Government Scholarships
🏆 Top Government Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025: Complete Guide
Education in India has always been a path to opportunity — but for many families, the cost of higher studies can be a real challenge. The good news is, the Government of India runs several scholarship programs that help deserving students pursue their dreams, whether in India or abroad.
Here’s a complete look at the best government scholarships for Indian students in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
🎯 1. National Means–Cum–Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
For: Class 8 students from government or government-aided schools
Purpose: To reduce dropouts at the secondary level
Eligibility:
- Annual family income below ₹3,50,000
- Minimum 55% marks in Class 7
Scholarship Amount: ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month)
How to Apply: Through your state’s National Scholarship Portal (NSP) → https://scholarships.gov.in
🎯 2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
For: Class 12 pass-outs pursuing graduation
Purpose: To support meritorious students from lower-income families
Eligibility:
- Must have scored above 80th percentile in Class 12 board exams
- Family income below ₹4,50,000 per year
Scholarship Amount:
- ₹12,000 per year for graduation
- ₹20,000 per year for post-graduation
Apply at: https://scholarships.gov.in
🎯 3. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students
For: Students from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or OBC backgrounds pursuing Class 11 to post-graduation
Eligibility:
- Annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh (SC/ST) or ₹1.5 lakh (OBC)
- Studying in recognized institutions
Benefits:
Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and exam fees
Apply via: Your respective state government scholarship portal or https://scholarships.gov.in
🎯 4. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
For: Dependents of ex-servicemen, police, and CAPF personnel for government scholarship
Eligibility:
- Minimum 60% marks in 10+2 / diploma / graduation for government scholarship
- Studying in professional courses like Engineering, Medical, MBA, MCA, etc.
Scholarship Amount:
- ₹30,000 per year (girls)
- ₹25,000 per year (boys)
Apply at: https://ksb.gov.in
🎯 5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
For: Girl students in technical education (engineering, diploma)
Eligibility:
- Family income below ₹8 lakh
- Admitted to AICTE-approved institutions
Scholarship Amount: ₹50,000 per year
Apply at: https://aicte-india.org
🎯 6. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
For: Scheduled Tribe students pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D.
Eligibility:
- Must have passed post-graduation
- Enrolled in a recognized university
Benefits:
Monthly fellowship + contingency + HRA as per UGC norms
Apply at: https://tribal.nic.in
🎯 7. INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)
For: Science stream students pursuing B.Sc. / M.Sc. / Integrated M.Sc.
Eligibility:
- Must be in top 1% of Class 12 board results or cleared KVPY/JEE/NEET
Scholarship Amount: ₹80,000 per year
Apply at: https://online-inspire.gov.in
🎯 8. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
For: SC, ST, and OBC students aspiring to study abroad for Master’s or Ph.D.
Eligibility:
- Family income below ₹8 lakh
- Offer letter from a recognized international university
Benefits:
Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare
Apply at: https://nosmsje.gov.in
🎯 9. Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)
For: Minority community students (Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D.
Eligibility:
- Must have passed post-graduation
- Family income below ₹6 lakh
Benefits: Fellowship + contingency + HRA (similar to UGC rates)
Apply via: https://minorityaffairs.gov.in
🎯 10. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
For: Students interested in science research careers
Eligibility:
- Class 11–12 or 1st-year undergraduates in basic science courses
Scholarship Amount: ₹5,000–₹7,000 per month + contingency grant
Apply at: https://kvpy.iisc.ac.in
💡 Pro Tip: Apply Early!
Most scholarships open between July and November every year. Applications are usually processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — keep your Aadhaar, income certificate, and bank details ready before applying.
✅ Final Thoughts
These scholarships are designed to make sure that money doesn’t stand between you and your education. Whether you’re a school student, college aspirant, or a researcher, there’s financial support available — you just need to apply on time and meet the eligibility criteria.
If you found this guide useful, bookmark educationpunjab.in — we regularly update verified scholarship news, exam guides, and study resources for students across India.
Scholarships2025, GovernmentScholarshipIndia, IndianStudents
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