Scholarship for PG Student (2026): Eligibility, Amount, How to Apply & Last Date
For 2026, the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies offers Rs.1,50,000/- annually to 10,000 eligible first-year PG students in India. This two-year scholarship, disbursed via DBT, supports full-time Master’s degree pursuits for those under 30.
National & State Postgraduate Scholarship Schemes for 2026
National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies offers significant financial assistance to Indian students pursuing postgraduate degrees. These programs aim to support academic pursuits, providing Rs.1,50,000/- annually for eligible candidates.
- Scheme Name: National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies.
- Objective: Financial aid for Indian students pursuing a Postgraduate Degree.
- Scholarship Amount: Rs.1,50,000/- per annum.
- Fresh Quota: 10,000 scholarships for Master’s degree.
- Eligibility (Mode): First-year PG degree students in ‘Regular/Full Time’ mode.
- Tenure: 2 years.
Further details regarding eligibility criteria, application process, and administrative specifics for this scholarship for pg student are outlined below.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility (Integrated Programs) | Scholarship for PG component only. |
| Eligibility (Age Limit) | Below 30 years. |
| Eligibility (Course Recognition) | Recognized PG degree programmes as per UGC Notification, 2014, as amended. |
| Implementation Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) (www.scholarships.gov.in) |
| Disbursement Method | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to students’ bank accounts. |
| State Nodal Office (Maharashtra) | Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra State (from 2023-24). |
| UGC Website Last Updated | 17-06-2026 |
| DTE Maharashtra Page Last Updated | February 26th, 2026 at 11:36 am |
Eligibility Criteria for PG Scholarships: Age, Marks, & Course Requirements
Applicants for postgraduate scholarships must be Indian nationals under 30, pursuing their first full-time postgraduate degree at a UGC-recognized institution. Specific academic and course recognition criteria also apply to ensure meritorious students are supported.
- Applicant Nationality: Indian students
- Age Requirement: Under 30 years of age at the time of admission to the PG program
- Postgraduate Course Type: First full-time regular postgraduate degree program
- Admission Status: Must have secured admission in the first year of a regular/full-time postgraduate degree
- Institution Recognition: UGC-recognized institution
- Undergraduate Degree Requirement: Must have completed an undergraduate degree from a UGC Act recognized institution.
Further specific criteria detail course recognition, ineligible study modes, and special considerations for marks and women candidates, ensuring the scholarship supports appropriate academic pursuits.
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Ineligible Course Modes | Open/distance/correspondence/private/part-time modes are not eligible. |
| Integrated Programs | Scholarship applicable only for the PG component. |
| PG Course Recognition | Must be recognized under the UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees, 2014 (and amendments, if any). |
| Marks Requirement | No explicit minimum marks; supports ‘meritorious students’. Priority for Single/Twin/Fraternal Girl Child regardless of UG marks. |
| Reservation for Women | 30% reservation for women candidates. |
How to Apply for Postgraduate Scholarships Online in 2026
Applying for a postgraduate scholarship in 2026 primarily involves the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). This section details the essential steps and required documents for a successful application, ensuring you navigate the process effectively from registration to submission and status checks.
- Primary Application Portal: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- NSP Website: https://scholarships.gov.in/
- General Application Process – Step 1: Visit the official scholarship portal.
- General Application Process – Step 2: Complete new registration, often using Aadhaar.
- Required Document: Aadhaar Card
- Required Document: Passport Size Photograph
Following initial registration, comprehensive details regarding the full application process, login procedures, status checks, additional required documents, and expected timelines for a scholarship for pg student are outlined in the table below.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| General Application Process | Login with credentials, fill the application form, upload all required documents, then review and submit. |
| Detailed Login Process | Visit the official scholarship portal, click on the Login option, enter User ID and Password, complete captcha verification, and access your applicant dashboard. |
| Application Status Check Process | Login to the scholarship portal, open the applicant dashboard, click on “Application Status”, and view the latest scholarship status. |
| Additional Required Documents | Domicile Certificate, Income Certificate, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Previous Academic Marksheet, Admission Proof, Fee Receipt, Bank Passbook Copy (if required). |
| Expected Dates (2026-27) | Application Start Date, Last Date to Apply, Institute Verification, Scholarship Approval, Scholarship Disbursement: All To Be Announced. |
This table summarizes the comprehensive steps for application, login, and status checks, alongside a complete list of necessary documents and the expected timelines for the 2026-27 scholarship cycle.
