College education in India can involve significant expenses, including tuition fees, hostel charges, books, examination fees, transport, laptops, and other academic requirements. Scholarships can help eligible students reduce some of this financial burden while continuing undergraduate, professional, diploma or postgraduate education.
There are several government scholarships for college students through the National Scholarship Portal, along with scholarships offered by AICTE, state governments, universities, foundations, banks and large private organizations. Some are based on merit, some on family income, and others are specifically meant for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, DNT, students with disabilities, girls, students from particular regions or students pursuing selected courses.
For the 2026–27 academic year, students should pay particular attention to the application deadline because different scholarships have different schedules. This guide covers major government and private scholarships, who can apply, which courses are covered, the approximate or prescribed financial benefit, and whether students studying in government or private colleges can apply.
College Scholarships in India 2026–27: Overview
The following scholarships are useful starting points for students looking for financial assistance after Class 12. Eligibility varies considerably, so students should check the individual scheme before applying.
| Scholarship | Main Students Covered | Course/Level | Benefit | 2026–27 Application Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) | Meritorious students with financial need | UG and PG renewal pathway | Up to ₹20,000 per year depending on level | 2026–27 renewal deadline shown as September 30, 2026 on NSP |
| PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for J&K and Ladakh | Eligible students from J&K and Ladakh | UG | Academic fee + maintenance support, subject to limits | NSP schedule applies |
| Top Class Education for SC Students | SC students | Higher education in notified institutions | Tuition, academic and other support as prescribed | Student application till October 31, 2026 |
| National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students | ST students | Higher education | Scholarship support as prescribed | Student application till October 31, 2026 |
| PM YASASVI Top Class College Education | OBC, EBC and DNT students | Higher education | Financial support subject to scheme limits | NSP schedule |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship | Eligible girl students | Technical diploma/degree | Financial assistance under AICTE scheme | Annual AICTE/NSP schedule |
| AICTE Saksham Scholarship | Eligible students with disabilities | Technical diploma/degree | Financial assistance under AICTE scheme | Annual AICTE/NSP schedule |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS | Merit-cum-need students | UG/PG and other levels | Up to ₹75,000 depending on course | August 6–October 31, 2026 |
| Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship | First-year UG students | Full-time UG degree | Up to ₹2 lakh over duration | 2026–27 applications opened in August 2026 |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | Eligible students from economically weaker families | UG/professional courses | Amount varies by course under the applicable scheme | 2026 application window |
| State Post-Matric Scholarships | Students meeting state/category conditions | College and higher education | Varies by state | Varies by state |
The National Scholarship Portal is open for the 2026–27 academic year, and the portal states that students may apply for one merit-based scholarship and one or more welfare-based scholarships where they meet the applicable eligibility conditions. One Time Registration, or OTR, is required for scholarship applications on NSP.
PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students
The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) is one of the major central government scholarship schemes for higher education.
It is aimed at meritorious students who have performed well in Class 12 and belong to families meeting the prescribed income condition. The scholarship supports students pursuing regular undergraduate and higher education.
For 2026–27, the National Scholarship Portal currently shows the renewal application for PM-USP CSSS. The portal lists the student application deadline as September 30, 2026 for the renewal cycle.
Who Can Apply for PM-USP CSSS?
Eligibility is based on the scheme’s prescribed merit, income, educational and other conditions.
Students generally need to:
- Have achieved the required position in their Class 12 examination under the scheme’s merit criteria.
- Be pursuing regular higher education.
- Meet the prescribed family-income condition.
- Not be receiving another scholarship or fee reimbursement that conflicts with the scheme’s rules.
- Satisfy the applicable renewal requirements if already selected.
The scheme is particularly relevant to students entering or continuing college after Class 12.
How Much Scholarship Is Available?
The scholarship amount depends on the level and course category under the applicable scheme guidelines. Students should check the current year’s scholarship notification rather than assuming that every PM-USP scholar receives the same amount.
Government College or Private College?
