The University Grants Commission (UGC) offers several scholarships to support deserving students pursuing higher education in India. These scholarships help undergraduate and postgraduate students from different categories by providing financial assistance based on merit, region, gender, and academic achievement.
For the 2026–27 academic session, most UGC scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Students must meet the eligibility criteria and apply online within the prescribed deadlines.
In this guide, you’ll find the complete list of UGC Scholarships 2026, eligibility criteria, scholarship amounts, benefits, application process, required documents, and FAQs.
What are UGC Scholarships?
UGC Scholarships are financial assistance schemes offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to encourage higher education among deserving students. These scholarships support postgraduate studies, students from the North Eastern Region, university rank holders, single girl children, and other eligible candidates.
UGC Scholarships 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Authority | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Scholarship Type | Merit & Category Based |
| Official Website | https://www.ugc.gov.in |
List of UGC Scholarships 2026
1. National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies
This scholarship supports students pursuing their first postgraduate degree through regular full-time courses in recognized universities.
Benefits
- Scholarship Amount: ₹1,50,000 per year
- Duration: 2 Years
- Approximate Slots: 10,000 per year
Eligibility
- Admission in the first year of a regular PG programme.
- Maximum age: 30 years.
- Eligible UGC-recognized postgraduate degree programme.
2. PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
This scholarship promotes higher education among single girl children.
Benefits
- ₹36,200 per year
- Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility
- Single girl child.
- Admission in the first year of a regular postgraduate course.
- Maximum age: 30 years.
3. PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders
This scheme rewards outstanding academic performers at the undergraduate level.
Benefits
- ₹37,200 per year
- Duration: 2 Years
- Around 3,000 scholarships
Eligibility
- First or Second Rank holder at UG level.
- Admission in a regular postgraduate course.
4. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme
This scholarship is exclusively for students belonging to the North Eastern Region (NER).
Benefits
- Financial assistance for eligible undergraduate students.
- Available for general and professional degree courses.
Eligibility
- Permanent resident of the North Eastern Region.
- Admission in a recognized college or university.
5. PG Scholarship for SC/ST Students Pursuing Professional Courses
The scheme supports SC/ST students pursuing eligible professional postgraduate programmes.
Benefits
- Financial assistance as prescribed under the scheme.
- Available for approved professional PG courses.
Benefits of UGC Scholarships
Students selected under UGC scholarship schemes receive:
- Financial support for higher education.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into bank accounts.
- Reduced financial burden.
- Encouragement to pursue postgraduate studies.
- Equal educational opportunities.
- Transparent online application process.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies depending on the scholarship. However, applicants generally should:
- Be an Indian citizen.
- Be admitted to a recognized college or university.
- Meet the scholarship-specific academic requirements.
- Pursue a regular full-time course.
- Satisfy age and category conditions wherever applicable.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Admission Letter
- Previous Academic Mark Sheets
- Degree Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Passbook
- Income Certificate (if required)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
How to Apply for UGC Scholarships 2026
Follow these steps:
Step 1
Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step 2
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new applicant.
Step 3
Log in using your credentials.
Step 4
Select the applicable UGC Scholarship Scheme.
Step 5
Fill in:
- Personal Details
- Academic Details
- Institution Details
- Bank Details
Step 6
Upload all required documents.
Step 7
Verify all information carefully.
Step 8
Submit the application and download the acknowledgement receipt.
Selection Process
Selection generally includes:
- Online application submission.
- Verification by the institution.
- Eligibility verification.
- Merit-based selection.
- Approval by UGC.
- Scholarship disbursement through DBT.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Applications may be rejected due to:
- Incorrect information.
- Incomplete application.
- Missing documents.
- Ineligible course.
- Failure to meet scholarship criteria.
- Duplicate applications.
- Institution verification failure.
Important Tips
Before applying:
- Read the scholarship guidelines carefully.
- Complete OTR registration.
- Use an active mobile number and email ID.
- Upload clear scanned documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Save your application number for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for UGC Scholarships 2026?
Students pursuing eligible undergraduate or postgraduate courses in recognized institutions can apply for the respective UGC scholarship schemes if they satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Which portal is used for UGC Scholarship applications?
Most UGC scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Is there any scholarship for single girl children?
Yes. The PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child provides financial assistance to eligible postgraduate students.
Is there a scholarship for university rank holders?
Yes. The PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders provides ₹37,200 per year for eligible first and second rank holders pursuing postgraduate studies.
Is there a scholarship for North Eastern students?
Yes. The Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme is available for eligible students from the North Eastern Region.
Conclusion
The UGC Scholarships 2026 offer valuable financial support to deserving college and university students across India. Whether you are a postgraduate student, a university rank holder, a single girl child, an SC/ST student pursuing a professional course, or a student from the North Eastern Region, UGC provides scholarship schemes to help you achieve your educational goals. Students should carefully check the eligibility criteria, keep all required documents ready, and apply through the National Scholarship Portal within the specified deadline.
Read more: National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2026: Registration, Eligibility & Apply Online Guide
