National Scholarships — Merit • Means (NSP)
Snapshot of top central schemes for 2025–26 with eligibility, benefits & official links.
NSP 2025–26 is OPEN for applications (Pre/Post-Matric, Top Class & other central schemes). Use the official checker to see what you qualify for.
Create/renew on time; institute verification is mandatory before final submission.
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) — UG/PG
For top performers in Class 12; ~82,000 fresh awards/year (50% girls).
₹12,000/yr for UG (Years 1–3)
₹20,000/yr for PG (or Year 4–5 of integrated)
- Family income ceiling typically ₹4.5 lakh p.a. (as per scheme guidelines).
- Selection based on Board-wise merit list & quota; renewal needs year-end pass.
Amounts: ₹12k UG (first 3 yrs), ₹20k PG/4th–5th year of integrated courses. Technical courses like B.Tech get UG-rate only. Seats: ~82k fresh/year.
UGC “Ishan Uday” — NE Region (UG)
For domiciles of the 8 NE states in regular UG programs.
₹5,400/month (General degrees)
₹7,800/month (Tech/Medical/Professional)
- Family income ≤ ₹4.5 lakh p.a.; fresh admission to 1st-year UG required.
UGC PG — Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child (Non-professional PG)
₹36,200 per year (for 2 years)
- For single girl children admitted to 1st-year non-professional PG programs.
AICTE “Pragati” — Girl Students (Degree/Diploma)
₹50,000 per year (up to course duration)
- For girls in AICTE-approved institutes; separate quotas for degree/diploma.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) — Class IX–XII
₹12,000 per year (till Class XII)
- Start after clearing Class VIII exam & NMMS selection test (state quota applies).
- Family income ≤ ₹3.5 lakh p.a.; renewal needs promotion each year.
AICTE “Saksham” — Students with Disabilities (Degree/Diploma)
Up to ₹50,000 per year (tuition/incidentals)
- For PwD students in AICTE-approved institutes; income/eligibility as per rules.
Tip — Use NSP filters to find State/Minority/Top Class schemes
Many means-linked schemes (hostel, fee waivers) sit under different Ministries/States on NSP.
Quick Compare — Popular National Schemes
| Scheme | Level | Benefit | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSSS (PM-USP) | UG/PG | ₹12k/yr (UG 1–3); ₹20k/yr (PG / Yr 4–5 integrated) | Class 12 merit; income ceiling as per guideline |
| NMMSS | IX–XII | ₹12k/yr | Income ≤ ₹3.5L; state quota; NMMS test |
| Ishan Uday (UGC) | UG (NE) | ₹5,400–₹7,800/month | NE domicile; income ≤ ₹4.5L |
| PG Single Girl Child | PG (non-professional) | ₹36,200/yr (2 yrs) | Only girl child; 1st-year PG |
| AICTE Pragati | UG/Diploma | ₹50,000/yr | Girl students; AICTE-approved |
| AICTE Saksham | UG/Diploma | Up to ₹50,000/yr | PWD; AICTE-approved |
Always verify amounts, income ceilings, and deadlines on the official scheme page before applying.