Can Students from the General Category Get Scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)? Eligibility Criteria for Availing General Category Scholarships and All Other Important Details.
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) serves as a one-stop platform for students across India to apply for various government scholarships. It aims to simplify and streamline the cumbersome scholarship application process. The portal provides information and applications for scholarships offered by the central government, state governments and even some private organizations.
A common question among general category students is – can they get scholarship through the NSP?
This comprehensive guide will provide insights into the NSP scholarships applicable for the general category, eligibility criteria, application process, required documents and more.
Overview of the National Scholarship Portal
The National Scholarship Portal was launched in 2014 by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India. It is implemented by C-DAC Bangalore.
Some key facts about the NSP:
- Provides a single platform to apply for various scholarships offered by the Centre, states and private organizations.
- Over 6 lakh scholarships from more than 50 ministries/departments available through a single account.
- Mobile app available for seamless application on smartphones.
- Online student grievance redressal system available.
- Dedicated helpline and email support for queries.
This saves students the effort of applying individually under each scholarship scheme. The NSP portal also aims to achieve transparency in the scholarship application process.
Can General Category Get NSP Scholarship?
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) offers various scholarship programs for students belonging to different categories. While many NSP scholarships are reserved for students from reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC, general category students can also apply for certain scholarships.
Some of the NSP scholarships open to general category students include merit-cum-means scholarships, scholarships for differently-abled students, sports scholarships, and scholarships for children of specific professions like defense personnel, teachers etc.
The eligibility criteria varies for each scholarship program. General category students who meet the prescribed criteria for a particular NSP scholarship can definitely apply and win the scholarship, provided they score well in the selection process involving exams, interviews etc.
The key is to find scholarships they are eligible for and apply in time. So general category students should explore the portal thoroughly and apply for schemes that are open to them. With good credentials and timely application, general category students have a fair chance of winning NSP scholarships.
Scholarships Applicable for General Category Students
There is a common misconception that the NSP portal only provides scholarships for reserved categories like SC, ST and OBC students. However, this isn’t true. The portal hosts various scholarships where general category students can apply subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
Some popular NSP scholarships open for general category include:
– Merit Cum Means Scholarship – For undergraduate students studying in technical and professional courses from recognized institutes. Selection based on financial need and merit.
– PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship – For single girl child pursuing postgraduation from recognized colleges. No income criteria.
– AICTE Pragati Scholarship – For girls enrolled in AICTE approved technical degree or diploma courses. Total family income less than Rs.8 lakhs per annum.
– AICTE Saksham Scholarship – For differently abled students enrolled in AICTE approved institutes. No income limit.
– National Means cum Merit Scholarship​ – For students studying in Class 9. Selection based on merit, economic criteria and fixed quotas for various categories.
– National Talent Search Exam – For students studying in Class 10. Selection through competitive exam and parental income less than Rs.1.5 lakhs per annum.
– INSPIRE Scholarship – For students in Class 12 science stream selected based on performance in Board exams. No income criteria.
Besides these, general category students can also apply for a range of scholarships offered by state governments, central government departments and private organizations. The eligibility will differ across each scholarship.
Also Read About:
- New NSP Registration
- Fill NSP Institute Registration Form
- How to do NSP Biometric Authentication?
- NSP Helpline Number
- NSP Renewal Application
- National Scholarship Portal Login
- National Scholarship for PG Students
- Recover Forgotten NSP Application ID?
- National Scholarship for Disabled Students
Eligibility Criteria for Availing General Category Scholarships
The broad eligibility criteria for students from the general category to avail the NSP scholarships are:
– Indian national – Scholarships are only offered to Indian citizens from the general category.
– Family income limit – Some scholarships like AICTE Pragati have annual family income limit of Rs.8 lakhs. Students’ families should fall within the prescribed limit.
– Educational qualification – Students need to fulfil criteria like currently studying in Class 10 or 12, pursuing technical/professional degree, etc.
– Academic performance – Merit scholarships require minimum percentage of marks in qualifying exam.
– College/Institute requirement – Taking admission in approved/recognized institutes.
– Specific gender criteria – Some scholarships like PG Indira Gandhi scheme are for single girl child only.
– Disability criteria – Relevant disability certificate for schemes like AICTE Saksham scholarship.
– Domicile requirement – Some state scholarships require candidate to be domicile of that state.
– Application within deadline – Applications received after portal deadline will not be accepted.
Students must ensure they meet the eligibility norms before applying for any scholarship to avoid rejection. The criteria may vary across different scholarship schemes.
Key Details of Popular General Category NSP Scholarships
Let us look at some key details of the popular NSP scholarships open for general category students:
Merit Cum Means Scholarship​
Awarded to general category students pursuing technical and professional courses at undergraduate level from recognized institutes under the Ministry of Education.
- Selection Criteria – Merit, i.e. minimum 60% marks in Class 12 exam and family income less than Rs.2.5 lakhs per annum.
- Scholarship Amount – Up to Rs.10,000 per year for 4 or 5 years depending on course duration.
PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
Offered to single girl students pursuing post graduation course from recognized colleges.
- Selection Criteria – Applicant should be the only child in family (no male or female sibling).
