Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students 2025-26

Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students 2025-26 is an opportunity to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds for higher education. Administered through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) by the Ministry of Education, this scheme aims to help students meet some of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies. Successful applicants will receive an annual scholarship of up to ₹20,000.

Source: scholarships.gov.in

This scholarship is being offered by the department of Higher Education.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be an Indian national
• have passed Class 12 from a recognised institution with a minimum score of 80% in their chosen stream (Science, Commerce, or Humanities) from a relevant Board of Examination (10+2 pattern or equivalent)
• be currently enrolled in an undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) program in a professional field at a college/institution recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or other relevant regulatory bodies
• have an annual parental/family income not exceeding ₹4,50,000

Note:- 

• Students enrolled in distance education, correspondence programs, or diploma courses are not eligible to apply.
• Students who change colleges or universities can continue receiving the scholarship, provided:
  • The new course of study is eligible for the scholarship program.
  • The new institution has a valid All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) code. 

The selected candidates will receive financial assistance in the following manner:-

Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below. 
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details. (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
Step 3: Navigate to the 'Students' option on the left-hand side of the dashboard and click on it.
Step 4: Now, click on the 'Login' button under the OTR option, as it is required to apply for a scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step 5: Click on the 'New user? Register yourself' on the left-hand side of the dashboard and click on it.
Step 6: Read the details carefully, tick the checkbox, and click on the 'Next' button.
Step 7: Enter a functional mobile number, captcha code, and OTP, then submit to complete the registration process.
Step 8: 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 9: After successful registration, navigate to the 'Apply for Scholarship' option and click on the 'Login' button.
Step 10: Select the scholarship, fill in the required details, upload the necessary documents and submit.

Note:- All the applicants are advised to fill in the information correctly on the application form. Once the application is submitted, no changes can be made. Additionally, submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification.

• Aadhaar card (Note:- In case the applicant doesn't have an Aadhaar card, alternatives like Aadhaar enrolment ID slip, an application made for Aadhaar enrolment, Voter ID card, Driving license, PAN, Passport, etc., can be used.)
• Class 12 marksheet and certificates
• Income certificate
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)

All applications (both fresh and renewal) will undergo a two-level verification process:-

• by the Institute where the student is studying
• by the concerned State Higher Education Department or any other designated State Nodal Agency

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

Question: What is the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students?
Answer: This scheme provides financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to help them pursue higher education.

Question: Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Answer: Students who have scored above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 board exams and are pursuing regular degree courses in recognised institutions are eligible

Question: Can students pursuing a diploma or distance education courses apply?
Answer: No, only students enrolled in regular degree courses are eligible. Students pursuing a diploma or distance education courses are not eligible.

Question: Can students edit their application after submission?
Answer: Yes, students can edit their application before the final submission deadline. However, once verified by the institution, changes are not allowed

Question: How long does it take for the scholarship amount to be credited?
Answer: The amount is usually credited within 2-3 months after approval through Direct Benefit Transfer.

• Students who miss the online renewal deadline on the NSP portal can reapply for the following year's scholarship, provided they still meet the eligibility criteria.
• Students must maintain a minimum of 50% marks in their annual exams and at least 75% attendance to renew the scholarship for each year of study.
• Any complaints against a student regarding indiscipline, criminal behaviour, or ragging will result in scholarship forfeiture.
• All applicants, including those applying for new scholarships or renewals, must submit their applications online through the National Scholarship Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in). Applications sent directly to the Ministry of Education will not be considered.
• Failure to renew or delays in application verification will not result in permanent disqualification from the scholarship program. However, students must submit their renewal applications by the designated cut-off date. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for renewal in that particular year.

Note:- For more information, kindly refer to the 'Scholarship Guidelines' document.