Best Government Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025 – How to Apply

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  By Gujju Ticks

  22 May, 2025

Financial limitations are a significant barrier for many Indian students, despite the fact that education is a powerful tool. To close this gap and encourage bright minds in all states and communities, the Indian government provides a large number of scholarships. 2025 offers a plethora of government-funded scholarship opportunities, regardless of your educational background.

This blog discusses the best government scholarships available to Indian students in 2025, along with the requirements, advantages, and—above all—how to apply. Students from Gujarat and other states who want to pursue their academic goals without worrying about money will find this to be especially helpful.

Why Government Scholarships Matter

Government scholarships support academic excellence while also lessening the cost of living expenses and tuition. These scholarships focus on various areas, such as:

• Merit-based students

• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

• SC/ST/OBC communities

• Minority groups

• Female students

• Students with disabilities

More students than ever before have access to funding opportunities thanks to the simplification of digital application processes, particularly through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Top Government Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

The following are India's top-rated and most sought-after state and federal government scholarships for 2025:

1. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)

Eligibility:

• For students in Class 9 who have scored a minimum of 55% in Class 8.

• Annual parental income must be below ₹3.5 lakh.

Benefits:

• ₹12,000 per annum till Class 12.

How to Apply:

• Apply via National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

2. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students

Eligibility:

• Students belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories.

• Studying in Class 11 to PhD level.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and additional academic expenses covered.

How to Apply:

• Register on the NSP or respective state portals (e.g., Digital Gujarat for students in Gujarat).

3. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students

Eligibility:

• 80th percentile or above in Class 12.

• Family income must be less than ₹8 lakh per annum.

Benefits:

• ₹10,000 per annum for undergraduates and ₹20,000 for postgraduates.

How to Apply:

• Apply online through the NSP portal.

4. AICTE Pragati and Saksham Scholarships

For Girls (Pragati)

For Differently-abled Students (Saksham)

Eligibility:

• Admitted in AICTE-approved technical programs.

Benefits:

• ₹50,000 annually to cover tuition, books, and other expenses.

How to Apply:

• Through the AICTE portal or NSP.

5. INSPIRE Scholarship (Department of Science & Technology)

Eligibility:

• Top 1% scorers in Class 12 from science stream.

• Must enroll in a B.Sc. or Integrated M.Sc. program.

Benefits:

• ₹80,000 annually for 5 years.

How to Apply:

• Via online portal.

6. Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) for Minority Students

Eligibility:

• Belong to minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi).

• Must have cleared NET/SET and enrolled in MPhil/PhD.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend, contingency grants.

How to Apply:

• Application details published on UGC's official site.

7. Gujarat Scholarship Scheme (for Gujarati Students)

Eligibility:

• Permanent resident of Gujarat.

• Belongs to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories.

Benefits:

• Full/partial tuition waiver, monthly stipends, hostel fees.

How to Apply:

• Via Digital Gujarat Portal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Government Scholarships

Follow these tips to apply for scholarships successfully in 2025:

Step 1: Register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

• Visit https://scholarships.gov.in.

• Create a new user ID by entering your details and verifying your mobile number with OTP.

Step 2: Login and Complete the Profile

• Login using your credentials.

• Enter academic, bank, and Aadhaar card details accurately.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Common documents needed:

• Aadhaar Card

• Income Certificate

• Caste Certificate (if applicable)

• Mark sheets

• Bonafide Certificate

• Bank passbook copy

• Recent passport-size photo

Step 4: Submit the Application

• Double-check your entries.

• Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.

Step 5: Track Application Status

• Regularly log in to NSP to check updates or deficiencies in your application.

Pro Tips to Get Selected

• Apply early – don’t wait until the deadline.

• Ensure all scanned documents are clear and legible.

• Provide correct bank details to avoid delays.

• Keep checking email/SMS for updates from the scholarship authorities.

Conclusion

Government scholarships in India have been a beacon of hope for countless students striving for academic excellence despite financial limitations. Whether you’re from Gujarat or any other state, 2025 presents a golden opportunity to leverage these schemes and lighten your financial load.

Stay informed, apply correctly, and share this information with peers who might benefit. A scholarship could be the key to your dream career!