The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students 2025–26 is a program created to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections to take up higher studies. The scheme aims to provide economic relief to deserving students to enable them to focus on their aspirations of higher studies.
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Education through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) which will assist eligible students with concessions to cover some of their day-to-day expenses during their study period in a college/university.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to ensure that the scholarship is awarded to the most rank deserving applicants, the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students 2025-26 has defined eligibility criteria, which consist of the following:
- Indian National - An applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Academic Performance - Must have passed the Class 12 examination of the recognized board with a minimum of 80% marks obtained in the chosen stream (Science, Commerce or Humanities) in the 10+2 pattern or equivalent.
- Enrollment in Higher Education - Must be enrolled in UG or PG program in a professional course.
- Recognized Institution - The college/institution should be recognized under the AICTE or relevant regulatory body.
- Salary Cap - The parental / family annual income of the applicant should not exceed a total of ₹4,50,000 from all sources.
Benefits
The Central Sector Scheme of scholarship for students of Colleges and Universities 2025–26 provides targeted financial assistance to enable students to cope with the financial burden of education while pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The amount of scholarship depends on the type and length of the course.
The candidates selected will receive selected financial support:
- ₹12,000 per annum for regular undergraduate courses (1st to 3rd year).
- ₹20,000 per annum for students studying a professional course in 4th and 5th years, including Integrated degree courses.
- ₹12,000 per annum for undergraduate course (eg B.Tech, B.Engg) students undertook technical University courses up to 3rd year.
- ₹20,000 per annum for all postgraduate students, across all streams.
- The scholarships are renewable each year depending on maintenance progress, academic performance and continued eligibility.
Required Documents
Once you start the application process to the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students 2025-26, you will be required to upload valid documents in support of proof of eligibility. It is expected that all documents must be clear and easily readable.
The documents to submit are as follows:
- Aadhaar Card - Students must provide proof of identity in which case the Aadhaar Card is required.
- Class 12 Mark sheet and Certificate - You will need to provide this document in order to confirm academic eligibility and minimum marks to satisfied.
- Income certificate - Issued by competent authority stating which is your family annual income does not exceed ₹4,50,000.
- Caste certificate- If you are applying under caste requirements SC/ST/O´・ivity for applicants when either this applies
- Disability Certificate - For applicants with Benchmark disabilities. Which must be issued by a competent Providence Medical authority.
How to Apply
Applicants interested in applying for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students 2025–26 must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). It is mandatory to complete their application online and it is important that information and documentation is accurate and current.
To apply, please follow the steps below:
- Visit the Official Website - Visit the NSP national scholarship portal website.
- Register Yourself - Fill in the basic details if applying for the first time by clicking on "New Registration".
- Login into the Portal - Enter the user id and password at you created to log into the user dashboard, and can access the application form.
- Complete the Application Form - Fill out the required academic, personal, and financial information accurately.
- Upload the Required Documents - Upload all documents in scanned copies prescribed formats.
- Submit the Application - Print and comprehend the application and submit it; retain a copy of the confirmation for future.
Scholarship Selection Process
There is a process to select students through academic screening, which will be the process to ensure only deserving and eligible students are financed. The process is as follows:
- Application Submission
- Students submit their completed application form online, through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) along with their respective documents;
- Institution Level Verifications
- The student's college/university verify the authenticity of the submitted application detail and submitted documentation;
- State Level Verification
- The state's higher education department/state nodal agency assess the verified applications;
- Centralized Screening
- The Ministry of Education collates and evaluates all of the verified applications from different states to short list deserving students;
- Final Selection and Payment
- The selected candidates will be notified and then payments are distributed using Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into their respective bank accounts for payment distribution.
This process to follow at each step also attains transparency and fairness in the allocation of scholarships.
