The National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies is a scholarship scheme offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to provide financial assistance to eligible Indian students pursuing postgraduate degree programmes. The scheme aims to make higher education more accessible and help students continue their studies without facing excessive financial pressure.
Students who have recently enrolled in the first year of an eligible postgraduate course can check the scholarship’s eligibility criteria, financial assistance, required documents, application process, and selection procedure before applying. The application process is conducted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
This article explains the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies, including its objectives, benefits, eligibility requirements, scholarship amount, online application process, status checking, and renewal rules.
What Is the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies?
The National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies is a centrally administered scholarship scheme offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing recognised postgraduate degree programmes in India.
The scheme is intended to support students who want to continue their education after completing their undergraduate studies. It offers financial support for eligible students during their postgraduate course, subject to the applicable scheme guidelines.
The scholarship assists for up to two years. Students must satisfy the prescribed age limit, admission requirements, and other eligibility conditions to qualify.
Applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal, where students can complete their registration, fill out the application form, and track its progress.
Objectives of the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies
The main objective of the National Scholarship is to encourage students to pursue higher education by reducing some of the financial challenges associated with postgraduate studies.
Its key objectives include:
1. Promoting higher education: Encouraging students to pursue postgraduate degrees after graduation.
2. Providing financial assistance: Helping eligible students manage education-related expenses.
3. Supporting academic development: Enabling students to focus on their studies and improve their academic performance.
4. Improving access to education: Making postgraduate education more accessible to eligible students from different backgrounds.
5. Encouraging advanced learning: Supporting students who wish to develop specialised knowledge and skills in their chosen fields.
Benefits of the National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies
The National Scholarship offers several benefits to eligible postgraduate students. These benefits are intended to support their academic journey and reduce financial pressure during higher education.
The major benefits include:
1. Financial assistance: Eligible students can receive ₹1,50,000 per year under the UGC scheme.
2. Support for postgraduate education: The scholarship helps students continue their postgraduate degree programmes.
3. Two-year scholarship tenure: Financial assistance is available for up to two years, subject to scheme conditions.
4. Support across eligible disciplines: Students enrolled in recognised and eligible postgraduate degree programmes may apply.
5. Online application facility: Students can apply through the Portal without submitting a paper application through a separate online service.
6. Direct financial support: Approved scholarship payments are processed through the designated government payment system, subject to verification and applicable rules.
National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies Eligibility Criteria
The principal eligibility requirements include:
1. Nationality: The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
2. Age limit: The applicant must generally be no older than 30 years under the scheme guidelines.
3. Course admission: The student must be admitted to the first year of a postgraduate degree programme.
4. Mode of study: The course must be pursued through regular, full-time mode.
5. Recognised institution: The university, college, or institution must meet the applicable recognition and scheme requirements.
6. Eligible postgraduate degree: The course must be a recognised postgraduate degree programme covered by the UGC guidelines.
7. Integrated programmes: For an eligible integrated programme, the scholarship applies to the postgraduate component only, subject to the scheme rules.
How Much Scholarship Amount Is Provided to Students?
Under the UGC’s published scheme information, this provides financial assistance of ₹1,50,000 per annum to selected students. The scholarship tenure is up to two years, subject to the applicable conditions.
The financial assistance can be summarised as follows:
| Particulars | Details |
| Scholarship amount | ₹1,50,000 per year |
| Monthly equivalent | ₹12,500 |
| Maximum tenure | 2 years |
| Total amount over two years | Up to ₹3,00,000 |
| Administering authority | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Application portal | National Scholarship Portal |
The monthly equivalent and two-year total are mathematical calculations based on the published annual amount. Actual payment timing and continuation depend on the official guidelines, verification, and approval.
Students should consult the latest UGC scheme guidelines to confirm the applicable financial assistance for their academic session.
Documents Required for the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies
Applicants should keep the necessary documents and personal information ready before starting the online application. The exact requirements may vary according to the current portal instructions.
Commonly required information and documents may include:
1. Aadhaar number or another identification detail accepted under the current portal rules
2. Recent passport-size photograph, if requested
3. Undergraduate marksheets or degree certificate
4. Postgraduate admission letter or admission confirmation
5. Details of the university, college, and postgraduate course
6. Bank account details linked to the applicant
7. Bank account verification information, as applicable
8. Mobile number and email address
9. Any additional certificates or declarations required by the official scheme guidelines
How to Apply Online for the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies?
