If you're a student planning your higher education and looking into the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for 2025, one of the first questions is: How much money can I actually get? In this blog we break down the scholarship amounts for various levels of study, undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), professional/engineering, nursing, clarify eligibility conditions, use real-world examples, and answer frequently asked questions.
1. Understanding NSP and why “amount” matters
The NSP is a unified online platform managed by the Indian government that aggregates multiple scholarship schemes, pre-matric, post-matric, college/university level, and for special categories. It aims to simplify application, verification, and direct payment via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
When students and parents search for “NSP Scholarship 2025 amount”, they are looking for two key pieces of information:
- What is the maximum amount I can receive (annually/monthly) for my level of study?
- What are the scheme-specific conditions (course type, year, category) that determine that amount?
We’ll tackle both.
2. General scholarship amounts for UG level (2025)
2.1 Central Sector Scheme (CSS) for College & University students
The flagship scheme for undergraduate students via NSP is the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students. According to official guidelines:
- ₹ 12,000 per annum for first three years of regular undergraduate study (for courses of 3 years).
- ₹ 20,000 per annum for the 4th and 5th years in professional/integrated-5-year programmes.
- For technical courses like B.Tech or B.E., the scheme provides only up to graduation level: ₹ 12,000 p.a. for 1st to 3rd year and ₹ 20,000 for the 4th year.
2.2 What this means in practice for UG
If you’re in a standard 3 year UG course (like B.A., B.Sc., B.Com) you could expect ₹ 12,000 for each of years 1 to 3.
If you’re in a 5-year integrated course or a professional course that is counted under the scheme, you might get ₹ 20,000 in years 4-5 (or the later years of course).
Important caveat: These amounts apply only if you meet eligibility: income limit (often ₹ 4.5 lakh per annum for the family), have the needed marks/percentile, etc.
2.3 UG example (real-world style)
Example: Riya is enrolled in a 3 year B.Sc at a recognised university. Her family income is ₹ 3.8 lakh per annum (so within the ₹ 4.5 lakh ceiling). She applies via NSP under the Central Sector Scheme. She receives ₹ 12,000 for year one, and if her attendance, marks and institute verification are okay, she will continue to receive similar amounts for year two and three.
If instead she were doing a 5 year integrated programme (say Integrated MBA + BBA) or a professional programme which qualifies, the year four amount might bump to ₹ 20,000.
3. Postgraduate (PG) scholarship amounts (2025)
3.1 National Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies (NSPGS)
One major scheme via NSP for PG students is the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies (NSPGS). According to guidelines:
- ₹ 15,000 per month for 10 months each year of the scholarship.
- This means ₹ 1,50,000 per annum (15,000 × 10) for eligible PG students under that scheme.
- (Note: We see some sources mention this amount only for the first year of PG studies and subject to full-time enrollment, etc.)
3.2 PG amounts in general (other schemes)
Other NSP-hosted schemes show figures such as:
- For general “graduate + postgraduate” in CSS scheme: ₹ 20,000 per annum for PG level.
- For special categories (e.g., ST students M.Phil/PhD) the stipend is much higher: For instance, one scheme provides ₹ 31,000 per month for M.Phil/PhD.
3.3 PG example
Example: Arjun has secured admission to a full-time Master’s degree (M.A. in English) and belongs to the economically weaker section eligible under NSP’s NSPGS scheme. He qualifies for ₹ 15,000/month for 10 months = ₹ 1.5 lakh for the academic year. If he maintains enrolment and fulfils conditions, that amount helps him pay tuition, books, living costs.
4. Engineering / Professional courses (B.Tech, B.E., Nursing)
4.1 Engineering /Technical UG courses
As noted earlier under CSS: For technical courses like B.Tech, B.E. the scholarship amount is ₹ 12,000 p.a. for years 1 to 3, and ₹20,000 for year 4 (and 5 if applicable).
Many students assume higher amounts because professional courses cost more, but the scheme sets these caps.
4.2 Nursing and medical‐allied professional courses
While many nursing/medical courses fall under “professional/technical” umbrella, specific data for nursing (via NSP) is less clearly defined in the unified figures available in public sources. However we can interpret:
- If a nursing course is counted under professional/technical programme of 4 to 5 years, then similar rules ( ₹12,000 for initial years, ₹ 20,000 later) may apply.
