Hey there, future scholars! Navigating the costs of college can feel overwhelming, but what if you could get a financial boost to make your academic journey smoother? That’s exactly what the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) aims to do. If you're an undergraduate student dreaming of financial support for the 2025 academic year, you've come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the NSP scholarship amount for UG students, the eligibility criteria, the application process, and some pro tips to secure your scholarship without a hitch. Let’s dive in!
What is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
Before we get into the specifics, let's understand what the NSP is all about. The National Scholarship Portal is a brilliant initiative by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Think of it as a one-stop online platform where you can find and apply for a multitude of scholarships offered by various central and state government departments.
It was created to make the scholarship process transparent, efficient, and accessible to every eligible student across the country. From Class 1 all the way up to Ph.D. level, the NSP hosts over 100 scholarship schemes. For undergraduate students like you, it’s a golden gateway to financial aid from ministries like the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
The best part? The entire process is digital, from application to disbursement. The scholarships are sent directly to your bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which means no middlemen and no unnecessary delays.
A Detailed Look at NSP Scholarship Amounts for UG Students
Now, let's get to the part you're most curious about—the money! The scholarship amount for UG students varies depending on the scheme, your course, and your category. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key scholarships you can apply for in 2025.
1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College & University Students
This is a popular scheme for meritorious students from economically weaker sections. If you are an undergraduate student, you can receive up to ₹12,000 per year. This amount is designed to help cover various academic expenses like tuition fees, books, and other study materials. It’s funded directly by the Ministry of Education.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities
Aimed at students from minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi), this scholarship provides financial assistance for studies from Class 11 onwards. For UG students, the benefit includes a tuition fee of up to ₹3,000 per year, plus a maintenance allowance of approximately ₹7,000 to help with living costs. The total support can be around ₹10,000 per annum, managed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
3. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional & Technical Courses
If you are pursuing a professional or technical UG course (like Engineering, Medicine, or Law) and belong to a minority community, this scholarship is for you. It offers substantial financial aid, covering either the full course fee or providing ₹20,000 per year, whichever amount is less. This ensures that your primary financial burden—the tuition fee—is taken care of.
4. Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students
This is a comprehensive scheme for SC students pursuing high-quality education. It covers the full tuition fee and also provides a monthly maintenance allowance of around ₹2,200. On top of that, you get about ₹3,000 per year for books and other academic essentials. It’s a holistic support system funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
To encourage more girls to join technical education, the AICTE Pragati Scholarship offers a generous amount of ₹50,000 per year. This is for female students enrolled in AICTE-approved institutions for diploma or degree courses. The scholarship is intended to cover tuition fees, purchase books, and meet other academic-related costs.
6. AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Differently-Abled Students
This scholarship provides robust support for students with disabilities. It also offers ₹50,000 per year to help with tuition fees, the purchase of assistive devices, and other educational expenses. It’s a significant step towards making technical education inclusive and accessible.
7. ISHAN UDAY – Special Scholarship for North Eastern Region (NER)
If you are a domicile of the North Eastern Region, this UGC scholarship is tailored for you. For general undergraduate courses, it provides a monthly allowance of ₹5,400. If you are in a technical or professional UG course, the amount increases to ₹7,800 per month. This is a major initiative to support students from the NER in pursuing higher education.
8. Various State Government Schemes
Besides these central schemes, your state government also offers scholarships through the NSP. The amount can vary widely, typically ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 per year, depending on the state and the specific scheme. It’s a good idea to check the NSP portal for scholarships specific to your state.
Who is Eligible for These NSP Scholarships?
Each scholarship has its own fine print, but here are the general eligibility criteria that most UG scholarships under NSP share:
- You must be an Indian citizen and enrolled in a recognized college or university in India.
- Your academic performance matters. You generally need to have scored at least 50% marks in your previous qualifying examination (like Class 12).
