Government Scholarship Opportunities for Students in India
Education is one of the most important tools for success, but financial challenges can hold back even the brightest students. Thankfully, the Indian government offers government scholarship opportunities for students to help make education affordable.
Whether you’re in school, college, or dreaming of studying abroad, these scholarships can help you achieve your goals. In this guide, we’ll explain the best government scholarships in 2025, eligibility, benefits, and how to apply — in simple language.
Top Central Government Scholarships for Students
The Central Government provides scholarships to support meritorious and financially needy students across India.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)
This scholarship helps students in Classes 9–12 from low-income families. It provides ₹12,000 per year to support studies.
Eligibility:
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Must study in a government or aided school
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Family income below ₹3.5 lakh/year
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Minimum 55% marks in Class 8
Apply: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Central Sector Scheme for College Students (CSSS)
Supports students who score well in Class 12 from low-income families.
Benefits:
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₹10,000/year for undergraduate courses
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₹20,000/year for postgraduate courses
Eligibility:
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80th percentile or above in Class 12
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Family income below ₹4.5 lakh/year
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Enrolled in a recognized college/university
State-Level Scholarships for Students
Many state governments provide scholarships targeting local students and financially weaker sections.
Uttar Pradesh State Scholarship Programs
Supports students from Class 9 to postgraduate level through pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-based scholarships.
Eligibility:
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Resident of Uttar Pradesh
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Family income limits vary by category
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Must maintain good academic record
Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship in West Bengal
Designed for meritorious students from low-income families in West Bengal.
Eligibility:
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Minimum 60% marks in previous exam
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Family income below ₹2.5 lakh/year
Minority Scholarships Supporting Students in India
The Ministry of Minority Affairs provides scholarships for Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi students to ensure equal educational opportunities.
Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships
Covers tuition fees, books, and hostel charges.
Benefits: ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year depending on the course
Merit-cum-Means Scholarships for Professional Courses
Supports students studying professional courses like engineering, law, management, or pharmacy.
Eligibility:
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Minimum 50% marks in last exam
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Family income below ₹2.5 lakh/year
Scholarships for Girls to Continue Education
The government also focuses on empowering girls and encouraging them to stay in school.
CBSE UDAAN Program for Girls
Helps girls prepare for JEE and other engineering entrance exams with free study materials, online classes, and mentorship.
NSIGSE Scholarships for Girls
One-time grant of ₹3,000 to SC/ST girls completing Class 8 and enrolling in Class 9.
Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
Students planning to study overseas can also benefit from government scholarships.
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
Supports SC, ST, and OBC students pursuing master’s or PhDs abroad in fields like engineering, management, law, or social sciences.
Benefits: Covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses
How to Apply for Government Scholarships
Most scholarships are available online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step-by-Step Application:
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Register with your Aadhaar number
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Fill in personal, academic, and bank details
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Upload required documents (mark sheets, income certificate, ID)
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Submit before the deadline
Tip: Check updates regularly, as deadlines and eligibility can change each year.
Conclusion: Scholarships to Support Students in 2025
Government scholarships are an excellent way to continue education without financial stress. Whether in school, college, or planning to study abroad, there’s a scholarship that fits your needs.
By staying informed and applying on time, you can make the most of these government scholarship opportunities for students in 2025 and achieve your educational dreams.
Also read: NIT vs IIT vs Private College: Which Is Better After JEE 2025?