The key factor is whether the student’s institution and course satisfy the scheme requirements. The scholarship is not simply restricted to students studying in government colleges.
Students in eligible recognized higher-education institutions should therefore check the current scheme guidelines before deciding that they are ineligible because they attend a private college.
PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh
Students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have a separate higher-education scholarship pathway under the PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme.
The scheme supports eligible students pursuing undergraduate education outside J&K and Ladakh through the prescribed admission and counselling process.
AICTE’s scheme information has described support for professional/engineering, medical and general degree courses, with academic-fee ceilings varying by course and a maintenance allowance.
The current NSP also lists the PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for J&K and Ladakh and shows the 2026–27 renewal application process.
This scholarship is therefore especially relevant to eligible students from the Union Territories who are planning higher education through the prescribed route.
Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students
The Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students is designed for Scheduled Caste students pursuing education beyond Class 12.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment states that the scheme provides financial support to SC students pursuing higher education in empanelled institutions notified by the Ministry. The 2026–27 scheme guidelines are available under the current scheme.
The scheme can cover students pursuing education in areas such as professional and other higher-education programs at eligible institutions.
Who Can Apply?
Students generally need to:
- Belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
- Have secured admission to an eligible institution.
- Meet the prescribed family-income and other conditions.
- Pursue an eligible full-time course.
- Satisfy the scheme’s academic and institutional requirements.
The important point is that admission to an empanelled institution matters. Not every college or university automatically qualifies under the Top Class scheme.
When Can SC Students Apply?
The 2026–27 NSP listing shows the Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students open from June 1, 2026, with student applications available until October 31, 2026.
National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
Students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category can check the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students.
The scholarship component is intended for eligible ST students pursuing higher education in recognized or eligible institutions.
For 2026–27, the NSP lists the scholarship with a student application deadline of October 31, 2026.
The scholarship should not be confused with the fellowship component for research students. College students should check the scholarship eligibility applicable to their level and course.
PM YASASVI Top Class College Education
The PM YASASVI umbrella scheme is not limited to school students. It also includes Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT students.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment identifies Top Class College Education as one of the sub-schemes under PM YASASVI.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is intended for eligible:
- OBC students
- EBC students
- DNT students
Students must satisfy the prescribed income, educational, institutional and other conditions.
The scheme is particularly relevant to students admitted to identified institutions and eligible courses. Students should therefore check whether their college and course fall within the current year’s notified list and guidelines.
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme is designed for eligible girl students pursuing technical education.
It covers students entering eligible AICTE-approved diploma or degree programs. The scheme documentation states that eligible candidates should be admitted to the first year of an AICTE-approved degree or diploma program through the prescribed admission process.
Who Can Apply for Pragati Scholarship?
The scheme has conditions relating to:
- Girl students
- First-year diploma or degree admission
- AICTE-approved institution
- Family income
- Merit
- Maximum number of eligible girls from the same family
The AICTE scheme documentation states that two girls per family can be eligible and specifies a family-income ceiling of ₹8 lakh per year.
How Much Is the Pragati Scholarship?
The scheme documentation provides financial assistance toward tuition and incidental expenses, with the applicable amount governed by the current AICTE rules.
Older AICTE documentation describes assistance of up to ₹50,000 annually under the Pragati scheme, while detailed scheme provisions have also specified tuition-fee and incidental components. Students should therefore verify the current year’s notification before publishing or relying on a specific amount.
AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who are pursuing eligible technical education can check the AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme.
The scheme is intended to support eligible specially abled students studying approved technical diploma or degree programs.
Eligibility can depend on disability status, family income, admission to an AICTE-approved institution and other scheme conditions.
Students should keep their disability certificate, admission documents, marksheets, income certificate and bank information ready when applying.
HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Scholarship for College Students
The HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Programme is one of the major private scholarships that covers students beyond school education.
For 2026–27, the program includes students pursuing general undergraduate, professional undergraduate, general postgraduate and professional postgraduate courses, along with diploma, ITI and polytechnic education.
Who Can Apply for HDFC Parivartan ECSS?
