National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies (UGC)
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies is run by the University Grants Commission (UGC) through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). It helps Indian students pay for their first postgraduate (Master's) degree studied within India.
Under the scheme, about 10,000 scholarships are given each year. Each selected student gets Rs 15,000 per month for 10 months in a year (about ₹1,50,000 a year), for up to two years of the PG course.
Who can apply? You must already be admitted to the first year of a full-time, regular PG degree at a recognised university, college or institution, and you must be below 30 years of age on the date of admission. It is only for your first PG degree — students who already hold a PG degree cannot apply. Distance, correspondence, private or part-time courses are not covered.
Selection is on all-India merit, based on your undergraduate (UG) marks. 30% of slots are reserved for women, and reservation follows Government of India policy. You can hold only one scholarship at a time.
How to apply: fill the online form on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) when the window opens. The scholarship is paid straight into your Aadhaar-linked bank account and can be renewed each year if you pass and keep good attendance.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PG |
|---|---|
| Streams | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Management, Science, Engineering, Technology, Medical, Agriculture, Forestry |
| Category | All |
| Age | up to 30 years |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | — |
| Benefit / amount | ₹15,000 per month for 10 months a year (about ₹1,50,000 per year), for up to 2 years |
| Duration | Up to 2 years (period of the first PG degree) |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Aadhaar-linked KYC-compliant bank account
- Undergraduate (UG) degree / mark sheets
- Proof of admission to first year of a regular full-time PG degree
- Caste/Category certificate (if applying under a reserved category)
How you're selected
All-India merit basis on undergraduate (UG) marks, except 'Single/Twin/Fraternal Girl Child'. 30% of slots reserved for women; reservation as per Government of India policy. 50% of slots per category earmarked for Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences/Law/Management and 50% for Science/Engineering/Technology/medical/technical/agriculture/forestry. Ties broken by UG marks, then Class XII marks. Results normally declared in November/December on NSP.
FAQs
Who can apply? Indian students below 30 years of age (on the date of PG admission) who are already admitted to the first year of a recognised, full-time regular PG (Master's) degree in India. It must be your first PG degree — those who already hold a PG degree are not eligible.
How much money do I get? Rs 15,000 per month for 10 months each year (about ₹1,50,000 per year), for up to two years of the PG course. It is paid directly into your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
What is the last date to apply? The current-year last date is not fixed in the official guidelines. On the National Scholarship Portal the scheme currently shows "NOT YET OPENED" for 2026-27. Please check the official portal/notification for the exact opening and closing dates.
How do I apply? Apply online only on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Applications are invited once a year. You submit supporting documents to your institution, which then verifies your application on NSP.
Can I renew it? Yes. The scholarship is renewed for the next year if you pass and maintain good conduct and attendance. You must apply for "Renewal" on NSP each year. Changing your course or institution cancels the scholarship.
Can I hold another scholarship at the same time? No. You can receive only one scholarship at a time and must declare that you are not taking any other scholarship, stipend or paid appointment during its tenure.