The University Grants Commission has launched the P.G. Scholarship for Professional Courses for SC/ST candidates for the 2026-27 academic year, offering monthly financial support to 1,000 eligible students pursuing postgraduate professional degrees. The portal opened for applications from 1st June 2026 and students can register through the National Scholarship Portal using the new One Time Registration system.
This scheme provides direct benefit transfer payments to SC and ST students enrolled in full-time professional courses like M.E., M.Tech, MBA, M.Pharm and other approved programmes at recognised Indian institutions. The scholarship runs for the full course duration of two to three years depending on the programme.
P.G. Scholarship for Professional Courses SC ST - Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | P.G. Scholarship for Professional Courses for SC/ST Candidates |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Implementing Agency | University Grants Commission |
| Beneficiaries | SC/ST students in first year of professional PG courses |
| Annual Slots | 1,000 |
| ME/M.Tech Monthly Amount | ₹7,800 per month (₹78,000 per year) |
| Other Professional Courses Monthly Amount | ₹4,500 per month (₹45,000 per year) |
| Application Mode | Online via National Scholarship Portal (OTR required) |
| Portal URL | https://uat.nsp.gov.in/ |
| Academic Year | 2026-27 (open from June 1, 2026) |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th October 2026 (tentative) |
Who Can Apply
To qualify for this scholarship you must belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category and have secured admission in the first year of a full-time regular postgraduate professional course at a recognised university or institution. Only students currently in their first year of postgraduate studies can apply. The institution must be funded by the central or state government, be an Institute of National Importance, or fall under section 2(f) and 12(B) or section 3 of the UGC Act.
Professional courses requiring approval from regulatory bodies like AICTE, MCI, DCI, PCI, RCI, or BCI are covered. This includes M.E., M.Tech, MBA, M.Pharm, M.Arch and similar programmes. Non-professional degrees such as M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MSW, and Mass Communication are not covered under this scheme.
There is an upper age limit of 45 years for male candidates and 50 years for female candidates. In exceptional cases the age limit may be relaxed. Students pursuing distance learning or correspondence courses are not eligible.
Benefits and Payment Details
The scholarship amount is paid monthly for the duration of your course provided you maintain the required academic standards. M.E. and M.Tech students receive ₹7,800 per month while students in other approved professional courses receive ₹4,500 per month. Payments begin from the date you join the first year of your postgraduate course within the selection year. The University Grants Commission transfers the scholarship directly to your bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode via the Public Financial Management System.
Please note that from the 2017-18 academic year onwards there is no additional contingency allowance provided. The earlier provision of ₹15,000 per annum for M.E./M.Tech and ₹10,000 for other courses has been discontinued.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting your application:
- Aadhaar card or Aadhaar enrolment ID for One Time Registration
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Valid proof of age
- All educational mark sheets, grade cards and degree certificates
- Caste certificate issued by competent authority
- Disability certificate if applicable
- Bank account details for DBT payment
- Any other documents requested by the portal
How to Apply Online
STEP 1 - Go to the National Scholarship Portal at https://uat.nsp.gov.in/ and click on the OTR registration link to generate your One Time Registration number using your Aadhaar or Aadhaar enrolment ID. This 14-digit OTR number is now mandatory for all scholarship applications from academic year 2024-25 onwards and remains valid for your entire academic career.
STEP 2 - After obtaining your OTR, log in to the portal using your OTR ID and password. Select the fresh application option and choose the P.G. Scholarship for Professional Courses for SC/ST scheme from the list of available schemes.
STEP 3 - Fill in all required details in the application form including personal information, academic qualifications, course details, and bank account information for DBT. Upload scanned copies of all required documents as specified by the portal.
STEP 4 - Review the completed application carefully and submit it. Note down your application ID and password for future tracking. Your host institution will need to verify your application online before it can be processed further.
STEP 5 - Once selected, the UGC will transfer the scholarship amount directly to your linked bank account through PFMS. You can track your application status on the NSP portal using your login credentials.
References
UGC Official Scheme Page | National Scholarship Portal | India Science Technology Portal
FAQ's
What is the primary objective of this scheme?
The objective is to provide financial assistance to 1,000 SC/ST candidates every year to help them complete their postgraduate professional studies.
Who manages this scholarship program?
The University Grants Commission under the Government of India acts as the implementing agency.
Are students in their second year of post-graduation eligible?
No, only students currently in the first year of their postgraduate studies can apply.
What is One Time Registration (OTR) and is it mandatory?
OTR is a unique 14-digit number generated using your Aadhaar or Aadhaar enrolment ID. It is mandatory for all scholarship applications on NSP from academic year 2024-25 onwards and remains valid for your entire academic career.
Can I change my course after being selected?
No, you are not permitted to change your course of study once the scholarship is awarded.
Are distance education students covered?
No, this scheme is strictly for students enrolled in regular, full-time, face-to-face professional courses.
What if I fail my first year?
If you fail to pass the first year of your course in the first division or equivalent CGPA, your scholarship award may be cancelled.
Do awardees receive any extra allowance like contingency?
No, awardees only receive the monthly scholarship amount. Additional contingency allowances are not provided under this scheme from 2017-18 onwards.
Are M.Com or M.Sc students eligible?
No, M.Com, M.Sc, M.A., and similar degrees are treated as non-professional courses and are not covered under this specific scholarship.
What is the last date to apply for 2026-27?
The tentative last date is 30th October 2026. The portal opened for applications from 1st June 2026 for the academic year 2026-27.
Where can I get help if I face issues with the application?
You can visit the nearest Common Service Centre for assistance with OTR generation and application filing for a fixed fee of ₹30. The NSP OTR mobile app is also available on Google Play Store.