Alongside the national schemes, almost every state in India runs its own scholarships — and because fewer students apply to them, your chances are often better. This guide explains how state and merit scholarships work and how to make sure you do not miss one you qualify for.
State scholarships
Most states have their own scholarship portals for pre-matric and post-matric students, covering tuition, maintenance and sometimes hostel costs. Eligibility usually depends on your state of domicile, family income and category, and the application is separate from the national portal. Search for your state’s official scholarship or education-department website and check its list every year.
Merit-based awards
Many boards, colleges and private trusts reward top performers in Class 10 and 12 with cash awards, fee waivers or ongoing support. Single-girl-child scholarships, awards for children of specific professions, and toppers’ awards are common examples. These are usually merit-first, so strong board marks directly open doors to funding.
A checklist that saves seats
Make a simple list at the start of the year: national schemes through NSP, your state portal, and any awards your school or college mentions. Keep documents ready, track deadlines, and re-apply each year for renewable scholarships — many students lose funding simply by forgetting to renew. For the national side, start with our scholarships hub.