AI SummaryOnline applications for Pre Matric Scholarship 2026-27 and Post Matric Scholarship 2026-27 are open on the official national scholarship portal at scholarships.gov.in. The portal opened for the academic year 2026-27 from 1 June 2026 onwards.
Pre and Post Matric Scholarship Scheme is a big study support program that gives money help to students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other eligible categories. The scheme covers tuition fees and other study related costs so that students can continue their education without money problems.
If you are looking to apply for pre or post matric scholarship scheme, here is a complete guide on how to apply, the benefits, who can apply, and other important details.
Apply Online for Pre / Post Matric Scholarship Scheme 2026-27
Step-by-Step Application Process
STEP 1 - Go to the official scholarship portal of India at National Scholarship Portal and click on the Students section on the homepage.
STEP 2 - One Time Registration (OTR) is required to apply for any scholarship on the portal. Click on the OTR Registration / Login link to start. OTR is a unique 14-digit number issued based on your Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID) and stays valid for your whole academic career.
Registration is done in 4 steps. First read the guidelines and agree to the terms, then register your mobile number using OTP, then verify your eKyc and finish as the last step. Fill in all the required details correctly such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
Upon successful registration, a One Time Registration code / reference number will be given to you. Note that registration code / number carefully because you will need it to log in.
One time registration can be done using the Aadhaar number or the Aadhaar Enrollment number if you have just applied for a new Aadhaar card, or even the Aadhaar number of a parent or legal guardian.
Face authentication and eKyc is required before your OTR becomes active for login. Check the details of NSP face authentication for students below.
STEP 3 - Now click on the OTR login link and use your One Time Registration Code and password to log in to your account.
STEP 4 - After logging in, select the scholarship scheme you are applying for (Pre-Matric or Post-Matric). Fill in the necessary details such as personal information, academic details, and bank account information.
STEP 5 - Upload scanned copies of the required documents. The list of documents is given below.
- Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Previous year's mark sheet
- Bank Passbook
- Recent passport-sized photograph
STEP 6 - Review all the entered details and uploaded documents. Click on the "Submit" button to complete the application process. After submission, take a printout of the application form for future reference.
To start the application process, students should have the following items ready. Please note that not all the details mentioned below are mandatory. Document requirements vary by scheme, so check your specific scheme details to know which documents are required for your application.
1. Android based active mobile number
2. Your basic details like -
a. Name
b. Gender
c. Date of Birth
d. Father's Name
e. Mother's Name
f. Domicile State
3. School / Institute enrollment number
4. Class 10th details such as -
a. 10th class roll no
b. 10th class percentage
c. 10th class mark-sheet (If applicable)
5. Class 12th details such as -
a. 12th class roll no
b. 12th class percentage
c. 12th class mark-sheet (If applicable)
6. Competitive exam details such as -
a. Competitive exam name (If qualified)
b. Competitive exam roll no (If any)
c. Competitive exam year (If any)
7. Ration Card / PPPID Details
8. UDID No (In case of disability)
9. Complete Address
10. Domicile Certificates (If applicable)
11. Aadhaar details such as -
a. Aadhaar number
b. Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
c. Aadhaar Card (If applicable)
d. NPCI Seeding status (desired)
12. If you don't have an Aadhaar
a. Active mobile number
b. Aadhaar enrollment slip or Parent's / Legal Guardian's Aadhaar (in case student is minor)
c. Mobile number linked with EID or Parent's Aadhaar
d. NPCI Seeding status (desired)
NSP Face Authentication for Students
Face-authentication is required for generation of OTR. NSP has launched the mobile app for android devices. Students are required to follow the below steps for face-authentication and generation of OTR:
- Download and install the Face RD App from Google Play Store from this link Face RD App
- Download and install NSP OTR App from Google Play Store from this link.
- Complete the face-authentication using the option "eKYC with FaceAuth" on the NSP OTR Mobile App.
If you get error 904 while doing face authentication, update the UIDAI AadhaarFACERD App from the Play Store. Also make sure the biometric lock / unlock status in your Aadhaar is set to "Unlocked" before doing face authentication.
