UGC Scholarships for UG & PG Students 2025: Full List, Benefits & Application Guide
Introduction
Higher education in India is becoming more accessible thanks to UGC Scholarships 2025, designed to support Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students from diverse academic and economic backgrounds. The University Grants Commission (UGC) offers multiple scholarship schemes to ensure that talented students do not drop out due to financial constraints.
This updated guide provides a complete list of UGC scholarships for 2025, along with eligibility criteria, benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
🎓 What Are UGC Scholarships?
UGC Scholarships are government-funded financial assistance programs aimed at encouraging students to pursue higher education, research, and professional courses. These scholarships mainly target:
- Meritorious students
- Economically weaker sections
- Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)
- Girls and single girl children
- PG and doctoral aspirants
Most UGC scholarships are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), ensuring transparency and easy online access.
🔄 Renewal of UGC Scholarships
Many UGC scholarships are renewable every academic year, subject to:
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Minimum 50–55% marks (scheme-specific)
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Regular attendance
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No change in course or institution
Failure to renew on time may result in permanent cancellation.
🔐 Aadhaar & Bank Account Requirements
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Aadhaar must be seeded with the bank account
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Bank account must be in the student’s own name
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NPCI DBT status should be active
🚫 Incorrect IFSC or inactive accounts are the top reasons for payment failure.
📉 Impact of UGC Scholarships on Dropout Rates
According to education trend analysis, students receiving UGC scholarships show:
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Higher course completion rates
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Increased participation in postgraduate and research programs
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Better access to digital learning resources
This makes UGC scholarships a key pillar of inclusive education in India.
🔍 Additional Insights on UGC Scholarships (Value-Add Section)
📊 Scholarship Disbursement Timeline
Most UGC scholarships follow a two-phase payment system:
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1st Installment: Released after institution-level verification
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2nd Installment: Released after academic progress confirmation
💡 Tip: Students should regularly check the NSP dashboard and ensure Aadhaar-linked bank accounts remain active to avoid delays.
🏛️ Role of Colleges & Universities
Even after online submission, institutions play a critical role:
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Verify admission status
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Confirm attendance & course duration
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Upload verification reports
📌 A delay from the college side can pause scholarship release, so students should stay in touch with the scholarship cell.
🔄 Renewal of UGC Scholarships
Many UGC scholarships are renewable every academic year, subject to:
-
Minimum 50–55% marks (scheme-specific)
-
Regular attendance
-
No change in course or institution
Failure to renew on time may result in permanent cancellation.
📋 List of UGC Scholarships for UG & PG Students (2025)
NOTE-UGC Scholarships
1. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme
- For students from North Eastern states
- Applicable to UG courses
- Monthly financial assistance for tuition and living expenses
2. PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
- For PG students
- Encourages higher education among girls
- Fixed annual scholarship amount
3. PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders
- For top rank holders at UG level
- Applicable to PG courses
- Merit-based financial support
4. Post-Graduate Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students
- For SC/ST students pursuing PG courses
- Monthly stipend support
5. UGC PG Scholarship for Professional Courses
- For PG students in professional programs
- Includes engineering, management, and related fields
6. Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship (Research)
- For PhD aspirants
- Supports women in advanced research
💰 Benefits of UGC Scholarships
UGC scholarships offer multiple benefits that reduce the financial burden on students:
- 💸 Monthly or annual stipend
- 🎓 Tuition fee support
- 🏠 Assistance for living expenses
- 📚 Encouragement for higher studies & research
- 🌱 Reduced dropout rates
These benefits allow students to focus on academics rather than finances.
✅ Eligibility Criteria (General) for UGC Scholarships
While eligibility varies by scheme, common criteria include:
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Enrolled in a UGC-recognized university or college
- Meeting income limits (for need-based schemes)
- Academic merit or category-based requirements
- Not receiving any other major government scholarship (for some schemes)
👉 Always check scheme-specific eligibility before applying.
📝 How to Apply for UGC Scholarships 2025 (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to apply online:
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Register using Aadhaar and mobile number
- Complete student profile details
- Select the appropriate UGC scholarship scheme
- Upload required documents:
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Mark sheets
- Admission proof
- Submit the application and note the application ID
📌 Applications are verified at institution, district, and state levels, so accuracy is crucial.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect bank details
- Uploading unclear documents
- Missing verification deadlines
- Applying for the wrong scheme
- Mismatch between Aadhaar and academic details
Avoiding these mistakes increases your chances of approval.
🔍 Why UGC Scholarships Matter in 2025
With rising education costs, UGC scholarships play a vital role in promoting inclusive and equitable education. They empower students from all backgrounds to pursue degrees, professional courses, and research without financial stress.
📌 Final Words
The UGC Scholarships for UG & PG Students 2025 offer a powerful opportunity for students to achieve academic goals without financial barriers. If you’re eligible, don’t miss out—apply on time and secure your future.