Education in India is becoming more expensive every year, making scholarships a lifeline for millions of students. The good news? The Government of India has made applying for scholarships easier than ever through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Related Posts:
Whether you are a first-year undergraduate or a postgraduate student, there are numerous central and state-level scholarships waiting for you in 2026.
This comprehensive guide covers the best scholarships available at both the national and state levels for college students in India, along with a step-by-step process to claim them.
What is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
The National Scholarship Portal is a single online platform launched by the Government of India that brings together multiple scholarship schemes under one website. It acts as a single-window system where students can register, apply, upload documents, and track their scholarship status. Currently, the portal lists over 100 scholarships from more than 15 central ministries and every state government.
For the 2026-27 academic year, the NSP application window opened on June 1, 2026, and the last date to apply is October 31, 2026.
Top Country-Level (Central) Scholarships for College Students
1. Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships for undergraduate students in India. It is designed for students who have performed exceptionally well in their Class 12 board examinations.
- Eligibility: Students who score above the 80th percentile of qualified applicants in their respective board streams. Family income must be up to ₹4.5 lakh per year.
- Benefit: ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per year.
- Number of Awards: Approximately 82,000 awards are given annually.
- Application Mode: NSP Portal.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students
This is perhaps the most widely accessed scholarship scheme in India, covering students from Class 11 all the way to doctoral level. Nearly 1.2 crore students receive benefits annually under this scheme.
- Eligibility: Indian citizens belonging to SC, ST, or OBC categories enrolled in recognized institutions.
- Key Update for 2026: The government is planning to raise the annual family income eligibility from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh from the 2026-27 fiscal year onwards.
- Another Major Update: Domicile certificates are no longer required to apply for SC and OBC scholarships.
- Benefit: Varies by state and course level.
- Application Mode: NSP Portal.
3. PM YASASVI Scholarship
This scheme specifically supports students from OBC, EBC, and DNT (Denotified Nomadic Tribes) categories.
- Eligibility: Students studying in Classes 9 to 12 with at least 60% marks in the previous qualifying examination.
- Benefit: Up to ₹1.25 lakh per year.
- Application Mode: NTA/NSP Portal.
4. Top Class Education Scheme
This scholarship is designed for students pursuing professional courses from reserved categories.
- Eligibility: Reserved category students enrolled in professional degree programs.
- Benefit: Full tuition fee coverage plus maintenance allowance.
- Application Mode: NSP Portal.
5. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses
This scheme supports minority students pursuing engineering, medical, and management courses.
- Eligibility: Students who get admission to technical/professional courses. If admitted without a competitive exam, they need 50% marks at the higher secondary or graduation level. Family income limit is ₹2.5 lakh per year.
- Benefit: Maintenance allowance of ₹1,000 per month (for 10 months).
- Application Mode: NSP Portal.
6. INSPIRE Scholarship (DST)
This scholarship is for students pursuing undergraduate science courses.
- Eligibility: Top-performing science students.
- Benefit: ₹80,000 per year.
- Application Mode: DST Portal.
7. Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities offers multiple schemes:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Scholarship for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities
8. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme
Separate schemes exist for:
- Wards of States/UTs Police Personnel martyred during terror/Naxal attacks
- Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles personnel
- Ministry of Railways personnel
9. Swanath Scholarship Scheme (Technical Diploma)
Provided by AICTE for students pursuing technical diploma courses.
Top State-Level Scholarships for College Students
While central scholarships are available nationwide, each state also offers its own schemes. Here are some of the most notable ones for 2026:
Maharashtra
Maharashtra has several scholarship schemes through its MahaDBT portal:
- Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Education Fee Scholarship Scheme
- Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Hostel Subsistence Allowance Scheme
- Scholarship Scheme for Minority Students pursuing Higher Professional Courses – Benefit up to ₹50,000 per year or actual tuition fee
- Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students – Covers professional courses, technical degree programmes, and university-level studies
Key Update for 2026: Maharashtra has integrated the MahaDBT scholarship portal with the Maharashtra CET Cell’s centralised admission process, covering engineering, medicine, pharmacy, management, law, and teacher training courses.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh runs one of the largest state scholarship programmes in India:
- Post-Matric Scholarship for Backward Classes: Over 2.7 million students received scholarships in 2025-26.
- Benefits by Course Group:
- Group 1 (B.Tech, MBA, MBBS): ₹56,600 annually for day scholars, ₹64,400 for hostellers.
- Group 2 (MSc, MA, BBA, PG Diploma): ₹36,360 for day scholars, ₹39,840 for hostellers.
- Key Update for 2026: Uttar Pradesh will introduce a semester-based scholarship system, enabling students to receive financial assistance at the time of fee submission.
Gujarat
- Gujarat approved an ₹18 crore scheme to extend Post-Matric Scholarship benefits to SC male students from middle-income families for 2026-27, bringing an estimated 3,000 additional students under financial assistance.
Delhi
The Government of NCT of Delhi offers:
Application Deadline Extended: June 30, 2026
Karnataka
- Deepika Scholarship (in partnership with Azim Premji Foundation): Supports girl students from Class 10 and 12 to pursue higher education.
- VTU Scholarship: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 for rural Karnataka students from economically weaker sections admitted through CET.
Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu Government offers ₹1,000 per month for boys and girls from government/aided schools who studied Classes 6-12 in Tamil medium.
- Anna University is launching a new scholarship programme for postgraduate students (ME, MTech, MArch, MPlan) from 2026-27.
Private University Scholarships Worth Mentioning
While government scholarships are the primary focus, several private universities also offer substantial scholarships:
- Amity University: Scholarships based on CUET-UG 2026 performance, with state board toppers receiving up to 30%.
- MIT-WPU: Offering scholarships worth ₹50 crores based on national/state-level entrance exams and internal tests for 2026-27.
- PCET’s Pimpri Chinchwad University (Maharashtra): Students with 95% or higher in qualifying exams can get up to 80% tuition fee waiver.
How to Claim Scholarships in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
Before you can apply for any scholarship on the NSP, you must complete the One-Time Registration. This is a unique registration valid for your entire academic career.
How to do it:
- Visit the official NSP portal: https://scholarships.gov.in
- Click on “New Registration”
- Enter your name, mobile number, Aadhaar number, and bank details carefully
Step 2: Login to Your Account
- Use your OTR number (Application ID) and password to log in
- Authentication is done through your mobile number
Step 3: Select the Scholarship Scheme
- Browse through the available schemes
- Choose the scholarship you are eligible for
- Make sure you read the eligibility criteria carefully for each scheme
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
Enter the following details accurately:
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
You will need to upload scanned copies of:
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Bonafide Certificate from your institution
- Previous Marksheet
- Passport Size Photograph
- Mobile Number (for verification)
- Fee Receipt (if required)
Step 6: Review and Submit
- Review all the information carefully
- Submit the form
- Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference
Step 7: Track Your Application
You can track your application status on the NSP portal. The portal also allows you to renew scholarship applications for the next year.
Important Dates for 2026
Note: The NSP portal will remain open till November 30, 2026 for students to apply.
Conclusion
Scholarships are a powerful tool to overcome financial barriers in higher education. In 2026, India offers a robust ecosystem of both central and state-level scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal. From the prestigious Central Sector Scholarship Scheme to state-specific programmes like Maharashtra’s MahaDBT schemes and Uttar Pradesh’s Post-Matric scholarships, there is something for every deserving student.
