UGC NSPG Scholarship 2026-27: ₹15,000 a Month for 10,000 PG Students, Apply on NSP by 31 October 2026
UGC's National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies 2026-27 is open on NSP with 10,000 slots and ₹15,000 per month for two years. First-year regular PG students below 30 can apply by 31 October 2026, with no income limit.
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UGC National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies 2026-27: Overview
Students who have just joined the first year of a regular postgraduate (PG) course have a good chance to get government money for their studies. The National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies (NSPG) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) is open for 2026-27 on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The NSP scheme list shows the scheme opened on 16 September 2026 and the last date for students to apply is 31 October 2026.
Under this scheme, UGC gives ₹15,000 per month for 10 months a year (₹1,50,000 per year) for two years. There are 10,000 scholarships every year, and there is no family income limit. Selection is on all-India merit. Below we explain eligibility, slot distribution, important dates and the full process to apply, based only on the NSP and UGC official pages.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies (NSPG) |
| Implementing body | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Scheme type on NSP | Central Sector, merit-based scheme |
| Academic year | 2026-27 |
| Number of scholarships | 10,000 per year |
| Scholarship amount | ₹15,000 per month for 10 months (₹1,50,000 per year) |
| Duration | 2 years (second year on renewal) |
| Age limit | Below 30 years on the date of admission to first semester/year of PG |
| Income limit | None |
| Application mode | Online only, through scholarships.gov.in |
| Last date for students | 31 October 2026 |
Important Dates for NSPG 2026-27
These dates are shown against the NSPG scheme on the NSP "All Scholarships" page.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application window opened | 16 September 2026 |
| Last date for student application | 31 October 2026 |
| Last date for defective application verification | 15 November 2026 |
| Last date for institute verification | 15 November 2026 |
| Last date for DNO/SNO/MNO verification | 30 November 2026 |
The NSP FAQ for this scheme clearly says that applications cannot be edited after the closing date, and incomplete applications are rejected. So do not wait for the last day.
What is the NSPG Scheme?
As per the NSP FAQ, NSPG brings together four older UGC PG scholarships into one scheme: the Indira Gandhi scholarship for single girl child, the PG scholarship for university rank holders, the PG scholarship for SC/ST students in professional courses, and the scholarship for GATE/GPAT qualified students. Now students apply for one combined scheme on NSP.
Eligibility Criteria
- First PG degree only: The student must be admitted to the first year of a PG programme. A student who already holds a PG degree cannot apply.
- Regular, full-time mode: Only regular/full-time students are eligible. Open, distance, correspondence, private and part-time students are not eligible.
- Age: Below 30 years on the date of admission to the first semester/year of the PG programme.
- Recognised degree: The PG degree must be a degree specified by UGC (Specification of Degrees, 2014, as amended). In integrated programmes, only the PG component is covered.
- Eligible institutions: As per the guidelines, the institution should be a university or college under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act or a deemed university with valid NAAC accreditation, a fully Central/State government funded degree-awarding institution, or an Institution of National Importance. The institution must have a valid AISHE code.
- No income limit: The FAQ states that there is no income criterion for this scheme.
- One scholarship at a time: A student cannot hold any other scholarship, stipend or paid job during the award. A student already getting another scholarship may apply, but must give up the other benefit if selected.
Distribution of 10,000 Slots
- Reservation as per Government of India policy.
- 30% slots for women. Within these, single girl child (including twin daughters) are given first preference.
- 50% slots for Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law and Management.
- 50% slots for Science, Engineering and Technology, Medical, Technical, Agriculture and Forestry.
The FAQ explains that a single girl child means the only girl in a family with no brother or sister. Twin or fraternal daughters can also apply under this preference.
Selection Process
Selection is purely on merit at the all-India level. After a student applies, the institute nodal officer (INO) verifies the application, and then it is verified at the district/state level. Only students in the final merit list get the scholarship. As per the guidelines, if two students have the same merit, the tie is broken first by UG marks and then by Class 12 marks.
How to Apply for NSPG 2026-27 (Step by Step)
- Go to the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
- Complete your One Time Registration (OTR). NSP says OTR is mandatory. Aadhaar face authentication is used, so keep the AadhaarFaceRD app updated and make sure your Aadhaar biometrics are not locked.
- Log in with your OTR number and fill the common application form (personal, academic and institute details).
- From the scheme list, choose National Scholarship For Post Graduate Studies. From 2026-27, NSP allows one merit-based scheme plus one or more welfare-based schemes, so choose your merit scheme carefully.
- Enter your UG marks and PG course details correctly. Check that your institute appears on NSP (institutes need a valid AISHE code).
- Submit the application before 31 October 2026 and keep the application ID.
- Submit your supporting documents (category certificate, marksheets, etc.) to your institute. As per the guidelines, students do not upload certificates; the institute verifies them.
- Keep your bank account Aadhaar-seeded. UGC pays the scholarship by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Students who do not have internet access can also apply through a Common Service Centre (CSC). NSP says CSCs charge a fixed ₹30 per candidate for NSP services.
Renewal for Second Year
The scholarship continues in the second year only if the student passes the first year and applies for renewal on NSP. Good conduct and required attendance are also needed. The scholarship stops if the student is not promoted, or changes the course or institution.
Important Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply online (NSP) | scholarships.gov.in |
| Scheme list with dates | NSP All Scholarships |
| NSPG Guidelines (PDF) | Download Guidelines |
| NSPG FAQs (PDF) | Download FAQs |
| UGC scheme page | UGC NSPG Page |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for NSPG 2026-27?
The last date for student applications on NSP is 31 October 2026. Institute verification closes on 15 November 2026.
How much money is given under NSPG?
₹15,000 per month for 10 months a year, which is ₹1,50,000 per year, for two years.
Is there any family income limit?
No. The official FAQ says there is no income criterion for this scheme.
Can distance mode PG students apply?
No. Only regular, full-time students in the first year of their first PG degree can apply.
Can I apply if I already get another scholarship?
You can apply, but you can hold only one scholarship. If selected, you must give up the other benefit.
Who pays the scholarship and how?
UGC pays the amount directly to the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account through DBT.
Conclusion
The UGC NSPG 2026-27 is one of the biggest merit scholarships for PG students, with ₹1.5 lakh per year and no income limit. If you have joined the first year of a regular PG course and are below 30, complete your OTR and apply on scholarships.gov.in before 31 October 2026. Then make sure your institute verifies your form by 15 November 2026.
References
- https://scholarships.gov.in/All-Scholarships – National Scholarship Portal, All Scholarships list: National Scholarship For Post Graduate Studies (UGC), 2026-27 timelines, accessed 9 October 2026
- https://www.ugc.gov.in/Scholarships/stu_Scholarship6 – UGC, National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies scheme page, accessed 9 October 2026
- https://scholarships.gov.in/public/schemeGuidelines/Guidelines_NATIONAL_SCHOLARSHIP_FOR_POSTGRADUATE_STUDIES_UGC_2324.pdf – Guidelines for National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (UGC), linked on NSP
- https://scholarships.gov.in/public/FAQ/FAQ_NSPG.pdf – FAQs for National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies, NSP
- https://scholarships.gov.in/Students – NSP Students page: OTR mandatory, one merit-based scheme rule for AY 2026-27, accessed 9 October 2026
- https://scholarships.gov.in/public/home – NSP home notices: CSC fee ₹30, Aadhaar face authentication instructions, accessed 9 October 2026