The UGC Dual Scholarship Policy 2026 has been introduced through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), allowing eligible students to receive one merit-based scholarship along with multiple welfare-based scholarships. The revised framework allows eligible students to receive one merit-based scholarship along with multiple welfare-based scholarships, ending the long-standing “One Student, One Scholarship” rule.
Under the updated NSP guidelines, students who qualify for UGC merit scholarships will no longer lose access to welfare benefits offered by central or state governments. The reform is intended to provide greater financial support to academically meritorious students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The UGC Dual Scholarship Policy covers major UGC-funded schemes, including:
- National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies
- PG Scholarship for Rank Holders
The policy covers major UGC-funded schemes, including the National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies and the PG Scholarship for Rank Holders. While students can combine a merit scholarship with welfare scholarships, the NSP will continue to prevent the award of two merit-based scholarships to the same student by automatically checking for duplicate applications.
To ensure timely scholarship disbursement through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, the UGC has instructed colleges and universities to verify scholarship applications within 15 days of submission. Institutional Nodal Officers (INOs) will be responsible for completing the verification process.
Key Highlights of the UGC Dual Scholarship Policy 2026
- One merit-based scholarship can be combined with multiple welfare scholarships.
- The “One Student, One Scholarship” rule has been withdrawn.
- One-Time Registration (OTR) is mandatory for all applicants.
- Colleges must verify applications within 15 days.
- Approved funds will be transferred through the DBT system.
Students applying for scholarships in the 2026-27 academic year should complete their 14-digit Aadhaar-authenticated OTR registration, check their eligibility, and submit applications on time.
The UGC Dual Scholarship Policy 2026 is expected to improve access to financial aid while making scholarship processing more efficient through the National Scholarship Portal.
The policy allows eligible students to receive both merit-based and welfare scholarships simultaneously, subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria.
Students who qualify for both merit and welfare scholarship schemes under UGC guidelines can avail the combined benefits if they meet all eligibility requirements.
No. The policy applies only to eligible scholarship schemes notified by the UGC, and students must comply with the specific terms of each scheme.
