The UGC Scholarship 2026 application process for the 2026-27 academic session is expected to begin soon on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The University Grants Commission (UGC) will offer financial assistance to eligible postgraduate students under its flagship scholarship schemes, providing support of up to INR 1.5 lakh annually for a maximum period of two years.

Eligible students can submit their applications online after completing the required One-Time Registration (OTR) on the National Scholarship Portal.

UGC Scholarship 2026: Key Highlights

  • Scholarship provider: University Grants Commission (UGC)
  • Academic session: 2026-27
  • Application mode: Online
  • Application portal: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
  • Scholarship duration: Up to 2 years
  • Maximum financial assistance: Up to INR 1.5 lakh per year (scheme-specific)

National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (NSPG)

The National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (NSPG) supports meritorious students pursuing postgraduate education at recognised universities and colleges across India.

Financial Benefits

  • Monthly stipend of INR 10,000
  • Financial assistance of up to INR 1.5 lakh annually
  • Total scholarship support of up to INR 3 lakh over two years
  • 10,000 fresh scholarships awarded every year

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in the first year of a regular full-time postgraduate programme.
  • Study at a recognised university or college.
  • Be 30 years of age or below at the time of application.

Ishan Uday Scholarship Scheme

The Ishan Uday Scholarship is a special UGC initiative designed to increase access to higher education for students from the North Eastern Region (NER).

Financial Benefits

  • Scholarship ranging from INR 5,400 to INR 7,800 per month
  • Annual financial support of more than ₹80,000, depending on the course

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must:

  • Be domiciled in one of the Northeastern states.
  • Have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised school in the North Eastern Region.
  • Have an annual family income of INR 4.5 lakh or less.

UGC Issues Strict Verification Guidelines

The UGC has directed all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to promptly complete student application verification.

Institutional Nodal Officers (INOs) are required to:

  • Verify scholarship applications within 15 days of submission.
  • Ensure applications are processed without unnecessary delays.
  • Complete verification through the National Scholarship Portal.

Who Should Apply?

The UGC Scholarship 2026 is suitable for:

  • First-year postgraduate students.
  • Students from economically weaker backgrounds.
  • Eligible candidates from the North Eastern Region applying under the Ishan Uday Scheme.
  • Students studying at recognised universities and colleges.

Who can apply for the UGC PG Scholarship 2026?

Eligible students admitted to the first year of a regular full-time postgraduate course at a UGC-recognized institution can apply.

How much financial assistance is provided under the scholarship?

Selected PG students can receive up to ₹1.5 lakh per year for a maximum of two years, subject to scheme guidelines.

Where can students apply for the UGC Scholarship 2026?

Applications can be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) once the application window opens.