The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a single online window for dozens of central and state government scholarships — for pre-matric, post-matric, minority, SC/ST/OBC, merit and other categories of students. Applying is free through scholarships.gov.in. This guide explains how to register (One-Time Registration), apply, and track your scholarship.
| Portal | National Scholarship Portal — scholarships.gov.in |
| For | School & college students under eligible central/state schemes |
| Registration | One-Time Registration (OTR) with Aadhaar-based verification |
| Documents | Aadhaar, bank account, marksheet, income/caste certificate (as needed) |
| Cost | Free |
| Helpline | 0120-6619540 |
What is the NSP?
NSP brings together scholarship schemes of central ministries and participating states on one platform, so students can find eligible scholarships, apply once, and receive the amount directly in their Aadhaar-seeded bank account through DBT.
Who can apply?
Students who meet the specific scheme’s eligibility — based on class/course, category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/General), family income limit, and state. Each scholarship lists its own criteria; check them before applying.
Documents you usually need
- Aadhaar number (and Aadhaar-seeded, active bank account for DBT)
- Latest marksheet / bonafide certificate
- Income certificate and caste/community certificate (where required)
- Fee receipt and admission details for certain post-matric schemes
How to register and apply (step by step)
- On scholarships.gov.in, complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) with Aadhaar-based e-KYC — you get a permanent OTR/Registration ID.
- Log in, view the scholarships you are eligible for, and select the one that applies to you.
- Fill the application, upload the required documents and submit before the scheme deadline.
- Your application is verified by your institute and the sanctioning authority; on approval, the amount is credited via DBT.
How to track your application
Use “Check Your Status” with your OTR/Application ID to see whether it is pending at the institute, district or ministry level. Keep your bank Aadhaar-seeded to avoid payment failure.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying after the deadline — each scholarship has strict dates.
- Bank account not Aadhaar-seeded — the DBT payment then fails.
- Wrong/duplicate applications — apply for the one scheme you are eligible for.
Frequently asked questions
Is NSP application free?
Yes. Registration and application on the official portal are free.
Do I need Aadhaar?
Yes — OTR uses Aadhaar-based verification, and DBT needs an Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Generally you can hold only one scholarship per year; apply for the scheme you are eligible for and follow its rules.
Information last verified: 16 July 2026. Schemes, deadlines and criteria change every year — confirm current details on scholarships.gov.in before applying.