The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is the single biggest gateway to government scholarships in India, and the 2026-27 application window is open now. Every year, lakhs of eligible students miss out simply because they apply late or leave a document incomplete. Here is what you need to know to claim what you are entitled to.
The deadlines that matter
The 2026-27 portal opened on 1 June 2026 at scholarships.gov.in. Deadlines differ by scholarship type: pre-matric scholarships (for school students up to Class 10) generally close around 31 August 2026, while post-matric scholarships (Class 11 onwards and college) close around 31 October 2026. Because dates can be extended or vary by scheme, always confirm the exact last date for your scholarship on the official portal — and apply early rather than in the final-week rush.
Who can apply
NSP hosts pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for students from various categories and income groups, along with merit and minority scholarships and schemes like NMMS. Eligibility usually depends on your family income, category and marks, and each scheme lists its own conditions. It is worth reading the eligibility of two or three schemes you might qualify for, rather than assuming you do not.
Documents to prepare
- Aadhaar number and an Aadhaar-linked bank account
- Latest mark sheet
- Income certificate
- Caste/category certificate, if applicable
- Bank passbook and a passport-size photo
- Institute verification details (your school or college helps with this)
Apply safely
Apply only through the official portal, scholarships.gov.in — never through an agent who asks for a fee. After you submit, your school or college has to verify your application, so submit early enough for that step to happen before the deadline. For more on scholarships, see our scholarships hub.