The NSP Central Sector Scholarship scheme for Top Class Education For SC Students is a flagship initiative by the Government of India designed to enable meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students to pursue higher education without financial barriers. This scheme aims to support students who have completed Class 12 and secured admission into top-class institutions across India by providing substantial financial assistance to cover tuition, living expenses, books and other academic requirements. The scholarship is administered through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and operates under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. For the academic year 2025-26, applications opened on 02 of June 2025 and will close for students on 15 of December 2025. Following student submissions, verification phases extend to 31 of December 2025 and 15 of January 2026 for final verification by district and national officers.
Who Is Eligible for This Scholarship?
To qualify for the NSP Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education For SC Students, applicants must meet these key criteria:
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category according to government classification.
- The annual family income from all sources should not exceed rs 8,00,000.
- The student must have successfully passed Class 12 and secured admission in a full-time prescribed course at a notified top class institution included under the scheme.
- Scholarship slots are awarded based on inter-se merit; if the number of eligible students exceeds slots, the highest performers are prioritized.
- 30% of slots are reserved for girl students; unfilled seats may be transferred to eligible boys based on merit.
- Fresh applicants should be in their first year of study; students already in second or higher years may not be eligible for fresh slots but can seek renewal if previously selected.
These conditions ensure that only deserving candidates from economically weaker sections are awarded this support, fostering both access and academic excellence among SC students.
Academic Courses and Participating Institutions
Scholarship slots are distributed among various top-class institutions that meet criteria laid out in the scheme guidelines, including:
| Institution Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Tech | IITs, NITs, IIITs |
| Management | IIMs |
| Medical | AIIMS, Government Medical Colleges |
| Law | NLUs |
| Design & Fashion | NIFT, NID |
| Allied Sciences & Agriculture | Central Agricultural Universities |
Selection by institution is based on individual merit lists and the slots allocated to each institute for the academic year.
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support
One of the most attractive aspects of the NSP Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education For SC Students is the comprehensive financial coverage, which alleviates the cost of quality education. The scheme’s financial benefits include:
| Type of Support | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Covered fully (up to ₹2,00,000 per annum for private institutions) |
| Academic Allowance | ₹86,000 for first year; ₹41,000 for each subsequent year |
| Study Materials & Equipment | Includes books, stationery, and laptop with accessories |
| Direct Benefit Transfer | Funds are credited directly to student bank accounts |
This comprehensive aid aims to empower students by covering educational expenses from tuition to living costs through transparent DBT mode financial transfers.
Step-by-Step Application Process on NSP
Students can apply for the scholarship exclusively through the official National Scholarship Portal. Follow these steps systematically:
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) by entering your Aadhaar and personal details.
- Log in using your registered credentials under the Student Login section.
- Select the “NSP Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education For SC Students” from the list of scholarships.
- Enter required academic and institution details carefully.
- Upload supporting documents including caste certificate, income certificate, admission letter, and bank details.
- Review the form thoroughly and submit before the deadline. After submission, follow up with your institute for verification.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Student Application Open | 02-06-2025 |
| Student Application Close | 15-12-2025 |
| Defective Applicant Verification Ends | 31-12-2025 |
| Institute Verification Ends | 31-12-2025 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO Final Verification | 15-01-2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the aim of the NSP Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education For SC Students?
A: The scheme aims to promote quality higher education for SC students by providing financial support for tuition, living expenses, and academic resources so that economic barriers do not hinder their academic pursuits.
Q2: Can I apply if my family income is above ₹8 lakh?
A: No. Only students whose annual family income does not exceed ₹8,00,000 are eligible to apply.
Q3: Is there any application fee for this scholarship?
A: No, applying for the scholarship through the NSP portal is completely free of cost.
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Scheme Guidelines PDF | DOWNLOAD PDF |
| Apply Online on NSP | https://scholarships.gov.in/ |
| Official Scheme Page, Department of Social Justice | https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/27 |