For higher education applicants, eligibility includes:
- Indian citizenship
- Admission to a recognized college or university in India
- At least 55% marks in the most recent qualifying examination
- Annual family income of ₹2.5 lakh or less
- Meeting the program’s other requirements
Preference is given to students who have experienced a personal or family crisis that could affect their education.
HDFC Scholarship Amount
Selected students can receive assistance of up to ₹75,000, depending on the course and level of education. The amount is not identical for every applicant.
HDFC Scholarship Application Date 2026
The 2026–27 application cycle opened on August 6, 2026, and the current deadline is October 31, 2026.
Students in recognized private colleges as well as government institutions can check eligibility because the program is not restricted to government colleges.
Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is another major private scholarship for college students.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Reliance Foundation announced scholarships for 5,000 undergraduate students and 100 postgraduate students. The undergraduate scholarship is aimed at first-year students enrolled in full-time degree programs across India.
Who Can Apply?
The 2026–27 program is open to eligible first-year undergraduate students enrolled in full-time degree programs.
The selection process includes academic performance, an aptitude assessment and financial background. The program is not limited to students from a particular state or type of college.
How Much Is the Reliance Foundation Scholarship?
Selected undergraduate students can receive up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of their degree program, subject to the program’s conditions. The scholarship also includes opportunities related to mentorship, leadership development and the scholar community.
When Can Students Apply?
Reliance Foundation announced the opening of applications for 2026–27 on August 14, 2026. Students should check the current application window before submitting an application because the final deadline is determined by the program’s current cycle.
LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship
The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship is another scholarship that college students should check, particularly students from economically weaker families.
LIC’s Golden Jubilee Foundation currently has a 2026 scholarship application facility on its official website.
The scheme has historically supported students pursuing higher education through recognized government or private colleges and universities. The published scheme information describes support for undergraduate-level study and different scholarship amounts depending on the type of course.
Who Can Apply?
The published LIC scheme conditions include:
- Required academic performance
- Family-income criteria
- Admission to a recognized higher-education course
- Regular full-time study
- Meeting the specific course conditions
The older published scheme specifies 60% marks and a family-income limit of ₹2.5 lakh, with certain provisions for a higher income limit in specified single-woman-breadwinner situations. Because LIC has released a new 2026 application cycle, applicants should follow the 2026 notification and application instructions rather than relying solely on older figures.
Government College vs Private College Scholarships
A major question for students is whether scholarships are available only to government college students.
The answer is no. Several scholarships can be available to students studying in recognized private colleges, although the rules differ.
| Scholarship | Government College | Private College |
|---|---|---|
| PM-USP CSSS | Subject to eligibility | Eligible recognized institutions subject to scheme conditions |
| SC Top Class Education | If institution is empanelled | If institution is empanelled |
| ST Higher Education Scholarship | Subject to eligibility | Subject to eligibility and institution conditions |
| PM YASASVI Top Class College | If institution/course qualifies | If institution/course qualifies |
| AICTE Pragati | Yes, if AICTE-approved | Yes, if AICTE-approved |
| AICTE Saksham | Yes, if AICTE-approved | Yes, if AICTE-approved |
| HDFC Parivartan ECSS | Yes | Yes |
| Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship | Yes | Yes |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | Yes | Yes, where recognized and otherwise eligible |
For technical education, the AICTE approval of the institution and course can be particularly important for AICTE scholarships. For Top Class scholarships, students need to check whether their institution is included in the relevant notified or empanelled list.
Scholarships for B.A., B.Sc. and B.Com Students
Students pursuing traditional undergraduate courses such as B.A., B.Sc. and B.Com should not assume that only engineering and medical students can receive scholarships.
The PM-USP Central Sector Scholarship, state post-matric scholarships, HDFC Parivartan ECSS, Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship and other private or institutional opportunities can be relevant depending on the student’s eligibility.
For these students, family income, Class 12 performance, category, state domicile and current college enrollment can be important factors.
Scholarships for Engineering Students
Engineering students have access to several specialized options.
