Table of Contents
Important Dates for NSP 2025–26
Portal Open for One-Time Registration (OTR): July 1, 2025 – November 15, 2025 **
Application Window (varies by scheme):
Pre-matric & Post-matric: Mar 1 – Apr 15, 2025
Other central/state/UGC schemes: by Nov 15, 2025
Key Eligibility Criteria
Applicable Categories: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Minorities/Students with Disabilities
Family Income: Typically ≤ ₹3–3.5 lakh annually (varies by scholarship)
Academic Requirements: Often a minimum of 55–60% marks (with relaxations for reserved categories)
NSP One-Time Registration (OTR) Explained
Students must complete OTR using Aadhaar/EID. This generates a 14-digit OTR ID, which is valid throughout their academic career—no need to register each year
Be sure to install the NSP OTR App and AadhaarFaceRD, then complete face authentication with biometrics unlocked
Minor students can register using parents’ Aadhaar; updates are needed upon maturity **.
Scholarships Available via NSP
NSP supports a wide range of schemes for 2025–26:
Pre-Matric & Post-Matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS
Merit-cum-Means, Top-Class, and MCM SC/ST/Ministry of Social Justice
Pragati (AICTE), Ishan Uday, PG SC/ST and more
Amounts range from ₹5,000 to over ₹50,000 per annum depending on the program **.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process
Register OTR on scholarships.gov.in
Login and select an eligible scholarship(s)
Provide academic, personal, and income details
Upload documents: Aadhaar, bank passbook, certificates
Submit application and download the confirmation
Institute-level and state-level verification follows
Checking Application & Merit List Status
Login and use the “Track Application Status” feature
Merit list is typically published March–April each year
NSP Disbursement & PFMS Payment Timeline
Once approved, scholarships are credited via PFMS into Aadhaar-seeded accounts (bank account number no longer required)
Expect payment between June–July 2025, varying by category
Common Issues & Reddit Tips
“I filled NSP scholarship and it’s verified by college but not ministry—it’s been 1 month… what should I do?”
“Try contacting your INO or file an RTI if delay continues
FAQs
Q: Is OTR mandatory before applying each year?
No, OTR is a one-time lifetime registration. You can apply yearly using that ID
Q: When can students apply in 2025–26?
OTR: July–Nov 2025; scholarship applications vary, but most close by Nov 15, 2025 **
Q: When are merit lists out?
Between March and April annually *