India has made significant progress in expanding access to higher education. However, despite the growth in institutions and opportunities, affordability remains a major concern for many families. Government scholarships have emerged as one of the most crucial forms of support for students seeking to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships aim to bridge financial gaps, promote inclusive education, and recognise merit. In 2025, numerous scholarship schemes—funded by the central and state governments—continue to play a key role in empowering students from various backgrounds.
While private scholarships exist, government-sponsored scholarships remain more transparent, accessible, and often cover a broader range of expenses. These scholarships are designed to support various categories of students, including Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), minorities, girls, and students with disabilities. In most cases, the scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, books, and sometimes even hostel charges.
The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the most valuable government scholarships available in India for college students in 2025. Whether the student is pursuing engineering, medical, law, humanities, commerce, or agriculture, there are several schemes worth exploring. The following sections discuss major national and state-level scholarships, their benefits, eligibility conditions, and application procedures.
Table of Contents
National-Level Government Scholarships in 2025
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships
The National Scholarship Portal is a one-stop digital platform managed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It hosts a variety of central government scholarships.
Key Scholarships under NSP in 2025:
- Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students
- Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Minority Students
- Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students
- Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
- Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Each scholarship listed on the portal has different eligibility criteria, which are available on scholarships.gov.in (link for reference only, not included in output).
1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
This is a merit-based scholarship offered by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
Eligibility:
- Students who scored above the 80th percentile in Class 12 (CBSE/State Boards)
- Pursuing regular degree courses from recognised colleges/universities
- Family income must be less than ₹4.5 lakh per annum
Benefits:
- ₹12,000 per year for undergraduate students
- ₹20,000 per year for postgraduate students
Application Period:
August to October every year through the National Scholarship Portal.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students
This scholarship supports SC, ST, and OBC category students after Class 10.
Eligibility:
- Belong to SC/ST/OBC communities
- Enrolled in recognized colleges or universities
- Annual income below ₹2.5 lakh (SC/ST) or ₹1.5 lakh (OBC)
Benefits:
- Tuition fee reimbursement
- Monthly maintenance allowance
- Book allowance and other expenses
Application Mode:
Apply through the respective State Government Portal or NSP.
3. Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students
Offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Eligibility:
- SC students pursuing professional courses
- Annual family income below ₹8 lakh
- Admitted in top institutions like IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, etc.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee
- Living expenses up to ₹2,220/month
- Book allowance of ₹3,000/year
- Laptop cost reimbursement
4. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
Managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the National Defence Fund.
Eligibility:
- Children of ex-servicemen, ex-coast guard personnel
- Students pursuing professional courses
Benefits:
- ₹3,000/month for girls
- ₹2,500/month for boys
- For 10 months per academic year
State Government Scholarships in India (Selected Examples)
Many state governments offer their own schemes in addition to national ones.
Bihar: Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana (College Girls)
Eligibility:
- Only for girl students
- Must be a resident of Bihar
- Must have completed graduation from a recognized university
Benefit: ₹50,000 one-time incentive
Karnataka: Vidyasiri Scholarship
Eligibility:
- SC/ST/OBC students enrolled in post-matric courses
- Family income below ₹2.5 lakh per annum
Benefits:
- Hostel fee reimbursement
- Food and accommodation charges covered
Maharashtra: Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship
Eligibility:
- For SC students pursuing PG/UG courses
- Must be enrolled in government or aided institutions
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
West Bengal: Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Students with at least 60% marks in Class 12
- Annual income below ₹2.5 lakh
Benefits:
- Up to ₹8,000 per month based on course type
Scholarships for Minority and Economically Weaker Students
Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students
This fellowship is now being integrated with other schemes post-NEP changes, but students can still apply under the merit-cum-means structure on NSP.
AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarships
Pragati: For girl students in technical courses
Saksham: For students with disabilities in technical education
Benefits:
- ₹50,000/year
- Contingency allowance
- Tuition fee waiver
Application: Through AICTE official website or NSP
Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
Before applying, students should prepare the following:
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Bank Account Details (Linked with Aadhaar)
- Admission Proof / Fee Receipt
- Previous Mark Sheets
- Photograph and Signature
These documents are required to verify eligibility and ensure transparency.
How to Apply for Government Scholarships
The majority of government scholarships are applied online. Here is the general process:
Step-by-Step Process
- Register on the NSP portal with a valid mobile number and email.
- Login using the provided credentials.
- Fill the scholarship form, upload necessary documents.
- Submit and track application status.
- Once verified by institute and authority, the scholarship is disbursed directly to the bank account.
Some state-specific scholarships use their own portals such as Mahadbt (Maharashtra), ePASS (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh), and others.
Tips to Maximise Chances of Getting a Scholarship
- Apply early (don’t wait for the last date).
- Ensure all documents are valid and up-to-date.
- Use the correct spelling of names and match with Aadhaar/bank.
- Track application status regularly.
- Contact the institute nodal officer if there are delays.
In 2025, the Indian government continues to support higher education through various scholarship schemes that cover academic, social, and economic dimensions. These scholarships relieve financial burdens and motivate students to perform better and pursue further education confidently. Whether it is a merit-based, means-based, or category-based scholarship, students have access to various beneficial schemes at both the national and state levels.
Staying informed, applying on time, and meeting eligibility requirements are the keys to unlocking these educational opportunities. With proper planning, financial support through scholarships can transform the educational journey of thousands of Indian students, helping them shape a successful academic and professional future.