Scholarships can help students continue their education by reducing the financial burden on students and families. In India, scholarships are available through central and state governments, educational institutions, banks, charitable organizations and private foundations.
For the 2026-27 academic year, students studying in school, college, diploma, ITI, undergraduate and postgraduate courses can find different scholarship opportunities depending on their class, academic performance, family income, category, domicile, disability status and course.
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is one of the main platforms for government scholarship applications. The NSP portal states that the portal is open for the academic year 2026-27 from 1 June 2026, and students can apply for eligible scholarship schemes available on the portal.
Scholarships for Which Classes Are Available?
There is no single scholarship that is available to every student. Eligibility depends on the individual scheme. Depending on the scholarship, opportunities may be available for:
- Class 8 students
- Class 9 students
- Class 10 students
- Class 11 students
- Class 12 students
- ITI students
- Diploma and Polytechnic students
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Professional-course students
- Students with disabilities
- Students belonging to eligible reserved categories
For example, the HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Programme covers students from Classes 1 to 12 as well as diploma, ITI, polytechnic, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, subject to its individual eligibility requirements.
Best Scholarship Options to Check in 2026
| Scholarship / Programme | Suitable For | Application Route |
|---|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal Schemes | Eligible school, college and higher-education students | NSP |
| PM-YASASVI | Eligible OBC, EBC and DNT students under applicable sub-schemes | Government scheme / NSP as applicable |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS | School, diploma, ITI, polytechnic, UG and PG students | Programme portal |
| Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship | Eligible first-year undergraduate students | Reliance Foundation portal |
| Top Class Education Schemes | Eligible students pursuing higher education under notified categories | Relevant government portal |
Important: The table is a guide to scholarship categories and not a guarantee that every scheme is open to every student. Eligibility, dates, income limits, course requirements and available seats must be checked on the relevant official portal before applying.
1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
The National Scholarship Portal is a central online platform through which students can apply for various government scholarship schemes. The portal contains scheme-specific eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Students should first check which scheme matches their class, course, category, income and other eligibility conditions rather than applying randomly to multiple schemes.
How to Apply Through NSP
- Visit the official National Scholarship Portal.
- Complete the required One Time Registration (OTR), where applicable.
- Log in using the required credentials.
- Check the scholarship schemes available for your profile.
- Read the eligibility conditions carefully.
- Fill in personal, academic and bank details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Save the application number and acknowledgement.
- Track verification and application status through the portal.
The NSP currently states that OTR is mandatory for applying for various scholarship schemes on the National Scholarship Portal and other participating portals.
2. PM-YASASVI Scholarship
PM-YASASVI is an umbrella scheme for eligible OBC, EBC and DNT students. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment describes it as a scheme covering multiple sub-schemes for these student groups.
The scheme includes educational support for eligible students at different stages, subject to the applicable sub-scheme conditions.
Government scheme documents specify educational support amounts for certain PM-YASASVI components, including support of up to ₹75,000 per year for eligible Class 9-10 students and up to ₹1,25,000 per year for eligible Class 11-12 students under the relevant component.
General Application Process
- Check the current PM-YASASVI eligibility conditions.
- Complete the required registration on the designated portal.
- Enter your personal and academic details.
- Provide category and income information where required.
- Upload the requested certificates.
- Submit the application.
- Complete institute or government verification if required.
- Track the application status online.
3. HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Scholarship
The HDFC Bank Parivartan Educational Crisis Scholarship Support Programme is designed for meritorious students from financially vulnerable backgrounds. The programme covers students in school Classes 1-12 and students pursuing diploma, ITI, polytechnic, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, subject to the applicable criteria.
Who Should Check This Scholarship?
- School students
- Class 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 students
- ITI students
- Diploma students
- Polytechnic students
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
Application Steps
- Open the current scholarship programme website.
- Read the eligibility requirements for your education level.
- Register or log in to the application platform.
- Enter your academic and personal details.
- Provide family-income information where required.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the applicable deadline.
- Complete any verification or selection process required by the programme.
- Track the application through the official application platform.
4. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is intended for eligible students pursuing undergraduate education. The foundation’s scholarship information states that selected students can receive support of up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of their degree programme.
For the 2025-26 programme, the published eligibility information included a minimum Class 12 score requirement and family-income conditions, along with an online aptitude test. Students applying for a 2026-27 cycle should check the current year’s official notification because eligibility and deadlines can change.
Application Process
- Visit the official Reliance Foundation scholarship website.
- Read the latest undergraduate scholarship guidelines.
- Register for the scholarship application.
- Enter your Class 12 and undergraduate admission details.
- Provide the required family and financial information.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Complete any required aptitude test or selection stage.
- Submit the application.
- Monitor the official portal for further updates.
5. Top Class Education Scholarships
Government Top Class Education schemes are available for eligible students pursuing higher education under specific categories. For example, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s Top Class Education scheme for SC students is designed to support eligible students pursuing education beyond Class 12.
Students should check the current notification for the applicable category, institution list, income requirements, course requirements and other conditions before applying.
Scholarships After Class 8
Students who have passed or are studying around Class 8 should not assume that every scholarship is available to them. Some schemes start at Class 9 or Class 10, while private scholarship programmes may cover lower classes.
Students and parents should search the National Scholarship Portal, state scholarship portals and verified scholarship programmes for schemes that specifically mention their current class.
Scholarships After Class 10
Class 10 students have several possible scholarship categories to explore, including pre-matric or post-matric schemes, state government scholarships and private education-support programmes.
Eligibility may depend on marks, family income, category, domicile, school or course and other conditions. Students should carefully read the current year’s guidelines before applying.