- Additional special schemes (for SC/ST, minorities) may offer higher or parallel benefits.
4.3 Engineering/Nursing example
Example: Priya is enrolled in a 4 year B.Tech Biomedical Engineering programme. Her family income is ₹ 3 lakh per year. Under CSS via NSP, she qualifies for ₹ 12,000 in each of year 1, 2, 3 and ₹ 20,000 in year 4 (assuming full-time, recognised institute, and she meets other conditions).
Example 2: Same student switching to B.Sc Nursing of 4 years, if the course is treated as professional/technical under the scheme, she may get same ₹ 12,000 first three years and ₹ 20,000 fourth year. It’s essential to check the scheme condition for that specific course.
5. Nursing specific considerations
Though explicit “nursing only” figures under NSP are less prominent in the source data, key points for nursing aspirants:
- If the nursing course is part of regular full-time professional degree from recognised institution → likely eligible under same CSS amounts (₹ 12k/₹ 20k).
- If you belong to SC/ST or other target category there may be additional schemes on NSP offering higher amounts.
- Always check whether your course duration qualifies (3 years vs 4/5 years), whether it’s regular vs part-time, and whether your institute is listed.
- Document eligibility: family income, category certificate, attendance, bank details.
6. Table summary (2025 reference amounts)
Undergraduate (UG – Non-Technical, 3-Year Courses)
Students enrolled in regular bachelor’s programs like B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com usually receive ₹12,000 per year under the Central Sector Scheme (CSS). This applies to the first three years of study.
Undergraduate (Professional / Integrated Courses – 4 to 5 Years)
For longer or professional programs such as integrated MBA or law courses, the scholarship amount increases to ₹20,000 per year in the fourth and fifth years of study.
Technical Courses (Engineering – B.Tech / B.E.)
Engineering and other technical students receive ₹12,000 per year during the first three years, and ₹20,000 per year during the final year. These rates fall under the same CSS scholarship category for professional education.
Postgraduate (PG) Students: NSPGS Scheme
Students pursuing a full-time master’s degree under the National Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies scheme are eligible for ₹15,000 per month for 10 months, which totals approximately ₹1.5 lakh per academic year.
M.Phil / Ph.D. (For ST and Special Category Students)
Research-level scholars from specific categories may receive ₹31,000 per month under the special schemes available on NSP.
7. Eligibility key factors that influence the “amount” you receive
7.1 Course type & year
The amount varies significantly if your programme is 3 years vs 4/5 years vs professional vs technical.
7.2 Category & family income
Different schemes have different ceilings for family income. For example one source says income must be ≤ ₹ 4.5 lakh p.a. for CSS scheme. If you exceed the limit you may be disqualified or may apply under another lesser scheme.
7.3 Institute recognition and type
You must be enrolled in a recognised institution registered with NSP (with AISHE/DISE/ITI code etc). If your institute is not approved, your application may fail.
7.4 Year of application & verification
Make sure you apply in the correct window (fresh/renewal), verify documents, ensure bank account is Aadhaar-linked. Delays in institute verification or defects may delay/disqualify funds.
7.5 Attendance, performance, previous course pass status
Some schemes demand minimum marks %, full-time enrolment, attendance. For renewal you often need to pass previous year/semester.
8. Real-World Examples
Example 1: UG Student in B.Com
Akash is studying B.Com (regular 3 year course) at a recognised university in Maharashtra. Family income: ₹ 2.8 lakh. He meets eligibility under CSS. He will receive ₹ 12,000 for year 1, and if he passes & meets conditions, the same for year 2 and year 3.
Example 2: Engineering Student
Sneha is enrolled in a 4-year B.Tech (Electronics) at a college in Karnataka. Her family income: ₹ 3.5 lakh. Under CSS she receives ₹ 12,000 for year 1, ₹ 12,000 for year 2, ₹ 12,000 for year 3, and ₹ 20,000 for year 4 (subject to meeting attendance, marks and verification).
Example 3: PG Student
Mohit has graduated with a B.Sc and now is in year 1 of full-time M.Sc (Statistics). His family income is ₹ 3 lakh. He qualifies under NSPGS and gets ₹ 15,000 per month for 10 months = ₹ 1.5 lakh that academic year.
