Medical education in India can involve substantial expenses, particularly for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and other professional healthcare courses. Tuition fees are only one part of the cost. Students may also have to manage hostel charges, books, instruments, examination fees, transportation and other academic expenses.
There are several scholarships available for medical students through the Central Government, state governments, welfare departments, private companies, foundations and other organizations. Some are open to students in government medical colleges, while others can also cover eligible students studying in private institutions.
For 2026–27, students should check the scholarship name, course requirement, family-income limit, college eligibility, category requirements and application deadline before applying. The National Scholarship Portal is open for the 2026–27 academic year from June 1, 2026, and requires One Time Registration (OTR) for scholarship applications.
Medical Scholarships in India 2026–27: Overview
Medical students should not search only for scholarships containing the word “MBBS.” Many general higher-education and category-based scholarships also specifically cover professional and medical courses.
| Scholarship Name | Main Students Covered | Courses | Government College | Private College | 2026–27 Application Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship | Meritorious students meeting income and other conditions | Professional and general higher education, including medical courses | Yes, subject to eligibility | Eligible recognized institutions subject to scheme conditions | NSP 2026–27 cycle |
| PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for J&K and Ladakh | Eligible students from J&K/Ladakh | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and other eligible courses | Yes | Eligible colleges listed under the scheme | Annual AICTE/NSP schedule |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students | Eligible SC students | Higher education including medical courses | Yes | Subject to state/institution conditions | State/NSP schedule |
| ST Higher Education Scholarship | Eligible ST students | Higher education | Yes | Subject to institutional eligibility | Student application till October 31, 2026 on NSP |
| PM YASASVI Top Class College Education | OBC, EBC and DNT students | Eligible higher/professional courses | If institution qualifies | If institution qualifies | Student application till October 31, 2026 on NSP |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities | Eligible students with disabilities | Higher education | Subject to scheme conditions | Subject to scheme conditions | Student application till October 31, 2026 on NSP |
| Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship | First-year UG students | Full-time UG degrees | Yes | Yes | 2026–27 applications open |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS | Merit-cum-need students | UG/PG and professional courses | Yes | Yes | August 6–October 31, 2026 |
| Winnie Sun Scholarship | Eligible female MBBS students | MBBS | Check institutional conditions | Check institutional conditions | September 10–October 30, 2026 |
| Concentrix Scholarship Program | Eligible female first-year MBBS students | MBBS | Government medical colleges | No under current eligibility | Deadline September 30, 2026 |
The current NSP list includes several higher-education schemes relevant to medical students, including PM-USP, Top Class Education for SC students, ST higher-education scholarships, PM YASASVI College scholarships and the Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.
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 a central government scholarship that can be relevant to medical students because the scheme includes professional courses.
The National Scholarship Portal’s FAQ specifically lists MBBS, BDS, BAMS and other medical and paramedical courses among the professional courses covered under the relevant higher-education scholarship framework.
Who Can Apply for PM-USP CSSS?
The scheme is primarily merit-based and students must satisfy the prescribed academic, income, institution and other requirements.
A medical student should check whether:
- They were selected under the applicable Class 12 merit criteria.
- They are pursuing an eligible regular course.
- Their family income satisfies the applicable ceiling.
- Their institution and course meet the scheme conditions.
- They satisfy renewal requirements if they are already receiving the scholarship.
This scholarship should not be treated as a general MBBS scholarship that every medical student can apply for after admission. The selection mechanism and eligibility conditions are important.
Does It Cover MBBS Students?
Yes, medical and professional courses are included in the relevant scheme provisions. The NSP FAQ specifically mentions MBBS and BDS, along with other professional and medical courses.
The amount depends on the applicable course and level. The NSP’s published FAQ gives a higher rate for professional courses than general degree courses, but students should follow the current scheme notification for the applicable academic year.
When Can Students Apply?
The NSP currently shows the 2026–27 PM-USP CSSS renewal cycle with the student application deadline of September 30, 2026 in the scheme listing, while the student announcement page also shows a renewal closing date of October 31, 2026; because the portal information has been updated during the academic year, applicants should rely on the live scheme page at the time of submission.
PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
Students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have an additional scholarship opportunity through the PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme.
