The Government of India runs dozens of scholarship schemes spanning school, college and doctoral research. Between them they support several lakh students a year, yet many eligible students never apply simply because they do not know the schemes exist. Here is a detailed map of the most important ones.
School-level scholarships
At the school stage, the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) supports students from economically weaker sections from Class 9 to 12, selected through a state-level examination. PM-YASASVI funds OBC, EBC and De-notified Tribe students in top schools, covering tuition and hostel costs. The Begum Hazrat Mahal scholarship specifically supports meritorious girls from minority communities.
Undergraduate scholarships
For college, the Central Sector Scheme rewards students above the 80th percentile in their board exams whose family income is within the ceiling. Post-matric scholarships for SC, ST and OBC students cover fees and a maintenance allowance. AICTE runs the Pragati (for girls) and Saksham (for specially-abled students) schemes for technical courses.
The INSPIRE track for science students
If you are pursuing the natural or basic sciences, the INSPIRE-SHE scholarship pays ₹80,000 a year for up to five years, including a mentored summer research component. It is designed to keep India's brightest students in fundamental science rather than defaulting to engineering or medicine.
Research fellowships
At the doctoral level, the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) and the flagship Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) fund MPhil and PhD scholars with generous monthly stipends and research grants. The PMRF in particular offers one of the most competitive research stipends in the country.
Where to apply
The vast majority of these schemes are applied for through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). A few — like PMRF and some INSPIRE components — have their own dedicated portals. Always check the current year's window, as dates shift annually.
Key takeaways
- School: NMMS, PM-YASASVI, Begum Hazrat Mahal.
- College: Central Sector, Post-Matric, AICTE Pragati/Saksham, INSPIRE.
- Research: UGC-JRF and PMRF.
- Most are applied for on the National Scholarship Portal.
IndiaScholar helps Indian students find scholarships and university admissions in India and abroad — always confirm details on the official source before applying.
Scholarships mentioned in this post
Ministry of Education, Govt of India
INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
₹80,000/year for 5 years
A Department of Science & Technology scholarship encouraging top students to pursue basic and natural sciences.
National Scholarship Portal
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College Students
₹10,000–₹20,000/year
Merit-based support for meritorious students from lower-income families pursuing regular college degrees.
National Scholarship Portal
PM YASASVI Scholarship for OBC, EBC & DNT Students
Up to ₹1,25,000/year
A central scheme supporting Class 9 and 11 students from OBC, EBC and De-notified Tribe families in top schools.