Don't Miss These Government Scholarships
for School Students in 2026-27
Complete Guide: Eligibility | Amount | Last Dates | How to Apply on NSP
Introduction
Every year, lakhs of school students in India drop out — not because they are not smart, but because their families cannot afford school fees, books, or hostel charges. The good news? The Government of India has created powerful scholarship schemes just for students like you.
If you are a school student studying in Class 1 to 12, you must know about the government scholarships for school students in 2026-27. These scholarships give you free money — no loan, no repayment — directly into your bank account.
The main platform where you can apply for all government scholarships is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
What Is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP), available at scholarships.gov.in, is the official one-stop platform for all government scholarship applications in India. It is managed by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) on behalf of the Government of India.
Key features of NSP:
• Single registration for all scholarships using your Aadhaar number
• Scholarship money is sent directly to your bank account
• Real-time application tracking and payment status
• Hosts both central government and state government scholarship schemes
• One Time Registration (OTR) system — register once and apply to multiple schemes.
Top Government Scholarships for School Students in 2026-27
1. National Means-cum-Merit Schola Each Scholarship Explained Simplyrship Scheme (NMMS)
one of the most popular government scholarships for school students. Introduced in 2008, it selects 1,00,000 students every year across India through a written exam and rewards them with ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) from Class 9 to Class 12.
Eligibility:
• Must be studying in Class 8 in a government or government-aided school
• Minimum 55% marks in Class 7 (50% for SC/ST students)
• Family income must be less than ₹3.5 lakh per year from all sources
• Students in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and private unaided schools are NOT eligible
2. PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026-27
The PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI) is managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This is one of the highest-value government scholarships for school students, giving eligible students up to ₹75,000 per year for Class 9 students and up to ₹1,25,000 per year for Class 11 students.
Eligibility:
• Must belong to OBC, EBC, or DNT community
• Studying in Class 9 or Class 11 at a recognized school
• Minimum 60% marks in previous class (Class 8 or Class 10)
• Family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year
• Must be admitted to a school on the Ministry's approved list
Important 2026 Update: The YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) has been cancelled. Selection is now based on merit (marks in previous class) — no exam required!
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 (Apply on NSP).
3. Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC and ST Students
This scheme provides financial support to students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families who are studying in Class 9 and Class 10. The scholarship helps cover day-to-day expenses like books, stationery, and hostel charges.
Eligibility:
• Must belong to SC or ST community
• Studying in Class 9 or 10 in a government or recognized private school
• Family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year
Scholarship Amount:
• Day scholars: ₹150 per month + ₹500–₹750 annual book grant
• Hostellers: ₹750 per month + annual grant
4. Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minority Students
This scheme is for students from 6 minority communities: Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi. It covers students studying in Class 9 and Class 10
Eligibility:
• Must belong to a notified minority community
• Minimum 50% marks in previous year's exam
• Family income must not exceed ₹1 lakh per year
Amount: Up to ₹10,000 per year (including admission fee, tuition fee, maintenance allowance).
5. Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Minority Girls
This is a special scholarship for girls from minority communities (Class 9 to 12). It is administered by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) and gives ₹5,000 to students in Class 9–10 and ₹6,000 to students in Class 11–12.
Eligibility:
• Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, or Parsi girl students
• Minimum 50% marks in previous examination
• Family income should not exceed ₹2 lakh per year
6. INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) for Science Students
The Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) under the INSPIRE program by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) is meant for students who are in the top 1% of their Class 10 or 12 board exams and wish to study natural sciences.
Eligibility:
• Must be in the top 1% of board exam results (Class 10/12)
• Enrolled in a B.Sc. or Integrated M.Sc. course in natural sciences
• No income limit — purely merit-based
Amount: ₹12,000 per year (for 5 years of study).
7. CCRT Scholarship for Talented Students in Cultural Arts
The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) offers scholarships to students in Class 9 to 12 who have special talent in Indian classical music, dance, drama, or visual arts.
Eligibility:
• Studying in Class 9 to 12
• Demonstrated talent in classical music, dance, theatre, or traditional arts
• Family income should not exceed ₹2 lakh per year
Amount: ₹6,000 per year.
How to Apply for Government Scholarships on NSP
Applying for government scholarships for school students online is now very easy. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Register on NSP
Step 2: Complete OTR (One Time Registration)
Step 3: Apply for Your Scholarship
Step 4: School Verification
Step 5: Wait for Disbursement
Documents Required for Government Scholarship Application 2026-27
Keep these documents ready before you start applying:
• Aadhaar Card (of student)
• Family income certificate (issued by a government authority like Tehsildar)
• Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC students — issued by competent authority)
• Previous year's marksheet / passing certificate
• Current school bonafide certificate
• Bank account passbook (student's own account, preferably Aadhaar-linked)
• Passport-size photographs (recent)
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
State Government Scholarships for School Students 2026-27
Apart from the central government schemes on NSP, every state in India offers its own scholarships. Here are some examples:
• Maharashtra: Swadhar Greh, EBC scholarship for Class 11-12 students
• Uttar Pradesh: UP scholarship for Class 9-12 (SC/ST/OBC/General), one of the largest in India
• Bihar: Bihar state scholarship for SC/ST students through eChalaan portal
• Madhya Pradesh: Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana, Gaon Ki Beti Yojana
• Delhi: SC/ST/OBC scholarships via e-District portal (last date: April 30 each year)
• Rajasthan: Mukhyamantri Ucch Shiksha Scholarship Scheme
• Karnataka: Vidyasiri Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC students
