AI SummaryApplications for the Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities scholarship for the academic year 2026-27 are now open on the National Scholarship Portal. The Department of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice has started taking fresh and renewal applications from June 1, 2026 and the last date to apply online is October 31, 2026.
This scheme pays the full tuition fee, monthly maintenance, book allowance and one-time grants to students with a benchmark disability of 40% or more who are studying in notified institutions like IITs, NITs and Institutes of Excellence. The government has also raised the family income limit to Rs 8 lakh a year, so more students can now apply for this help.
Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities 2026
The Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities scheme is run by the central government through the Department of Persons with Disabilities. It is made for students with disabilities who are studying full time beyond class 12 in one of the notified institutions listed by the department.
Only students with a benchmark disability of 40% or more, as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, can apply. This covers visual, hearing, speech, loco-motor and other identified disabilities. For the 2026-27 year the department has kept a total quota of 300 scholarships for the whole country and 31 for the state of Maharashtra. Making an online application is easy, and students who are already getting the support need to fill a renewal form every year.
Benefits
The scheme gives full financial cover so that a student can focus on studies without money pressure. The benefit details are given below.
- Tuition fee - Admission and tuition fees are paid up to Rs 1.90 lakh per year, as per the actual amount charged by the institution.
- Maintenance allowance - Rs 3,000 per month for students staying in hostels and Rs 1,500 per month for day scholars.
- Book allowance - Rs 5,000 per year for books and stationery.
- Computer or laptop - A one-time grant of Rs 45,000 in the first year, including accessories.
- Aids and assistive devices - Up to Rs 30,000 one-time support for disability-specific aids or software.
- Miscellaneous allowance - Up to Rs 10,000 per year for library, sports, medical and other required fees.
- Special allowance - Rs 2,000 per month for support like a reader, escort or helper, depending on the type of disability.
Common assistive devices covered under the scheme include Braille typewriters and laptop screen-reading software for blind students, and binaural digital hearing aids and SMS-enabled phones for students with hearing problems. Other categories such as students with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism or specific learning disabilities can also get support as per their need.
Eligibility
A student should meet the conditions given below to apply for this support.
- The student must be an Indian citizen and hold a valid disability certificate with a benchmark disability of 40% or more under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
- A UDID card or UDID enrollment number is required, and Aadhaar-based verification is part of the process.
- The student must be studying a full-time diploma, graduate or postgraduate course in a notified institution. Distance, part-time and weekend courses are not covered.
- Total annual family income should not be more than Rs 8 lakh.
- A student can get this scholarship only once and it is not repeatable. Only two children with disabilities from the same parents can get the benefit, unless they are twins.
- The student should not be getting any other scholarship or stipend at the same time.
Earlier the family income limit was Rs 6 lakh, and now it has been raised to Rs 8 lakh. This is a useful change for many families who were earlier not able to apply.
Documents
Keep these documents ready as soft copies before filling the online form.
- Income certificate and domicile certificate
- Last qualifying mark sheet or degree certificate
- Fee receipt for the current academic year and bank account details
- Aadhaar card, UDID card and certificate of disability
- Bonafide student certificate from the college and a recent color photograph
Application Process
All applications are filled online through the National Scholarship Portal. Follow the steps given below to apply before the last date of October 31, 2026.
STEP 1 - Open the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in and click on the New Registration option.
STEP 2 - Read the instructions, accept the terms and fill in the registration form with your details. Once done, you will get an Application ID and password on your mobile number.
STEP 3 - Login on the portal using these credentials and open your dashboard.
STEP 4 - Choose the Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities application form and fill in your details correctly.
STEP 5 - Upload all the required documents in the correct format and check the details once before final submission.
STEP 6 - Click on Final Submit and note down your application number. You can also save the form as a draft and come back later to finish it. The institution and the nodal officer then verify the application on the portal.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities |
| Launched By | Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India |
| Eligible People | Students with benchmark disability of 40% or more |
| Benefit Amount | Tuition up to Rs 1.90 lakh, maintenance Rs 3,000 per month, one-time laptop Rs 45,000 |
| Family Income Limit | Up to Rs 8 lakh per year |
| Application Mode | Online on National Scholarship Portal |
| Last Date | October 31, 2026 |
| Official Website | scholarships.gov.in |
Students who want to know more about related support can check the Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities and the Post Matric and Top Class Scholarship pages on this website.
References
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Department of Persons with Disabilities - Official Website
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
FAQ's
Can I apply if two of my siblings already have this scholarship?
No, the scheme allows only two children with disabilities from the same parents to get the benefit, unless they are twins.
How is the tuition fee paid?
The payment is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to your institution.
Are girl students given priority?
Yes, 30% of the scholarship slots are kept for girl students.
How can I track my application status?
Login to the Applicant Dashboard on the National Scholarship Portal and click on the option to track your status.
Is there an application fee?
No, the whole process is free of cost.
Can I apply if my family income is above Rs 8 lakh?
No, the total annual family income should be Rs 8 lakh or less to be eligible for this scheme.