- Scholarship Amount – Rs.36,200 per annum for 2 years.
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
For girls taking admission in AICTE approved technical diploma or degree courses.
- Selection Criteria – Family income less than Rs.8 lakhs per annum. Minimum 50% marks required in qualifying exam.
- Scholarship Amount – Rs.50,000 per year for maximum 4 years.
AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Differently Abled
Meant for differently abled students enrolled in AICTE approved technical institutes.
- Selection Criteria – Disability certificate and admission proof required. No minimum marks or family income criteria.
- Scholarship Amount – Rs.50,000 per year for maximum 4 years.
National Talent Search Exam
For students studying in Class 10 from recognized schools.
- Selection Criteria – Competitive exam, parental income less than Rs.1.5 lakhs per year.
- Scholarship Amount – Rs.1,250 per month for 10 months, i.e. Rs.12,500 per year.
INSPIRE Scholarship
Offered to Class 12 science stream students by Department of Science and Technology.
- Selection Criteria – Qualified JEE Mains, minimum 65% marks in Class 12 Boards.
- Scholarship Amount – Rs.80,000 per year for first year of undergraduate program.
Also Read:
- NSP for UG PG Students
- Change NSP Dashboard Password
- Recover Forgotten NSP Password
- Check Bank Account Linked to Your Aadhaar Number
- Check Available Scholarships on NSP Portal
- Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh
Application Process for NSP Scholarships for General Category
Students from the general category can apply for relevant NSP scholarships for General Category by following these key steps:
Step 1) Register on National Scholarship Portal – Visit www.scholarships.gov.in and click on ‘New Registration’. Provide basic details to create login credentials.
Step 2) Select appropriate scholarship scheme – Log in and browse scholarships applicable for your state, course, class etc. Shortlist suitable ones.
Step 3) Fill online application form – Complete the application by providing academic, personal, bank details accurately. Cross-check information before submitting.
Step 4) Upload documents – Scan and upload documents like identity proof, income/caste certificate, academic marksheets, disability certificate etc. as per scholarship requirements.
Step 5) Track application status – Login regularly to the portal to track the progress of your application till final approval.
The application procedure is fairly simple and user-friendly. Students must ensure they apply before the scholarship deadline to avoid rejection of the application.
Documents Required While Applying for Scholarships
Students need to upload the following documents typically while applying for NSP scholarships:
- Marksheet of latest qualifying exam for academic details
- Annual family income certificate from competent authority
- Proof of admission into institute under approved AICTE courses
- Caste and domicile certificate for applicable scholarships
- Disability certificate for schemes like AICTE Saksham
- Aadhar card, voter id, driving license for identity proof
- Passport size photograph and scanned signature
- Bank account details of student or parent/guardian
- Declaration form accepting scholarship terms
The documents may vary depending on the scholarship scheme selected by the student. They must ensure all relevant documents are uploaded as per guidelines.
Benefits of Availing Scholarships through NSP
Applying for scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal has the following key benefits for students:
- Single window for numerous scholarship opportunities at one place
- Simplified application process through online portal
- Transparent registration and selection process
- Wider choice of scholarships based on eligibility
- Direct credit of scholarship amount to bank account
- Grievance redressal mechanism for applicants
By utilizing the NSP portal, students can access multiple scholarships while saving time and effort in the application process. This assists meritorious and deserving students gain financial support for their academic goals.
Conclusion
The National Scholarship Portal provides a wealth of opportunities even for general category students to fund their higher education expenses. Students can apply for and benefit from scholarships like Merit Cum Means, PG Indira Gandhi, AICTE Pragati/Saksham as well as state government and private schemes.
They must determine their eligibility and follow the application process correctly for timely approval. With its wide range of scholarships and simplified application mechanism, the NSP portal has
FAQs
Q: Can general category students avail scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
A: Yes, the NSP provides many scholarship opportunities for general category students who meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: What are some popular NSP scholarships for the general category?
A: Major NSP scholarships open for general category include Merit Cum Means, PG Indira Gandhi, AICTE Pragati and Saksham, National Means cum Merit, NTSE, and INSPIRE Scholarship.
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for general category students?
A: Main eligibility factors are Indian nationality, family income limit as specified in scholarship, educational qualifications, merit criteria, recognized college admission, and application before deadline.
Q: What is the application process for NSP scholarships?
A: Key steps are – register on NSP portal, select suitable scholarship scheme, fill online application form accurately, upload required documents, and track application status.
Q: What documents do students need for the application?
A: Required documents are – marksheets, income certificate, admission proof, Aadhaar card, bank details, caste certificate if applicable, disability certificate for certain schemes, photographs etc.
Q: What are the benefits of applying through NSP?
A: Benefits are single window access to numerous scholarships, simplified and transparent application process, direct payment to bank account, and grievance redressal mechanism.
Q: How much scholarship amount is provided in Merit Cum Means scheme?
A: Merit Cum Means scholarship provides up to Rs. 10,000 per year for undergraduate professional/technical courses.
Q: What is the family income limit under AICTE Pragati scholarship?
A: AICTE Pragati scholarship has family income ceiling of Rs. 8 lakhs per annum for girl students.