Every year, lakhs of students in India miss out on scholarships simply because they did not know where to apply or missed a last date. The good news is that many central government scholarships are applied for in one place: the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in. This guide explains how it works, what you need and how to apply, in simple steps.
Latest update (checked on 20 October 2026)
According to the official National Scholarship Portal, the portal is open for the 2026-27 academic year (AY) from 1 June 2026. For the renewal of the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme (CSSS, merit based), the dates shown on the home page are:
- Student application: 31 October 2026
- Institute verification: 15 November 2026
- Level 2 (L2) verification: 30 November 2026
No closing date for fresh applications was shown on the home page at the time of checking. Every scheme has its own dates, so always open the scheme page on the portal and confirm yours before you apply.
What is the National Scholarship Portal?
NSP is the government’s online platform where students apply for scholarships offered by different ministries and departments, such as social justice, tribal affairs, higher education, AICTE and UGC. You apply in one place, and your application is then verified at two levels, first by your institute and then at the next level, before the scholarship is paid to your bank account.
Step 0: Do your OTR first
The portal asks every student to complete a One Time Registration (OTR). As described on the official portal:
- OTR gives you a 14-digit OTR number, based on your Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID).
- It covers your whole academic career, so you do not register again every year.
- OTR has been required for scholarship applications since AY 2024-25.
- The NSP OTR app is available on the Google Play Store.
Documents to keep ready
Exact documents depend on the scheme, but most students need:
- Aadhaar number (and an Aadhaar-linked bank account)
- Bank passbook or account details
- Marksheets and admission or fee receipt
- Income certificate, if the scheme has an income limit
- Caste or category certificate, if the scheme is for a reserved category
- Domicile certificate, if your state requires it
Keep clear scans ready on your phone or computer. Blurry or wrong uploads are one of the most common reasons for rejection.
How to apply: step by step
- Open scholarships.gov.in (type the address yourself, do not use links from messages).
- Log in with your OTR number and password.
- Choose Fresh application if you are applying for the first time, or Renewal if you already received the scholarship last year.
- Select the scholarship scheme that matches your course level and category.
- Fill in your details and bank account carefully. Check the spelling of your name against your Aadhaar.
- Upload the documents and submit.
- Save or print the application ID. You will need it to track your application.
- Check that your institute verifies your application. Without verification, the application does not move ahead.
Common mistakes that get applications rejected
- Applying on the last day, when the portal is slow
- Bank account not linked with Aadhaar
- Name or date of birth not matching the documents
- Wrong scheme selected for your course or category
- Not following up with the college for verification
Do not fall for scholarship scams
Real government scholarships never ask you to pay money to “release” the amount. If someone calls or messages asking for a fee, OTP or bank PIN, do not share anything. Apply only on the official portal, and ask your college scholarship cell if in doubt.
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Further reading (official resources)
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
- PFMS, Public Financial Management System
FAQs
What is the last date to apply on NSP for 2026-27?
Every scheme has its own date. For the renewal of the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme, the official portal showed 31 October 2026 for the student application when we checked on 20 October 2026. Check your scheme page on scholarships.gov.in for the latest date.
What is OTR on the National Scholarship Portal?
OTR is the One Time Registration. It gives you a 14-digit number based on your Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID and is valid for your whole academic career. It has been required for scholarship applications since AY 2024-25.
Do I need to apply every year?
If you receive a scholarship that continues for the full course, you usually apply for renewal each year, using the renewal option on the portal. Your OTR stays the same.
Does my college have to verify my application?
Yes. After you submit, your institute verifies the application, and then a second level of verification follows. Remind your college scholarship cell to complete verification before the institute deadline.
Is there any fee to apply for a scholarship on NSP?
No. Applying on the official portal is free. Never pay anyone to apply or to release your scholarship.
Conclusion
Scholarships can cover a big part of your education cost, but only if you apply on time and with correct documents. Complete your OTR, keep your documents and Aadhaar-linked bank account ready, apply early and make sure your college verifies your form. Always confirm dates on the official portal, because they can change.
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