NSP Scholarship for General Category Students – Are You Eligible 2026

Intoduction

Many students believe that NSP scholarships are only for SC, ST, OBC, or Minority categories, but that is not completely true.If you belong to the General Category, you may still be eligible for specific merit-based and income-based schemes available on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

This guide explains whether General Category students are eligible for NSP scholarships, which schemes are available, eligibility conditions, benefits, and how to apply correctly.

What Is National Scholarship Portal

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a Government of India platform that offers central and state-level scholarships to students from Class 1 to postgraduate level.

Official NSP website:👉 https://scholarships.gov.in

NSP Scholarship for General Category Students – Eligibility Explained

Important Truth You Should Know

There is no separate scholarship named exclusively for “General Category” students on NSP.However, General Category students can apply for merit-based and economically weaker section (EWS) scholarships listed on the portal.

You ARE eligible if:

• You belong to General / UR category

• Your family income falls under the scheme limit

• You meet academic merit requirements

• You are studying in a recognized institution

NSP Scholarships Available for General Category Students

1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College & University Students

(MOST IMPORTANT scheme for General Category)

Eligibility:

• Passed Class 12 with 80% or above

• Family income below ₹8 lakh per year

• Regular degree course (UG/PG)

• Not availing any other major scholarship

Scholarship Amount:

• ₹10,000 per year (UG)

• ₹20,000 per year (PG)

2. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)

(For wards of armed forces personnel)

Eligibility:

• Dependent of ex-servicemen or CAPF personnel

• Merit-based selection

• Applicable to General Category as well

3. State Government Merit Scholarships

Some states allow General Category students under:

• Merit-cum-means schemes

• EWS category benefits

Availability depends on your state of domicile.

NSP Scholarship for General Category Students – Income Limit

Scheme	Income Limit
Central Sector Scheme	₹8,00,000
PM Scholarship Scheme	As per guidelines
State Merit Schemes	₹2–8 lakh

Documents Required for NSP General Category Scholarship

• Aadhaar Card

• Income Certificate

• Caste Certificate (if applicable)

• Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets

• Admission Proof

• Bank Account linked with Aadhaar

• Passport Size Photograph

How to Apply for NSP Scholarship (General Category)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit NSP Portal👉 https://scholarships.gov.in

2. Click New Registration

3. Select Academic Year

4. Fill personal & academic details

5. Select eligible scheme under Merit / Central Sector

6. Upload documents

7. Submit application

8. Verify through institute & state authority

Application Timeline (Expected)

• Registration Start: July–August

• Last Date: October–November

• Verification: Till December

• Payment: January–March

Common Mistakes General Category Students Make

• Assuming they are not eligible

• Applying under wrong category

• Missing income certificate

• Not checking merit-based schemes

Benefits of NSP Scholarship for General Category Students

• Reduces education expenses

• Direct DBT transfer

• Transparent selection

• National-level recognition

• Supports EWS families

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1:Is NSP scholarship available for General Category students?

Yes, merit-based and income-based schemes are available.

Q2:Can EWS students apply through NSP?

Yes, if the scheme allows EWS or income-based eligibility.

Q3:Is caste certificate mandatory?

Not always. Depends on the scheme.