ICCR Scholarship 2026-27 for Nepali Nationals – ABVGSS, SSSJSS & LMD&MSS

Quick Glance

Issuing Authority Embassy of India, Kathmandu · Schemes ABVGSS, SSSJSS, LMD&MSS · Academic Year 2026-27 · Eligible Applicants Nepali Nationals · Last Date 15 April 2026 · Application Fee NRs. 400 · Portal www.a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in · Portal Open From 27 February 2026

Overview

• Issuing Authority - Embassy of India, Kathmandu (Education Wing)
• Scholarship Schemes - Three: Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (ABVGSS), Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme (SSSJSS), and Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme (LMD&MSS)
• Academic Year - 2026-27
• Eligible Applicants - Nepali nationals
• Destination - Indian Universities / Institutes
• A2A Portal - www.a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in (operational from 27 February 2026)
• Last Date for Application - 15 April 2026 (Wednesday)
• Application Fee - NRs. 400, deposited in favour of Education Wing, Embassy of India, Kathmandu; Account No. 17725240200331 at any Nepal SBI branch in Nepal
• Submission of Documents - Original counterfoil + printed application + documents to be submitted in person to the Embassy of India, Kathmandu (for most districts) or Consulate General of India, Birgunj (for Bara, Chitwan, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Makwanpur, Parsa, Rautahat, and Sarlahi districts)
• Applications via Agents - Not accepted; Embassy entertains applications directly from the applicant only

Important Links

• Official Notification PDF: https://www.cgibirgunj.gov.in/docs/1773213084ICCR-GSS-SJSS-2026-27-Advertisement.pdf
• Scholarships and Forms Page: https://www.cgibirgunj.gov.in/page/scholarships-and-forms/
• Online Application Portal (A2A): http://www.a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in

Important Dates

• A2A Portal Operational From - 27 February 2026 (Friday)
• Last Date for Submission of Application - 15 April 2026 (Wednesday)

Scheme-wise Details

Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (ABVGSS)

This scheme covers Under Graduate (UG) level courses in India. Nepali nationals seeking admission to undergraduate programmes at Indian universities and institutes are eligible to apply under ABVGSS.

Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme (SSSJSS)

This scheme is for Post-Graduate and Doctorate level courses in India. Nepali nationals wishing to pursue PG or Ph.D. programmes at Indian institutions may apply under SSSJSS.

Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme (LMD&MSS)

This scheme is for the study of Indian Culture, covering disciplines such as Dance, Music, Theater, Performing Art, Sculpture, Indian Languages, Indian Cuisine, Yoga, and related subjects in India. Depending on the institute's requirement, a student may need to submit additional documents or evidence of knowledge in the specialised field of Dance, Music, Theater, Art, etc., at the time of applying for this scholarship.

Excluded Courses

The three scholarship schemes do not cover:

• Medical / Paramedical courses, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Anesthesia, Lab Technicians, etc.
• Law Courses
• Integrated courses such as BALLB (5 Years), B.Sc. & M.Sc. (5 Years), and similar integrated programmes

Age Limit

Age is calculated as on 1 July 2026.

• Minimum age - 18 years (for any level of course)
• Maximum age for UG, PG, Certificate and Diploma courses - 35 years
• Maximum age for Ph.D. level courses - 40 years
• No upper age limit - For courses in Hindi, Sanskrit, or any Indian performing arts course (such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Vocal/Instrumental music, etc.), unless the concerned institution prescribes one

How to Apply

1. Submit the online application through the A2A Portal at www.a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in. The procedures and norms governing these scholarships are available on the portal itself.
2. Read the ICCR instructions and guidelines carefully before filling the online application form for the relevant scholarship scheme.
3. For selection of university/institute and course, exercise due diligence regarding the specific admission criteria laid down by each university for each subject. Ensure that all relevant documents required by the university/institute, beyond the basic certificates in the application form, are also submitted. Refer to the Universities Handbook, the UGC website, and the concerned institute's website for eligibility criteria.
4. Important: The course and institute allotted to the candidate under any scholarship scheme will not be changed.

How to Submit the Application

1. Deposit application fee of NRs. 400 in favour of Education Wing, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, in Account No. 17725240200331 at any Nepal SBI branch located in Nepal. After depositing, write the online application registration number and your name on the top of the counterfoil/receipt.
2. Submit in person: Bring the original counterfoil along with a copy of the application and all uploaded documents to:
   • Embassy of India, Kathmandu, for applicants from all districts of Nepal except the districts mentioned under the Consulate General of India, Birgunj
   • Consulate General of India, Birgunj, for applicants from Bara, Chitwan, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Makwanpur, Parsa, Rautahat, and Sarlahi districts
3. Application fee once deposited will not be refunded or adjusted.
4. Submission of the fee and the printed application form with requisite documents to the Embassy/Consulate is mandatory. Applicants who fail to do so will be considered ineligible.

Documents and Submission Requirements

• Essay, A 500-word essay in English on one of the topics/subjects listed on the A2A Portal is mandatory.
• English Proficiency Undertaking, An undertaking in the prescribed format regarding English proficiency, duly signed by the Principal/Head of Institute of the school last attended, must be submitted with the application form to the Embassy/Consulate. Students may also submit TOEFL/IELTS or other standardised test scores if available.
• Mark-sheets, Mark-sheets issued by the respective education board for Level 10 and 10+2 of school must be uploaded along with the transcripts in English. Mark-sheets that do not reflect grades/marks of the student will not be accepted.
• Science/Engineering UG applicants, Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) at the final/High School level (Standard XII). Candidates opting for science courses with biology as a major subject must have studied Biology, Physics, and Chemistry at Standard XII level.
• MBA applicants, GMAT score is mandatory.
• English translation, If original documents are not in English, English-language translations are mandatory. Incomplete applications where translations are missing will be summarily rejected.
• Science course applicants, Expenditure on laboratory chemicals and other related incidental charges is borne by the scholar, not the scheme.

Important Caution

• The Embassy of India, Kathmandu, entertains applications directly from the applicant only.
• The Embassy does not recognise or accept applications submitted through Education Consultants, middlemen, or agencies in Nepal.
• Students are advised to beware of such unscrupulous persons/agencies.
• Applications found to have been received through such agencies or persons are liable to be rejected.
• Submission of incorrect information, incomplete application forms, or non-submission of the copy of application and documents at the Embassy/Consulate may result in cancellation of candidature at any stage, and no review will be considered.