Are you worried about paying for your education? Do you feel that good quality education costs too much money? If yes, then this blog post is for you.
In 2026, many government scholarships are available for students at all levels — from Class 9 students to PhD scholars. These scholarships are given by the Indian government, state governments, and governments of other countries. The best part? You do not have to pay this money back!
A scholarship is money given to a student to help pay for education. It can cover your tuition fees, hostel fees, books, and sometimes even your travel and living costs. Government scholarships are usually free from any bias — they are given based on your marks, your family’s income, or both.
In this blog, we will tell you about the most important and popular government scholarships for 2026. We will explain who can apply, what documents you need, how much money you can get, and where to apply. We have used very simple language so that every student can understand.
Let us begin!
1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – India’s Biggest Scholarship Platform
Before we talk about individual scholarships, let us talk about the most important platform in India for government scholarships — the National Scholarship Portal, or NSP.
The NSP is a website created by the Government of India. It was started in 2015. All major central government scholarships and many state government scholarships can be found and applied for on this one platform. You do not need to go to different offices or fill different paper forms. Everything is done online.
What is NSP?
NSP is like a big online store — but instead of buying things, you apply for scholarships here. More than 1 crore (10 million) students use it every year. The government sends scholarship money directly to students’ bank accounts. This is called Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which means no middlemen, no corruption — money goes straight to you.
Types of Scholarships on NSP
- Pre-Matric Scholarships: These are for students in Class 1 to 10. They are mainly for students from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities.
- Post-Matric Scholarships: These are for students who have passed Class 10 and are studying in Class 11, 12, diploma, graduation, or post-graduation.
- Central Sector Scholarships: These are for very good students who scored high in Class 12 board exams. They can be from any category.
- Merit-cum-Means Scholarships: These are for students from minority communities who are good at studies but do not have enough money.
- Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: For students who have any certified disability.
🔗 Official Website: scholarships.gov.in
Important: NSP applications for the year 2026-27 are expected to open in August-September 2026. Keep checking the official website for exact dates.
2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS)
This is one of the most popular scholarships in India for college students. It is given by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
What is this Scholarship for?
It is for meritorious students — students who scored very high marks in their Class 12 board exams and want to do an undergraduate or postgraduate course in a college or university.
Quick Details – CSSS
| Offered By | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Who Can Apply | Students who scored above the 80th percentile in Class 12 board exams |
| Income Limit | Family income must be below Rs. 8 lakh per year |
| Scholarship Amount | Rs. 10,000 per year for undergraduates; Rs. 20,000 per year for postgraduates |
| Course Type | Full-time courses only (not distance/online) |
| Where to Apply | National Scholarship Portal – scholarships.gov.in |
Who Cannot Apply?
- Students doing distance or correspondence courses.
- Students already receiving another central government scholarship.
- Students studying in technical or professional courses under AICTE (separate scheme available for them).
How to Apply?
- Go to scholarships.gov.in.
- Register with your mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Log in and select the CSSS scheme.
- Fill in your details — marks, family income, bank account.
- Upload documents — mark sheet, income certificate, Aadhaar card.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
3. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
This scholarship is specially made for students from Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. It is one of the oldest and most important government scholarship schemes in India.
Who is it for?
Any student belonging to the SC category who has passed Class 10 and is studying in Class 11, Class 12, diploma, graduation, or post-graduation can apply.
Quick Details – Post-Matric SC Scholarship
| Offered By | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
| Category | Scheduled Caste (SC) students |
| Level | Class 11 and above |
| What it Covers | Maintenance allowance, tuition fees, book allowance, and other academic expenses |
| How to Apply | Through NSP portal – scholarships.gov.in |
The amount of money depends on the course you are doing and where you are living — whether you live in a hostel or at home. Hostellers usually get more money than day scholars.
