Higher education in India is getting a significant boost in 2025 with a wide range of government scholarships for UG students now more accessible than ever. These scholarships provide financial assistance to eligible students, ensuring that no one is denied a quality education due to economic hardship.
From central government schemes to state-sponsored initiatives, this updated 2025 list features the most sought-after scholarships for college students, especially for those entering undergraduate (UG) programs. Whether you’re from a marginalized background, belong to a minority community, or have excelled in academics, there’s likely a scholarship that fits your needs.
This year, merit-based scholarship India programs have expanded their reach, making education support more inclusive and performance-driven. Let’s dive into the details of each scholarship and how you can benefit from it.
Top Government Scholarships in 2025 for Undergraduate Students
Here are the ten most important government scholarships for UG students in 2025, designed to provide maximum support:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefit (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | UG students with family income < ₹2.5L | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
| INSPIRE Scholarship | Science stream students with 75%+ | ₹80,000 |
| Central Sector Scheme for College Students | Top 20th percentile in Class 12 | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities | Muslim, Sikh, Christian, others | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship (for girls) | Female students in technical courses | ₹50,000 + tuition fee |
| AICTE Saksham (for specially-abled) | Differently-abled UG students | ₹50,000 + tuition fee |
| State-level Merit Scholarships | Based on state board merit | Varies by state |
| PM YASASVI Scholarship | OBC/EWS candidates | ₹75,000 – ₹1,25,000 |
| EBC Scholarship Scheme | Economically backward category | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| NTSE Scholarship | Passed NTSE Stage 2 | ₹1,250 per month |
These scholarships for college students aim to reduce dropout rates, encourage academic achievement, and provide equal opportunities regardless of financial background.
How to Apply for These Scholarships
Most scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the respective official state portals. Follow these steps to apply:
-
Visit the official NSP portal: scholarships.gov.in
-
Register as a new user and fill in personal details
-
Upload required documents (income certificate, ID, Class 12 marksheet)
-
Choose the scholarship you are eligible for
-
Submit and track your application through the dashboard
Applying for a merit-based scholarship India has become more streamlined, and students are encouraged to apply before deadlines to avoid any delays.
Key Benefits of These Scholarships
-
Cover tuition fees and living expenses
-
Offer continued support throughout the UG program
-
Empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds
-
Encourage academic excellence with performance-linked renewals
Whether you’re a first-year student or continuing your UG studies, applying for these government scholarships for UG students can significantly ease your financial burden.
Tips for Securing a Scholarship
-
Maintain a strong academic record
-
Keep your income and caste certificates updated
-
Apply early to avoid server lags near the deadline
-
Double-check uploaded documents for clarity and correctness
-
Track status regularly and respond to verification requests
Thousands of scholarships for college students go unclaimed each year due to incomplete applications—avoid that mistake in 2025.
FAQs
Who is eligible for government scholarships for UG students?
Students pursuing undergraduate studies who meet specific income, merit, or community-based criteria are eligible for various scholarships.
What is the last date to apply for 2025 scholarships?
Most schemes have a July–September deadline, but exact dates vary by scholarship. Always check the official portal for the latest updates.
Are scholarships renewable every year?
Yes, most merit-based scholarship India schemes are renewable based on maintaining academic performance and eligibility.
Can students apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, but you may only receive funding from one central or state-funded scheme at a time, depending on the overlap rules.
How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
Scholarship funds are usually transferred directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Click here to know more.