profile by filling in personal, academic, Aadhaar, income, and bank account details.
Step 3: Search for eligible scholarships on the portal and select the one you want to apply for.
Step 4: Fill out the scholarship application form with your course, institution, and academic information.
Step 5: Upload all required documents, including marksheets, income certificate, Aadhaar card, and bank details.
Step 6: Your application will be verified by your institution and forwarded to the concerned authority.
Step 7: Submit the application and save the reference number for future tracking.
Step 8: Check the scholarship status regularly on the portal for selection updates.
Step 9: Selected students receive the scholarship amount directly in their bank account through DBT.
How to Apply for INSPIRE SHE Scholarship?
Step 1: Visit the INSPIRE portal and complete the online registration.
Step 2: Fill in personal, academic, and bank account details.
Step 3: Upload the required documents, including Class 12 marksheet and entrance exam scorecard.
Step 4: Submit the application before the deadline and note the application number.
Step 5: Selected candidates receive the scholarship amount directly in their SBI bank account.
Documents Required for Undergraduate Scholarships in India
1. Class 10 marksheet (certified copy)
2. Class 12 marksheet (certified copy)
3. Class 12 passing certificate
4. College admission letter or bonafide certificate
5. Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
6. Income certificate issued by revenue officer/tahsildar
7. Bank passbook first page (account number, IFSC, account holder name)
8. Aadhaar card copy (front and back)
9. Aadhaar-bank linkage proof
10. Recent passport-size colour photograph
11. Scanned signature on white background
12. Transfer/migration certificate
13. Entrance exam scorecard (JEE/NEET/KVPY, etc.)
14. PwD certificate
15. Residence certificate
16. Ex-servicemen certificate
17. Community certificate
18. Student ID card or enrolment proof
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
To avoid rejection, ensure the following before submitting your application:
1. Aadhaar is correctly linked to your bank account
2. Family income is within the specified limit for the scholarship
3. All required documents are uploaded in PDF or JPG format
4. Category and income certificates are issued by a competent authority (not self-declared)
5. Income certificate is recent (issued within the last 6 months)
6. All form fields are complete with no blanks
7. Marks and details match the certificates uploaded
8. The institution is recognised and listed on the scholarship portal
9. No duplicate applications for the same scholarship
Scholarships for Graduate Students in India – FAQs
Can I apply for multiple scholarships for graduate students in India at the same time?
Yes, you may apply for multiple scholarships for graduate students in India. However, only one scholarship can usually be availed for the same level of study.
What is the difference between CSSS and Post-Matric Scholarships?
CSSS is a merit-cum-means scholarship open to all eligible categories, while Post-Matric Scholarships are category-specific schemes for SC, ST, OBC and Minority students.
Can minority community students apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities?
Yes, eligible students belonging to notified minority communities can apply, subject to the prescribed income criteria.
Is the INSPIRE SHE Scholarship available for all undergraduate students?
No, INSPIRE SHE is available only for students pursuing courses in Natural and Basic Sciences.
Who can apply for the PM YASASVI Scholarship?
Students belonging to OBC, EBC, or DNT categories studying in recognised institutions are eligible, subject to scheme guidelines.
Can students from state-funded engineering colleges apply for the AICTE Pragati Scholarship?
Yes, provided the institution is approved by AICTE.
Can I apply for scholarships if my Class 12 results are pending?
Some scholarship schemes allow provisional applications, subject to submission of final results within the specified timeline.
Will my scholarship continue if my academic performance declines?
Most scholarships require students to maintain the minimum academic standards prescribed under the scheme.
Can I defer my scholarship to the next academic year?
No, scholarships are generally valid only for the academic year in which they are awarded.
Can I update my bank account details after submitting the application?
Yes, bank details can usually be updated before the scholarship amount is disbursed.
What document is accepted as proof of family income?
A valid income certificate issued by the competent revenue authority is generally required.
What should I do if I do not receive the scholarship amount on time?
Students should check their application status and contact the concerned scholarship authority or institution for assistance.