Example 4: Nursing Student
Ritu is in a 4 year B.Sc Nursing programme at a recognised institution. Family income: ₹ 3.2 lakh. She applies under the CSS scheme (if applicable) and receives ₹ 12,000 for each of first three years and ₹ 20,000 in 4th year. She also explores any special category scheme for nursing/students with disabilities to check if additional benefit exists.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are the scholarship amounts the same for all states?
A: Not exactly. The amounts we discussed apply to central schemes via NSP (e.g., CSS, NSPGS). States may have additional schemes with different amounts. Always check scheme-specific guidelines for your state.
Q2: If I switch course from non-technical to technical mid-way, does the amount change?
A: Yes. Since technical courses have a different slab (₹ 12,000 first 3 years, ₹ 20,000 later) compared to non-technical, the amount could change. You’d need to re-check eligibility for the new course and apply under relevant scheme.
Q3: For nursing, where do I find the exact amount?
A: Nursing may be treated as professional/technical. You should check the scheme under which your course is eligible (CSS or other) and verify in that scheme’s guidelines. If your nursing course has reservations/category wise benefits, additional schemes might apply.
Q4: Does the amount increase year by year?
A: Not automatically. The amount is fixed by scheme guidelines. For example, CSS sets ₹ 12k for first three years, ₹ 20k in fourth year for 5-year courses. It is not based on inflation each year unless government updates guidelines.
Q5: What happens if my family income exceeds the limit by a small margin?
A: If you exceed the prescribed income ceiling for that particular scheme you may become ineligible for that scheme. Some other schemes may have higher income limits or different conditions. Always check guidelines and raise query with institute/state nodal.
Q6: When is the amount credited to my account?
A: After institute verification, district/state nodal verification, final approval by ministry and bank account seed verification. The timeline varies but referencing typical dates: application closes 31 Oct, institute verification by 15 Nov, state verification by 30 Nov.
Q7: Can I apply for multiple schemes and amounts stack?
A: You can apply for multiple schemes you’re eligible for. However some schemes prohibit dual benefit (you cannot receive benefit from two overlapping schemes simultaneously). Check each scheme’s terms.
Q8: Does the scholarship amount cover full tuition plus living costs?
A: Not always. The amount is a support amount, not a guarantee to cover full cost of study or living. For example, for non-professional UG students ₹ 12,000/annum may partially cover costs. For professional courses or living-away-from-home costs you may need additional funds.
Q9: What if my institute is not registered on NSP?
A: If your institute is not registered, you may not be eligible under that scheme until the institute completes registration. It is a pre-condition for many schemes.
Q10: Can the amounts change in future years?
A: Yes. The government may update scheme amounts, eligibility, income ceilings, etc. The values mentioned here are based on available data for 2025. Always verify the latest guidelines.
10. Key Take-aways & tips for students
- Know which scheme you qualify for (UG, PG, technical, nursing). The amount depends heavily on that.
- Focus on the income limit, recognised institute, full-time enrolment, marks requirement, and year-of-study since these determine your actual amount.
- Keep your documents ready, ensure bank account is Aadhaar-linked, your institute has code and is registered.
- Apply early and track verification status. Delays could mean missed disbursement.
- Understand that ₹ 12,000 vs ₹ 20,000 vs ₹ 1.5 lakh (for PG) are very different levels, choose your course type accordingly.
- For nursing and professional/technical courses, realize you may get the higher slabs but you should still check specific scheme terms.
- Don’t assume “professional = unlimited amount”; you still must check the scheme ceilings.
- If you belong to SC/ST/Minority/PwD, look for special category schemes on NSP, these may give higher amounts or additional perks.
- Keep receipts/acknowledgements and maintain attendance & marks to ensure renewal.
11. Final summary
For 2025 via NSP:
- Undergraduates (regular) generally get ₹ 12,000/year under CSS; professional/integrated courses possibly ₹ 20,000/year in later years.
- Engineering/technical courses follow the same pattern (12k early years, 20k later).
- Postgraduate students (under specific NSPGS scheme) may get around ₹ 15,000/month for 10 months, which is ₹ 1.5 lakh per annum.
- Nursing students qualify under professional/technical format with similar slabs; check scheme details.
- Actual amount you receive depends on eligibility, institution, category, income and scheme terms.
If you want, I can pull together a detailed list of 10 to 15 NSP schemes for 2025 (with exact amounts for each: UG, PG, nursing, engineering) and you can use that as a table in your blog. Would you like that?
