Scholarships for UG students in India are financial assistance schemes offered by the central government, state governments, universities, and private organizations to help undergraduate students continue higher education without financial burden. These scholarships support tuition fees, hostel expenses, books, examination fees, and other academic costs for students pursuing undergraduate courses such as BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, MBBS, BBA, BCA, and more.
This detailed guide covers the best government and private scholarships for undergraduate students in India, including scholarship amount, eligibility, application process, deadlines, benefits, and official scholarship portals.
Quick List of Scholarships for UG Students in India 2026
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Scholarship Amount | Eligibility | Apply Mode |
| Central Sector Scholarship | Government of India | ₹10,000–₹20,000 yearly | Above 80th percentile in Class 12 | NSP |
| PM Yasasvi Scholarship | Ministry of Social Justice | Tuition + hostel support | OBC/EBC/DNT students | NSP |
| INSPIRE Scholarship | DST | ₹80,000 per year | Science UG students | Online |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship | AICTE | ₹50,000 yearly | Girls in technical courses | AICTE Portal |
| AICTE Saksham Scholarship | AICTE | ₹50,000 yearly | Differently abled students | AICTE Portal |
| Post Matric Scholarship for OBC | Central/State Govt | Fee reimbursement + allowance | OBC students | NSP/State Portal |
| Reliance Foundation Scholarship | Reliance Foundation | Varies | Merit-based UG students | Online |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | LIC India | Financial assistance | Economically weaker students | Online |
This table helps students quickly compare the most popular scholarships for undergraduate studies in India.
What Are Scholarships for UG Students in India?
Scholarships for UG students are financial aid programs that help undergraduate students pay tuition fees and academic expenses while pursuing higher education in India.
These scholarship schemes are designed to:
- Support economically weaker students
- Encourage merit-based education
- Increase access to higher education
- Reduce college dropout rates
- Promote equal educational opportunities
Most undergraduate scholarships are awarded based on:
- Academic performance
- Family income
- Social category
- Disability status
- State domicile
- Gender-specific eligibility
Many scholarship applications are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), while others are managed by state governments and private organizations.
Who Can Apply for Scholarships for Undergraduate Studies in India?
Students enrolled in undergraduate programs in India are eligible to apply for scholarships, provided they satisfy the specific requirements set by each scholarship scheme.
Most UG scholarship schemes require students to:
- Be Indian citizens
- Must have successfully completed Class 12 from a recognized education board
- Must be admitted to a recognized undergraduate degree program
- Meet income-related conditions
- Maintain minimum academic performance
Undergraduate scholarships are available for:
- General category students
- OBC students
- SC/ST students
- EWS candidates
- Minority community students
- Girls students
- Students with disabilities
Top Government Scholarships for UG Students in India 2026
Government scholarships are among the most trusted financial support schemes for college students in India.
These scholarships are provided by:
- Ministry of Education
- The Ministry of Social Justice
- AICTE
- Department of Science and Technology
- State welfare departments
Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for Students in Colleges and Universities
The Central Sector Scholarship is one of the most popular government scholarships for UG students after Class 12.
| Feature | Details |
| Provider | Department of Higher Education |
| Eligibility | Above 80th percentile in Class 12 |
| Family Income Limit | Below ₹4.5 lakh annually |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹10,000–₹20,000 yearly |
| Courses Covered | Regular undergraduate courses |
| Apply Through | National Scholarship Portal |
Why Students Prefer This Scholarship
Unlike many small state-level schemes, this scholarship supports students studying in recognized colleges across India and provides yearly financial assistance during undergraduate studies.
PM Yasasvi Scholarship Scheme for OBC, EBC, and DNT Category Students
The PM Yasasvi Scholarship supports students from socially and educationally backward communities pursuing higher education.
| Feature | Details |
| Provider | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Eligible Categories | OBC, EBC, DNT |
| Coverage | UG and professional courses |
| Benefits | Tuition fee + hostel support |
| Application Mode | NSP Portal |
Students from backward communities often face financial barriers during college education. The PM Yasasvi Scholarship helps reduce educational expenses for deserving candidates.