Before applying for the National Scholarship, they should check whether the scheme is open for their academic session and review the latest instructions.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Visit the official National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in/.
Check the available scholarship schemes and locate the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies under the UGC section. Review the application dates and scheme guidelines before proceeding.
Step 2: Register on the Scholarship Portal
If you are a new applicant, complete the required registration process on the portal. Follow the instructions for creating or accessing your applicant account.
Enter the requested personal information carefully. If the portal requires an OTR (One-Time Registration) or another identity-verification step, complete it according to the current instructions.
Existing applicants should use their registered login details or the available recovery process rather than creating duplicate accounts.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Log in to the portal and select the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies.
Enter the requested details, which may include:
1. Personal information
2. Academic qualifications
3. Postgraduate admission details
4. University or institution information
5. Bank account details
6. Other information required by the scheme
Review each field before moving to the next stage. Incorrect academic or personal information may delay verification or affect the application.
Step 4: Upload the Required Documents
Upload the documents requested by the application form. Ensure that each file is clear, readable, and within the permitted file-size limits.
Check the uploaded documents before continuing. If the portal requests additional information or supporting documents, provide them according to the instructions.
Step 5: Submit the Application Form
Review the complete application before submitting it. Confirm that the personal details, academic records, institution information, and bank details are accurate.
Submit the application and save the application ID, acknowledgement, or confirmation receipt if provided. Check the portal for any further verification requirements and monitor the application status regularly.
What Is the Selection Process for the Scholarship?
The selection process involves checking applications against the eligibility criteria and the applicable UGC scheme guidelines.
The general process includes the following stages:
1. Application submission: Students submit the online application with the requested information.
2. Initial scrutiny: The application is checked for completeness and compliance with the scheme requirements.
3. Institutional verification: The relevant institution verifies admission and academic details where required.
4. Eligibility assessment: Applications are assessed against the age limit, course, study mode, and other applicable conditions.
5. Merit-based selection: Eligible applicants are considered according to the prescribed selection criteria and available scholarship slots.
6. Final approval: Selected applications proceed through the required approval and payment procedures.
When and How Is the Scholarship Amount Disbursed?
How to Renew the National Scholarship?
Students who have been awarded the scholarship should check the current UGC guidelines and Official Portal instructions to determine the continuation or renewal requirements for the following academic year.
Where renewal or continuation is required, students may need to:
1. Log in to the Official Portal using their existing credentials.
2. Open the relevant renewal or continuation application, if available.
3. Provide updated academic and institutional information.
4. Submit the marksheets or progress details requested under the scheme.
5. Complete any required verification by the institution.
6. Check the status to confirm whether the renewal has been processed.
Students should maintain satisfactory academic progress and comply with the applicable scholarship conditions. Renewal or continuation is not automatic unless the official rules expressly provide for it.
Applicants should check the current scheme instructions for the renewal deadline, required academic records, and any conditions affecting continued financial assistance.
Students can also explore the Subhadra Yojana to learn about its eligibility criteria, financial assistance, benefits, and application process for eligible women in Odisha.
FAQ’s
Can students pursue a part-time job while receiving a postgraduate scholarship?
Students should check the official scholarship guidelines for any restrictions on employment or other financial assistance during the scholarship period.
Is the scholarship available for students studying abroad?
The scheme is intended for eligible postgraduate studies in India. Students planning to study abroad should explore scholarships specifically designed for international education.
Can students use the scholarship for research-related expenses?
The scholarship is intended to support postgraduate education. Whether specific research-related expenses are covered depends on the scheme’s rules.
Does receiving this scholarship guarantee admission to a postgraduate course?
No. Students must secure admission independently to an eligible postgraduate programme before applying for the scholarship.
Can students apply for other government scholarships simultaneously?
Eligibility for multiple scholarships depends on the applicable scheme guidelines. Students should check whether receiving another scholarship affects their eligibility.
What happens if a student changes their postgraduate course or college?
Students should inform the relevant institution and follow the official scholarship guidelines. A course or institution change may affect scholarship eligibility or continuation.