Post Graduate Merit Scholarship Scheme for University Rank Holders at Under-Graduate Level

University Grants Commission (UGC) is running the Post Graduate Merit Scholarship Scheme for University Rank Holders at Under-Graduate Level for the academic year 2026-27, and registration is open on the National Scholarship Portal. Selected students get ₹3,100 per month, which adds up to ₹37,200 per year, for two years of postgraduate study.

This scheme is run by UGC under the Ministry of Education. It rewards students who stood first or second in their university at the undergraduate level, so that they can continue to a master's degree without money problems. A total of 3,000 students are selected every year under the scheme.

Post Graduate Merit Scholarship Scheme for University Rank Holders at Under-Graduate Level - Introduction

Universities and degree-granting institutions issue official rank certificates for toppers at the university level. This scheme does not cover college-level rankings or professional degrees. Its main aims are to appreciate academic talent, reward good undergraduate performance, and encourage students to build a strong base in basic subjects.

Applications for 2026-27 are accepted only online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. The portal has been open for the 2026-27 academic year since 1 June 2026, and the application window is expected to close around December 2026. Students must complete One Time Registration (OTR) on NSP before applying.

Key Information

Benefits

Under the updated rules for 2026, selected rank holders get a scholarship of ₹3,100 per month, which comes to ₹37,200 per year. The scholarship is given for a total of two years while the student is doing a full-time master's degree. The payment is sent directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the student through DBT.

The second year payment is released after the institution submits the use certificate and the progress report of the student. This amount is fixed and does not include extra allowances for hostel, medical or other expenses.

The scheme supports 3,000 students every year. Students who are the only girl child in the family can also check the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, which is another UGC scheme for postgraduate students.

Eligibility

To qualify for this scholarship, you should meet the following criteria:

1. You must be the first or second rank holder at the undergraduate level in your university. Rank certificates from college level are not accepted.
2. You should secure at least 60% marks in your undergraduate degree.
3. You must be admitted to a regular, full-time master's degree program at a recognized university or college in India.
4. This scheme covers only your first postgraduate degree.
5. You must be under 30 years of age at the time of admission to your PG course.
6. You should join the PG course within two years of completing your undergraduate degree.
7. Distance education, online and part-time modes do not qualify for this support.

Eligible subjects include:

Example: If Rohan secures the first rank in his B.Sc. Physics (Hons) at Delhi University and enrolls in an M.Sc. program, he is eligible, provided he meets the 60% mark requirement.

Exclusions

UGC may stop your scholarship if you do not keep up the required academic standard. If you score less than 60% in your first year of the master's program, your scholarship will be terminated. Any misconduct reported by your university will lead to immediate cancellation. If it is found later that you were not eligible during the application process, the commission will ask you to refund the full amount received.

Application Process

Applications are accepted only online through the National Scholarship Portal. The window for 2026-27 opened on 1 June 2026, and the expected last date is December 2026. Follow the steps below to apply.

STEP 1 - Go to the official National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in and click on the 'Students' option on the dashboard.

STEP 2 - Complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the portal. New users must register with their mobile number, captcha and OTP, and fill in the required details. OTR can be done with Aadhaar or the Aadhaar enrolment ID.

STEP 3 - After OTR is done, log in to the portal and click on the 'Apply for Scholarship' option.

STEP 4 - Select 'Post Graduate Merit Scholarship Scheme for University Rank Holders' from the list of UGC scholarship schemes on NSP.

STEP 5 - Fill in your personal, academic and bank details carefully in the application form.

STEP 6 - Upload the required documents in the given format and submit the application.

STEP 7 - Take a printout of the submitted application and give it to the nodal officer of your college or university for verification within 15 days. Keep checking the application status on the portal.

For help with the application, students can call the NSP helpdesk at 0120-6619540 or write to helpdesk@nsp.gov.in.

Documents

You will need the following documents for your application:

1. A completed application form on the NSP portal.
2. Aadhaar card or Aadhaar enrolment ID for identity.
3. Passport size photograph.
4. Undergraduate degree certificate and mark sheets.
5. Rank certificate issued by your university.
6. Admission letter or bonafide certificate from your PG institution confirming your enrollment in the 1st year.
7. Age proof such as your matriculation certificate.
8. Bank account details with IFSC code, and the account should be Aadhaar-linked for DBT payment.
9. Caste or category certificate, if you are applying under a reserved category.

References

UGC official page for P.G. Scholarship for University Rank Holders

National Scholarship Portal - apply online

UGC official website

FAQ's

What is the scholarship amount under this scheme?

Selected students get ₹3,100 per month, which comes to ₹37,200 per year. The scholarship is given for two years.

How many students are selected every year?

A total of 3,000 students are selected every year under the scheme.

What is the tenure of the scholarship?

The scholarship is tenable for two years to support your master's degree education.

Is the scheme restricted to specific post-graduate programs?

You can pursue a master's degree in any area of specialization at any recognized institution of higher learning in the country.

Is there a minimum mark requirement at the undergraduate level?

Yes, you must have secured at least 60% marks in your undergraduate examinations.

Does the scheme cover part-time or distance master's courses?

No, this scheme only supports students enrolled in regular, full-time master's degree courses. Distance, online and part-time modes are not covered.

Can I use this scholarship for a second PG degree?

No, the scholarship is only available for your first postgraduate degree.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes, you must be under 30 years of age when you get admitted to your PG program.

Where do I apply for this scholarship?

You have to apply online on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in after completing One Time Registration (OTR).