INSPIRE Scholarship for Science UG Students
The INSPIRE Scholarship encourages students to pursue science education at the undergraduate level.
| Feature | Details |
| Provider | Department of Science and Technology |
| Eligible Students | Science stream toppers |
| Courses Covered | BSc, BS, Integrated MSc |
| Scholarship Amount | Up to ₹80,000 yearly |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit |
Students interested in scientific research, innovation, and academic careers can greatly benefit from the INSPIRE Scholarship program.
Post Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
The Post Matric Scholarship is an important financial aid scheme for OBC students pursuing higher education.
| Feature | Details |
| Eligible Students | OBC students |
| Benefits | Fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance |
| Coverage | UG and PG education |
| Income Criteria | State-wise variation |
| Apply Mode | NSP or State Portal |
This scholarship reduces financial burden for students from backward communities.
NSP Scholarship Schemes for Undergraduate Students
The National Scholarship Portal hosts multiple scholarship schemes for undergraduate students.
Major NSP Scholarships
- Merit Cum Means Scholarship
- Minority Scholarships
- Central Sector Scholarship
- State Scholarship Schemes
- AICTE Scholarships
Students can apply for multiple schemes depending on eligibility.
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is designed to support female students pursuing technical education.
| Feature | Details |
| Provider | AICTE |
| Eligible Students | Female students |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹50,000 yearly |
| Courses Covered | Technical UG programs |
| Apply Mode | AICTE Portal |
This scheme promotes higher education opportunities for women in technical fields.
AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Differently Abled Students
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship supports specially abled students pursuing technical education.
| Feature | Details |
| Eligibility | Students with disabilities |
| Scholarship Amount | Up to ₹50,000 yearly |
| Courses Covered | AICTE-approved technical programs |
| Support Type | Tuition and educational expenses |
The scholarship helps differently abled students continue higher education with financial support.
State Government Scholarships for UG Students in India
Apart from central schemes, state governments also provide scholarships for undergraduate students based on domicile, income, category, and academic performance.
Tamil Nadu Scholarships for UG Students
Tamil Nadu offers multiple scholarship schemes for:
- BC and MBC students
- SC/ST students
- First-generation graduates
- Economically weaker students
Most applications are processed through the state scholarship portal.
Maharashtra Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Maharashtra provides:
- Post Matric Scholarships
- Fee reimbursement schemes
- Minority scholarships
- Merit-based assistance programs
These schemes support both general and reserved category students.
Uttar Pradesh Scholarship Schemes for UG Students
The Uttar Pradesh scholarship system includes:
- Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships
- Fee reimbursement support
- Scholarships for economically weaker students
Applications are usually submitted through the UP scholarship portal.
Best Private Scholarships for UG Students in India
Private organizations and foundations also provide scholarships for undergraduate students based on merit and financial need.
Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
| Feature | Details |
| Provider | Reliance Foundation |
| Eligibility | Merit-based selection |
| Coverage | Undergraduate education support |
| Focus Area | Academic excellence and leadership |
Merit-based undergraduate students can also explore the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship guide for broder academic funding opportunities.
HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
| Provider | HDFC Bank |
| Purpose | Financial emergency support |
| Eligible Students | School and college students |
| Benefits | Educational expense assistance |
LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
| Provider | LIC India |
| Eligible Students | Economically weaker students |
| Coverage | UG and professional courses |
| Support Type | Financial assistance |
Students from economically weaker backgrounds may check the LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship application guide for detailed information.
Government Scholarships vs Private Scholarships for UG Students
| Government Scholarships | Private Scholarships |
| Usually income-based | Often merit-based |
| Large number of applicants | Limited selection |
| Managed by ministries | Managed by companies or NGOs |
| Mostly applied through NSP | Applied through private portals |
| Stable yearly schemes | Some schemes vary yearly |
This comparison helps students understand which scholarship category may suit their educational and financial situation better.