Students can check:
- PM-USP CSSS
- AICTE Pragati for eligible girls
- AICTE Saksham for eligible students with disabilities
- SC Top Class Education
- ST Higher Education Scholarship
- PM YASASVI Top Class College Education
- HDFC Parivartan ECSS
- Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
- State-level post-matric scholarships
For AICTE scholarships, students should verify that the college and program have the required approval for the relevant academic year.
Scholarships for Medical Students
Medical students can explore central, state, category-based and private scholarships.
SC and ST students should check the relevant higher-education schemes. Students from economically weaker families can also examine private scholarships such as HDFC Parivartan and other foundation-based programs.
Course-specific conditions can be important in medical education, so students should verify whether the scholarship covers MBBS, BDS, AYUSH or other professional programs before applying.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Students
College scholarships are not limited to undergraduate education.
Postgraduate students can check:
- PM-USP-related opportunities where applicable
- Category-based higher-education scholarships
- HDFC Parivartan ECSS
- Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
- University-specific scholarships
- State post-matric/postgraduate schemes
- Research fellowships where the student is pursuing an eligible research program
For 2026–27, Reliance Foundation announced 100 postgraduate scholarships, with awards of up to ₹6 lakh for selected students pursuing eligible future-oriented disciplines including engineering, technology, energy and life sciences.
This is separate from the Reliance Foundation undergraduate scholarship and has different selection criteria.
Scholarships for Girls in College
Girl students have access to both general and women-focused scholarships.
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is specifically designed for eligible girls pursuing approved technical diploma or degree courses.
Girls can also apply for general merit-cum-means scholarships when they satisfy those programs’ eligibility requirements.
Therefore, female students should search using both their course/category and gender-specific scholarship criteria rather than limiting themselves to one type of scholarship.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities should check both general scholarships and disability-specific programs.
For technical education, AICTE Saksham can be relevant where the student and institution satisfy the scheme requirements.
Students should maintain a valid disability certificate and check whether the scholarship requires a specific percentage of disability, income limit, course type or institution approval.
State Post-Matric Scholarships
Central scholarships are only one part of the higher-education scholarship system.
Every state and Union Territory can operate its own post-matric scholarship programs. These may cover SC, ST, OBC, EBC, minority, disability and other eligible categories.
The scholarship amount, income limit, domicile requirement, eligible courses and application dates can vary substantially from one state to another.
For a student studying in a state different from their home state, it is particularly important to check whether the applicable scheme is based on domicile, institution location or both.
When Should College Students Apply for Scholarships?
There is no single deadline for all college scholarships.
For 2026–27, several important NSP dates include:
| Scholarship | 2026–27 Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| PM-USP CSSS | September 30, 2026 for the renewal window currently shown on NSP |
| SC Top Class Education | October 31, 2026 |
| ST Higher Education Scholarship | October 31, 2026 |
| PM-USP Special Scholarship for J&K and Ladakh | October 31, 2026 for the renewal cycle shown on NSP |
| HDFC Parivartan ECSS | October 31, 2026 |
| Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship | Check the current 2026–27 application window |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | 2026 application cycle currently available |
| State Scholarships | Different dates depending on state |
The NSP specifically notes that its 2026–27 portal opened from June 1, 2026, and its current announcements show different closing dates for different schemes.
Students should therefore avoid waiting until the end of the academic year.
Documents Required for College Scholarships
Most college scholarship applications require a combination of academic, identity, income and admission documents.
Students may need:
- Aadhaar or other accepted identity document
- Recent photograph
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 12 marksheet
- Current college admission proof
- College ID card
- Bonafide certificate
- Fee receipt
- Family income certificate
- Caste/category certificate
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Domicile certificate
- Bank account details
- Previous scholarship information
- Course or institution approval information, where required
For AICTE scholarships, additional documents can include admission confirmation, institution certification, fee details and other scheme-specific documents.
One Time Registration for National Scholarship Portal
Students applying through NSP should pay attention to One Time Registration (OTR).
