The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is one of the most trusted platforms for students in India to apply for scholarships offered by the Central Government, State Governments, and other educational bodies. For the academic year 2025-26, the online application process has started, and thousands of students from across the country are looking forward to receiving financial support for their studies.
In this complete guide, you will learn what NSP is, eligibility criteria, documents required, step-by-step application process, important dates, and tips to ensure your application gets approved quickly.
What is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
The National Scholarship Portal is an official digital platform developed by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) under the Government of India. It acts as a single-window solution for various scholarship schemes offered by:
- Central Government Ministries
- State Governments
- Union Territories
- UGC (University Grants Commission)
- AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
Through NSP, students can apply for multiple scholarships without having to visit different websites or offices. The process is 100% online, transparent, and ensures that the scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Benefits of Applying Through NSP Scholarship 2025-26
- One Portal for All Scholarships – Central, State, UGC, and AICTE scholarships can be applied in one place.
- Time-Saving – No need to fill multiple applications for different scholarships.
- Transparency – Every step of your application can be tracked online.
- Direct Fund Transfer – Scholarship amount is sent directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Wide Coverage – From school students to PhD scholars, everyone can find suitable schemes.
Types of Scholarships Available on NSP
1. Central Government Scholarships
Some popular schemes under this category include:
- Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students
- National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
- Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Minority Students
2. State Government Scholarships
Each state/UT offers its own scholarship schemes for SC, ST, OBC, Minority, EWS, and General category students.
3. UGC & AICTE Scholarships
- UGC – PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders.
- AICTE – Pragati Scholarship for Girls, Saksham Scholarship for Differently-Abled Students.
Eligibility Criteria for NSP Scholarship 2025-26
Eligibility varies depending on the scholarship scheme, but in general:
- Nationality – Must be an Indian citizen.
- Education Level – Studying in a recognized school, college, or university.
- Family Income – Annual income should be within ₹1 lakh to ₹8 lakh (depending on the scheme).
- Category – SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Minority, and General students can apply for eligible schemes.
- Academic Performance – Minimum marks required as per the scheme guidelines.
Documents Required for NSP Application 2025-26
Before starting the online application, keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate issued by competent authority
- Mark Sheets of previous academic years
- Bank Passbook (linked with Aadhaar)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Bonafide Certificate from the institution
Important Dates for NSP Scholarship 2025-26
- Application Start Date: July/August 2025 (expected)
- Last Date to Apply: September/October 2025 (varies by scheme)
- Institute Verification Deadline: A few weeks after last date
- Disbursement of Scholarship: Usually within 2–3 months after verification
⚠ Note: Always check the official NSP portal for updated dates.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for NSP Scholarship 2025-26
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to www.scholarships.gov.in.
Step 2: New Registration
- Click “New Registration”.
- Read the guidelines and click Continue.
- Fill in your personal details, bank account details, and contact information.
- Set your password and submit.
- You will get a unique Application ID.
Step 3: Login to NSP
- Use your Application ID and password to log in.
Step 4: Select the Scholarship Scheme
- Choose the scholarship scheme you want to apply for.
Step 5: Fill in Academic and Other Details
- Provide academic information, family details, and address.
Step 6: Upload Documents
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format and size.
Step 7: Final Submission
- Review your form carefully.
- Click on Final Submit.
- Take a printout of the application for future reference.
How to Check NSP Scholarship Status 2025-26?
- Visit the NSP portal.
- Click “Check Your Status” on the homepage.
- Enter your Application ID and date of birth.
- Your application progress will be shown as – Submitted, Verified, Approved, or Rejected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Entering wrong bank details (Aadhaar-linked bank account is mandatory).
- Uploading blurry or incorrect documents.
- Applying after the deadline.
- Selecting the wrong scholarship scheme.
Tips for Quick Approval
- Apply early before deadlines to avoid last-minute issues.
- Keep all documents updated and scanned in good quality.
- Cross-check all details before submission.
- Keep a valid income certificate ready.
- Regularly check the application status.
NSP Scholarship 2025-26 – Contact Details
- Helpline Number: 0120-6619540
- Email ID: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in
- Official Website: www.scholarships.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can a student apply for multiple scholarships on NSP?
Yes, you can apply for multiple schemes if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q2. Is NSP scholarship available for school students?
Yes, there are schemes for Class 1 to 12 students, as well as college and university students.
Q3. How is the scholarship amount given?
The amount is directly credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.
Q4. Is Aadhaar mandatory for NSP registration?
Yes, Aadhaar is usually required for verification and payment.
Q5. Can I edit my NSP application after final submission?
No, once you click “Final Submit”, you cannot edit the form. So, review carefully before submission.
Conclusion
The NSP Scholarship 2025-26 is a golden opportunity for students who need financial assistance to continue their education. With a simple online application process, transparent verification, and direct fund transfer, the National Scholarship Portal ensures that deserving students get timely support.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply early, keep your documents ready, and track your application regularly. This small step could bring big support for your academic journey.