How Much Scholarship Can I Get from NSP? Complete 2026 Guide

If you’re thinking, “How much scholarship can I get from NSP?” -You’re not alone.

Every year, thousands of students from across India make an application on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) hoping to ease their expenses for education. However, here’s the reality: the amount of scholarships awarded isn’t identical for all students.

It’s dependent on your course, class and category, your income in addition to whether you’re guesteller or day scholar.

It’s time to break down the process in a clear way so that you are aware of what to expect.

What is NSP (National Scholarship Portal)?

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a centralized platform run by the Government of India where students can apply for multiple scholarships at one location.

Imagine it as an electronic portal that connects students to financial assistance from:

Central Government
State Governments
UGC
AICTE
Various Ministries

Instead of having to travel to various offices, everything is done on the internet.

Simple. Transparent. Direct.

Why NSP is Important for Students in India

The cost of education is high. The cost of tuition, fees for hostels travel, books,all add up quickly.

NSP assists students from economically weaker areas pursue their studies with no the burden of financial strain. The greatest benefit?

The scholarship money is directly transferred to your bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

No middleman. No hassle.

Types of Scholarships Available on NSP

Before we discuss money first, it is essential to know the kind of scholarship you qualify for.

Pre-Matric Scholarships

Students from Class 1 to Class 10.

Most of the time, it is for SC, ST, OBC Students from Minorities and SC.

Post-Matric Scholarships

For Classes 11 12, diploma ITI, UG, PG for PhD, and diploma students.

This is when the amount of scholarship becomes important.

Merit-cum-Means Scholarships

Technical and professional training, such as:

Engineering
Medical
MBA
B.Tech
BCA
MCA

They usually have higher prices.

Central Sector Schemes

The basis is Merit (12th points).

The income limit is applicable.

State Government Scholarships

Each state has additional plans through NSP.

The amounts vary from state to state.

How Much Scholarship Can You Actually Get from NSP?

Let’s now get to the core question.

Scholarship Amount for Pre-Matric Students

The most common ranges are:

From Rs1,000 to Rs5,000 a year
A second maintenance fee for hostsellers.

For instance:

Day scholars: Rs100-Rs500 per month
Hostellers: Rs500-Rs700 per month

Scholarship Amount for Post-Matric Students

This is a more serious investment.

You can obtain:

Between Rs2,000 and Rs15,000 per calendar year (maintenance)
Refund of tuition fees in full (in some instances)

Certain technical courses could be able to receive additional rewards.

Scholarship Amount for UG & PG Students

For general degree courses:

Between Rs5,000 and Rs20,000 per year.
Tuition costs may be fully or partly paid for

Professional training:

Between Rs25,000 and Rs50,000 per year.
Some schemes go even further than this

Technical & Professional Course Scholarship Amount

If you’re doing:

Engineering
MBBS
Pharmacy
Architecture
MBA

You may receive:

Fee for tuition in full (subject to a limit)
Rs10,000-Rs30,000 maintenance allowance
Hosteller benefits extra

Some plans limit tuition reimbursement to Rs.2 lakhs per year.

Yes, it is that high.

Factors That Decide Your NSP Scholarship Amount

There are many different people who get the exact amount. Here’s why.

Family Income

The majority of schemes have income limits such as:

1 lakh rupees
2 lakhs at Rs.
Rs2.5 lakh
Amount of Rs.8 lakh (Central Sector Scheme)

Lower income = higher priority.

Category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/General)

The reserved category students typically receive:

Reimbursement for higher fees
Extra allowances
More schemes are available

Course Type

Professional courses receive more funding than the general BA or BSc courses.

Simple economics — higher fees, higher support.

Hosteller vs Day Scholar

Hostellers receive:

Extra allowance for maintenance
Accommodation and food assistance

Day scholars have less to gain compared.

NSP Scholarship Amount Breakdown (Example)

Let’s say:

If you are an OBC student
Income of the family: Rs1.8 lakh
Doing B.Tech
Living in hostel

You could receive:

Reimbursement of tuition fees: Rs50,000-Rs1,00,000.
Maintenance allowance: Rs10,000-Rs15,000
Total benefit: Rs60,000-Rs1,15,000 per year

Do you see the difference?

It’s not just pocket money. It’s a serious gesture of support.

Income Limits for NSP Scholarships

Here are the most common income limit for income:

Pre-Matric Minority: Rs 1 lakh
Post-Matric Minority: Rs2 Lakh
Merit-cum-Means Rs2.5 lakh
Central Sector Scheme Rs 8 lakh

If your earnings exceed the upper limit, you might not be eligible.

Renewal Scholarship Amount – Is It Same Every Year?

Most of the time, yes.

However, only If:

You have passed the test
Keep the your required percentage
Continue to follow the same course

Failure to meet the requirements could result in cancellation of renewal.

How NSP Scholarship Is Paid

The money is credited directly to your account at the bank linked to Aadhaar.

Payment method:

DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
Cash is not required.
No cheque

Processing typically takes three to six months following approval.

How to Check Exact Scholarship Amount for Your Course

Follow these steps:

Visit NSP portal
Select scheme
Read scheme guidelines
Check “Financial Benefits” section

Every scheme clearly identifies:

Tuition cap
Maintenance allowance
Duration

Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Scholarship Amount

Avoid these

Incorrect income certificate
Incorrect category information
Bank account mismatch
Incorrectly selecting a hosteller
Uploading unclear documents

Small mistakes can mean huge losses.

How to Maximize Your NSP Scholarship Benefits

Want maximum benefit?

Apply at the beginning of the week.
Choose correct scheme
Upload proper documents
Maintain a high academic mark
Make sure the that the income certificate is valid

Consider it as farming. The better prepared you are for your dirt, the greater your harvest.

Is NSP Scholarship Enough to Cover Full Fees?

Depends.

For colleges that are government-run — usually yes.

For private colleges — partly.

Professional courses could still require a fee.

However, NSP significantly eases the burden.

NSP vs State Scholarship – Which Pays More?

Some scholarships offered by state governments include:

Higher tuition reimbursement
Extra allowances

Central schemes are however more stable and well-known.

Best strategy?

Apply to all schemes that are eligible.

Final Thoughts:-

So, how much can you expect from NSP?

It could be as low as Rs1,000 a year or up to 2 lakh per year — dependent on your education as well as your income and the category you are in.

It’s not just an officiality. It’s a source of financial security.

If you qualify, don’t delay.

It is an investment to invest in education and NSP lets you invest without paying a lot of fees.

FAQs:-

1. What is the maximum amount of scholarship in NSP?

It can reach 2 lakh annually for specific professional courses.

2. Students of general category can apply for NSP?

Yes, under the Central Sector Scheme if income is less than the amount of Rs8 lakh.

3. How long will NSP awarding take to be granted?

Usually, it is 3-6 months after approval.

4. Are NSP scholarships offered each month?

It is usually a one-time lump sum payments.

5. Do I have to submit two NSP scholarships simultaneously?

It is possible to apply for a scholarship, however generally, just one scholarship can be accepted.