The National Scholarship Portal states that OTR is mandatory for scholarship applications and provides a unique number intended for the student’s scholarship applications throughout their academic career.
Students should therefore complete the required registration carefully and keep their OTR information secure.
Can College Students Apply for More Than One Scholarship?
Students may be able to apply for more than one scholarship, but receiving multiple scholarships is governed by the individual scheme rules.
The National Scholarship Portal currently states that from AY 2026–27, students may apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes, subject to the eligibility criteria.
This does not mean that every student can automatically receive multiple awards. The terms of each scholarship should be checked before accepting financial assistance.
How to Find the Right College Scholarship
Students should first identify their basic profile:
Course: B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, B.Tech, MBBS, diploma, MBA, postgraduate course or another program.
Year: First year, second year, third year or postgraduate level.
College: Government, government-aided, private or another recognized institution.
Marks: Class 12 or previous-semester academic performance.
Family Income: Annual household income according to the applicable definition.
Category: General, SC, ST, OBC, EBC, DNT or another eligible category.
Special Conditions: Girl student, disability, regional eligibility, technical education, professional course or other specific criteria.
Once these details are known, students can shortlist scholarships rather than submitting applications without checking eligibility.
Common Reasons College Scholarship Applications Are Rejected
Students can lose scholarship opportunities because of incomplete documentation or incorrect information even when they appear eligible.
Common issues include incorrect bank details, mismatched names, outdated income certificates, missing caste certificates, incorrect course information, failure to complete institute verification and submitting an application after the deadline.
Students should also check whether their college has completed the required verification. On NSP, submission of an application is not always the final stage of the process.
How Students Can Prepare Before the Scholarship Season
College students can save considerable time by preparing documents before scholarship applications open.
Keep digital copies of marksheets, admission letters, fee receipts, certificates, bank details and photographs in an organized folder. Students should also maintain a record of application numbers and deadlines.
For category-based scholarships, obtaining the appropriate certificate before the deadline can be particularly important.
Students should also check whether their college has a scholarship or student-welfare office. Institutional verification is required for several scholarship programs, and delays at this stage can affect the application.
Government vs Private Scholarships for College Students
Both government and private scholarships can be useful, but their selection methods are different.
Government scholarships commonly focus on merit, income, category, domicile, institution, course or a combination of these factors. Private scholarships may use merit-cum-means criteria, aptitude tests, academic performance, financial circumstances or specific educational goals.
For example, PM-USP CSSS is a central government merit-based scheme, SC Top Class Education targets eligible SC students in notified institutions, AICTE Pragati focuses on eligible girls in technical education, while Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships use merit, aptitude and financial background in their selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scholarship is available for college students in India?
College students can check PM-USP CSSS, SC Top Class Education, ST Higher Education Scholarship, PM YASASVI Top Class College Education, AICTE Pragati, AICTE Saksham, HDFC Parivartan ECSS, Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship and state-level post-matric scholarships, depending on their eligibility.
Can private college students apply for government scholarships?
Yes. Some government scholarships can be available to students in eligible private or recognized institutions, but others require admission to a notified or empanelled institution or an AICTE-approved program. Students should check the specific scholarship’s institutional conditions.
When should college students apply for scholarships in 2026–27?
Many 2026–27 applications fall between June and October, but the exact deadline varies. For example, the NSP currently lists October 31, 2026 for SC Top Class Education and ST Higher Education Scholarship, while PM-USP CSSS renewal is shown with a September 30, 2026 student deadline. HDFC Parivartan ECSS has an October 31, 2026 deadline.
Final Thoughts
College students in India have access to a wide range of government and private scholarships, but eligibility is highly specific to the course, college, academic performance, family income, category and other conditions. Students should check scholarships such as PM-USP CSSS, SC and ST higher-education schemes, PM YASASVI, AICTE Pragati and Saksham, HDFC Parivartan, Reliance Foundation and LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship according to their individual profile, while keeping track of the 2026–27 application deadlines and institute-verification requirements.