🔗 Official Website: scholarships.gov.in – SC Post-Matric Scholarship
4. Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
Just like the scholarship for SC students, there is a separate scholarship for students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. It is offered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Quick Details – Post-Matric ST Scholarship
| Offered By | Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India |
| Category | Scheduled Tribe (ST) students |
| Level | Class 11 and above (till post-graduation and professional courses) |
| Income Limit | Family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per year |
| What it Covers | Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, study tour charges, thesis typing charges |
| How to Apply | NSP portal – scholarships.gov.in |
If you belong to an ST community, do not miss this scholarship. It can help you cover a large part of your education costs.
5. Scholarship for Minority Students
The Government of India provides special scholarships for students belonging to six minority religious communities — Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis.
There are three types of minority scholarships:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship – for students in Class 1 to 10.
- Post-Matric Scholarship – for students in Class 11 and above, including graduation and post-graduation.
- Merit-cum-Means Scholarship – for minority students who are good at studies and also need financial help, especially those in professional and technical courses like engineering, medicine, and management.
Quick Details – Minority Scholarships
| Offered By | Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |
| Communities | Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi |
| Income Limit | Rs. 1 lakh per year for Pre/Post Matric; Rs. 2.5 lakh for Merit-cum-Means |
| How to Apply | NSP portal – scholarships.gov.in |
🔗 Official Website: Minority Affairs Scholarship – NSP
6. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
This is a very special scholarship. It is given to children and widows of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard Personnel — that means people who worked in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard.
If your parent or guardian served in the Indian armed forces, you may be eligible for this scholarship.
Quick Details – Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme
| Offered By | Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Who Can Apply | Wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard Personnel |
| Courses Covered | First professional degree programs – MBBS, BDS, BE, BTech, BBA, BCA, B.Pharm, etc. |
| Scholarship Amount | Rs. 2,500 per month for boys; Rs. 3,000 per month for girls |
| Duration | 1 to 5 years depending on the course |
| How to Apply | KSB Portal – ksb.gov.in |
🔗 Official Website: Kendriya Sainik Board – ksb.gov.in
7. AICTE Scholarships – For Engineering and Technical Students
AICTE stands for All India Council for Technical Education. It is the body that controls all engineering, MBA, and other technical colleges in India. AICTE offers two main scholarships:
AICTE Pragati Scholarship – For Girls
This scholarship is specially for girl students who are studying in technical colleges (engineering, MBA, pharmacy, architecture, etc.) approved by AICTE.
Quick Details – Pragati Scholarship
| Who Can Apply | Girl students in AICTE-approved diploma or degree courses |
| Seats | 5,000 per year |
| Income Limit | Family income below Rs. 8 lakh per year |
| Amount | Rs. 50,000 per year (tuition fee or actual, whichever is less) |
| Where to Apply | NSP portal – scholarships.gov.in |
AICTE Saksham Scholarship – For Specially Abled Students
This scholarship is for students with disabilities (specially-abled students) who are studying in AICTE-approved technical courses.
Quick Details – Saksham Scholarship
| Who Can Apply | Students with at least 40% disability studying in AICTE-approved courses |
| Seats | 1,000 per year |
| Income Limit | Family income below Rs. 8 lakh per year |
| Amount | Rs. 50,000 per year |
| Where to Apply | NSP portal – scholarships.gov.in |
8. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) – Study Abroad
Do you dream of studying at a world-famous university abroad? The National Overseas Scholarship can help make that dream come true!
This scholarship is for students from SC, DNT (De-notified Tribes), landless agricultural laborers, and traditional artisan communities who want to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in any country abroad — as long as the university is in the QS Top 500 list.
Quick Details – National Overseas Scholarship
| Offered By | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
| For Whom | SC, DNT, landless agricultural laborer, traditional artisan backgrounds |
| Courses | Master’s (up to 3 years) and PhD (up to 4 years) |
| Total Awards | 125 scholarships per year (30% reserved for women) |
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered |
| Maintenance Allowance | Up to USD 15,400 per year (USA/UK/other countries have different rates) |
| Other Benefits | Visa fee reimbursement, medical insurance, round-trip economy airfare |
| University Requirement | Must be in QS Top 500 ranking |
Note: Applications for 2026-27 opened in February 2026 and closed in April 2026. Watch for the next cycle!