- There is an income ceiling. Your annual family income should typically be between ₹1 lakh to ₹8 lakh, depending on the scheme. For some minority scholarships, the limit is ₹2.5 lakh.
- Aadhaar Card and Bank Account are mandatory. You must have a valid Aadhaar number and an active bank account linked to it for the Direct Benefit Transfer.
- Category Certificates are required if you are applying for SC/ST/OBC or Minority scholarships. You will need to upload a valid caste or minority certificate.
- Bonafide Student Certificate from your current educational institution is also a common requirement.
How to Apply for NSP Scholarship 2025: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
The application process on the NSP is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Registration (One-Time Registration - OTR)
First things first, you need to register on the portal.
- Go to the official website: scholarships.gov.in
- Click on the “New Registration” link.
- Read the guidelines carefully and proceed.
- You will be asked to provide your Aadhaar number for verification. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number to complete this step.
- Once verified, you will receive a unique Application ID and OTR Password. Keep this safe, as you'll need it for all future logins and tracking.
Step 2: Filling the Application Form
- Log in with your Application ID and OTR Password.
- Select the correct academic year (2025-26) and choose “Fresh Application” if you are a first-time applicant.
- Carefully fill in all the details in the form. This includes:
- Personal Details: Name, Date of Birth, Category, etc.
- Academic Details: Your Class 12 marks, current course, year of study, etc.
- Bank Account Details: Account number, IFSC code. Double-check this to ensure the scholarship money reaches you.
- Contact Information: Your email and phone number.
Step 3: Uploading the Required Documents
This is a critical step. You will need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Previous year’s mark sheet
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Passbook front page
- Passport-sized photograph
- Bonafide Certificate from your college
Make sure the documents are clear and in the specified format (usually JPEG or PDF).
Step 4: Final Submission and Tracking
- Before hitting the final submit button, review every single detail you have entered. Once submitted, you may not be able to make changes.
- Click on “Submit”.
- Note down your Application ID for future reference.
- You can track the status of your application by logging into the portal anytime. It will show stages like “Submitted,” “Forwarded to Institute,” “Verified,” and “Approved.”
The Scholarship Disbursement Process
After you’ve successfully applied, the next question is, when will you receive the money?
The verification process is carried out by your institute and the respective government departments. This usually happens between November and December 2025. Once your application is verified and approved, the scholarship amount is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into your bank account.
The disbursement typically happens between January and March 2026. You can track the payment status on the NSP portal itself under the “Know Your Payment” section, which redirects you to the PFMS (Public Financial Management System) portal.
Key Dates to Remember for 2025-26
Mark your calendars! Here are the important timelines:
- Application Portal Opens: June 2025 (tentative)
- Last Date to Apply: October 31, 2025
- Correction Window: November 2025 (a short period to correct any mistakes)
- Verification by Institutes: December 2025
- Scholarship Disbursement: January to March 2026
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
A small error can lead to rejection. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Incorrect Bank Details: A wrong account number or IFSC code is the most common reason for failed transactions. Triple-check this!
- Aadhaar Number Mismatch: Ensure the name and details on your Aadhaar match your academic documents.
- Missing the Deadline: Don’t wait for the last day. Server overload is common then, and you might not be able to submit your form.
- Blurry Documents: Upload clear, legible documents. If the authorities can’t read your income certificate, they can’t approve your application.
- Skipping Institute Verification: After you submit, your college/institute has to verify your details. Follow up with your college administration to ensure they complete this step on time.
Final Thoughts: Unlock Your Future with NSP
The NSP Scholarship 2025 is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in your potential. It empowers you to focus on your studies and build a brighter future without the constant stress of financial constraints. From ₹12,000 for general courses to ₹50,000 for technical fields, the support is substantial.
So, gather your documents, be meticulous with your application, and apply well before the deadline of October 31, 2025. Your dedication, combined with this financial support, can be the perfect recipe for your academic success.
Ready to take the first step? Visit scholarships.gov.in today and unlock the door to your educational dreams!
