Top 10 Scholarships in India 2026: Eligibility and Application Process
Education expenses can become a major concern for students and families, especially when pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate, technical, or professional courses. Fortunately, several government scholarship schemes in India provide financial assistance to eligible students based on merit, income, social category, disability, location, or course of study.
If you are searching for the Top 10 Scholarships in India 2026, this guide brings together major scholarship schemes students can explore for the 2026–27 academic year.
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is currently open for Academic Year 2026–27, with multiple central scholarship schemes listed on the portal. One Time Registration (OTR) is required for students applying through NSP.
This article covers scholarship eligibility, benefits, documents, application procedures, and important points students should check before applying.
Top 10 Scholarships in India 2026 – Quick Overview
| Scholarship | Mainly For | Level |
|---|---|---|
| PM-USP CSSS | Meritorious college students | UG/PG |
| National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship | Eligible school students | School |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship | Eligible girl students | Technical Degree/Diploma |
| AICTE Saksham Scholarship | Students with disabilities | Technical Education |
| AICTE Swanath Scholarship | Eligible specified-category students | Technical Education |
| PM YASASVI | Eligible OBC/EBC/DNT students | School/College |
| Ishan Uday Scholarship | Eligible NER students | Higher Education |
| National Scholarship for PG Studies | Eligible postgraduate students | PG |
| Top Class Education for SC Students | Eligible SC students | Higher Education |
| Scholarship for Students with Disabilities | Eligible students with disabilities | School/Higher Education |
Scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and availability can change. Students should check the current scheme specifications before applying.
1. 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 (CSSS) is a major merit-cum-means scholarship administered by the Department of Higher Education.
It aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students to help meet part of their expenses while pursuing higher education.
According to the Ministry of Education’s scheme information, eligibility includes being above the 80th percentile among successful Class XII candidates in the relevant stream of the applicable board, pursuing a regular course, and meeting the prescribed family-income condition. The published scheme FAQ specifies an annual family-income ceiling of ₹4.5 lakh. Other conditions also apply.
For 2026–27, students should check NSP for the currently available fresh or renewal application window.
Suitable for: Meritorious students pursuing regular higher education.
2. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is intended to support meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds and encourage them to continue secondary education.
Students need to satisfy the prescribed academic, income, examination, and other eligibility requirements.
For Academic Year 2026–27, the National Scholarship Portal lists the National Means Cum Merit Scholarship under the Department of School Education & Literacy. The current NSP listing shows the student application window through 31 August 2026.
Students should confirm state-level examination requirements and other conditions through the relevant authority.
Suitable for: Eligible school students who satisfy merit and income conditions.
3. AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme supports eligible girl students pursuing technical education.
The National Scholarship Portal currently lists separate Pragati schemes for Technical Degree and Technical Diploma students for Academic Year 2026–27.
The scholarship is designed to encourage eligible women to pursue technical education and reduce financial barriers.
Eligibility depends on factors specified in the current scheme guidelines, including admission/course conditions and applicable family-income criteria.
The 2026–27 NSP listing currently shows student applications open until 31 October 2026.
Suitable for: Eligible girl students enrolled in approved technical diploma or degree programs.
4. AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme is aimed at eligible specially-abled students pursuing technical education.
NSP currently lists both Technical Diploma and Technical Degree versions of the Saksham Scholarship for 2026–27.
Applicants need to satisfy disability, course, institution, income, and other requirements prescribed under the current scheme guidelines.
For 2026–27, the current NSP schedule lists student applications through 31 October 2026.
Students should keep their applicable disability documentation and academic records ready when applying.
Suitable for: Eligible students with disabilities pursuing approved technical education.
5. AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme
The AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme is another important technical-education scholarship listed on NSP.
Separate Swanath schemes for Technical Degree and Technical Diploma courses are listed for 2026–27.
The scheme targets students belonging to specific eligible categories defined under its guidelines. Because the eligibility conditions are specific, students should use NSP’s scheme specifications to determine whether they qualify rather than applying based solely on general scholarship lists.
The current 2026–27 NSP schedule lists student applications through 31 October 2026.
Suitable for: Students covered by the specified Swanath eligibility categories and pursuing approved technical courses.
6. PM YASASVI Scholarship
PM YASASVI includes educational-support schemes for eligible students from OBC, EBC and DNT categories.
For Academic Year 2026–27, NSP lists the PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in Schools and the Top Class Education in College scheme for eligible OBC, EBC and DNT students.
Eligibility differs depending on whether a student is applying under the school or college component.
Students should check their category, institution, course, family-income requirements, and whether fresh applications or only renewals are currently available for their relevant component.
Suitable for: Eligible OBC, EBC and DNT students.
7. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for NER
The Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region (NER) is intended for eligible students from India’s northeastern region pursuing higher education.
The scheme appears under UGC on the National Scholarship Portal.
As of the current 2026–27 NSP scheme listing, the Ishan Uday application window is shown as “Not Yet Opened.”
Students interested in this scholarship should therefore check the portal regularly instead of relying on an unofficial deadline.
Eligibility conditions should also be checked carefully when the current scheme specifications and application window become available.
Suitable for: Eligible students from the North Eastern Region pursuing higher education.
8. National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies
The National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies is another UGC scholarship available through the National Scholarship Portal.
It is aimed at eligible students pursuing postgraduate education and is classified as a merit-based scheme on NSP.
As of the current Academic Year 2026–27 listing, the scheme is shown as not yet opened for student applications.
Postgraduate students interested in the scheme should monitor the official portal for opening dates, eligibility specifications, and the final application deadline.
