New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to begin the application process for two of its major scholarship schemes—the National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (NSPG) and the Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme—through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The Commission has also urged universities and colleges across the country to assist eligible students in completing their applications without difficulty.
The scholarships are designed to support students at different stages of higher education. While the NSPG provides financial assistance to postgraduate students across India, the Ishan Uday Scholarship focuses on helping students from the North Eastern Region pursue undergraduate education.
Two Scholarships with Different Objectives
Although both schemes aim to make higher education more accessible, they cater to different student groups.
- The National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (NSPG) offers financial support to students enrolled in postgraduate programmes at recognised institutions. The initiative is intended to encourage deserving students to continue their education after graduation without financial stress.
- On the other hand, the Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme is meant exclusively for students from the eight North Eastern states. The scholarship seeks to improve access to higher education, increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the region and bridge educational disparities.
Financial Benefits Under NSPG
- Students selected under the National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies will receive financial assistance of ₹15,000 per month.
- The scholarship is payable for 10 months in an academic year and can be availed for a maximum of two years, depending on the duration of the postgraduate course. It is available only to students who have secured admission to the first year of a postgraduate programme in a recognised university or college.
Benefits of the Ishan Uday Scholarship
- The Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme provides financial assistance based on the type of course a student is pursuing.
- Students enrolled in general undergraduate degree programmes will receive ₹8,000 per month, while those studying technical, professional, medical or paramedical courses will receive ₹10,000 per month.
- The scholarship is released for 10 months every academic year and continues until the completion of the course, subject to the fulfilment of renewal conditions.
Eligibility for NSPG Scholarship
Students applying for the NSPG scholarship must:
- Be admitted to the first year of a postgraduate programme. Be studying in a recognised university or college. Fulfil all eligibility criteria prescribed by the UGC. Submit their application through the National Scholarship Portal. Who Can Apply for the Ishan Uday Scholarship?
Applicants for the Ishan Uday Scholarship must:
- Be permanent residents of one of the eight North Eastern states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim or Tripura. Have secured admission to the first year of a regular undergraduate course. Be studying in a recognised higher education institution in India. Meet the prescribed family income criteria.
Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal. How to Apply
Once the application portal is activated, students can complete the process by:
Registering on the National Scholarship Portal as a new user. Logging in with their credentials. Selecting the appropriate UGC scholarship scheme. Filling in the online application form carefully. Uploading all required documents. Reviewing the details before final submission. Downloading and saving the confirmation page for future reference.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
Aadhaar card or another valid identity proof Passport-size photograph Educational certificates and marksheets Admission or enrolment proof Income certificate (where applicable) Bank account details Category certificate or domicile certificate, if required
Why These Scholarships Are Important
Higher education often becomes financially challenging for many students. Through the NSPG and Ishan Uday Scholarship schemes, the UGC aims to reduce this burden by providing regular financial assistance to deserving students.
The NSPG helps postgraduate students continue their academic journey, while the Ishan Uday Scholarship encourages students from the North Eastern Region to pursue undergraduate education and improve educational participation in the region.
Students interested in either scholarship should regularly monitor the National Scholarship Portal and the UGC's official announcements for the application schedule, detailed guidelines and important updates.
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