List of Top Government Scholarships in India 2026-27

Government scholarships in India help eligible students continue their education by reducing the cost of school, college, technical education, and higher studies. These scholarships are offered by the Central Government, State Governments, ministries, departments, and government education bodies.

Eligibility is different for every scheme. Some scholarships consider academic performance. Others consider family income, social category, disability, course, institution, or domicile. Many government scholarship schemes combine more than one condition.

Several central government scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Other schemes, such as INSPIRE-SHE, use their own official application platforms.

Students should always check the latest eligibility rules, scholarship amount, fresh or renewal status, and application deadline before applying.

Top Government Scholarships in India 2026–27

The following table covers major government scholarships for school and higher-education students.

The exact application period and benefit depend on the scholarship. Students should use the official government portal or scheme website for the final rules.

How Government Scholarships in India Are Classified

Government scholarships do not follow one common selection system.

Understanding the main scholarship categories can help students find schemes that match their situation.

Merit-Based Government Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships mainly consider academic performance, marks, percentile, or rank.

Students may still need to meet other conditions related to their course, institution, or education level.

INSPIRE-SHE is an example of a scholarship where strong academic performance plays an important role.

Merit-cum-Means Scholarships

A merit-cum-means scholarship considers both academic performance and the financial position of the student's family.

Students must meet the academic requirements as well as the prescribed family-income conditions.

NMMSS and PM-USP CSSS are examples of government schemes where academic and financial criteria are both important.

Welfare and Category-Based Scholarships

Some government scholarships support specific student groups.

These may include:

• SC students
• ST students
• OBC students
• EBC students
• DNT students
• Students with disabilities
• Girl students
• Students covered under other welfare categories

Students should not assume that belonging to a particular category automatically guarantees a scholarship. Every scheme has separate eligibility conditions.

Government Scholarships for School Students

School students can access both Central and State Government scholarship schemes.

The main school-level government scholarship opportunities include NMMSS, PM YASASVI school-level support, disability scholarships, category-based schemes, and State Government programmes.

Eligibility can depend on the student's class, family income, marks, school type, category, and state.

Parents who want to compare opportunities according to the student's current grade can use this guide on how to find the right class-wise scholarship.

Students looking for a government scholarship at the Class 8 stage should pay particular attention to NMMSS because the selection process takes place during this period.

Students can separately compare scholarship exams for Class 8 students if they also want to explore merit-based academic assessments.

NMMSS / NMMS Scholarship 2026–27

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme, commonly called NMMSS or NMMS, supports meritorious students from economically weaker families.

One lakh fresh scholarships are awarded each year to selected students from Class IX.

Eligible students can continue receiving the scholarship through Classes X, XI, and XII through renewal.

The current scholarship amount is ₹12,000 per year.

NMMS Eligibility

Students must satisfy the current academic, income, and school conditions.

The parental income limit is ₹3.5 lakh per year.

Students must have at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in Class VII to appear in the selection test. A relaxation of 5% applies to SC and ST students.

The scheme applies to eligible students studying in State Government, Government-aided, and local-body schools.

Students should confirm the detailed State or Union Territory selection rules because the selection examination is conducted at the State or UT level.

Is NMMS for Class 8 or Class 9?

This is a common source of confusion.

Students go through the selection process at the Class 8 stage.

The fresh scholarship starts in Class 9.

Students who continue to meet the renewal conditions can receive the scholarship through Classes 10, 11, and 12.

NMMS Last Date 2026

The 2026–27 NMMSS student application deadline has been extended to September 30, 2026.

The current verification timeline extends beyond the student application date. Students should complete their application early so that school and other verification stages can be completed within the required period.

PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026–27

PM YASASVI stands for PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India.

It is an umbrella scheme for eligible OBC, EBC, and DNT students.

The scheme includes components such as:

• Pre-Matric support
• Post-Matric support
• Top Class School Education
• Top Class College Education
• Hostel support

Students should not treat PM YASASVI as only one scholarship examination.

PM YASASVI Top Class School Education

The school component supports eligible OBC, EBC, and DNT students in Classes 9–12 who meet the income and school conditions.