Scholarships After Class 12
After Class 12, students can explore undergraduate scholarships offered by government departments, universities, foundations, banks and corporate organizations.
At this stage, scholarships may consider Class 12 marks, entrance-test performance, college admission, family income, course, category and institution.
Documents Required for Scholarship Application
The exact documents vary by scholarship. Applicants should upload only the documents specifically requested in the current notification.
- Aadhaar card or other accepted identity document
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Previous class marksheet
- Current admission or enrolment proof
- School or college identity card
- Income certificate, where required
- Caste/category certificate, where applicable
- Domicile certificate, where required
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Bank account details
- Fee receipt, where required
- Other documents mentioned in the scholarship guidelines
How to Apply for a Scholarship Online – Complete Steps
Step 1: Identify Your Scholarship
First identify scholarships for which you meet the class, course, income and other eligibility conditions.
Step 2: Read the Official Guidelines
Never apply based only on a social-media post or advertisement. Read the official scholarship guidelines before entering your personal information.
Step 3: Complete Registration
Create an account or complete OTR registration where required.
Step 4: Fill in the Application
Enter your name, date of birth, educational information, address, family details and bank information carefully.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload clear and valid documents in the required format and size.
Step 6: Review the Form
Before final submission, carefully check your name, marks, bank account number, IFSC, category and other information.
Step 7: Submit the Form
Submit the application before the deadline. A saved draft is not necessarily the same as a successfully submitted application.
Step 8: Complete Verification
Some scholarships require verification by the school, college, district authority or other designated institution.
Step 9: Track Your Application
Regularly check the application status and respond to any correction or verification request within the permitted period.
Step 10: Check Scholarship Payment
If selected, scholarship funds may be transferred according to the rules of the respective scheme. Keep your bank account active and ensure that the submitted bank information is correct.
Important Official Scholarship Links
| Portal / Scholarship | Official Website |
|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal | Visit NSP Official Website |
| NSP Application Login | Open Application Portal |
| PM-YASASVI | Government Scheme Details |
| HDFC Parivartan ECSS | Scholarship Website |
| Reliance Foundation Scholarships | Official Scholarship Website |
Important Tips for Students
- Apply only for scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Check the application deadline before starting the form.
- Keep your marksheets and certificates ready.
- Use an active mobile number and email address.
- Enter bank details carefully.
- Keep copies of submitted applications.
- Save registration and application numbers.
- Check your application status regularly.
- Do not pay unauthorized agents for a government scholarship application.
- Do not share OTPs, passwords or banking credentials with strangers.
- Verify scholarship information on the official website before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the best scholarship for Indian students in 2026?
There is no single best scholarship for every student. The most suitable scholarship depends on your class, marks, family income, category, course, state and other eligibility conditions.
2. Can Class 8 students get scholarships?
Yes, some scholarship programmes can be available to school students, but eligibility varies. Students should check the current class requirement of each scheme.
3. Are scholarships available after Class 10?
Yes. Class 10 students can check government, state and private scholarship opportunities for their next level of education.
4. Are scholarships available after Class 12?
Yes. Students entering undergraduate courses can apply for eligible government, university, foundation and corporate scholarships.
5. Is registration on the National Scholarship Portal free?
The NSP is the Government of India’s scholarship platform. Students should use the official portal and should not pay unauthorized persons for registration.
6. What is OTR on the National Scholarship Portal?
OTR means One Time Registration. The NSP states that OTR is mandatory for applying for various scholarship schemes on the portal and other participating portals.
7. Can students apply for more than one scholarship?
Not necessarily. Each scholarship has its own rules, and some schemes may restrict students from receiving another scholarship or certain types of financial assistance. Always read the specific scheme guidelines.
8. What documents are commonly required?
Common documents can include marksheets, identity proof, income certificate, category certificate, admission proof, bank details and other documents specified by the particular scheme.
9. How can I check my scholarship application status?
Use the official portal where you submitted the application. For NSP applications, students can log in to the National Scholarship Portal and use the available application-status facilities.
10. Can students from private schools and colleges apply?
It depends on the scholarship. Some schemes have specific institution requirements, while others may allow students from eligible recognized institutions.
11. What happens after submitting a scholarship application?
The application may go through institutional, district, state or other verification stages depending on the scheme. Students should monitor the status and complete any requested correction or verification.
12. Is scholarship money guaranteed after applying?
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or payment. Students must meet all eligibility conditions and pass the applicable verification and selection process.
Conclusion
Students in India have many scholarship opportunities after Class 8, Class 10, Class 12 and at higher levels of education. Government platforms such as the National Scholarship Portal provide access to multiple scholarship schemes, while private organizations and foundations offer additional opportunities.
The most important step is to choose a scholarship that matches your eligibility rather than applying based only on the advertised scholarship amount. Check the current academic-year notification, prepare the required documents, complete the registration correctly and submit the application before the deadline.
For 2026-27, students should regularly check the official National Scholarship Portal and the official websites of individual scholarship providers because application dates, eligibility requirements, income limits and available schemes can change.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Scholarship names, eligibility criteria, scholarship amounts, application dates, income limits, selection procedures and document requirements may change according to the latest notification issued by the respective authority.
The information provided here should not be treated as a guarantee of scholarship selection or payment. Students and parents should verify all details on the official scholarship portal before submitting an application.
This website is not the National Scholarship Portal, Government of India, HDFC Bank, Reliance Foundation or any other scholarship provider mentioned in this article. We do not guarantee approval, selection, scholarship amount or payment.
Students should use only official or authorized scholarship websites and should never share OTPs, passwords, banking credentials or other confidential information with unauthorized persons. Any application fee, if applicable, should be verified directly from the official scholarship provider before payment.
