2025 India Scholarships: From High School to Postgraduate — Eligibility, Benefits, and Online Application Process

2025 India Scholarships: From High School to Postgraduate — Eligibility, Benefits, and Online Application Process

In India, for most families, parents work hard to save money, hoping their children will succeed in their studies and have a better future. However, rising tuition fees, dormitory rents, and even exam registration fees are making education increasingly difficult for many students. For many, financial assistance has become crucial.

This article will explain scholarships, hoping to help you choose the funding method that best suits your needs.

2025 India Scholarships: National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Overview

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is India’s primary digital platform for applying to various central and state-level scholarship programs. The portal simplifies the entire application process, from registration to fund disbursement, ensuring that students in need of financial assistance can directly access the funds without intermediaries.

Whether you're in ninth grade or pursuing a PhD, the portal’s One-Time Registration (OTR) system allows you to manage all your applications with one login. Many top universities and state education boards have integrated with the NSP system to speed up the processing of applications.

Key Features:

  • Direct links to apply for any ongoing scholarship programs.

  • A qualification-checking tool to match you with suitable scholarships.

  • Verification processes automatically handled through your school, college, or university.

  • Payment options integrated with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring funds reach your Aadhaar-linked bank account.

  • A status tracking dashboard to monitor the entire application process, from submission to approval.

Scholarships for Indian Students: From Middle School to Postgraduate

  1. SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship (2025-26)

  2. 2025 Satya Scholarship Program

  3. Kotak Kanya Scholarship (2025-26)

  4. Mahindra EmpowerHer Scholarship Program (2025-26)

  5. Colgate "Smile India" Scholarship (2025-26)

  6. Vidyadhan-Gomabai Degree Scholarship (2025)

  7. Santoor Scholarship (2025-26)

1. National Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)

This government-funded program is aimed at helping outstanding students who might otherwise drop out due to financial constraints. It’s a great opportunity to build academic achievements early and set the foundation for future scholarship applications.

  • Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 studying in government or aided schools with a family annual income under ₹3.5 lakh.

  • Benefits: ₹1,000 per month (₹12,000 per year).

  • Required Documents: Aadhaar card, income certificate, last year’s academic transcript, and school enrollment certificate.

  • Verification: Processed through your school’s NSP coordinator.

2. Pre-University and Post-University Scholarships (for Minority & Backward Classes)

These scholarships are available to students from OBC, SC/ST, and minority communities.

  • Eligibility: Students in grades 1-12.

  • Benefits: ₹2,000 – ₹12,000 (varies by grade, exam board, and state).

  • Verification: Multiple verification stages through the institution and state authorities.

Scholarships for Undergraduate (College) Students

3. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students (CSSS)

This scholarship is for students who have passed the 12th grade exams with excellent grades.

  • Eligibility: Students with a family income below ₹4 lakh and a minimum 80% in the 12th grade exams.

  • Courses Covered: Bachelor’s degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medicine, Law, etc.

  • Benefits: ₹12,000 per year for undergraduate students; ₹20,000 per year for professional or postgraduate courses.

  • Application Process: Visit NSP Portal → Select CSSS → Fill the online application → Upload required documents → Submit for verification.

If you maintain the required percentage, this scholarship will continue until graduation.

4. Private University Scholarships (2025)

Many private universities offer scholarships to attract top students. For example, Amity University, LPU, SRM University, and Manipal University offer 50% to 100% fee waivers based on entrance exam results or academic performance.

  • Application Tip: Before applying, check the official scholarship page and fee structure of your desired B.Tech program. Some universities may also offer financial support through collaborations with non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) for low-interest loans.

Postgraduate and Professional Course Scholarships

5. Postgraduate Scholarships for Top-Ranking Students or Only Daughters

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced this scholarship to encourage high-performing students and balance the gender ratio in higher education.

  • Eligibility: Students with top ranks in undergraduate courses or single daughters accepted into postgraduate programs.

  • Benefits: ₹36,200 per year for two years.

  • Courses Covered: MA, MSc, MBA, MCom, and other postgraduate diploma courses from recognized universities.

6. Master’s/PhD Scholarships (ST Category)

For students from Scheduled Tribes (ST) who are pursuing research, this scholarship supports both research and long-term academic contributions.

  • Eligibility: Full-time students admitted to Master’s or PhD programs.

  • Benefits: ₹31,000 – ₹35,000 per month + emergency allowance.

  • Verification: Completed through your university and top universities registered on NSP.

Scholarships for Studying Abroad

If studying abroad is your dream, consider programs like the Chevening Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship, or Inlaks Scholarship. Many study abroad consultants now help students combine scholarships with educational loans from banks or NBFCs, providing flexible repayment options.

Be sure to discuss your financial plans with your advisor — balancing grants and loans can make studying abroad more affordable.

Step-by-Step Guide for Applying for 2025 India Scholarships

  1. Check Eligibility: Use the qualification-checking tool on the NSP portal.

  2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): Use your Aadhaar card and mobile number.

  3. Fill the Online Application: Provide accurate course and institution details.

  4. Upload Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate, academic transcript, and bank passbook.

  5. Submit Verification: Complete institutional verification and state-level certification.

  6. Track Status: Use the dashboard to monitor progress.

  7. Approval & Fund Transfer: Once approved, funds will be transferred directly to your bank account via DBT.

Important Tips Before Applying

  • Always save a PDF copy of the submitted form and confirmation.

  • Double-check all bank and IFSC code information before submitting.

  • Adjust scanned document sizes according to upload limits.

  • Regularly track your application status through the NSP portal.

  • Contact your institute’s liaison for any issues or clarifications.

  • Many rejections occur due to small errors in documents, so patience and careful attention are key.

This guide provides an overview of the various scholarships available to Indian students in 2025. Be sure to follow the application process carefully and take advantage of the financial aid opportunities that best suit your educational goals.

Good luck with your scholarship applications

Indian Scholarship