Under the current framework, eligible students can receive support of up to:

• ₹75,000 per year for Classes 9–10
• ₹1.25 lakh per year for Classes 11–12

The support applies to eligible education-related costs within the scheme limits.

The annual family-income limit is currently ₹2.5 lakh.

Students must also satisfy the scheme's school and other eligibility requirements.

PM YASASVI Top Class College Education

The college component supports eligible OBC, EBC, and DNT students studying in notified higher-education institutions.

It can cover eligible tuition and other approved educational expenses within the prescribed limits.

The current 2026–27 NSP cycle lists the Top Class College scheme with a student application deadline of October 31, 2026.

Students should always check whether the application is open for fresh applicants, renewal applicants, or both.

Government Scholarships After Class 12

Students entering college can explore several government scholarship schemes after completing school.

Important options include PM-USP CSSS, INSPIRE-SHE, AICTE scholarships, PM YASASVI Top Class College, Top Class Education for SC students, and the National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST students.

Students who want a broader comparison beyond government schemes can separately explore merit-based scholarships after Class 12.

Students should choose a scholarship based on their course, academic record, family income, category, and institution.

PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students

The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students, commonly called CSSS, is a merit-cum-means scholarship.

It is not a scholarship for every student who scores high marks in Class 12.

For a fresh application, students must be above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant Class XII board stream.

They must also pursue an eligible regular course and have annual family income up to ₹4.5 lakh.

Diploma students and students studying through correspondence or distance mode are not eligible under the current scheme conditions.

The scholarship rate is generally ₹12,000 per year for the first three years of undergraduate study.

Eligible students at later stages can receive ₹20,000 per year depending on the course and scheme rules.

B.Tech and BE students receive support according to the prescribed professional-course structure.

Students should check the current NSP listing before applying because fresh and renewal timelines may be different.

INSPIRE-SHE Scholarship for Science Students

The Scholarship for Higher Education under INSPIRE is offered by the Department of Science and Technology.

INSPIRE-SHE supports eligible students pursuing basic and natural science subjects.

The programme announces 12,000 scholarships each year, with each scholarship valued at ₹80,000 per year.

One major eligibility pathway includes students whose Class XII aggregate marks place them within the top 1% of their board examination.

Eligible subject areas include:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Statistics
• Geology
• Astronomy
• Botany
• Zoology
• Other approved basic and natural science subjects

Is INSPIRE Scholarship Available for B.Tech or MBBS?

No.

Students should not assume that every Science-stream course qualifies.

INSPIRE-SHE does not support professional courses such as Engineering and Medicine under its current rules.

Students pursuing B.Tech, MBBS, or other professional degrees should explore other applicable government scholarships.

AICTE Government Scholarships for Technical Students

AICTE administers several scholarships for students pursuing approved technical degree and diploma programmes.

AICTE Pragati Scholarship

The Pragati Scholarship supports eligible girl students pursuing technical education.

The 2026–27 NSP cycle includes separate Pragati schemes for technical degree and diploma students.

Applications are currently listed through October 31, 2026.

AICTE Saksham Scholarship

The Saksham Scholarship supports eligible students with disabilities who are pursuing approved technical degree or diploma programmes.

The current NSP cycle lists these schemes through October 31, 2026.

AICTE Swanath Scholarship

The Swanath Scholarship supports students belonging to specific beneficiary groups who satisfy the current scheme conditions and are pursuing eligible technical education.

Degree and diploma versions of the scheme are available separately.

Students should check the exact AICTE eligibility criteria before applying because Pragati, Saksham, and Swanath serve different student groups.

Government Scholarships for SC, ST, OBC and Other Categories

Government scholarship eligibility often depends on social category, course, family income, and institution.

Top Class Education for SC Students

The Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students supports eligible Scheduled Caste students pursuing studies beyond Class 12 in empanelled institutions.

Students must satisfy the current income, institution, course, and other eligibility rules.

National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides a higher-education scholarship for eligible ST students studying in identified premier institutions.

The current family-income ceiling is ₹6 lakh per year.

The scholarship can cover eligible tuition fees, admission fees, living expenses, books, and computer support according to the scheme conditions.

