Scholarship NSP 2025: How to Apply for Central & State Scholarships on nsp.gov.in
Are you a student from an economically weaker section looking for financial help to continue your education? The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — nsp.gov.in — is your gateway to hundreds of government-funded scholarships in India.
The Scholarship NSP program offers pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships for students from Class 9 to PhD level, including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Minorities, and Girls.
In this complete 2025 guide, you’ll learn:
- What is Scholarship NSP?
- Types of scholarships available
- Eligibility criteria (central & state)
- Step-by-step application process
- Required documents
- How to check application status
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Tips from education consultants
Perfect for students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Minority, and Girls categories.
What Is Scholarship NSP?
Scholarship NSP refers to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — the official government platform for applying to central and state government scholarships in India.
Official Website: https://nsp.gov.in
Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Ministry of Education, NSP aims to:
- Provide financial assistance to deserving students
- Reduce dropouts due to economic hardship
- Streamline scholarship disbursement through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Key Features:
- Single portal for 50+ scholarships
- Online application & tracking
- DBT payments to bank accounts
- Available in 13 languages
Types of Scholarships on NSP (2025)
The NSP offers scholarships under two main categories:
1. Central Sector Scholarships
Funded by the Central Government:
- Pre-Matric Scholarships (Class 9–10)
- Post-Matric Scholarships (Class 11 to PhD)
- Merit-Cum-Means Scholarships (Professional & Technical Courses)
- Top Class Education Scheme (for SC/ST students in top institutions)
- National Fellowship for SC/ST/OBC Students
2. State Sector Scholarships
Funded by State Governments:
- Varies by state (e.g., UP, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra)
- Often for students studying within the state
- May include hostel, travel, or book allowances
Note: You can apply for one central and one state scholarship at a time.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship NSP
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Category | SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Minority, General (if means-based) |
| Income | Family income < ₹2.5 Lakh/yr (general), < ₹1 Lakh/yr (SC/ST) |
| Academic Level | Class 9 to PhD |
| Institute | Recognized by Govt. of India |
| Bank Account | Must haveAadhaar-linked bank account |
Special Schemes:
- Girls: 0.5% higher marks relaxation
- Disabled Students: Additional benefits
- Single Girl Child: Special scholarships
How to Apply for Scholarship NSP 2025 (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to apply on nsp.gov.in:
Step 1: Register on NSP Portal
- Go to: https://nsp.gov.in
- Click “New Registration”
- Enter:
- Aadhaar number
- Mobile number
- Academic details
- Verify via OTP
Note: Use a valid mobile number — all updates are sent via SMS.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Log in with your Application ID & DOB
- Select:
- Scholarship scheme
- Category
- Institute details
- Upload documents (see below)
- Review and submit
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
You’ll need:
- Aadhaar Card (linked to mobile)
- Bank Passbook (first page with IFSC, account number)
- Caste/Income Certificate (government-issued)
- Institutional Certificate (from school/college)
- Mark Sheet (last exam passed)
- Passport-size Photo
- Signature
File Format: PDF or JPG, < 500 KB
Step 4: Submit & Track Application
- Click “Final Submit”
- Note your Application ID
- Track status at: https://nsp.gov.in/Status
Status Stages:
- Submitted
- Under Verification
- Approved
- Rejected (with reason)
- Payment Released
Important Dates (2025–26)
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | July 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 2025 (varies by state) |
| Institute Verification | November 2025 |
| Payment Disbursement | December 2025 – March 2026 |
Check your state’s deadline — some close earlier!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Using wrong Aadhaar number | Double-check before registration |
| Uploading blurry documents | Use clear, legible scans |
| Not linking Aadhaar to bank | Ensure DBT works |
| Missing institute verification | Follow up with your school/college |
| Applying after deadline | Mark your calendar! |
Need Help?
Confused about which scholarship to apply for? Worried about document verification?
At Target Consultant, we help thousands of students every year:
- Check eligibility
- Fill NSP forms correctly
- Prepare documents
- Track application status
- Resolve rejection issues
Book a FREE 30-minute scholarship guidance session and let us help you secure your financial aid.
Click Here to Book Your Free Session
Useful Links
NSP Helpline : 1800-11-7070
