Top 10 Government Schemes for Students in India (2026) – Apply Now Guide

The Government of India has a wide range of schemes to support students from school to higher education. In 2026, most of the scholarships are integrated through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which is a simple, transparent and fully digitized way of application for scholarships.

Here is a refined list of the top 10 government schemes for students with the official ‘Apply Now’ links.

1. PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

A flagship scheme which provided easy access to loans for education.

Key Benefits:

Education Loans Without Collateral 3% interest subsidy to eligible students Loan up to ₹10 lakh

Apply Now:

👉 PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme Application

They have to register themselves and submit a Common Education Loan Application Form through the portal.

2. PM-USP (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan)

Provides financial aid to meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families.

Benefits:

₹12,000–₹20,000 annually

Apply Now:

👉 PM-USP Scholarship

This scheme is available through the National Scholarship Portal.

3. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)

Aims to reduce dropout ratio after Class 8.

Benefits:

₹12,000 annually

Apply Now:

👉 Apply for NMMSS Scholarship

Applications are submitted via NSP after passing the entrance exam.

4. PM YASASVI Scheme

It supports OBC, EBC, and DNT category students.

Benefits:

Coverage for tuition fees Monthly stipend, laptop grant

Apply Now:

👉 PM YASASVI Scholarship

Available through NSP during application cycles.

5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls

Encourages girls to undertake technical education.

Benefits:

₹50,000 per year;

Apply Now:

👉 AICTE Pragati Scholarship

Via NSP” (National Scholarship Portal) this is managed by All India Council for Technical Education

6. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme

Formulated for students of North Eastern Region.

Benefits:

Stipend monthly – up to ₹7,800

Apply Now:

👉 Ishan Uday Scholarship Application

The applications are done through the NSP.

7. Skill India Mission & PMKVY

Free-of-cost, skill-based training and certification.

Benefits:

Training for free Financial incentives

Apply Now:

👉 Apply For PMKVY Training

(PMKVY) Training apply – Skill India ecosystem (registration through official portals and centres).

8. INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE)

Encourages students to pursue careers in science.

Benefits:

₹80,000 per year

Apply Now:

👉 Apply for INSPIRE Scholarship

The applications are submitted online via official scholarship systems (usually linked to NSP or DST portals).

9. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students

Supports the higher education of SC/ST students.

Benefits:

Fee reimbursement Maintenance allowance

Apply Now:

👉Post-Matric Scholarship Apply

Available through NSP and state portals.

10. National Overseas Scholarship

For students going abroad for higher studies.

Benefits:

Tuition Fees Airfare and living expenses

Apply Now:

👉 National Overseas Scholarship( N-O-S) Application

Applications are invited via NSP or Ministry portals depending on the category.

Important Note

Most central schemes rely on a single application system through NSP, minimizing duplication and paperwork. Before applying, individuals must undergo One-Time Registration (OTR). It usually offers services from June–November each year.

Conclusion

With the integration of schemes into the National Scholarship Portal, applying for government scholarships in 2026 has become much easier. No matter if you want financial assistance, a skill-building solution, or support for overseas education- these schemes help student build their academic success.

Students should send out applications early, maintain proper documentation, and vigilantly observe deadlines to reap maximum benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚?
For this, one can apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which hosts most of the central schemes.

𝐈𝐬 𝐀𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐚𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?
Thus, OTR and application cannot be done without Aadhaar verification.

𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞?
Can I apply for more than one scheme at a time? Yes, but if the benefits overlap, you will receive benefits from only one scheme.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?
Deadline dates are also different, but most schemes shut down between October and December every year.

𝐈𝐬 𝐏𝐌 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐦𝐢 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐒𝐏?
PM Vidyalaxmi is for education loans only, whereas NSP is for scholarships.