Students with disabilities often face additional expenses while continuing their education, including tuition fees, books, assistive requirements, accommodation and other academic costs. To reduce this financial burden, the Government of India provides scholarship support through schemes administered by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), with applications for several schemes processed through the National Scholarship Portal.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the National Scholarship Portal lists dedicated schemes for students with disabilities, including Pre-Matric Scholarship, Post-Matric Scholarship and Top Class Education Scholarship. The current portal also states that students with disabilities must first log in through the UDID portal and provide consent for sharing their UDID details before submitting the scholarship application on NSP.
Scholarships for Students With Disabilities in India 2026–27
The central scholarship framework for students with disabilities covers different stages of education. The appropriate scholarship depends on the student’s class, course, institution, disability status and other eligibility conditions.
The main central schemes include Pre-Matric Scholarship, Post-Matric Scholarship and Top Class Education Scholarship. The broader scholarship framework has also included support for higher research, overseas study and competitive-examination coaching.
| Scholarship Scheme | Level of Study | Application Platform | 2026–27 Student Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities | Class 9 and 10 | National Scholarship Portal | 30 September 2026 |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities | Class 11 to PG/Diploma | National Scholarship Portal | 31 October 2026 |
| Top Class Education Scholarship | Eligible higher education courses | National Scholarship Portal | 31 October 2026 |
| National Fellowship for PwDs | Higher research | As notified | Check current notification |
| National Overseas Scholarship for PwDs | Higher education abroad | As notified | Check current notification |
| Free Coaching for Students With Disabilities | Competitive/entrance examinations | As notified | Check current notification |
The dates above are based on the National Scholarship Portal’s 2026–27 listing and can be subject to official updates. Students should complete the application and institute verification process within the dates shown on the portal.
Who Can Apply for Disability Scholarships?
The central scholarship schemes are intended for eligible Indian students with benchmark disabilities. Under the general framework, benchmark disability generally means 40% or more disability, supported by a valid disability certificate issued by the competent authority.
Eligibility is not determined only by the disability percentage. The student’s class or course, family income, educational institution, documents and other conditions of the particular scheme can also matter.
For example, the current DEPwD information for the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric schemes specifies a family-income ceiling of ₹2.5 lakh per year, along with requirements relating to UDID and Aadhaar. Students should therefore check the conditions of the particular scholarship instead of assuming that eligibility for one scheme automatically applies to another.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities
The Pre-Matric Scholarship is designed for students studying in Classes 9 and 10. It is intended to help eligible students continue secondary education without financial difficulties becoming a barrier to their studies.
According to the current DEPwD information, eligible students need to be Indian nationals with a benchmark disability of 40% or more. The listed requirements include a UDID Card, Aadhaar Card and family income within the prescribed limit.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the National Scholarship Portal shows that the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities opened on 25 July 2026, with student applications scheduled to remain open until 30 September 2026. Defective applications and institute verification have separate subsequent deadlines.
The scheme can provide support toward educational expenses such as books, disability-related allowances and monthly scholarship assistance, subject to the applicable rules.
Students and parents should pay particular attention to the academic class entered in the application. A student studying below Class 9 may not qualify for this particular central Pre-Matric scholarship even though other educational assistance could be available through state-level or institution-level programs.
Post-Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities
Students who have completed Class 10 can look at the Post-Matric Scholarship for Students With Disabilities. This scheme covers a considerably wider range of education, including Classes 11 and 12, diploma, degree and postgraduate courses, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
For 2026–27, the National Scholarship Portal lists the Post-Matric Scholarship as opening on 25 July 2026, with the student application deadline of 31 October 2026. Verification deadlines follow the student application period.
The current DEPwD information lists financial assistance that may include tuition or admission fees, other eligible fees, book allowance, disability allowance and monthly support. The exact amount depends on the applicable course category and scholarship rules.