This scheme is particularly important for medical students because it specifically includes MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and equivalent medical streams among the eligible courses.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is intended for eligible students from J&K and Ladakh who meet the prescribed domicile, educational, income and admission conditions.
The published scheme requirements include:
- Domicile of the eligible region
- Required Class 12 qualification
- Admission to an eligible institution/course
- Family income within the prescribed limit
- Registration under the scholarship process
- Compliance with the prescribed admission and counselling conditions
For medical courses, students must qualify NEET and obtain admission according to the scheme’s requirements.
How Much Financial Support Is Available?
The published PMSSS structure provides a medical-degree academic-fee ceiling of up to ₹3 lakh per year, along with maintenance support subject to the prescribed limits. The scheme has a limited number of medical-stream scholarships.
This is therefore a particularly relevant opportunity for eligible students from J&K and Ladakh who want to pursue medical education outside the region.
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
The Post-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste students can be highly relevant to medical students because higher education, including professional courses, can fall within the scholarship framework.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s recent reporting includes an example of an MBBS student receiving Post-Matric Scholarship support, demonstrating that medical education can be covered under the scheme.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility generally depends on:
- SC category
- Family-income conditions
- Admission to an eligible post-matric course
- Recognized institution
- Academic and state-specific requirements
The application process can vary because states and Union Territories play an important role in implementing post-matric scholarships.
Can Private Medical College Students Apply?
Potentially, yes, but this depends on the applicable state rules, institution recognition, fee structure and scheme conditions.
A private medical college student should therefore check the applicable state scholarship notification rather than assuming that the scholarship is restricted to government medical colleges.
National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
ST students pursuing higher education can check the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students.
The scholarship component is different from the fellowship component intended for research-level study. Medical students should examine the scholarship eligibility applicable to their course and educational level.
The National Scholarship Portal lists this scheme for the 2026–27 academic year with a student application deadline of October 31, 2026.
Students should check whether their medical institution and course satisfy the current eligibility conditions.
PM YASASVI Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students
The PM YASASVI Top Class College Education scheme can be relevant to eligible OBC, EBC and DNT medical students.
The scheme is intended for students pursuing higher education in identified institutions and eligible courses. The exact college and course eligibility should be checked against the current year’s list and guidelines.
Who Can Apply?
Students generally need to:
- Belong to OBC, EBC or DNT category.
- Meet the prescribed family-income requirement.
- Have admission to an eligible institution.
- Pursue an eligible course.
- Satisfy the academic and other conditions of the scheme.
The National Scholarship Portal currently lists the PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in College for 2026–27, with student applications open until October 31, 2026.
Government and Private Medical Colleges
The important point is that the scholarship is based on the scheme’s institution and course eligibility rather than simply the label “government college.”
A student in a private medical institution should check whether the institution is included under the current Top Class framework before applying.
Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Medical students with eligible disabilities can also examine the Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.
The 2026–27 NSP listing shows this scholarship opening on July 25, 2026, with student applications available until October 31, 2026.
Who Can Apply?
Students need to meet the prescribed disability, educational, income and institutional requirements.
Applicants should keep their disability certificate and other required records ready. The NSP has also introduced specific requirements for disabled applicants involving UDID authentication and consent before completing the scholarship application.
This scholarship is not restricted to MBBS alone; eligible students in other higher-education courses can also be covered according to the scheme.
Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is a major private scholarship that can be relevant to students pursuing medical education, provided their course and institution satisfy the current program’s eligibility requirements.
For 2026–27, Reliance Foundation announced 5,000 undergraduate scholarships. The scholarship is for first-year undergraduate students enrolled in full-time degree programs across India.
Who Can Apply?
The undergraduate program uses a merit-cum-means selection process.
Students need to be:
- First-year undergraduate students
- Enrolled in a full-time degree program
- Studying in India
- Within the program’s prescribed academic and financial eligibility criteria
Selection also involves an aptitude assessment and evaluation of the student’s academic and financial profile.
How Much Is the Scholarship?
Selected undergraduate scholars can receive up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of the degree program, subject to the applicable conditions. The program also includes mentorship and leadership-development opportunities.
When Can Medical Students Apply?
The 2026–27 Reliance Foundation Scholarship application cycle was announced as open from August 14, 2026. Students should check the current application portal for the closing date applicable to the 2026–27 cycle.
HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Scholarship for Medical Students
The HDFC Bank Parivartan Educational Crisis Scholarship Support Programme, commonly known as Parivartan ECSS, is another private scholarship that can be relevant to medical students.
The program covers professional undergraduate and postgraduate education along with other higher-education categories.
Who Can Apply?
For higher education, applicants generally need to meet conditions such as:
- Indian citizenship
- Admission to a recognized college or university
- At least the prescribed academic percentage
- Family income within the program limit
- Course-level eligibility
- Other program-specific conditions
Medical students should check the current professional-course category when applying.
How Much Can Students Receive?
The program provides financial assistance according to the student’s education level and category, with awards of up to ₹75,000 under the current program structure. The maximum amount should not be interpreted as a guaranteed award for every medical student.
Application Period 2026
The 2026–27 HDFC Parivartan ECSS cycle opened on August 6, 2026, with the current deadline listed as October 31, 2026.
The program can be relevant to students in recognized private as well as government institutions, subject to the current eligibility conditions.
Winnie Sun Scholarship for Female MBBS Students
The Winnie Sun Scholarship is a private scholarship specifically relevant to female MBBS students.
For the 2026–27 cycle, eligible applicants must have secured admission to an MBBS course during FY 2026–27.
Who Can Apply?
The current eligibility information includes:
- Female Indian citizen
- Admission to MBBS in FY 2026–27
- Minimum academic performance requirements
- Family income below ₹5 lakh per year
- Other scholarship-specific conditions
The current criteria specify 70% marks in Classes 10 and 12, with a lower 60% threshold for SC/ST/OBC applicants.
How Much Is the Scholarship?
Selected students can receive up to ₹65,000 per year for up to five years of MBBS study. The assistance can be used toward eligible education and related expenses under the program’s rules.
When Can Students Apply?
The 2026–27 application window is listed as September 10 to October 30, 2026.
This is particularly useful for female students who have newly entered MBBS in the 2026–27 academic year.
Concentrix Scholarship Program for Female MBBS Students
The Concentrix Scholarship Program 2026–27 is another private scholarship specifically targeting female medical students.
The current program is open to first-year female MBBS students studying in government medical colleges.
Eligibility for Concentrix Scholarship
Current eligibility includes:
- Female student
- First-year MBBS
- Government medical college
- Successful completion of Class 12
- Annual parental income not exceeding ₹5 lakh
- Other program conditions
Preference is reported for applicants such as single-parent or orphan students.
Scholarship Amount
Selected students can receive up to ₹65,000 per year for the duration of the course, subject to the program’s conditions.
Application Deadline
The current 2026–27 deadline is September 30, 2026.
Unlike some general private scholarships, this program currently has a specific government medical college requirement, so private medical college students should not treat it as a general MBBS scholarship.
Scholarships for MBBS Students
MBBS students can explore scholarships through several routes rather than relying on one specific program.
The most relevant categories include:
- Central government merit scholarships
- SC post-matric scholarships
- ST higher-education scholarships
- OBC/EBC/DNT higher-education scholarships
- Disability scholarships
- J&K and Ladakh special scholarships
- State government medical scholarships
- Private MBBS scholarships
- Corporate scholarships
- College-level fee concessions
- Trust and foundation scholarships
The important factor is matching the student’s profile with the scholarship conditions.
Scholarships for BDS Students
Dental students should also search beyond scholarships specifically titled “MBBS Scholarship.”
The PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for J&K and Ladakh, for example, specifically lists BDS along with MBBS, BAMS and BHMS under its medical stream.
BDS students can also explore category-based post-matric scholarships, state-level professional-course scholarships and private higher-education scholarships.
Scholarships for BAMS and BHMS Students
Students studying Ayurveda, Homeopathy and other recognized medical systems may also qualify for certain scholarships.
The PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme documentation specifically includes BAMS and BHMS alongside MBBS and BDS for eligible students from J&K and Ladakh.
For other government and private scholarships, students should verify whether the program defines “medical,” “professional,” “health sciences” or “recognized degree” broadly enough to include their course.
Scholarships for Nursing, Pharmacy and Allied Medical Courses
Students pursuing nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and other allied healthcare programs should also check higher-education scholarships.
Not every MBBS scholarship will cover these courses, but general professional-course scholarships may.
