The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, has launched the revised Central Sector Umbrella Scheme: Scholarships for Students with Disabilities (effective September 25, 2024). This initiative aims to promote inclusive education and empower students with benchmark disabilities (*40% or more as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016*).
The scheme provides financial assistance for school education, higher studies, professional courses, and competitive exam coaching—both in India and abroad. Below is a detailed breakdown of eligibility, benefits, and the application process.
| Scheme | PWD Scholarship 2025 |
|---|---|
| Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Organization | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) |
| Qualification | Check in the post |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 25 June 2025 |
| Last Date | 31 October 2025 |
| Defective Application Verification Open till: | 15-09-2025 |
| Institute Verification Open till | 15-09-2025 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO Verification | 30-09-2025 |
PWD Scholarship 2025 Eligibility Criteria
✔️ Only for Indian nationals with benchmark disabilities (40% or more) as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
✔️ Must possess a valid disability certificate and Aadhaar-based authentication.
✔️ Not more than two children with disabilities from the same parents are eligible (twins allowed).
✔️ Cannot avail any other scholarship/stipend concurrently.
PWD Scholarship 2025 Available Scholarship Schemes
| Scheme Name | Eligible Courses | Annual Income Limit | Slots Available | Reservation for Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric Scholarship | Class IX & X | ₹2.5 lakh | 25,000 | 50% |
| Post-Matric Scholarship | Class XI to Postgraduate Degree/Diploma | ₹2.5 lakh | 17,000 | 50% |
| Top Class Education Scholarship | Graduate & Postgraduate courses in notified institutes | ₹8 lakh | 300 | 50% |
| National Overseas Scholarship | Master’s & Ph.D. from Top 500 ranked foreign universities | ₹8 lakh | 20 + ongoing cases | 30% |
| National Fellowship for PwD | M.Phil & Ph.D. in Indian Universities | No income limit | 200 + ongoing cases | – |
| Free Coaching Scholarship | Coaching for competitive exams & professional courses | ₹8 la |
PWD Scholarship 2025 Financial Benefits Snapshot
Pre-Matric (Class IX & X)
- Maintenance Allowance: ₹800/month (Hostellers), ₹500/month (Day scholars)
- Disability Allowance: ₹4,000 per annum (Visual/Intellectual Disability), ₹2,000 per annum (Other Disabilities)
- Book Allowance: ₹1,000 per annum
Post-Matric
- Tuition & Admission Fee: Up to ₹1.40 lakh/year
- Miscellaneous Fee: Up to ₹10,000/year
- Maintenance: ₹1,200/month (Hostellers), ₹650/month (Day scholars)
- Disability Allowance: ₹4,000 or ₹2,000 per annum
- Book Allowance: ₹1,500 per annum
Top Class Education
- Tuition Fee: Up to ₹1.90 lakh/year
- Computer Purchase: ₹45,000 (one-time)
- Aids/Assistive Devices: ₹30,000 (one-time)
- Maintenance: ₹3,000/month (Hostellers), ₹1,500/month (Day scholars)
- Book Allowance: ₹5,000 per annum
- Special Allowances: ₹2,000/month
How to Apply PWD Scholarship 2025 ?
- Applications are accepted only through the National Scholarship Portal: www.scholarships.gov.in
- Upload necessary documents: photograph, age proof, disability certificate, income proof, tuition fee receipt, last qualification certificate, etc.
- Your institution must also register on the portal to verify your application.
Other Important Information
✔️ Scholarships are disbursed directly to the bank account linked with Aadhaar via DBT mode.
✔️ Strict monitoring and physical verification are conducted to ensure transparency.
✔️ Students availing false benefits will be blacklisted and required to refund the amount.
Important Links for PWD Scholarship 2025
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Click Here |
| One-Time Registration | Click Here |
| Track Your Payment | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Notice & FAQ | Click Here | FAQ |
| Scholarship | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| HomePage | Click Here |
FAQs on Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: Your Guide to Applying on the National Scholarship Portal
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India, offers three scholarship schemes—Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Top Class Education—to empower students with disabilities through education. These schemes, hosted on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), provide financial assistance to students with benchmark disabilities (40% or more). Below is a comprehensive FAQ guide to help students navigate the application process, eligibility, and more.
General Eligibility
1. What are the general conditions of eligibility?
Answer:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must have a disability of 40% or more, with a valid disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority.
- Not more than two children with disabilities from the same parents can avail benefits (except for twins, where both are eligible).