How to Apply for Scholarships for Undergraduate Studies in India?
Students can apply for undergraduate scholarships in India through official scholarship portals such as the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and state government scholarship websites.
Step-by-Step Scholarship Application Process
- Visit the official scholarship portal
- Register using an Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Complete student profile details
- Select the scholarship scheme
- Upload required documents
- Verify application details carefully
- Submit the application form
- Track scholarship application status online
Students should always apply before the deadline to avoid rejection.
Documents Required for UG Scholarship Applications
Students generally need the following documents while applying for scholarships:
- Aadhaar card
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Bank account details
- College admission proof
- Passport-size photograph
- Disability certificate (if required)
Incorrect or incomplete documents may lead to rejection of the application.
Benefits of Scholarships for UG Students in India
Scholarships provide major financial and educational benefits for undergraduate students.
Key Benefits
- Reduces tuition fee burden
- Helps students from low-income families
- Encourages higher education participation
- Supports hostel and living expenses
- Reduces student dropout rates
- Promotes equal educational opportunities
Financial support through scholarships allows students to focus more on academics and career growth.
Best Scholarship Portals for UG Students in India
Students should use only official scholarship websites to apply safely.
| Scholarship Portal | Official website links | Purpose |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | https://scholarships.gov.in/ | Central and state scholarships |
| AICTE Portal | https://www.aicte.gov.in/ | Technical education scholarships |
| State Scholarship Portals | https://www.education.gov.in/ | State welfare schemes |
| University Portals | https://socialjustice.gov.in/ | Institution-specific scholarships |
Official portals provide accurate scholarship notifications, deadlines, and eligibility updates. Using official websites helps students avoid misinformation and fraud.
What students should know before applying for Scholarships
Many students assume they are eligible but get rejected because:
- Income certificate is older than 1 year
- They apply under the wrong category (OBC/General confusion)
- Falsely, they miscalculate percentile eligibility
- They fail to meet minimum attendance requirements in college
For example, OBC students often miss Post Matric Scholarships because they upload state-issued caste certificates instead of central OBC certificates.
Expected Application Timeline for UG Scholarships in India 2026
| Scholarship | Expected Application Period | Status | Notes |
| Central Sector Scholarship | June – October | Expected Annual Cycle | Based on previous trends |
| PM Yasasvi Scholarship | August – November | Expected Cycle | May vary yearly |
| INSPIRE Scholarship | Year-round | Active | Science UG students |
| State Scholarships | Varies (July – Dec) | State-specific | Depends on state portal |
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for UG Students
1. What are scholarships for UG students?
Scholarships for UG students are financial assistance schemes provided to undergraduate students to support tuition fees, hostel expenses, books, and other educational costs.
2. Who can apply for undergraduate scholarships in India?
Students who have passed Class 12 and are enrolled in recognized undergraduate courses can apply, subject to income, merit, category, or state eligibility conditions.
3. How can students apply for UG scholarships online?
Students can apply through the National Scholarship Portal or state scholarship portals by registering, filling out the application form, uploading documents, and submitting the application online.
4. Which is the best scholarship for UG students in India?
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship, PM Yasasvi Scholarship, INSPIRE Scholarship, and AICTE scholarships are among the most popular scholarships for undergraduate students in India.
5. Are private scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Yes, many private organizations and companies provide scholarships for undergraduate students based on merit, income, and academic performance.
Conclusion
Scholarships for UG students in India help millions of students continue higher education without major financial difficulties. From central government schemes to private funding programs, there are multiple scholarship opportunities available for undergraduate students across different categories and academic streams.
Students should carefully check eligibility criteria, prepare required documents, and apply through official scholarship portals before deadlines. Applying for the right scholarship can significantly reduce educational expenses and support long-term academic success.
Note:
This guide is prepared using official information from NSP, AICTE, Ministry of Education, and state scholarship portals. Students are advised to verify final details on official websites before applying.