🔗 Official Website: Ministry of Social Justice – socialjustice.gov.in
9. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship – Study in the USA
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship is one of the most respected scholarships in the world. It is given by the US Government to help Indian students and scholars study, do research, or teach in the United States.
This is not just a scholarship — it is a great chance to experience life in the USA, meet brilliant people from around the world, and improve your career.
Quick Details – Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship
| Offered By | US Government (through USIEF – US-India Educational Foundation) |
| For Whom | Indian students, researchers, teachers, and professionals |
| Programs | Master’s degree, PhD research, postdoctoral research, teaching |
| What it Covers | Full tuition, round-trip airfare, living expenses, health insurance, J-1 visa support |
| How to Apply | Visit usief.org.in for the latest application window |
🔗 Official Website: US-India Educational Foundation – usief.org.in
10. DAAD Scholarship – Study in Germany
DAAD stands for German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). It is one of the world’s largest scholarship organizations. Germany is a top destination for students because many universities offer education in English and fees are very low (sometimes zero!).
Quick Details – DAAD Scholarship
| Offered By | German Government (DAAD) |
| For Whom | Students, researchers, and academics wanting to study or do research in Germany |
| Programs | Short courses, Master’s, PhD, postdoctoral research |
| What it Covers | Monthly stipend (around EUR 934 for graduates), health insurance, travel allowance |
| Language | English or German (depends on the program) |
| How to Apply | Visit daad.in or daad.de for Indian students |
🔗 Official Website: DAAD India – daad.in
11. MEXT Scholarship – Study in Japan
MEXT stands for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. Japan is a wonderful country for students who love science, technology, anime, culture, and innovation.
The MEXT Scholarship (also called the Monbukagakusho Scholarship) helps international students study in Japan at the undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, or research level.
Quick Details – MEXT Scholarship
| Offered By | Japanese Government (Ministry of Education) |
| For Whom | International students including Indians |
| Programs | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Research |
| What it Covers | Full tuition fees, monthly stipend (around JPY 143,000), round-trip airfare |
| Selection Process | Embassy recommendation, written tests, and interview |
| How to Apply | Through the Japanese Embassy in India – in.emb-japan.go.jp |
🔗 Official Website: Japanese Embassy India – in.emb-japan.go.jp
12. Chevening Scholarship – Study in the UK
Chevening is the UK Government’s scholarship program. It is given to students from around the world who show strong leadership skills and want to do a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Chevening is very prestigious. If you get this scholarship, you will study at a top UK university like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial College, or others. You will also join a network of more than 50,000 Chevening alumni around the world.
Quick Details – Chevening Scholarship
| Offered By | UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) |
| For Whom | Students with strong academic record and leadership potential |
| Program | One-year Master’s degree in the UK |
| Work Experience Required | At least 2 years of work experience |
| What it Covers | Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, visa fees, and other grants |
| How to Apply | chevening.org – applications usually open August to November |
🔗 Official Website: Chevening Scholarship – chevening.org
13. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – UK for Developing Countries
The Commonwealth Scholarship is for students from developing Commonwealth countries — which includes India — who want to do a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Unlike Chevening, this scholarship does not require work experience. It is focused on academic merit and the development impact your studies will have on your home country.
Quick Details – Commonwealth Scholarship
| Offered By | UK Government (Commonwealth Scholarship Commission) |
| For Whom | Citizens of developing Commonwealth countries (including India) |
| Program | Full-time Master’s degree at a UK university |
| What it Covers | Full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and other allowances |
| How to Apply | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk |
🔗 Official Website: Commonwealth Scholarship – cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
14. ICCR Scholarship – For International Students to Study in India
If you are an international student who wants to study in India, the ICCR Scholarship is for you!