Are Government Scholarships Available for General-Category Students?

Yes.

Not every government scholarship is restricted to SC, ST, OBC, or other social categories.

Schemes such as PM-USP CSSS and INSPIRE-SHE use academic performance, income, course, and other eligibility conditions.

Eligible general-category students can apply if they satisfy those requirements.

Government Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Students with benchmark disabilities can access separate school and higher-education scholarship schemes.

Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

The Pre-Matric scheme applies to eligible students in Classes IX and X.

Students must be Indian nationals and have benchmark disability of at least 40%.

The current annual family-income limit is ₹2.5 lakh.

The scheme can provide maintenance support, book grants, disability allowance, and other approved benefits.

Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

The Post-Matric scheme covers eligible students in Classes XI and XII, diploma, degree, and postgraduate programmes.

The current scheme also requires benchmark disability of at least 40% and annual family income up to ₹2.5 lakh.

Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities

Eligible higher-education students can also apply under the Top Class Education scheme for students with disabilities.

The current 2026–27 NSP listing shows applications through October 31, 2026.

Central Government Scholarships vs State Government Scholarships

A central government scholarship is funded or administered through a Central Government ministry, department, or national agency.

Examples include:

• NMMSS
• PM-USP CSSS
• INSPIRE-SHE
• PM YASASVI
• AICTE scholarship schemes

A State Government scholarship is generally administered by a State or Union Territory department.

State scholarships may require domicile and can have separate conditions related to class, course, family income, or social category.

Students should check both Central and State Government schemes.

A student who does not qualify for one scholarship may still qualify for another.

Major State Scholarship Portals

Several states operate dedicated scholarship systems or use State Government portals for student applications.

Students should verify the current scholarship portal through the official State Government website before submitting personal or financial documents.

National Scholarship Portal 2026–27

The National Scholarship Portal 2026–27 is the main online platform for many Central Government scholarship schemes.

The portal opened for Academic Year 2026–27 on June 1, 2026.

NSP is not one scholarship.

It is a platform that hosts multiple scholarship schemes administered by different ministries and departments.

Students can use NSP to:

• Check available scholarships
• Review eligibility
• Submit fresh applications
• Submit renewal applications
• Track application status
• Follow verification progress

What Is OTR on NSP?

One Time Registration, or OTR, is mandatory for students applying for scholarships through NSP.

OTR is a unique 14-digit number linked to Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID.

It is designed to remain valid throughout the student's academic career.

Students use their OTR information when completing fresh or renewal scholarship applications.

Fresh vs Renewal Scholarship Application

A fresh application is for a student entering a particular scholarship scheme for the first time.

A renewal application is for an existing beneficiary who wants to continue the same scholarship during the next eligible academic year.

Students should not select renewal simply because they used NSP previously.

Renewal applies only when the student is already receiving the same scholarship and satisfies its continuation conditions.

Can Students Apply for More Than One Scholarship on NSP?

From Academic Year 2026–27, NSP allows eligible students to apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes, subject to the eligibility rules of those schemes.

This does not mean every student will receive every scholarship they apply for.

Students must still satisfy each scheme's conditions.

They should also check whether receiving one scholarship affects eligibility for another benefit.

Government Scholarship Last Dates 2026–27

There is no single government scholarship last date in 2026.

Every scheme has its own application and verification timeline.

Students should check the live official portal before applying because deadlines may be extended or revised.

Documents Required for Government Scholarship Applications

The exact documents depend on the scholarship scheme.

Common requirements may include:

• Aadhaar or OTR details
• Academic marksheets
• School or college details
• Bank account information
• Income certificate
• Domicile certificate
• Category certificate
• Disability certificate where applicable
• Institution or course details

Some schemes also require proof that the student's school, college, or course is eligible.

Students should ensure that their name, date of birth, Aadhaar details, bank information, and academic records are consistent across documents.

How to Apply for Government Scholarships Online

Students should follow a clear process when applying for a government scholarship.

