UGC to launch NSPG and Ishan Uday scholarship application soon: Key details here

The UGC will soon open NSP applications for the NSPG and Ishan Uday scholarship schemes. The two schemes extend financial support to postgraduate students nationwide and undergraduates from the North East.

In Short

• NSPG supports first-year postgraduate students studying at recognised institutions nationwide
• Selected NSPG candidates receive Rs 15,000 monthly for ten months yearly
• Ishan Uday covers North East domiciles joining regular undergraduate courses

The University Grants Commission (UGC) will soon begin accepting applications for the National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (NSPG) and the Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The Commission has also asked higher education institutions to help students complete the application process smoothly.

While the NSPG is meant for students pursuing postgraduate education, the Ishan Uday Scholarship is aimed at improving access to higher education for students from the North Eastern Region (NER). Here's everything you need to know before the application window opens.

TWO SCHOLARSHIPS, TWO DIFFERENT GOALS

The two schemes target different groups of students.

National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (NSPG)

• Financial assistance for eligible postgraduate students.
• Implemented by the UGC through the National Scholarship Portal.
• Aims to encourage students to pursue postgraduate education.

Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme

• Designed exclusively for students from the North Eastern Region.
• Supports students pursuing undergraduate education.
• Seeks to improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education across the North East and reduce regional disparities.

WHAT DOES THE NSPG SCHOLARSHIP OFFER?

Under the National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies:

• Eligible students receive Rs 15,000 per month.
• The scholarship is awarded for 10 months in a year.
• Assistance is available for up to two years, depending on the duration of the postgraduate course.
• The scholarship is available only for students admitted to the first year of a postgraduate programme in recognised institutions.

WHAT DOES THE ISHAN UDAY SCHOLARSHIP OFFER?

Students selected under the Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme receive:

• Rs 8,000 per month for general degree courses.
• Rs 10,000 per month for technical, medical, professional and paramedical courses.
• Financial assistance is provided for 10 months every academic year until completion of the course, subject to fulfilment of renewal conditions.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR NSPG?

To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be admitted to the first year of a postgraduate degree.
• Be studying in a recognised university or college.
• Meet the eligibility conditions prescribed by UGC under the scheme.
• Apply through the National Scholarship Portal.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR ISHAN UDAY?

Students applying for the Ishan Uday Scholarship should:

• Be a domicile of the North Eastern Region, covering:

  • Assam
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Manipur
  • Meghalaya
  • Mizoram
  • Nagaland
  • Sikkim
  • Tripura
• Have secured admission in the first year of a regular undergraduate degree programme.
• Be studying in a recognised college or university in India.
• Meet the family income criteria specified under the scheme.
• Apply through the National Scholarship Portal.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS 2026?

Once the application window opens, candidates can apply by following these steps:

• Visit the National Scholarship Portal.
• Register as a new user.
• Log in using your credentials.
• Select the relevant UGC scholarship scheme.
• Fill in the application form carefully.
• Upload the required documents.
• Verify all details before submitting the application.
• Download the confirmation page for future reference.

DOCUMENTS YOU MAY NEED FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Applicants should keep the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar or another valid identity proof
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Educational certificates and marksheets
• Admission proof
• Income certificate (where applicable)
• Bank account details
• Category or domicile certificate, if required under the scheme

WHY THESE SCHOLARSHIPS MATTER

The two UGC scholarship schemes are designed to reduce financial barriers in higher education.

While the NSPG supports students pursuing postgraduate studies across India, the Ishan Uday Scholarship focuses on increasing access to undergraduate education for students from the North Eastern states. Together, they aim to encourage students to continue higher education without financial constraints.

WHERE TO APPLY FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIPS?

Applications will be accepted through the National Scholarship Portal once the UGC activates the application window.

Students are advised to regularly check the official portals for the application schedule and detailed guidelines.

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