ICCR stands for Indian Council for Cultural Relations. It is funded by the Government of India and offers scholarships to students from selected countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to study in India at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or research level.
Quick Details – ICCR Scholarship
| Offered By | Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs |
| For Whom | International students from selected Asian, African, and Latin American countries |
| Programs | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Research programs |
| What it Covers | Tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation costs |
| How to Apply | a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in |
🔗 Official Website: ICCR Scholarship Portal – a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in
Documents You Will Usually Need
Most government scholarships require the same basic documents. Here is a list of what you should keep ready:
- Aadhaar Card (or any valid ID proof)
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 12 marksheet (if applying for college-level scholarships)
- Income certificate of your parents (issued by a government officer)
- Caste certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC quota)
- Disability certificate (if applying for disability scholarships)
- Passport-size photographs
- Bank account details (ideally linked to Aadhaar)
- Domicile/Residence certificate
- Admission letter from your college or university
- Passport (for overseas scholarships)
Tip: Always keep digital (scanned) copies of all your documents. This makes it easy to upload them online.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Government Scholarships in India
Applying for a scholarship can feel scary. But if you follow these steps carefully, you can do it:
- Find the right scholarship: Read this blog carefully. Find out which scholarship suits you — based on your category, level of study, and whether you want to study in India or abroad.
- Check eligibility: Read the eligibility conditions very carefully. Do not apply if you do not qualify — it wastes your time.
- Prepare your documents: Collect all the required documents listed above. Get them scanned or clicked clearly.
- Register on the portal: For most Indian scholarships, go to scholarships.gov.in. Register with your mobile number linked to Aadhaar. For overseas scholarships, go to the specific official website.
- Fill the application form: Fill in all details honestly. Mistakes can get your application rejected.
- Upload documents: Upload all required documents. Make sure file sizes are within the allowed limit.
- Submit before the deadline: This is very important! Never wait for the last day. Technical problems can happen.
- Track your application: After submission, you can check your application status on the portal.
- Wait for verification: Your college or district office will verify your application. Be cooperative if they ask for more information.
- Receive the scholarship: If selected, the money will be sent directly to your bank account.
Important Tips to Win a Scholarship
Here are some useful tips to improve your chances:
- Apply early: Many scholarships close before the last date because the seats get full. Apply as soon as applications open.
- Be honest: Never write false information. If it is found out, your scholarship can be cancelled permanently.
- Study hard: Merit-based scholarships need good marks. Work hard in your exams.
- Keep documents ready: Every year, prepare a fresh income certificate and other documents before the scholarship season (usually July-October).
- Use the official portal only: Always apply on scholarships.gov.in or the official government website. Beware of fake websites that ask for money.
- Do not pay anyone: No real government scholarship asks you to pay money to apply. If someone says ‘pay us and we will get you a scholarship,’ it is a scam.
- Ask your school or college: Your school principal or college scholarship coordinator can help you understand the process.
- One scholarship at a time: You cannot usually receive two central government scholarships at the same time. Choose the best one for you.
- Check the renewal process: Many scholarships need to be renewed every year. Do not forget to renew on time.
