Are you a student looking to apply for scholarships in the academic year 2025-26? The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is your one-stop digital platform for availing government scholarships across central ministries, state departments, UGC, AICTE, and more.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from OTR registration to eligibility criteria, documents required, and scheme-wise deadlines.
🌐 What is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a government initiative that streamlines the scholarship application process across various schemes. Whether you’re in Class 1 or pursuing a Ph.D., this portal offers you a transparent and efficient way to apply for multiple scholarships online.
🔗 Official Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
🔐 NSP OTR Registration 2025-26: A Must for All Applicants!
Starting from the 2024-25 academic year, the One-Time Registration (OTR) is mandatory for all students. Without an OTR ID, you won’t be able to apply for any scholarship on the NSP portal.
✅ Steps to Complete OTR Registration:
- Visit scholarships.gov.in
- Click on OTR Registration 2025-26
- Fill in the following details:
- Full Name (as per Aadhaar)
- Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number
- Valid Email ID
- Active Bank Account Details
- Verify via OTP (mobile/email)
- Set your password and recovery options
🎉 You’ll receive a 14-digit OTR ID – keep it safe, as this is your login credential for all future applications.
🎯 NSP Scholarship 2025-26: Eligibility Criteria (Scheme-Wise)
| Scholarship Type | Eligible Classes | Categories Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric | Class 1 to 10 | Gen/SC/ST/OBC/Minority/PwD |
| Post-Matric | Class 11 to PG | Gen/SC/ST/OBC/Minority/PwD |
| Merit-Cum-Means | UG/PG (Tech Courses) | Minority only |
| UGC/AICTE Schemes | UG/PG/Prof. Courses | All categories |
| State Schemes | Class 1 to PG | Varies by State |
📌 Note: Most schemes have income limits ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh/year.
📄 Required Documents for NSP Scholarship 2025-26
Before applying, make sure these documents are ready (PDF/JPEG under 200KB):
- Aadhaar Card (linked to your bank account)
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Bonafide Certificate (from your institution)
- Educational Certificates/Mark Sheets
- Bank Passbook (with IFSC code)
- Passport Size Photo
🛑 Incomplete or mismatched documents are a common reason for rejection.
📅 NSP 2025-26 Scholarship Apply Dates (Tentative)
| Department/Ministry | Schemes | Apply Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dept. of Disability Affairs | Pre/Post/Top Class | 20 June 2025 |
| Ministry of Education (DHE) | Central Sector Scheme | 20 June 2025 |
| Ministry of Tribal Affairs | Pre/Post/Top Class | 20 June 2025 |
| Dept. of School Ed & Literacy | NMMS | 25 June 2025 |
| Ministry of Home Affairs | PM Scholarship | 22 June 2025 |
| AICTE | Pragati, Saksham, Swanath | 20 June 2025 |
| UGC | Ishan Uday, PG SC/ST, Single Girl Child | 20 June 2025 |
| NEC | NEC Merit Scholarship | 25 June 2025 |
📌 Always double-check the official portal for the exact start and end dates.
🏛️ NSP Scholarships 2025-26: Department-Wise Overview
Here’s a quick breakdown of major departments and their scholarship benefits:
1. Divyangjan (PwD Students)
- Schemes: Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Top Class
- Benefits: ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000/year
2. Higher Education Department (DHE)
- Eligibility: 80%+ in Class 12
- Benefits: ₹12,000 (UG), ₹20,000 (PG)
3. Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- Benefits: ₹12,000 – ₹2,25,000/year + Tuition Fee
4. School Education – NMMS
- Class 8 students with income < ₹1.5 lakh
- Benefit: ₹12,000/year
5. Ministry of Home Affairs – PM Scholarship
- For CAPF/AR/SPP wards
- Benefit: ₹30,000 to ₹36,000/year
6. AICTE Scholarships
- Pragati (Girls), Saksham (PwD), Swanath (Orphan)
- Benefit: ₹50,000/year
7. UGC Scholarships
- Ishan Uday, PG SC/ST, Indira Gandhi (Single Girl)
- Benefit: Up to ₹7,800/month
8. North Eastern Council
- Benefit: ₹20,000 to ₹30,000/year
9. Social Justice & Empowerment (SC/OBC)
- Schemes: Pre/Post-Matric, Top Class
- Benefit: ₹8,000 – ₹1,20,000/year
10. Labour Ministry (Workers’ Children)
- Eligibility: Beedi, Cine, LSDM workers
- Benefit: ₹3,000 – ₹15,000/year
📊 NSP Scholarship 2025-26 Selection Process
- Student submits application
- Institute verifies details
- District officer validates
- State/Ministry review
- Final merit list prepared
- Scholarship disbursed via DBT
👉 Track your status at: Track Application
📝 How to Apply for National Scholarship 2025-26 (Step-by-Step)
- Go to scholarships.gov.in
- Complete OTR Registration
- Log in using your OTR ID & Password
- Click on “Apply for Scholarship”
- Select the right scheme as per eligibility
- Fill in personal, academic, and bank details
- Upload all required documents
- Review & Submit the form
- Print/download the acknowledgment
🖥️ If needed, visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) or official cyber café.
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Entering wrong bank or Aadhaar details
🚫 Uploading incomplete/unclear documents
🚫 Choosing the wrong scheme category
🚫 Skipping institution verification
✅ Always preview your application before final submission.
💬 Final Thoughts
The NSP Scholarship 2025-26 is an amazing opportunity for students from economically weaker backgrounds to get the financial support they need to pursue education.
Make sure to register early, keep your documents ready, and follow all instructions carefully.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your classmates and friends. For updates, keep checking the official NSP website.
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