Apply Online / Registrations on NSP App
Students can also download the official NSP app in order to complete the registration and application of scholarship schemes.
The official NSP Android app is available on the Play Store at the following link.
Download NSP Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.scholarships.nspotr&pli=1
NSP services are also available at Common Service Centres (CSCs). Students can visit a nearby CSC to complete the whole process, including generation of the reference number, biometric authentication, OTR generation, and filing of the application form. The total charge for the entire activity per candidate is fixed at ₹30.
NSP Student Manual
The detailed manual for student login, registration & application on the scholarship portal is below.
Benefits of the Pre/Post Matric Scholarship Schemes
Pre-Matric Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship covers the tuition fees of the students.
- Books and Stationery: Support for purchasing books and stationery.
- Additional Allowances: Additional allowances for students with disabilities.
Post-Matric Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Covers the tuition fees for higher education.
- Maintenance Allowance: Monthly allowance to cover maintenance expenses.
- Book Allowance: Financial support for purchasing books.
- Disability Allowance: Additional allowance for students with disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
Pre-Matric Scholarship
- Domicile: The applicant must be a resident of India.
- Category: The scholarship is available for SC, ST, and OBC students.
- Class: Students from Class I to X can apply.
- Family Income: The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh for SC/ST and ₹1 lakh for OBC.
Post-Matric Scholarship
- Domicile: The applicant must be a resident of India.
- Category: Available for SC, ST, and OBC students.
- Course: Students pursuing post-secondary or post-matriculation level courses can apply.
- Family Income: The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh for SC/ST and ₹1 lakh for OBC.
Aadhaar number of the students must be linked with their bank accounts in order to receive the scholarship amount. You can check whether your Aadhaar is linked or not on the official UIDAI website at this link: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 1 June 2026
- Last Date for Pre-Matric Scholarship: 31 August 2026
- Last Date for Post-Matric Scholarship: 31 October 2026
- Verification by Institutions: Specific dates are provided for institutions to verify applications.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Pre-Matric Scholarship | Post-Matric Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Domicile | India | India |
| Categories | SC, ST, OBC | SC, ST, OBC |
| Eligibility Classes/Courses | Class I to X | Post-secondary/Post-matriculation |
| Income Limit (SC/ST) | Up to ₹2.5 lakh | Up to ₹2.5 lakh |
| Income Limit (OBC) | Up to ₹1 lakh | Up to ₹1 lakh |
| Last Date | 31 August 2026 | 31 October 2026 |
| Benefits | Tuition fee, books, stationery, allowances | Tuition fee, maintenance, book allowance, disability allowance |
Helpline
If you are facing any issues on the official portal while registering or logging in or applying, then you can contact the following helpline details.
helpdesk[at]nsp[dot]gov[dot]in
0120 - 6619540 (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on all days, except government holidays)
FAQ's
1. Who can apply for the Pre/Post Matric Scholarship?
Students belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories who are residents of India and meet the income criteria can apply.
2. What is the income limit for eligibility?
The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh for SC/ST and ₹1 lakh for OBC students.
3. What is the last date to apply for 2026-27?
The last date to apply for the pre-matric scholarship is 31 August 2026 and for the post-matric scholarship it is 31 October 2026.
4. How can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application by logging into your account on the National Scholarship Portal.
5. What are the documents required for the application?
You need to upload a domicile certificate, caste certificate, income certificate, previous year's mark sheet, bank passbook, and a recent passport-sized photograph.
6. When will the scholarship amount be paid?
The scholarship amount will be paid after the verification process is completed by the respective institutions.
7. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
From AY 2026-27, students can apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes, as per the scheme eligibility criteria.
Applying for the Pre/Post Matric Scholarship Scheme can significantly ease the financial burden of your education. Make sure you follow the application steps carefully and provide all required documents to avoid any delays. For more detailed information, visit the official scholarship portal and stay updated with the latest announcements.