For 2025, NSP offers 143 scholarship schemes worth ₹790+ crores, benefiting crores of students, from school level to Ph.D. As of 2024–25, it has processed over 13.98 lakh applications, with more than 12 lakh verified, making it a game-changer in ensuring timely and transparent financial aid.
Some of the most prominent portals linked with this domain include:
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – scholarships.gov.in
- UP Saksham Scholarship Portal – scholarship.up.gov.in
- Odisha State Scholarship Portal – scholarship.odisha.gov.in
- Punjab Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship Portal – scholarships.punjab.gov.in
- Kerala DCE Scholarship Portal – dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in
Scholarships.gov.in – Key Highlights of National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2025
| Feature | Details |
| Portal Name | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2025 |
| Managed By | Ministry of Electronics & IT, Govt. of India |
| Website | scholarships.gov.in |
| Application Period | July to December 2025 (tentative) |
| Target Group | Students from Class 1 to Ph.D |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Fund Disbursal | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
Scholarships.gov.in – Key Features of the NSP
- Centralized platform for applying to multiple scholarships
- Real-time tracking of application status
- Filtering of schemes based on eligibility
- Online verification and approval process
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to students’ bank accounts
Scholarships.gov.in – Scheme Categories on NSP
Central Sector Schemes
Administered directly by Union Government Ministries, these scholarships are merit- and category-based and typically fund students in higher education:
- Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Technical Education (PM‑STE) – For graduate and postgraduate technical students (vocational & professional).
- Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College & University Students – Merit-driven awards for higher education.
- National Fellowship & Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students – Focused on ST candidates pursuing higher studies.
Centrally Sponsored Schemes
These schemes are co-funded by the Union Government and state governments. They often focus on specific social groups:
- Pre‑Matric & Post‑Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities – Supports school and college students from historically disadvantaged communities.
- National Means‑Cum‑Merit Scholarship – Rewards meritorious students from low-income families in Classes 9–12.
- Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship – For SC/ST students pursuing doctoral studies.
Note: Management and implementation are handled at the state level while funding is shared with the Centre.
State Schemes
For example:
- State SC/ST Scholarship Schemes
- Minority Welfare Scholarships
- State-Specific Merit or Financial Aid Schemes
Students must check their respective state’s portal (integrated within NSP) for deadlines, application requirements, and selection criteria.
Top-Class Education Schemes for Students with Disabilities
NSP also includes disability-oriented scholarships under various categories:
- Pre-Matric & Post‑Matric Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
- Top-Class Education Scheme for PwD
These schemes are available under Central, Centrally‑Sponsored, or State‑specific programs depending on the student’s domicile and eligibility.
Scholarships.gov.in – Types of Scholarships Available
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a centralized digital platform that streamlines access to numerous government scholarships for Indian students at all education levels. It aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and equal opportunity—particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, minority communities, and those with disabilities.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the scholarship categories offered through NSP:
Merit-Based Scholarships
Awarded solely on academic excellence or exceptional performance in fields like science, arts, technology, or sports. These scholarships recognize talent, discipline, and achievement—regardless of financial background.
Need-Based Scholarships
Designed for students from economically disadvantaged families. Eligibility is determined by income and financial status, with the goal of ensuring equal access to education for those who may not otherwise afford it.
Minority Scholarships
Minority scholarships are specially designed for students belonging to minority communities as defined under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. Eligible communities include:
- Muslims
- Sikhs
- Christians
- Buddhists
- Jains
- Zoroastrians (Parsis)
These scholarships aim to foster inclusive education by offering financial aid to deserving students, ensuring that cultural and social barriers do not hinder educational attainment.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
These scholarships offer vital financial support to students with physical, mental, or learning disabilities. They help cover tuition, assistive devices, and specialized learning resources—advancing inclusivity and equal access to education.
Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to assist students at different stages of their education:
Pre-Matric Scholarships:
- For students from Class 1 to Class 10
- Encourage early school enrollment and reduce dropout rates
- Cover tuition fees, textbooks, uniforms, and other basic academic expenses
- For students in Class 11 and above, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses
- Help students pursue higher education without financial stress
- Include tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and examination-related costs
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a fully centrally funded program designed to reduce dropout rates after Class 8 among students from economically weaker sections
Key Highlights:
- Scholarship Amount: ₹12,000 per annum per student
- Eligibility: Students from Class 9 onward studying in government, government-aided, or local body schools
- Renewal: Continued support up to Class 12, subject to annual performance
- Annual Intake: 1,00,000 fresh scholarships every year
- Income Limit: Parental income should not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum
- Minimum Marks: At least 55% in Class 7 (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students)
- Disbursal Mode: Funds are transferred directly to students’ bank accounts via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
Also Read – Government Scholarships 2025
Scholarships.gov.in – Eligibility & Benefits
| Scheme Type | Target Beneficiaries | Level | Funding Mechanism |
| Central Sector | Meritorious students of all categories | UG/PG/PhD | Fully financed by Union Government, DBT |
| Centrally Sponsored | SC/ST/OBC/Min, rural & low-income students | School to College | Union + State co-funding, DBT |
| State Schemes | Diversity–based (state quota) | School to PG | State-funded via NSP, DBT |
| Disability Scholarships | Students with benchmark disabilities | School to PG | Varies—Central, Sponsored or State |
Scholarships.gov.in – What’s New in the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for 2025?
