Education is the foundation of a strong future, but for millions of students in India, financial constraints often become the biggest obstacle to continuing their studies. Talented students are forced to drop out after school or college simply because they cannot afford tuition fees, hostel charges, books, or other academic expenses.
To address this problem, the Central Government and State Governments of India have introduced hundreds of scholarship schemes for students from economically weaker sections. Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, complicated procedures, and misinformation, many eligible students fail to take advantage of these benefits.
If you are a school student, college student, or pursuing higher education, here is some good news. The Government of India provides financial assistance directly into students’ bank accounts, and you do not need to visit multiple offices or departments. Through a single official website called the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), students can apply for more than 140 scholarship schemes using just one application process.
What Is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is an official digital platform launched by the Government of India to simplify and centralize the scholarship application process. It acts as a single-window system that brings together all major scholarship schemes offered by:
- Central Government ministries
- State Governments
- Autonomous bodies like UGC, AICTE, and other authorities
In simple terms, NSP works like an “Amazon of Scholarships”. Just as you can browse multiple products on one shopping platform, NSP allows students to explore and apply for multiple scholarships from one website.
Once a student enters their basic details, the portal automatically shows the scholarships for which they are eligible. If approved, the scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Why NSP Is a Game Changer for Students
Before the introduction of NSP, students had to apply for scholarships through different departments, offices, and websites. This process was time-consuming, confusing, and often required repeated visits to government offices.
NSP has transformed this system by offering:
- A single application platform
- Transparent and trackable applications
- Faster verification and processing
- Reduced corruption and middlemen
- Direct transfer of funds to bank accounts
This initiative has helped lakhs of students continue their education without financial stress.
Who Can Apply for NSP Scholarships?
NSP scholarships are designed primarily for students from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged backgrounds, though some schemes are open to general category students as well.
Eligible Categories Include:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- Economically Backward Classes (EBC)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Minority Communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis)
- Students with Disabilities (Divyang)
- Girl students under special schemes
Income and Academic Eligibility Criteria
While eligibility conditions vary depending on the specific scheme, the general requirements include:
- The student must be an Indian citizen
- Annual family income usually should not exceed:
- ₹2 lakh
- ₹2.5 lakh
- (Some schemes allow higher income limits)
- The student must have secured at least 50% marks in the previous academic year
- The student must be enrolled in a recognized school, college, or university
- Aadhaar-linked bank account is mandatory
How Much Scholarship Amount Can Students Get?
The scholarship amount varies depending on the student’s class, course, and scheme. Below is a general overview:
1. Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class 1 to 10)
- ₹1,000 to ₹12,000 per year
- Covers basic education expenses such as books, uniforms, and stationery
2. Post-Matric Scholarship (Class 11 and 12 – PUC)
- ₹3,000 to ₹25,000 per year
- Helps cover tuition fees and maintenance costs
3. Degree and Polytechnic Courses
- ₹6,000 to ₹22,000 per year
- Available for BA, BSc, BCom, Diploma, and Polytechnic students
4. Professional Courses (Engineering, Medical, Nursing, Pharmacy)
- ₹50,000 or more per year
- In many cases, full or partial tuition fee reimbursement
5. Postgraduate and Research (PG, MPhil, PhD)
- ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 per month
- Includes fellowships under UGC, AICTE, and other bodies
Special Scheme: PM YASASVI Scholarship
One of the most valuable scholarships available on NSP is the PM YASASVI Scheme.
Key Highlights:
- Targeted at OBC, EBC, and De-notified community students
- Applicable for students studying in Classes 9 to 12
- Scholarship amount ranges from ₹75,000 to ₹1.25 lakh per year
This scheme is especially beneficial for students studying in residential schools or facing high educational expenses.
Major Benefits of Applying Through NSP
- One portal for 140+ scholarship schemes
- No need to visit government offices
- Completely online process
- Transparent verification system
- Direct bank transfer of funds
- Application status tracking
- Reduced paperwork
How to Apply for NSP Scholarship: Step-by-Step Guide
⚠️ Important Update: The application process now requires One Time Registration (OTR).
Step 1: One Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit the official website: scholarships.gov.in
- Click on New Registration / OTR
- Enter your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number
- Verify through OTP sent to your mobile
- Complete Face Authentication using the Face RD App
- After successful verification, an OTR ID will be generated
This OTR ID will be used for all future scholarship applications.
Step 2: Scholarship Application Submission
- Log in to the NSP portal using your OTR ID
- Fill in personal details
- Enter academic information
- Provide caste, income, and category details
- The system will display a list of eligible scholarships
- Select the appropriate scheme and submit the application
📌 Note: Uploading scanned documents is mandatory only if the scholarship amount exceeds ₹50,000.
Required Documents for NSP Scholarship
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photograph
- Previous year marks card
- Bonafide certificate from school or college
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Aadhaar-linked bank passbook
How to Check NSP Scholarship Status
Students can track their application status easily:
- Log in to the NSP portal
- Click on Check Application Status
- Select the academic year
- View status: Submitted / Under Verification / Approved / Rejected
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering incorrect bank account details
- Aadhaar not linked with bank account
- Uploading expired income or caste certificates
- Incomplete college verification
- Missing application deadlines
Who Benefits the Most from NSP Scholarships?
- Students from poor and rural backgrounds
- First-generation learners
- Girls pursuing higher education
- Hostellers
- Students enrolled in technical and professional courses
Important Tips for Students
- Ensure Aadhaar-bank seeding is completed
- Contact your school or college nodal officer for verification
- Do not wait until the last date to apply
- Keep your OTR ID safe
- Use an active mobile number
Conclusion
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a powerful initiative that ensures no student is forced to abandon education due to lack of money. With financial support ranging from a few thousand rupees to ₹1.25 lakh or more, NSP opens doors for students to pursue their academic dreams confidently.
Education is a right, not a privilege. If you or someone you know is eligible, apply through NSP and spread awareness among fellow students. A single application can change a student’s future forever.