- Scholarship is available for one year per class; no support for repeating a class.
- Cannot hold another scholarship/stipend simultaneously. If awarded another scholarship, the student must choose the more beneficial one and inform the awarding authority via the Head of the Institution.
Eligible Classes and Courses
2. For which classes/courses are students with disabilities eligible for scholarships?
Answer:
- Pre-Matric Scheme: For students in Classes IX and X in government schools or schools recognized by the government or Central/State Board of Secondary Education.
- Post-Matric Scheme: For students from Class XI to postgraduate degree/diploma courses (full-time or distance education). Students pursuing a different stage of education (e.g., LL.B, B.Ed, B.El.Ed after B.A./B.Sc./B.E.) are eligible, but not those studying the same stage in a different subject (e.g., B.Com after B.A.).
- Top Class Education Scheme: For postgraduate degree/diploma courses in 240 notified Institutes of Excellence (as per scheme guidelines).
Distance Education Eligibility
3. Are students pursuing studies through correspondence/distance education eligible for scholarships?
Answer: Yes, students with disabilities are eligible for the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for correspondence/distance education courses.
Income Limits
4. What is the parental income limit to apply for the schemes?
Answer:
| Scheme | Parental/Guardian Income Ceiling (per annum) |
|---|---|
| Pre-Matric | Rs. 2.50 lakh |
| Post-Matric | Rs. 2.50 lakh |
| Top Class Education | Rs. 8.00 lakh |
Application Process
5. How can I apply online for a scholarship?
Answer: The Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Top Class Scholarship Schemes are online schemes hosted on the National Scholarship Portal. Both fresh and renewal applications can be submitted via this portal.
6. What is the last date for submitting applications online?
Answer: The opening and closing dates for applications are set by the DBT Mission, Cabinet Secretariat, and are published on the NSP website.
7. How do I submit the 阳
Answer:
- Fresh Application: Register on the NSP under “Student Registration,” fill in mandatory fields, and receive an Application ID and Password via SMS for future use.
- Renewal Application: Log in with the previous year’s Application ID and Password, update minimal details (e.g., fee, marks), and submit. Use the “Forgot Password” option if needed.
8. What should I do if I get an “Invalid User Name” error while logging in for renewal?
Answer: Use the “Forgot Application ID” option on the NSP and select “Search by Bank Account Number” or “Search by Mobile Number” to recover the correct ID.
9. Do I have to fill out the application in one sitting?
Answer: No, you can save and edit your application multiple times until the final submission, which forwards it to the institute for verification.
10. Can I register after the last date?
Answer: No, registration is not allowed after the deadline unless extended. Check the NSP for exact dates.
11. Can I apply as a fresh candidate if I am a renewal candidate?
Answer: No, renewal candidates must apply as renewals unless specific fields are marked defective or editable by the Institute/State Nodal Officer.
Verification and Contact
12. How do I contact the State Nodal Officer?
Answer: Find contact details under “Services >> Know your State Nodal Officer” on the NSP.
13. What is the verification process for scholarships?
Answer:
- Institute Verification: The Institute Nodal Officer verifies uploaded documents against application entries and forwards eligible applications to the state level.
- State Verification: The State Nodal Officer or appointed officer verifies applications and digitally signs eligible ones on the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) for processing.
14. Why is bank validation required after state verification?
Answer: PFMS validates bank account details (IFSC code, account number). Incorrect details may lead to rejection, requiring correction if permitted by NSP.
Application and Payment Status
15. How do I check the status of my application?
Answer: Check your application status on the NSP homepage under “Check your Status” using your Application ID and Date of Birth/Password.
16. How do I view scheme details?
Answer: Click the “Guidelines” link for the specific scheme under the “On-Boarded Schemes” section on the NSP homepage.
17. How do I know the verification deadlines at the institute/state level?
Answer: You will receive SMS notifications about pending verifications at each level. Contact the relevant verification authority as needed.
18. How do I check the transaction status of my scholarship payment?
Answer: Use the “Track NSP Payment” option on the PFMS portal with your Application ID.
19. What precautions ensure successful scholarship payment?
Answer:
- Use an Aadhaar-verified bank account with correct IFSC code and account number.
- Update IFSC code if the bank has merged.
- Ensure the account is active and free from transaction limits or restrictions.
Failure to meet these conditions may result in payment issues.
Technical Support
20. Whom should I contact for technical issues on the NSP?
Answer: Register complaints on the NSP homepage or contact the helpline number/email provided on the portal.
