Scholarship for UG (2026): Eligibility, Amount, How to Apply & Last Date
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for UG scholarships in India opens on June 1, 2026, with a general last date to apply by October 31, 2026. Securing crucial funding for your undergraduate studies is streamlined through this portal, offering various government and private schemes. Ensure your Aadhaar-linked mobile and bank account are ready for the application process.
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2026: Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for a scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2026 requires careful adherence to the application process. The portal for 2026-27 opens on June 1, 2026, with a general last date to apply by October 31, 2026. This guide outlines the essential steps for a successful application.
- Portal Open Date: June 1, 2026
- General Last Date: October 31, 2026
- Mandatory Registration: One-Time Registration (OTR) system
- OTR ID: Lifelong 14-digit ID
- Security: Aadhaar-linked mobile verification and face authentication
- Disbursement Method: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
These key details highlight the essential requirements and timelines for applying for a scholarship for ug students on the NSP portal.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Scheme 2025-2026: Eligibility & Benefits
This section covers the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Scheme for 2025-2026, including its eligibility and benefits, with key figures and details from the latest verified sources.
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Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2025-2026: Key Dates & Selection Process
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships for 2025-26 have an application deadline of October 7, 2025. This section details key dates, the mandatory online aptitude test, and the comprehensive selection process for this significant opportunity.
- Application Deadline: October 7, 2025, for the 2025-26 scholarship for ug.
- Mandatory Component: An online aptitude test is compulsory for selection.
- Test Format: A 60-minute proctored online test with 60 MCQs.
- Application Status: Complete only after the aptitude test is taken.
- Selection Criteria: Merit-cum-means, based on academics, test scores, financial need.
- Scholars Selected: Up to 5,000 undergraduate students annually.
The selection process emphasizes both academic merit and financial need, with a crucial aptitude test determining application completeness. Up to 5,000 students can secure this scholarship annually.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Waitlist Update Date | March 15, 2026 |
| Aptitude Test Score Notification | Scores sent directly to Reliance Foundation; applicants not notified. |
| Application Preferences | Encourages girls, specially-abled; preference for household income < ₹2.5 lakh. |
| Selection Process Overview | Applications screened, followed by aptitude test evaluation. |
These details highlight the specific timeline and preferences for the scholarship, including how test scores are handled and the overall screening approach.
Essential Eligibility Criteria for Indian Undergraduate Scholarships 2025-2026
For the 2025-26 academic year, two prominent Indian undergraduate scholarships, Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships and Swami Dayanand India Scholarships, are currently closed for applications. These programs offer crucial financial support for students pursuing higher education, each with specific requirements.
Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
- Scholarship Name: Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
- Academic Year: 2025-26
- Household Income Limit: Under Rs. 15 lakh
- Enrollment Status: Enrolled in first year of undergraduate studies
- Eligible Subject Streams: Any subject stream
- Encouraged Applicants: Girls and specially-abled students
This scholarship for ug students supports a wide range of academic pursuits, emphasizing inclusivity for specific applicant groups.
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application Status (2025-26) | Closed |
The application window for this scholarship is now closed for the current academic year.
Swami Dayanand India Scholarships
- Scholarship Name: Swami Dayanand India Scholarships
- Academic Year: 2025–26
- Eligible Courses: B.Tech. and MBBS undergraduate students
- Year of Study: First-year students only
- Class 12 Marks Requirement: Minimum 80%
- Annual Family Income Limit: Less than ₹12 lakhs
This scholarship targets specific undergraduate streams and academic achievements, with additional criteria for applicants.
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Entrance Exam Requirement | Cleared JEE or NEET exam in the same year |
| Reservation for Female Applicants | 30% of total scholarships |
| Preference for Agricultural Background | Yes, with supporting documents |
| Preference for Government School Students | Yes |
| Application Status (2025-26) | Closed |
Specific entrance exam clearance and background preferences are key eligibility factors for this scholarship.
