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The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Government of India) is in charge of administering the NSP (National Scholarship Portal) National Fellowship and Scholarship Programme, which offers the national scholarship for ST. This program assists students from the ST communities in pursuing higher education at various levels, including graduate/postgraduate and M.Phil/PhD. Students who have forsaken their goals of furthering their education due to financial difficulties or constraints are encouraged to enrol on such a scheme.
Since its inception, the initiative strived to provide financial aid to ST students and help their dreams of pursuing higher education and carving lucrative career paths for themselves. The initiative grants a scholarship amount of up to INR 45,000 (along with other rewards) to promising and eligible candidates. As of 2025, the window/deadline for the programme has closed on 15 January 2025. Read till the end to know more about the NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship Programme.
Contents
What is NSP (National Scholarscentralizedhip Portal)?
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a centralised online platform launched by the Government of India to make the scholarship application process simple, transparent, and student-friendly. It brings together Central, State, and UGC/AICTE scholarships and fellowships on a single digital portal, allowing students to apply easily without visiting multiple websites. NSP ensures the timely and direct transfer of scholarship funds to students’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), reducing delays and financial issues. It also simplifies the application, verification, and approval process, while minimising duplication, errors, and fraud. Overall, NSP acts as a one-stop solution that helps students access financial support for education in a smooth and hassle-free manner.
| Name of the Programme | NSP (National Scholarship Portal) National Fellowship and Scholarship |
| Region | India |
| Grant | Up to INR 45,000 |
| Deadline (2025) | Closed |
| Eligibility | Class 12 Graduates/Post-graduates |
| Official Website | https://scholarships.gov.in/ |
NSP National Scholarship for ST Eligibility Criteria
ST students must go through the prescribed set of criteria before applying for the national scholarship for ST. Those who wish to apply for the NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship scheme must meet the following prerequisites.
| Eligibility | |
| Fellowship | 1. Candidates are mandated to have qualified for their postgraduation examination. 2. It is important that students procure admission to a full-time Ph.D./M.Phil programme (at any notable institution accredited by the UGC). 3. Individuals must adhere to the arbitrary UGC/ICAR standards. |
| Scholarship | 1. Students admitted to institutions that are accredited by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs will be considered eligible for the programme. 2. Applicants must have a yearly household income of not more than INR 6 lakh to be eligible for the plan. |
Also Read: Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
NSP National Scholarship for ST (2025) Grants and Benefits
ST students who wish to further their education but face impediments due to financial constraints should apply for the NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship Programme. Since the programme was initiated, it solely traversed on its path to aid ST students with their monetary needs to help them persevere in their education. Have a look at the following tables to understand the grants and benefits offered under this scheme.
| Fellowship (Total-750) (Course-wise segregation) 2025 | |
| M.Phil programme | 1. Candidates will be granted a fellowship amount of INR 25,000 per month. 2. Individuals pursuing subjects such as Humanities and Social Sciences will be offered a total amount of INR 10,000/year. 3. Those pursuing technical subjects such as Science, Engineering and Technology will be granted an amount of up to INR 12,000. 4. Physically challenged candidates will be provided INR 2,000 per month to receive assistance. |
| PhD programme | 1. Candidates will be granted a fellowship amount of up to INR 28,000 per month. 2. Individuals pursuing subjects such as Humanities and Social Sciences will be offered an amount of INR 20,500 (per year). 3. Those furthering their education in Science, Engineering and Technology will be offered INR 25,000 (yearly). 4. Physically Challenged candidates will be provided with INR 2,000/month. |
| Scholarship (Total-1000) 2025 | |
| – | 1. ST students who wish to pursue their education in private institutions can expect to receive scholarships up to INR 2.50 lakh/annum. 2. Students will receive an additional amount of INR 3,000 for purchasing books and other stationery items. 3. Students will be provided with an amount of INR 45,000 for purchasing computers and technology required for their education. |
Also Read: Top Fellowship Programs
How to Apply for NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship 2025?
Applying for the NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship 2025 is simple and completely online. Follow the step-by-step process given below carefully to avoid mistakes:
- Step 1: Visit the NSP Portal: Go to the official website of the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) using a secure internet connection.
- Step 2: New Registration
- Click on the “New Registration” option
- Enter basic details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and Aadhaar number
- Verify details and generate your login credentials
- Step 3: Log in and Fill the Application Form
- Log in using your registered credentials
- Select the Academic Year 2025–26
- Choose the correct scholarship or fellowship scheme
- Carefully fill in personal, academic, and bank account details
- Step 4: Upload Required Documents: Upload clear and valid scanned copies of the following documents:
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card
- Income certificate
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- Bonafide or enrollment certificate
- Bank passbook (first page)
- Step 5: Final Submission
- Review all the entered details carefully
- Submit the application form
- Save or note down the Application ID for future tracking and reference
Important Documents Required
This section highlights the essential documents required for the NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship 2025 application. Students must keep all documents ready and ensure they are valid, clear, and correctly uploaded to avoid rejection or delays during the verification process.
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate (Issued by the competent authority)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)
- Educational certificates
- Bank account details (linked with Aadhaar)
- Passport-size photograph
NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship Selection Criteria
ST students intending to pursue professional courses from notable institutions across India will be selected for the stated programme on the following basis.
- It is critical for candidates to ensure that their submitted credentials and documents in applications are relevant and authentic, as the authorities do not entertain discrepancies in such information.
- The submitted applications will be evaluated and processed according to the available slots at the national scholarship for ST.
- Selected candidates will be able to acquire the merit list from the official portal.
The NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship 2025 is a golden opportunity for students who dream of continuing their education without financial stress. From school-level scholarships to PhD fellowships, NSP supports learners at every stage. If you are eligible, apply early, upload correct documents, and track your application regularly to ensure you receive the benefits on time.
FAQs
The NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
You can apply for the National Scholarship for ST, under the National Fellowship and Scholarship Programme once you have secured admission to a PhD or M.Phil program at some reputed university.
To apply for the National Fellowship and Scholarship Programme, the student must not have a family income of more than 6 Lakhs per annum.
Relevant Reads:
The NSP National Fellowship and Scholarship Programme under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs strives to provide monetary aid to ST (Scheduled Tribe) candidates who aspire to further their higher studies in professional courses from notable institutions across the nation. The initiative is instrumental for those who wish to carve remunerative career paths for themselves in various professional domains.
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