Suitable for: Eligible postgraduate students.
9. Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students
The Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students is designed to support eligible Scheduled Caste students pursuing education at notified institutions, subject to scheme conditions.
It is administered through the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and is currently listed on NSP for Academic Year 2026–27.
The NSP schedule currently shows applications open through 31 October 2026.
Students should verify the approved institution/course requirements, income criteria, documentation, and other eligibility conditions before applying.
Suitable for: Eligible SC students studying at institutions covered under the scheme.
10. Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities can also explore multiple scholarship options on NSP.
For 2026–27, the portal lists:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Scholarship for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities
The current NSP schedule shows the Pre-Matric student application deadline as 31 August 2026, while Post-Matric and Top Class Education applications are listed through 31 October 2026.
NSP also states that students with disabilities must complete the applicable UDID-related consent process before submitting their scholarship application.
Suitable for: Eligible students with disabilities at different levels of education.
Scholarship Documents Required
Documents vary from scheme to scheme, but students should generally keep relevant records ready.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar/Aadhaar enrolment details | Identity/OTR process |
| Passport-size photograph | Student identification |
| Previous examination marksheet | Academic eligibility |
| Income Certificate | Income-based eligibility |
| Category Certificate | SC/ST/OBC etc., where applicable |
| Disability/UDID Details | Disability-based scholarships |
| Domicile Certificate | Residence-based eligibility |
| Admission/Bonafide Certificate | Current education verification |
| Bank Details | Scholarship payment |
| Fee Receipt | Where required by scheme |
| Other Scheme Documents | As specified in guidelines |
Never assume every scholarship requires the same documents.
How to Apply for Scholarships Online in 2026
Many central scholarship schemes can be accessed through India’s National Scholarship Portal.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Visit the portal and check available scholarships. Select a scheme appropriate for your education level, category, income, region, and course.
Step 2: Complete OTR
One Time Registration (OTR) is mandatory for scholarship applications through NSP. OTR is a unique 14-digit number based on Aadhaar/Aadhaar Enrolment ID and remains applicable throughout the student’s academic career.
Step 3: Log In
Use the required OTR credentials to access the scholarship application system.
Step 4: Select the Scholarship
Choose the appropriate scheme for which you satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Enter academic, personal, institution, category, and other required information carefully.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload the documents required by the selected scholarship.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Check your application carefully before final submission. Incorrect information can cause verification problems.
Step 8: Track Application
After submission, use NSP’s application facilities to monitor your scholarship application and verification process.
Important NSP Update for 2026–27
The National Scholarship Portal states that the portal has been open for Academic Year 2026–27 since 1 June 2026. It also says students may apply for one merit-based scholarship and one or more welfare-based scholarships, subject to the respective eligibility criteria.
This is important because scholarship deadlines are not identical. Some schemes close in August or September, while several others currently have October deadlines.
Students should therefore check the exact scheme deadline instead of assuming there is one common last date.
Tips to Avoid Scholarship Application Rejection
Always enter your name, date of birth, Aadhaar-related information, academic details, and bank information accurately.
Make sure certificates are valid and readable.
Apply before the deadline so that you have time to correct any errors identified during verification.
Do not provide OTPs, passwords, PINs, or other sensitive credentials to agents or unknown websites.
Also remember that submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship. Final approval depends on eligibility, verification, scheme rules, and other applicable conditions.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Scholarships in India 2026 provide students from different educational and social backgrounds with opportunities to seek financial assistance for their studies.
Major options include PM-USP CSSS, NMMSS, AICTE Pragati, AICTE Saksham, AICTE Swanath, PM YASASVI, Ishan Uday, National Scholarship for PG Studies, Top Class Education for SC Students, and scholarships for students with disabilities.
Because application windows and eligibility conditions vary, students should verify the latest information directly through NSP or the authority administering the relevant scholarship.
The 2026–27 NSP cycle is already active, while some individual schemes have not yet opened. Checking your eligibility and preparing documents early can make the application process easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which are the best scholarships in India in 2026?
Major options include PM-USP CSSS, NMMSS, AICTE Pragati, Saksham, Swanath, PM YASASVI, Ishan Uday, UGC PG Scholarship and several category-specific scholarships.
2. Is the National Scholarship Portal open for 2026–27?
Yes. NSP states that the portal opened for Academic Year 2026–27 on 1 June 2026. Individual scheme availability and deadlines vary.
3. What is OTR for a scholarship?
OTR means One Time Registration. NSP describes it as a unique 14-digit number based on Aadhaar/Aadhaar Enrolment ID that students use throughout their academic career.
4. Can Class 12 students apply for scholarships?
Yes, depending on the scholarship and whether the student meets its academic, income, admission, category, and other requirements.
5. Can college students apply for government scholarships?
Yes. Several central schemes are intended for undergraduate, postgraduate, technical, and professional students.
6. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
For AY 2026–27, NSP says students may apply for one merit-based scholarship and one or more welfare-based schemes, subject to each scheme’s eligibility conditions.
7. Is every scholarship application free?
Application conditions vary. Students should follow only the fee/payment information, if any, specified on the official scholarship portal or scheme guidelines.
8. Is Aadhaar required for NSP?
NSP’s OTR system is based on Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID). Students should follow the current OTR instructions displayed on the portal.
9. Does applying guarantee that I will receive scholarship money?
No. Applications are subject to eligibility checks, verification, scheme rules, availability, and final approval.
10. Where can I apply for central government scholarships?
Many central schemes are available through the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP).