Government Expands Scholarship Schemes; 1.09 Crore Scholarships Awarded in 2025-26

Details regarding scholarships and fellowships provided by the government have been disclosed. Approximately 1.09 crore scholarships are being awarded for post-matric and higher education during the 2025-26 financial year.

The Central Government has expanded the scope of scholarship and fellowship schemes to provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education and research. Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, presented information in the Rajya Sabha regarding the scholarships and fellowships offered by the government. In the 2025-26 financial year, around 1.09 crore scholarships are being provided for post-matric and higher education. These include scholarships for students belonging to OBC, EBC, DT, and ST categories.

36 Lakh Scholarships for OBC, EBC, and DT Students

According to data provided by the government, approximately 36 lakh scholarships were awarded in the 2025-26 financial year to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified and Nomadic Tribes (DT). The objective of these schemes is to provide financial assistance to students to enable them to pursue higher education.

Around 48 Lakh Scholarships for SC Students

Additionally, 48 lakh scholarships have been awarded to students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. This assistance is provided for studies related to post-matric and higher education. Meanwhile, approximately 24 lakh scholarships have been made available for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. Combining the scholarships awarded to OBC, EBC, DT, SC, and ST students, the total figure reaches approximately 1.09 crore scholarships for post-matric and higher education in the 2025-26 financial year.

UGC Launches National Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies

The UGC introduced the 'National Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies' for higher education students during the 2023-24 academic year. This initiative consolidated four pre-existing scholarship schemes into a single program. It encompasses scholarships for the 'Single Girl Child,' PG university rank holders, SC/ST students pursuing professional courses, and post-graduate scholarships awarded based on GATE or GPAT scores.

Monthly Scholarship of ₹15,000

Under the NSPGS, eligible students receive financial assistance of ₹15,000 per month for a duration of 10 months during the academic year. This provides support to eligible post-graduate students for expenses related to their education.

Fellowship for the Single Girl Child

The UGC has also established a fellowship specifically for the 'Single Girl Child' pursuing research and higher education. The 'Savitribai Jyotiba Phule Post-Graduate Fellowship for Single Girl Child' was launched in September 2022, replacing the earlier 'Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship.' This fellowship provides financial assistance to eligible single girl children to pursue higher education and research within the country, offering support for a period of two years.

Funds Transferred Directly to Bank Accounts via DBT

According to the government, scholarship and fellowship funds are being transferred directly to the beneficiaries' Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This ensures that the funds reach the students directly. The government also stated that the 'SNA-Sparsh' platform is being utilized to monitor the timely disbursement and utilization of funds; this platform facilitates real-time, usage-based tracking of the funds.