Government Scholarships for College Students: CSSS, AICTE Pragati, INSPIRE and More
Five central-government scholarships every college student should check — who can apply, how much they pay and where to apply.
Several central-government scholarships are open to students across India, and most are applied for through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Here is a quick comparison.
| Scholarship | Who it is for | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scheme (CSSS) | Above 80th percentile in Class 12, family income ≤ ₹4.5 lakh | ₹12,000/yr (UG), ₹20,000/yr (PG) |
| AICTE Pragati | Girls in AICTE-approved technical courses, income ≤ ₹8 lakh | ₹50,000/yr |
| AICTE Saksham | Students with 40%+ disability in technical courses, income ≤ ₹8 lakh | ₹50,000/yr |
| INSPIRE-SHE | Top 1% in Class 12 (or qualifying JEE/NEET rank) studying basic sciences | ₹80,000/yr |
| PM Scholarship Scheme | Wards of ex-servicemen in professional courses | ₹2,500–3,000/month |
Tips
- Complete NSP One-Time Registration early — it needs Aadhaar and a bank account in your own name.
- Keep a current income certificate ready; it is the most common reason for rejection.
- Renewals depend on marks and attendance, so read the renewal rules of each scheme.
Have questions about admissions?
Talk to a CollegeZollege counsellor — it's free.
References
Read our editorial policy to learn how we research and review content.