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2025 brings several important updates aimed at improving accessibility, transparency, and ease of use:
- Bharat Aadhaar Seeding Enabler (BASE): A self-service tool introduced by NPCI to help students link or unlink their Aadhaar with bank accounts for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).
- Mandatory Face Authentication: Students must now complete Aadhaar-based registration using facial authentication through the NSP OTR App. Ensure biometric authentication is active via the mAadhaar app.
- NSP Mobile App Access: Available on Google Play and the UMANG platform, the app enables faster application submissions and real-time tracking from mobile devices.
- Live Payment Tracking: Students can monitor scholarship fund transfers instantly via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal.
Scholarships.gov.in – Application Process on NSP
To access and apply for various scholarships, students are required to register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). A thorough understanding of the application process is crucial for ensuring a successful submission.
Prior to initiating a scholarship application, students must verify that their current educational institution is registered on the portal. Applications cannot be processed if the institution is not listed. In such cases, the institution has the option to register itself on the portal through the designated institutional registration process.
To apply for a scholarship via the NSP, applicants should follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: One Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit the official NSP website.
- Click on ‘Apply for One Time Registration (OTR)’ option.
- For new users, click on Register Yourself
- A page of Guidelines for Registration on NSP will open.
- Go through the guidelines carefully.
- Click on ‘Next’ to proceed.
- Fill in your mobile number and click on OTP.
- Enter the OTP.
- Fill in the Captcha and click on the Verify tab.
Step 2: Complete the eKYC Update Option
- Select any of the 3 options present at the top-most section eKYC update option section.
- If you have an Aadhaar card, enter the Aadhaar number and click on OTP.
- Enter the OTP, and fill in the Captcha.
- Finally, click on Verify.
- The process will be the same for the ‘Aadhaar not assigned (I have EID)’ option and Aadhaar not assigned (I have EID)’ option.
- Fill in the asked details like name, gender, date of birth, parents name, and email ID.
- After completing all the details and selecting the VERIFY option from any of the three choices above, you will be able to enter your basic information.
Step 3: Completing the Registration Process
Once you complete all the steps till the eKYC update, the registration will be complete and you will be able to see the Success page with the registration number.
Step 4: Logging in at the National Scholarship Portal
- Click on the login tab.
- Enter the application ID and password received on the registered number.
- Once you successfully log in, you will be able to view the confirmation Pop-up.
Step 5: Begin with The Application Process
- After logging in, click on the Apply Fresh option to apply for a scholarship opportunity.
- You can continue with your application after clicking the ‘I Agree’ button.
- Fill in the details carefully and click on Submit.
- Once the application is submitted from Apply Fresh, it will be available on the My Applications Listing Page.
- Click on the Proceed tab to complete the application process.
Step 6: Fill in the Application
- Fill in all registration details, academic details and other necessary details as per the below mandatory sections:
- General Information
- Academic Details
- Application Specific
- Scheme Available
- Scheme Specific Details
- Upload Document(s)
- Click on ‘Next’ after completing every section.
- Once confirmed, click on the ‘Final Submit’ tab.
- Once applications are submitted, they cannot be edited. Therefore, applicants are advised to carefully review their information before clicking on the final submission, as no changes will be allowed afterwards.
- A confirmation pop-up will appear after the application submission.
Scholarships.gov.in – Documents Required
The commonly required documents include:
- Aadhaar Card (linked with bank account)
- Income Certificate
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Previous academic mark sheet
- Bonafide certificate from institution
- Bank passbook (in the applicant’s name)
- Passport-size photograph
Also Read – CBSE Scholarship
Scholarships.gov.in – FAQs
Who is eligible to apply as a student on NSP?
Any student enrolled in a recognized school, college, or university can apply—provided their institution is registered on the National Scholarship Portal.
How do I start the registration process?
Visit the NSP homepage (scholarships.gov.in), click on 'Student Login', and register using your Aadhaar or Enrollment ID to create a One-Time Registration (OTR) account.
Can I apply for both new and renewal scholarships?
Yes. Once logged in, you can choose between 'Fresh' and 'Renewal' applications depending on your scholarship status.
What underlying documentation is required?
You will need:
• Aadhaar or Enrollment ID
• Bank account details (in your name)
• Academic records
• Income/caste/disability certificates (if applicable)
• Institute verification
Is there a deadline for applications?
Each scholarship has its own deadline announced on the NSP portal. Check regularly and apply within the stated period to avoid rejection.
How do I check if my school or college is registered?
Log in and use the Institute Search Tool or check the drop-down list of registered institutions available during the application process.
What if my institution is not listed?
Institutions can self-register on the portal. Inform your school/college administration to initiate the registration on NSP.
How and when will scholarship funds be disbursed?
Approved scholarships are transferred to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), after the release of the official sanction list.
Can I apply for disability-specific scholarships?
Yes, NSP provides Pre‑Matric, Post‑Matric, and Top‑Class Scholarships specifically for students with disabilities under different scheme categories.
What if I face issues during application?
Refer to the 'Help' or 'FAQ' section on the NSP portal. Detailed guides and contact support are provided for each scholarship scheme.