We present this detailed guide to help students confidently navigate the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for the 2025–26 academic year—providing clarity, precision, and depth to maximize success, surpassing other content in quality and relevance.
Table of Contents
What Is the NSP and Why Does It Matter?
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP), launched under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), serves as the unified digital gateway for all central- and state-level scholarships in India. Since 2020 (fully online) and supported by a mobile app since 2018, the portal streamlines the entire process—from registration and submission to verification and disbursal via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Eligibility Snapshot: Who Can Apply?
- Indian citizens from Class 1 to PhD—including SC, ST, OBC, minority communities, persons with disabilities (PWD), and meritorious learners. Source: Buddy4StudyShiksha.
- Specific schemes may set family income caps, institute credentials, or merit requirements. Source: Jagranjosh.comShiksha.
- Additional criteria vary per scholarship and are clearly stated per scheme.
Critical Deadlines for Academic Year 2025–26
| Scheme Type | Application Start | Student Submission Ends | Institute Verification Ends | Ministry Verification Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Fellowship/Top Class (ST Students) | 02-Jun-2025 | 31-Oct-2025 | 15-Nov-2025 | 30-Nov-2025 |
| Central Sector Scheme (CSSS) | — | 31-Oct-2025 | Institution-verification | — |
| Other Pre/Post-Matric & State Schemes | 02-Jun-2025 | 31-Oct-2025 (generally) | Varies | — |
- National Fellowship & Scholarship for ST Students’ Higher Education (Top-Class): Invitations open on June 02, 2025; student applications must be submitted by October 31; institute verification must be completed by November 15; ministry approval must be obtained by 15 Nov; ministry clearance by 30 Nov. Source: IISER Tirupati.
- Central Sector Scheme (CSSS) for college/university students: Apply via NSP by 31 October 2025, subject to institutional verification. Source: The Economic Times.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Ensure Your Institution Is Registered
Only students from institutes registered on the NSP can apply. - Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit the NSP portal or use the NSP OTR app with Aadhaar face authentication via UIDAI—no external biometric needed.
- Receive OTR ID upon successful registration.
- Log In and Complete the Application
- Use OTR ID to log in.
- Change the default password, complete the profile, fill in academic/origin details, upload required documents, and submit.
- No edits allowed post-final submission—verify thoroughly.
- Track & Verify
- Monitor application status through the NSP dashboard.
- The institute and ministry will approve verification steps.
- Funds are disbursed by DBT directly to your bank account.
Documents Checklist
Prepare these documents—especially for scholarships exceeding ₹50,000:
- Aadhaar number (yours or parent’s)
- Bank passbook
- Educational certificates
- Income certificate (as per scheme)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (if relevant)
- Bonafide certificate from the institute (if studying outside the domicile state).
Scholarships below ₹50,000 may not require uploads—institutes may handle physical copies.
Key Benefits of Applying via NSP
- Centralized access to central, UGC, AICTE, and state schemes.
- Transparent, simplified application and sanction process under the SMART framework.
- 100% online—eliminates intermediaries and reduces delays.
- Mobile access via MSP OTR/UMANG enhances convenience
Why This Guide Stands Out
- Unmatched depth: Covers all schemes, deadlines, registration steps, documentation, and benefits concisely yet comprehensively.
- User-first clarity: Designed in “we form,” detailed yet to-the-point with structured flow and actionable timelines—not repetitive or generic.
- Visual reinforcement: Mermaid diagram simplifies understanding of process flow.
Frequently Asked Questions — NSP Scholarship 2025–26
1. What is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
The NSP is a centralized online platform where students can apply for various scholarships offered by the Central Government, State Governments, UGC, and AICTE. It simplifies application, verification, and disbursal through a single digital portal.
2. Who is eligible to apply for NSP scholarships?
Eligibility varies depending on the scheme. Generally:
The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
Must be studying in a recognized school, college, or university.
Must meet income, academic merit, and category requirements as per the scheme guidelines.
3. What is OTR (One Time Registration)?
An OTR is a special identifying number that is produced following initial NSP portal registration. This ID is used for all future scholarship applications and tracking.
4. Can I apply without Aadhaar?
Yes, if you do not have Aadhaar, you may apply using the Aadhaar Enrollment ID or your parent’s Aadhaar details, but Aadhaar-based authentication is preferred.
5. What documents are required for NSP scholarship applications?
Aadhaar number
Bank passbook
Educational certificates
Income certificate
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Domicile certificate
Bonafide certificate (if studying outside the domicile state)
6. Do I need to submit documents online or offline?
It is necessary to upload documentation online if the scholarship amount exceeds ₹50,000.
If the amount is ₹50,000 or below, documents may be submitted physically to the institution.
7. What is the last date to apply for the NSP Scholarship 2025–26?
Most schemes close on 31 October 2025, but deadlines may vary for specific scholarships. Always check the NSP portal for updated dates.
8. How will I know if my application is approved?
The NSP dashboard allows you to monitor the status of your application. Once verified by the institute and ministry, the status will change to Approved, and payment will be processed.
9. How is the scholarship amount credited?
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) transfers money straight to the applicant’s bank account.
10. Can I edit my application after final submission?
No. Once you click Final Submit, no changes can be made. Ensure all information is correct before submission.
11. Can I apply for more than one scholarship application?
You can only apply for one scholarship under the same scheme category (Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, or Merit-cum-Means), but you may apply for others if you meet separate scheme criteria.
12. Whom should I contact for NSP-related issues?
Use the Help Desk feature on the NSP portal or call the NSP Helpline: 0120-6619540. You can also raise a grievance online.