Top Undergraduate Scholarships 2025-2026: Financial Aid & Coverage Comparison
This section provides a comprehensive comparison of top national scholarships available for undergraduate students in 2025-2026, detailing their financial aid, coverage, and eligibility criteria. Understanding these options is crucial for securing valuable support for your studies.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Award Amount/Coverage | Key Eligibility (Academic) | Key Eligibility (Income) | Other Key Eligibility | Application Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarships | L’Oréal India | Up to ₹1,00,000 | 85% in Class 12 science stream | Below ₹6 lakh per annum | Women pursuing UG/PG/doctoral in science | — |
| G. P. Birla Scholarship | G. P. Birla Educational Foundation | Up to ₹50,000 annually (renewable for 4 years) + ₹7,000 (1st year for books) | 85% (WBCHSE/JAC) or 90% (ISC/CBSE) in Class 12 (2026) | Below ₹3,00,000 annually | Meritorious & financially needy students from West Bengal or Jharkhand | — |
| Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship Scheme | Sitaram Jindal Foundation | ₹500 to ₹3,200 monthly (depending on course/category) | Academic performance | Economically disadvantaged | Class 11 to PG levels, ITI, diploma, professional courses; age; relaxations for female/differently-abled | — |
| Inspire Scholarship (SHE) – DST | DST | ₹80,000 per annum for up to 5 years (includes summer internship) | Top 1% in Class 12 board exams OR qualified JEE (Advanced) | — | Pursuing basic science degrees (B.Sc./B.S./Integrated M.Sc./M.S) | Online through INSPIRE portal |
| Ishan Uday Scholarship | Government (UGC) | ₹5,400 per month (general UG) / ₹7,800 per month (professional courses) | — | Not exceeding ₹4.5 lakh per annum | UG students from North Eastern Region (NER); domiciled in NER; enrolled in recognized Indian institution | Online through National Scholarship Portal |
| Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships | Reliance Foundation | Up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of degree | 60% in Class 12 | Below ₹15 lakh (priority to below ₹2.5 lakh) | Meritorious students from low-income families; enrolled in first year (academic year 2025-26) | Online aptitude test mandatory |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme | HDFC Bank | ₹15,000 to ₹75,000 (depending on academic level) | 55% in previous examination | Not exceeding ₹2.5 lakh annually | Merit-cum-need-based; Class 1 to PG levels, diploma, ITI, professional courses | — |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | Ministry of Education | ₹12,000 per annum (first 3 years UG) / ₹20,000 per annum (PG or final year professional) | Above 80% in Class 12 | Not exceeding ₹4.5 lakh per annum | Indian nationals; enrolled in regular degree courses; not availing other scholarships | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls | AICTE | ₹50,000 per year (for tuition, equipment, books) | — | Less than ₹8 lakh annually | First-year diploma or degree students in AICTE-approved colleges; only one girl per family | National Scholarship Portal |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | Kotak Education Foundation | Up to ₹1.5 lakh per year (renewable for entire course duration) | 85% in Class 12 | Below ₹6 lakh annually | Meritorious girl students; pursuing professional UG courses (engineering, medicine, law); admitted to recognized institution | — |
The table highlights diverse national scholarships, offering varied financial aid and eligibility criteria for undergraduate students, from merit-based awards to those supporting specific regions or income groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical academic requirements to be eligible for undergraduate scholarships in India for the 2026 intake?
Most undergraduate scholarships in India for 2026 will require a strong academic record, typically a minimum of 75-80% marks in your 10+2 examinations, along with specific subject prerequisites depending on your chosen field of study.
Besides academic merit, what other factors significantly increase a student's chances of securing a scholarship for UG in 2026?
Demonstrating financial need, active participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and achievements in sports or arts often significantly boost a student’s application, as many scholarships look for well-rounded individuals or those from specific socio-economic backgrounds.
What is the typical scholarship amount or range a student can expect for undergraduate studies in India for the 2026 academic year?
Scholarship amounts vary widely; some may offer partial tuition fee waivers (e.g., ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000 per year), while prestigious national or institutional scholarships can cover full tuition, living expenses, and even provide a stipend, potentially totaling ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 annually.
When is the general application timeline and last date to apply for most undergraduate scholarships for the 2026 intake in India?
The application window for most undergraduate scholarships for 2026 typically opens between August and December of 2025, with last dates often falling between December 2025 and March 2026, though specific dates vary by scholarship provider.
Are there specific types of scholarships available for students pursuing professional courses like Engineering or Medicine for the 2026 intake?
Yes, many scholarships are specifically tailored for professional courses; these include government schemes like AICTE scholarships for engineering, state-specific medical scholarships, and private sector scholarships from companies targeting future talent in these fields.
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