NSP Scholarship 2025-26: Apply Online, Eligibility, Status, and Last Date

The National Scholarship Portal, commonly known as NSP, is an official platform created by the Government of India to provide a single, convenient place for students to apply for various central and state scholarships. Every year, millions of students from across the country register on this portal to receive financial assistance for their studies, and the 2025-26 session has brought several important updates.

For the academic year 2025-26, the application process for most schemes on the NSP has already begun. Students from school level to postgraduate courses can apply, depending on the scholarship they are eligible for. The portal aims to make it easy for learners from all backgrounds—especially those from economically weaker sections, minority communities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes—to continue their education without financial stress.

The last date for most scholarships under NSP 2025-26 is expected to be 31 October 2025. However, the deadline may vary slightly depending on the specific scheme, so applicants are advised to complete their registration well before this date.

Eligibility criteria differ across schemes, but there are a few general conditions that apply to most of them. The applicant must be an Indian citizen and enrolled in a recognized school, college, or university. Family income usually needs to fall within a prescribed limit, which can range from two to four and a half lakh rupees per year depending on the category. Students must also maintain good academic performance and attendance if they are renewing an existing scholarship.

Applying through the portal is completely online. Students first need to register by creating an account on the NSP portal. Once registered, they can log in using their credentials and choose the scholarship scheme that suits their educational level and category. The application form requires basic personal details, academic information, and valid bank account details. Applicants must also upload supporting documents such as Aadhaar card, income certificate, caste or minority certificate, previous mark sheets, and proof of admission in the current academic year.

After submitting the application, students can track their status through the “Check Application Status” option on the portal. The application goes through two levels of verification—first by the institute and then by the state or central authority. Once approved, the scholarship amount is credited directly into the student’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer system.

Documents play a crucial role in the process, and even small mistakes can lead to rejection or delay. Therefore, students should make sure that the names, bank details, and Aadhaar numbers match exactly across all documents. It’s also important to ensure that the educational institution is registered on the NSP platform; otherwise, the application cannot be processed.

To avoid last-minute issues, students are encouraged to start their applications early and keep all required documents ready. The NSP also allows existing beneficiaries to renew their scholarships each year, provided they meet the eligibility and performance requirements.

The National Scholarship Portal continues to be one of the most effective tools for delivering government-funded financial support to students in India. With its transparent, centralized, and fully digital system, NSP 2025-26 aims to ensure that deserving students receive their scholarships quickly and directly, helping them focus on their studies and build a better future.