National Scholarship Portal (NSP): One-Stop Platform for All Central and State Scholarships in India
Education should never be limited by financial barriers. That’s why the Government of India introduced the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — a centralized online platform to help students access various scholarships offered by central and state governments, as well as other government bodies. If you are a student looking for financial support for your education, NSP is the go-to platform that can connect you with the right scholarship based on your eligibility.
Table of Contents
What is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a digital scholarship management system developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). The primary aim of this portal is to ensure efficient, transparent and quick disbursal of scholarship funds directly into the student’s bank account using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method.
The portal caters to a wide variety of students from different education levels and social backgrounds including SC, ST, OBC, EBC, minorities and differently-abled students.
Also Read: Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana : 90% Subsidy & Loan
Key Features of the National Scholarship Portal
- Single platform for multiple scholarships (Central, State and UGC/AICTE).
- User-friendly interface with online application and tracking facilities.
- Transparency in scholarship processing and fund disbursement through DBT.
- Application for fresh and renewal scholarships in one place.
- Real-time status updates and document verification with Aadhaar linkage.
Who Can Apply on NSP?
Students from Class 1 to Post-Doctoral level can apply through the portal, depending on the scholarship. The platform is open to students across India, but each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria based on factors like income, category, domicile, academic qualification and more.
Some popular eligibility conditions across most schemes include:
- Annual family income not exceeding a specified limit (usually ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh).
- Minimum percentage marks in previous qualifying exams (generally above 50%).
- Enrollment in recognized educational institutions.
- Belonging to categories like SC, ST, OBC, EWS or minority groups.
Types of Scholarships Available on NSP
NSP hosts three major categories of scholarships:
- Central Government Schemes
These scholarships are sponsored by various ministries like:- Ministry of Minority Affairs
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
- Department of Higher Education
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- State Government Schemes
Various state governments offer scholarships that are listed on the NSP portal. Students can select their state to view and apply for available scholarships. - UGC / AICTE Schemes
Scholarships from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) are also listed for students pursuing higher education.
Also Read: Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBC Students
How to Apply for Scholarships on NSP?
Step-by-step guide to apply:
- Visit scholarships.gov.in
- Click on “New Registration” and read the guidelines carefully.
- Accept the declaration and continue to fill in your basic details.
- After registration, log in using the Application ID and password.
- Complete the scholarship application form and upload necessary documents.
- Click “Final Submit”.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Bonafide Certificate from Institution
- Previous academic mark sheets
- Domicile Certificate
- Photograph
Benefits of Using the NSP Portal
- Saves time and effort as you can apply for multiple scholarships from one place.
- Ensures complete transparency in application and fund disbursal.
- Helps avoid duplication and fraud.
- Keeps applicants updated on the status of their scholarship.
Also Read: ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship
Deadline for Application
The application window usually opens between August and November every year. However, the exact dates may vary depending on the scholarship. It’s crucial to regularly check the portal for the latest updates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t submit incorrect information or fake documents.
- Avoid submitting multiple applications for the same scholarship.
- Ensure all fields are filled correctly before submitting.
- Don’t wait till the last date to apply — apply early.
📞 Need Help? Contact National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Helpline Number: 0120-6619540
Email Support: [email protected]
Official Website: scholarships.gov.in
Office Location:
3rd Floor, National Informatics Centre,
A Block, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi – 110003, India
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
NSP Portal FAQs
1. What is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
NSP is a government platform for applying to various central, state and UGC/AICTE scholarships online.
2. Who can apply for scholarships on NSP?
Students from Class 1 to post-graduate level can apply based on eligibility like income, category and academic performance.
3. How can I apply on the NSP portal?
Visit scholarships.gov.in, register with your details, log in, fill the application, upload documents and submit online.
4. What documents are required for NSP scholarship?
Aadhaar card, bank passbook, income certificate, caste certificate, mark sheets and institution bonafide certificate are commonly needed.
5. When is the last date to apply for NSP scholarships?
Most scholarships open between August and November, but exact deadlines vary every year and per scheme.
6. Can I apply for more than one scholarship on NSP?
You can apply for multiple eligible scholarships but only one will be granted per academic year to avoid duplication.
7. How do I check my NSP scholarship status?
Log in to the NSP portal, go to your dashboard, and click on “Track Application Status” to see real-time updates.
8. Is Aadhaar mandatory for NSP scholarship application?
Yes, Aadhaar is generally required for identity verification and direct benefit transfer of funds.
9. What is the benefit of applying through NSP?
It offers a single window for multiple scholarships, ensures transparency and provides direct transfer of funds to your bank account.
Final Words
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is an excellent initiative by the Indian Government to ensure no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints. Whether you’re in school, college or pursuing technical or higher education, the NSP offers numerous opportunities to ease your educational journey. With timely application and proper documentation, you can secure financial aid without running pillar to post.
So, if you’re a student or a parent reading this — head over to the NSP, check your eligibility and apply today!