Quick Reference Table – All Scholarships at a Glance
Here is a quick summary table of all the scholarships we covered in this blog:
| Scholarship Name | For Whom | What it Covers | Apply At |
| CSSS (Central Sector) | Class 12 toppers, all categories | Rs. 10,000-20,000/yr | scholarships.gov.in |
| Post-Matric SC | SC students, Class 11+ | Fees + maintenance | scholarships.gov.in |
| Post-Matric ST | ST students, Class 11+ | Fees + maintenance | scholarships.gov.in |
| Minority Scholarship | Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi | Fees + allowance | scholarships.gov.in |
| PM Scholarship (PMSS) | Children of Ex-Servicemen | Rs. 2,500-3,000/month | ksb.gov.in |
| AICTE Pragati | Girl students, tech colleges | Up to Rs. 50,000/yr | scholarships.gov.in |
| AICTE Saksham | Disabled students, tech colleges | Up to Rs. 50,000/yr | scholarships.gov.in |
| National Overseas Scholarship | SC/DNT students, abroad | Full tuition + USD 15,400/yr | socialjustice.gov.in |
| Fulbright-Nehru | Indian scholars, study in USA | Full tuition + living + airfare | usief.org.in |
| DAAD | Any student, study in Germany | Monthly stipend + insurance | daad.in |
| MEXT (Japan) | Any student, study in Japan | Full tuition + JPY 143,000/month | in.emb-japan.go.jp |
| Chevening (UK) | Leaders, study in UK | Full tuition + living | chevening.org |
| Commonwealth (UK) | Developing country students | Full tuition + living | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk |
| ICCR | International students in India | Tuition + living + accommodation | a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in |
Conclusion
Education is the most powerful tool you have to change your life. But we know that money can sometimes stand in the way. That is why government scholarships exist — to make sure that no student has to give up their dreams because of money.
In this blog, we covered 14 major government scholarships for students in 2026. Whether you want to study in India or in a top university abroad, there is a scholarship for you. Whether you are from a general category, SC, ST, OBC, minority, or have a disability — there is support for you.
Here is what you should do next:
- Bookmark this blog so you can come back to it.
- Decide which scholarships you are eligible for.
- Start preparing your documents today.
- Visit scholarships.gov.in and register if you have not already.
- Apply before the deadlines — do not wait!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
For central government scholarships on the NSP portal, you can usually apply for only one scholarship of the same type in the same year. The Aadhaar-based system checks for duplicate applications automatically. However, you can apply for both a central scheme and a state scheme if they are for different purposes.
Q2. When do NSP applications open for 2026-27?
NSP applications for the academic year 2026-27 are expected to open in August-September 2026. Keep checking the official website scholarships.gov.in for exact dates.
Q3. Is there a fee to apply for government scholarships?
No! Genuine government scholarships are always FREE to apply. Never pay anyone money to apply for a scholarship. If someone is asking you to pay, it is a scam. Report it immediately.
Q4. I scored below 60% in Class 12. Can I still get a scholarship?
Yes! Not all scholarships require very high marks. Post-Matric scholarships for SC/ST students, minority scholarships, and some state government scholarships do not always require 60% or more. Check the specific eligibility of each scholarship before giving up.
Q5. I want to study abroad. Which scholarship is best for me?
It depends on which country you want to go to and what level of study you are doing. For the USA, look at Fulbright-Nehru. For Germany, look at DAAD. For Japan, look at MEXT. For the UK, look at Chevening or Commonwealth. For SC/ST students, the National Overseas Scholarship is a great option for any country.
Q6. My family income is above Rs. 8 lakh. Are there any scholarships for me?
Most Indian government scholarships have an income limit. However, some scholarships — like the Central Sector Scholarship for very high-scoring students — are primarily merit-based with an Rs. 8 lakh income ceiling. For overseas scholarships like Fulbright and DAAD, income is not the main factor. They look at your academic record, research proposal, and future potential.
Q7. I am a girl student in engineering. Any special scholarships for me?
Yes! The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is specially made for girl students in AICTE-approved technical courses. You can get up to Rs. 50,000 per year. Also, the National Overseas Scholarship reserves 30% of its 125 seats for women.
Useful Official Links
🔗 Official Website: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
🔗 Official Website: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
🔗 Official Website: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
🔗 Official Website: Ministry of Minority Affairs
🔗 Official Website: AICTE – Technical Education Scholarships
🔗 Official Website: Kendriya Sainik Board (PM Scholarship)
🔗 Official Website: US-India Educational Foundation (Fulbright)
🔗 Official Website: DAAD India (German Scholarships)
🔗 Official Website: Japanese Embassy – MEXT Scholarship
🔗 Official Website: Chevening Scholarship (UK)
🔗 Official Website: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
🔗 Official Website: ICCR Scholarship Portal