This makes the Post-Matric Scholarship particularly relevant for students planning education after Class 10. However, students should not select a course category merely because it appears to provide a higher benefit. The course and institution must satisfy the applicable scholarship requirements.
Top Class Education Scholarship for Students With Disabilities
Students entering higher education may also be able to apply for the Scholarship for Top Class Education for Students With Disabilities.
This scheme is aimed at eligible students pursuing higher education in notified institutions and courses. It can be especially relevant for students entering professional, technical or other higher-level programs where education-related expenses can be substantial.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the National Scholarship Portal lists the Top Class Education Scholarship for Students With Disabilities as opening on 1 June 2026, with student applications scheduled until 31 October 2026.
Because Top Class Education has institution and course-related conditions, students should check whether their selected college or institute falls within the applicable notified category before preparing the application.
National Fellowship for Students With Disabilities
Students who progress beyond regular undergraduate or postgraduate education may find scholarship opportunities through the National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD).
The fellowship is intended for eligible research scholars pursuing higher research in India. The DEPwD scholarship framework identifies National Fellowship as one of the components of the broader scholarship support for students with disabilities.
Fellowship applications operate according to their own notifications and schedules, so students pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D.-level research should not assume that the regular NSP school or college scholarship deadline applies.
National Overseas Scholarship for Students With Disabilities
Higher-education students planning to pursue a master’s degree or doctoral-level study outside India may also come across the National Overseas Scholarship for PwDs.
This is different from the regular school and college scholarships available through NSP. Overseas scholarship eligibility can involve requirements relating to academic qualifications, admission, institution, course, financial circumstances and other conditions.
The DEPwD scholarship framework includes National Overseas Scholarship among its disability-focused scholarship components.
Students interested in studying abroad should therefore monitor the specific notification for the relevant academic cycle rather than relying on the application schedule for Pre-Matric or Post-Matric scholarships.
Free Coaching Support for Students With Disabilities
Financial assistance for education is not limited to tuition and academic courses. The disability scholarship framework has also included Free Coaching for Students With Disabilities.
This component is designed to support eligible students preparing for certain recruitment examinations and entrance examinations for technical and professional courses.
For students preparing for competitive examinations, coaching assistance can be important because preparation expenses may include classes, study material, test series and other academic resources.
The availability and application process should be checked against the current notification because coaching support follows its own implementation requirements.
How Much Scholarship Can Students With Disabilities Get?
There is no single scholarship amount applicable to every student with a disability in India.
The amount depends on the scholarship category, educational level, course, hosteller or day-scholar status, eligible fees and other applicable conditions.
For example, the current DEPwD information for the Post-Matric Scholarship lists support that can include tuition/admission fees up to the prescribed ceiling, other eligible fees, book allowance, disability allowance and monthly maintenance support.
Similarly, the current Pre-Matric information lists book assistance, disability allowance and monthly support, with different amounts for hostellers and day scholars.
This is why students should avoid relying on old scholarship articles or social-media posts that mention a fixed amount. Scholarship rates and eligibility rules can be revised.
Income Limit for Disability Scholarships
Family income is an important eligibility factor for several scholarship categories.
The current DEPwD pages for the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric disability scholarships list an annual family-income limit of ₹2.5 lakh.
Income requirements can differ between schemes, so a student who does not qualify for one scholarship should not automatically assume that all disability-related educational support is unavailable.
Before submitting an application, the family should check the income certificate requirements and make sure that the information entered in the application matches the supporting documents.
Incorrect income details can create problems during verification.
Documents Required for Disability Scholarship Application
Students should prepare their documents before beginning the online application. Commonly required documents can include:
- UDID Card or relevant disability documentation
- Aadhaar Card
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Income certificate
- Recent photograph
- Bank account details
- Academic marksheet or previous qualification documents
- Admission or enrolment details
- Course and institution information
- Fee-related documents where required
- Other certificates specified by the particular scholarship
Not every scholarship requires exactly the same documents.