Reliance Foundation & AICTE PG Scholarships 2025-26 Details
The Reliance Foundation offers a significant postgraduate scholarship, providing up to ₹6,00,000 and holistic development support to 100 brightest postgraduate students annually. This section details the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 2025-26 and includes information on the AICTE PG.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 2025–26 | |
| Name of Scholarship | Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships |
| Provider Name | Reliance Foundation – Education & Scholarship Programs |
| Vision | To nurture a new generation of scientists, technologists, and changemakers who will lead India towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, contributing to national development and global progress. |
| Number of Scholars | 100 brightest postgraduate students each year |
| Scholarship Type | Merit & Means (Financial aid + holistic development support) |
| Benefits | Up to INR 6,00,000 over the duration of the degree programme; mentoring, internships, workshops, volunteering, alumni network, exposure opportunities. Holistic development includes expert interactions, industry exposure, and volunteering engagements. |
| Eligibility | Indian citizen; 1st year PG students in selected streams (Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Renewable & New Energy, Material Science & Engineering, Life Sciences); GATE score 550–1000 OR UG CGPA ≥ 7.5. |
| Not Eligible | 2nd year+ PG students, online/part-time/hybrid/distance courses |
| Application Fee | No application fee is required |
| Application Mode | Online through the Buddy4Study portal |
| Mandatory Requirement | Online Aptitude Test (application considered complete only after test submission) |
| Aptitude Test Score Notification | Scores sent directly to Reliance Foundation; applicants will not be notified of their scores. |
| Last Date to Apply | October 7, 2025 |
| Documents Needed | Passport size photograph Permanent address proof Current updated resume Class 10 and 12 Marksheets of board examinations GATE Entrance Examination Marksheet (if applicable) Official transcript/marksheet of your undergraduate degree Bonafide Student Certificate from your current college/institution Two essays: Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose Two reference letters: One academic and one character reference Experience certificate(s) from work experience/internships (if applicable) Official Disability Certificate issued by the relevant Government authority (if applicable) Family income proof issued by Gram Panchayat/Ward Counsellor/Sarpanch/Income Proof from SDM/DM/CO/Tehsildar PAN and bank details (to be submitted after completing your application) |
| Contact Email | RF.PGScholarships@reliancefoundation.org |
| AICTE PG Scholarship Scheme | |
| Scheme Existence | The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) operates a PG Scholarship Scheme (GATE/GPAT). |
| 2025-26 Notification | — |
This comprehensive table outlines the key details for the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships, a significant scholarship for pg student, alongside essential information about the AICTE PG Scholarship Scheme.
PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders (URH) & GATE/GPAT 2026
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offers a postgraduate scholarship specifically for GATE/GPAT qualified candidates. This program supports those pursuing higher education in eligible engineering, architecture, and pharmacy programs, providing financial assistance for up.
- Scholarship Type: PG Scholarship (GATE/GPAT)
- Administering Body: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
- Eligibility – Qualification: Only GATE/GPAT qualified candidates are eligible.
- Eligibility – Programs: GATE in engineering/architecture; GPAT in pharmacy are eligible.
- Scholarship Duration: Maximum 24 months or till course completion, whichever is earlier.
- Application Process: Register on portal with GATE Score and Bank Account details.
Further details regarding eligibility criteria, bank account requirements, and necessary documentation are crucial for applicants. Adherence to specific guidelines ensures a smooth application process for this scholarship for pg student.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Restrictions | Part-time course candidates are not eligible. Admissions outside GATE/GPAT validity are not considered. Creamy layer OBC candidates are not eligible. Candidates without authentic SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PH certificates are not eligible. |
| Bank Account Rules | Account name must match candidate name. Joint accounts are not permitted. Must be a general savings account (no minor/no frills). |
| Scholarship Commencement | From date of class commencement or admission, whichever is later. |
| Required Documents | Recent authentic NCL certificate (not more than 1-year old) for OBC. SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PH certificates attested by institute principal or gazetted officer. All other attachments self-attested. Certificates in Hindi/English, or translated and verified. Only clear, readable attachments accepted. |
| Latest Notification | PG scholarship 2025-26_Notification |
| AICTE Technical Helpline | 011-29581333, 011-29581338 |
| AICTE Scheme Helpline | 011-29581119 |
| AICTE Email | pgscholarship@aicte-india.org |
| AICTE General Phone | 011-2958 1050 – 1000 |
| AICTE Address | Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi -110070, India |
| Scheme Admin Address | 4th Floor, NeGD, Electronics Niketan, 6 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003, India |
This table outlines specific conditions for eligibility, bank account setup, and document submission, along with essential contact information for AICTE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there specific scholarships available for PG students pursuing professional courses like MBA or M.Tech in India for the 2026 academic year?
Yes, many scholarships target professional PG courses. These often include merit-based scholarships from institutions, corporate-sponsored scholarships, and government schemes like the AICTE PG Scholarship for M.Tech/M.Pharm students, typically offering around INR 12,400 per month.
What kind of academic performance is generally expected to qualify for a significant postgraduate scholarship in India?
Most competitive postgraduate scholarships require a strong academic record, typically a minimum of 60-70% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 7.0-8.0 out of 10 in your undergraduate degree. Some prestigious scholarships may demand even higher scores, often above 80%.
Besides academic merit, what other factors can strengthen a PG student's scholarship application?
Extracurricular achievements, leadership roles, relevant work experience (especially for MBA programs), strong letters of recommendation, and a compelling statement of purpose outlining your goals and financial need can significantly enhance your application.
Can PG students apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously, and are there any restrictions on receiving funds from different sources?
Yes, students can generally apply for multiple scholarships. However, some scholarships may have clauses preventing recipients from holding other major scholarships concurrently, so it’s crucial to review the terms and conditions of each award.
What is the typical timeline for scholarship applications for the 2026 academic year, and when can students expect to hear back?
Application windows for 2026 scholarships often open between September 2025 and March 2026, with deadlines varying widely. Students can usually expect to hear back about their application status between April and July 2026, depending on the scholarship provider.
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