The National Scholarship Portal’s scholarship framework includes professional and technical courses in several schemes, while specific scholarship eligibility determines whether nursing, pharmacy or another allied course is covered.
Students should therefore never assume that a scholarship covering MBBS automatically covers every healthcare course.
Government Medical College vs Private Medical College Scholarships
This is one of the most important things students should understand.
A scholarship may be available to both government and private medical college students, while another may specifically require a government medical college or an institution from a notified list.
| Scholarship | Government Medical College | Private Medical College |
|---|---|---|
| PM-USP CSSS | Subject to scheme eligibility | Subject to recognized-institution conditions |
| PM-USP Special Scholarship J&K/Ladakh | Yes, if course/institution meets scheme conditions | Only eligible institutions under scheme |
| SC Post-Matric Scholarship | Yes, subject to conditions | Depends on state/institution rules |
| ST Higher Education Scholarship | Yes, subject to conditions | Subject to institution/course eligibility |
| PM YASASVI Top Class College | If institution qualifies | If institution qualifies |
| Disability Post-Matric Scholarship | Subject to conditions | Subject to conditions |
| Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship | Eligible first-year students subject to program rules | Eligible first-year students subject to program rules |
| HDFC Parivartan ECSS | Yes, subject to course and eligibility | Yes, subject to course and eligibility |
| Winnie Sun Scholarship | Check current program conditions | Check current program conditions |
| Concentrix Scholarship | Yes, first-year MBBS at government medical college | No under current eligibility |
This distinction is especially important for students paying high private-medical-college fees. A scholarship search should include the institution type and recognition status, not just the student’s marks and income.
When Can Medical Students Apply for Scholarships in 2026–27?
Medical scholarship deadlines are spread across different months.
Some important 2026–27 dates currently available include:
| Scholarship | Application Period / Deadline |
|---|---|
| PM-USP CSSS | NSP 2026–27 cycle; renewal deadline shown on NSP |
| PM-USP Special Scholarship J&K/Ladakh | Annual AICTE/NSP schedule |
| SC Top Class Education | Student application till October 31, 2026 |
| ST Higher Education Scholarship | Student application till October 31, 2026 |
| PM YASASVI Top Class College | Student application till October 31, 2026 |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities | Student application till October 31, 2026 |
| HDFC Parivartan ECSS | October 31, 2026 |
| Winnie Sun Scholarship | September 10–October 30, 2026 |
| Concentrix Scholarship | September 30, 2026 |
| Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship | 2026–27 application cycle open; check current closing date |
The NSP’s current 2026–27 scheme list confirms the October 31 deadlines for several central higher-education scholarships.
Because dates can be extended or changed, students should verify the live scholarship notice before submitting an application.
Documents Required for Medical Scholarships
Medical students should prepare their documents before the scholarship application window closes.
Commonly required documents include:
- Aadhaar or other accepted identity proof
- Recent photograph
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 12 marksheet
- NEET-related documents where required
- MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS admission letter
- College ID card
- Bonafide certificate
- Fee receipt
- Family income certificate
- Caste certificate
- Domicile certificate
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Bank account details
- Previous semester/year marksheet for renewal
- Hostel documents, where required
Private scholarships can ask for additional documents such as a personal statement, admission proof or evidence of family circumstances.
How to Apply for a Medical Scholarship
The application process depends on the scholarship provider.
For Government Scholarships
Students applying through NSP need to complete the required One Time Registration and then apply for the scholarship for which they are eligible.
The NSP states that OTR is mandatory and provides a unique number that remains applicable throughout the student’s academic career.
For Private Scholarships
Private organizations may use their own application system or an authorized scholarship platform.
Students should enter their admission, academic, family-income and bank information accurately and upload readable documents.
For State Scholarships
State scholarship applications may be processed through the state’s own scholarship portal or through NSP, depending on the scheme.
Students should check whether their domicile state or college has a separate application requirement.
Can Medical Students Apply for More Than One Scholarship?
A student can explore more than one scholarship, but receiving multiple scholarships depends on the rules of the individual schemes.
For 2026–27, NSP states that students may apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria.
However, students should not assume that every combination of scholarships is permitted. Some schemes specifically restrict applicants who are already receiving another scholarship or financial assistance.