For the current disability scholarship process, the UDID requirement is particularly important. The National Scholarship Portal’s 2026–27 announcement says disabled students must first log in to the UDID portal and provide consent to share their UDID details before submitting the NSP application.
What Is UDID and Why Is It Important?
UDID stands for Unique Disability ID. It is an important part of the disability-related government services ecosystem and is particularly relevant to scholarship applications.
For the 2026–27 academic year, NSP specifically states that disabled students must complete the UDID-related consent process before they can submit their scholarship application.
Students who have not yet arranged their required disability documentation should not wait until the scholarship deadline. Document-related issues can take additional time to resolve, especially if information needs correction or verification.
It is also important that the personal details in Aadhaar, UDID, academic records and bank information are consistent wherever required.
How to Apply for Scholarships for Students With Disabilities
The application process is primarily online for the central scholarships listed on the National Scholarship Portal.
Step 1: Check the scholarship category
First identify whether the student belongs under Pre-Matric, Post-Matric or Top Class Education, or whether a separate fellowship or overseas scholarship is relevant.
Step 2: Check eligibility
Review disability percentage, course, class, family income, nationality, institution and other conditions.
Step 3: Complete the UDID requirement
For 2026–27, NSP requires disabled students to log in through the UDID portal and provide consent for sharing UDID details before submitting the NSP application.
Step 4: Complete the NSP registration requirements
Students need to follow the current National Scholarship Portal registration and application process.
Step 5: Fill in academic and personal information
Enter the student’s name, date of birth, course, institution, academic information, bank details and other requested information carefully.
Step 6: Upload or provide required information
Submit the documents and details requested under the selected scholarship.
Step 7: Review before final submission
Check every important field before submitting the application. A small spelling or account-detail error can create difficulties during verification.
Step 8: Complete institute verification
After submission, the application may need to be verified by the educational institution and relevant authorities.
The National Scholarship Portal currently also provides scholarship-related services through Common Service Centres, with a specified service charge for the complete activity.
When Can Students Apply for Disability Scholarships in India?
Application dates depend on the scholarship.
For 2026–27, the National Scholarship Portal currently lists:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship: student applications until 30 September 2026
- Post-Matric Scholarship: student applications until 31 October 2026
- Top Class Education Scholarship: student applications until 31 October 2026
The portal also lists separate dates for defective application correction and institute verification.
Students should not wait for the last few days. Applications can involve document checks, institute verification and corrections, so early submission provides more time to resolve issues.
Scholarship Verification Process
Submitting an application does not necessarily mean that the scholarship has been approved.
Applications may pass through different stages of verification. Information such as the student’s educational details, disability information, income details, institution, bank account and other documents may be checked.
The National Scholarship Portal separately publishes timelines for defective application verification, institute verification and other levels of verification.
If an application is marked defective, the student should carefully review the reason and make the required correction within the permitted period.
Students should also maintain their application or reference details so they can check the status when required.
How Scholarship Money Is Received
Eligible scholarship benefits are generally transferred through government payment systems rather than being handed over as cash by the school or college.
The current DEPwD information for disability scholarships refers to payment through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)/PFMS.
Because payment depends on successful verification and financial processing, students should ensure that their bank information is correct.
A bank account problem can delay payment even when the academic eligibility is otherwise satisfied.
Can a Student Receive More Than One Scholarship?
Students should be careful when applying for multiple scholarships.
The disability scholarship rules contain restrictions concerning other scholarships or stipends. The general scheme framework states that a scholarship holder should not simultaneously hold another scholarship or stipend under the applicable conditions.
At the same time, the National Scholarship Portal’s 2026–27 announcement states that students may apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes, subject to the eligibility conditions of those schemes.
Therefore, students should check the rules of both scholarships before accepting multiple benefits. Applying for a scholarship is not the same as being permitted to retain two benefits simultaneously.