1. Identify a scholarship that matches your education level and category.
2. Read the latest official eligibility requirements.
3. Check whether the scholarship uses NSP or another official government portal.
4. Complete OTR if the scheme is hosted on NSP.
5. Select the correct fresh or renewal application.
6. Enter academic, personal, income, and bank information carefully.
7. Submit the required documents or verification information.
8. Complete the application before the student deadline.
9. Check whether school or institution verification is required.
10. Track the application through the official portal.

Students should not pay unofficial agents who promise guaranteed scholarship approval.

How to Check Government Scholarship Status and Payment

Students can check their application status through the portal used for the scholarship.

For NSP schemes, students can log in and review their fresh or renewal application.

Government scholarship applications may move through several stages, including:

• Application submission
• Institution verification
• District or State verification
• Scholarship sanction
• Payment processing

Several government schemes use Direct Benefit Transfer and the Public Financial Management System for scholarship payments.

Students should not treat “application submitted” as the same as “scholarship approved” or “payment completed.”

Government Scholarship vs Private Merit-Based Scholarship Exam

Government scholarships and private scholarship exams serve different purposes.

Students who want to compare test-based opportunities can separately review the top scholarship exams in India.

Government scholarship schemes often have strict income, category, institution, or course requirements.

Students who prefer test-based opportunities can also explore online scholarship exams in India.

Students who specifically want assessments without an application fee can compare free scholarship exams for students.

These opportunities are separate from government financial-aid schemes.

SCORE Online 2026: Merit-Based Scholarship Option for Classes 4–12

SCORE Online 2026 is not a government scholarship.

It is Infinity Learn's online merit-based scholarship and academic assessment for school students.

Students should check the current SCORE eligibility criteria for Classes 4–12 before registering because the assessment depends on the student's class and academic pathway.

The current SCORE campaign is conducted 100% online and registration is free.

Students can use SCORE to assess their academic performance, identify learning gaps, and compare their performance at an All-India level.

They can also compete for scholarship benefits on eligible Infinity Learn online learning programs. Students and parents can review the current SCORE scholarship benefits and rewards to understand the available benefit structure.

Students who decide to take the assessment can complete SCORE registration 2026 online.

The SCORE Online 2026 examination window began on August 20, 2026. Students can check the latest SCORE exam dates and schedule before selecting an available test date.

Government scholarships and SCORE should be evaluated separately.

Government schemes can provide direct financial or educational support according to official eligibility requirements.

SCORE provides a separate performance-based scholarship opportunity on eligible Infinity Learn programs.

Students who satisfy government scholarship conditions should apply for the relevant government scheme. Eligible Classes 4–12 students who also want an academic scholarship assessment can consider SCORE separately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Government Scholarships

Students often miss scholarship opportunities because they use outdated information or apply without checking the complete eligibility rules.

Common mistakes include:

Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Students should confirm the class, course, income, institution, category, and other conditions before applying.

Confusing Fresh and Renewal Applications

Fresh and renewal applications serve different purposes.

Students should select the correct application type.

Using Outdated Scholarship Deadlines

Government scholarship deadlines can change.

Students should check the official portal before submitting an application.

Assuming Every Pre-Matric or Post-Matric Scheme Is the Same

Different ministries, states, and categories can have separate pre-matric and post-matric scholarships.

Students should identify the exact scheme name.

Entering Incorrect Personal or Bank Information

Incorrect Aadhaar, bank, income, or academic details can delay verification.

Missing Institution Verification

Some government scholarship applications require verification by the student's school or college.

Using Unofficial Scholarship Websites

Students should use official government portals and avoid websites or agents that promise guaranteed scholarship approval.

Assuming Every Scholarship Can Be Combined

Students should check the conditions of every scholarship before accepting multiple benefits.

The right government scholarship depends on the student's education level, academic performance, family income, social category, disability status, course, institution, and state.

Students should first identify schemes they are genuinely eligible for.

They should then compare the scholarship benefit, fresh or renewal status, current deadline, required documents, and official application route.

Use the National Scholarship Portal for schemes hosted on NSP. Use the relevant official department or programme portal when a scholarship is administered separately.

Students in Classes 4–12 who also want a separate performance-based scholarship opportunity can explore SCORE Online 2026. SCORE should be treated as an additional private merit-based option, not as a government scholarship.

Always verify current scholarship information before submitting an application.