The safest approach is to read the “other scholarship” or “double scholarship” condition before accepting an award.
Scholarships for First-Year Medical Students
First-year students should begin searching soon after admission because several scholarships specifically target new entrants.
For example, the Winnie Sun Scholarship requires admission to MBBS during FY 2026–27, while the Concentrix Scholarship is currently aimed at first-year female MBBS students in government medical colleges.
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship also targets first-year undergraduate students and has a separate 2026–27 application cycle.
Students should therefore keep their admission letter, fee receipt and Class 12 documents ready immediately after joining college.
Scholarships for Medical Students from Low-Income Families
Students from financially weaker families can look at both government and private options.
Income-based scholarships may require a current income certificate or other acceptable proof. The applicable income ceiling differs significantly between programs.
For example, the Winnie Sun Scholarship currently lists a family-income ceiling of ₹5 lakh, while the Concentrix Scholarship also uses a ₹5 lakh parental-income limit.
HDFC Parivartan ECSS has a lower family-income threshold of ₹2.5 lakh under its current eligibility information.
Students should therefore compare the actual income limit rather than assuming that every scholarship has the same financial criteria.
Scholarships for Female Medical Students
Female medical students can find both general scholarships and programs specifically designed for women.
The Winnie Sun Scholarship is currently targeted at female MBBS students, while the Concentrix Scholarship Program is also designed for female first-year MBBS students in government medical colleges.
Women can also apply for general merit-cum-means scholarships if they satisfy the applicable conditions.
This means a female medical student should search using several criteria at once: MBBS + female + family income + academic marks + college type.
Scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, EBC and DNT Medical Students
Category-based scholarships can be particularly important because several central schemes are specifically designed for students belonging to eligible social categories.
SC students can check the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students and the Top Class Education for SC Students scheme.
ST students can check the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students.
OBC, EBC and DNT students can check PM YASASVI Top Class College Education.
These schemes have different income limits, institution requirements and award structures, so students should check the relevant scheme rather than applying based only on their category.
How Medical Students Can Improve Their Scholarship Application Preparation
A scholarship application is easier when all documents are ready before the deadline.
Students should maintain digital copies of their Class 10 and 12 marksheets, NEET documents, admission letter, fee receipt, college ID, income certificate, caste certificate and bank information.
They should also check whether the college has a scholarship or student-welfare office. Some scholarships require institutional verification, and an application may not be complete merely because the student has clicked the final submission button.
For NSP applications, students should also complete OTR in advance rather than waiting until the final day.
Important Points Before Applying for an MBBS Scholarship
Medical students should check these points before submitting an application:
- Confirm that MBBS is specifically included in the scholarship.
- Check whether the scholarship is for first-year students or all years.
- Verify the family-income limit.
- Check whether government and private medical colleges are both accepted.
- Confirm that the college is recognized or listed where required.
- Check whether NEET qualification is required.
- Keep current income and category certificates ready.
- Check the exact 2026–27 deadline.
- Read the rules concerning other scholarships.
- Save the application number and acknowledgment after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scholarships are available for MBBS students in India?
MBBS students can check PM-USP CSSS, PM-USP Special Scholarship for J&K and Ladakh, SC Post-Matric and Top Class scholarships, ST Higher Education Scholarship, PM YASASVI, disability scholarships, HDFC Parivartan ECSS, Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, Winnie Sun Scholarship and other state and private programs, depending on eligibility.
Can private medical college students get scholarships?
Yes, some scholarships can be available to eligible students in private medical colleges, while others are restricted to government colleges or notified/eligible institutions. For example, the current Concentrix Scholarship is specifically for first-year MBBS students in government medical colleges, whereas several broader government and private scholarships have different institutional criteria.
When can medical students apply for scholarships in 2026–27?
Application periods vary. Several NSP higher-education scholarships currently have deadlines around October 31, 2026, while private programs such as Winnie Sun and Concentrix have September–October deadlines. Students should check the current notification for the particular scholarship before applying.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships for medical students in India can come from government departments, state governments, private organizations, foundations and specialized programs. MBBS and other medical students should check scholarships according to their course, college type, category, family income, academic record and year of study. For 2026–27, students should prepare their documents and OTR in advance, compare both government and private opportunities, and apply before the individual scholarship deadline rather than relying on a single scholarship option.