Common Reasons Disability Scholarship Applications Face Problems
A carefully prepared application can reduce avoidable delays.
One common issue is inconsistent personal information across documents. The student’s name, date of birth or other details may need to match the relevant records.
Another issue is incomplete disability or UDID information. Since UDID is specifically integrated into the 2026–27 NSP process for disabled students, applicants should complete that requirement before attempting final submission.
Incorrect income information, incomplete bank details, wrong course selection and failure to complete institute verification can also affect an application.
Students should therefore check the application carefully rather than treating the scholarship form as a routine registration.
Scholarships for College Students With Disabilities
College students have several possible routes depending on their course and institution.
Students in Classes 11 and 12 can generally look at the Post-Matric Scholarship category, while diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate students may also fall within its coverage if they satisfy the applicable requirements.
Students entering eligible higher education institutions may also examine the Top Class Education Scholarship.
For expensive professional programs, students should consider all eligible components of financial support rather than focusing only on tuition fees. Accommodation, books, disability-related requirements and other education costs can also affect the overall cost of studying.
Scholarships for Students With Disabilities After Graduation
The opportunities do not necessarily end with a bachelor’s degree.
Postgraduate students can potentially benefit from applicable post-matric or higher-education support, while research scholars can look at fellowship opportunities designed for students with disabilities.
Students planning international education can separately examine the National Overseas Scholarship for PwDs when applications are announced.
This broader range of support is important because disability-related educational expenses can continue well beyond school.
State Government Scholarships for Students With Disabilities
Central government scholarships are only one part of the available financial-support landscape.
Many state governments operate their own scholarship or fee-assistance programs for students with disabilities. Eligibility may depend on state domicile, family income, disability status, class, institution and course.
A student who does not qualify for a central scholarship may still find a state-level opportunity.
Students should therefore check their state’s Social Welfare, Social Justice, Disability Empowerment or Education Department notifications in addition to checking the National Scholarship Portal.
How Parents Can Help Students Apply
Parents and guardians can play an important role in making the application process easier, particularly for younger students.
Before the application window opens, they can organize the student’s disability documents, UDID information, income certificate, academic records and bank details.
Parents should also help students read the eligibility conditions carefully. The objective should be to submit accurate information rather than simply selecting a scholarship because its financial benefit appears attractive.
For students using accessibility technology or requiring assistance with online forms, family members can also help review the information before final submission.
Tips to Improve the Scholarship Application Process
- Check the official scholarship schedule before applying.
- Complete the UDID-related requirement early.
- Keep income and disability documents updated.
- Make sure bank details are correct.
- Use the correct course and institution information.
- Save the application/reference details after submission.
- Monitor verification and correction requirements instead of assuming approval after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for scholarships for students with disabilities?
Eligible Indian students with benchmark disabilities can apply for the relevant disability scholarship if they satisfy the specific conditions of the scheme. The central scholarship framework generally uses a 40% or more disability requirement along with a valid disability certificate, while other conditions vary by scheme.
When is the last date to apply for disability scholarships in 2026–27?
For the scholarships currently listed on NSP, the Pre-Matric Scholarship has a student application deadline of 30 September 2026, while the Post-Matric Scholarship and Top Class Education Scholarship have student application deadlines of 31 October 2026. These dates can change, so applicants should check the current NSP schedule.
Is UDID required for disability scholarship applications?
For the 2026–27 NSP process, disabled students are required to log in through the UDID portal and provide consent to share their UDID details before submitting the scholarship application.
Conclusion
Scholarships for Students With Disabilities in India can provide important financial support from secondary school through higher education and research. For 2026–27, students should pay particular attention to the Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Top Class Education scholarships listed on the National Scholarship Portal, complete the required UDID process and submit accurate information before the applicable deadline. Eligibility, scholarship amounts and dates can be revised, so students and parents should always verify the latest requirements before submitting an application.