Top 10 Government Scholarships After 12th 2026-27

INTRODUCTION

Completing Class 12 is an important milestone, but for many students, the next challenge is arranging money for college fees, books, accommodation and other educational expenses. The good news is that the Government of India offers several scholarship schemes to help eligible students continue their higher education without putting unnecessary financial pressure on their families.

Students planning to pursue B.Tech, B.Sc., B.Com., BA, BBA, medical, professional or other recognised undergraduate courses may qualify for different scholarships based on their Class 12 marks, family income, social category, disability status, gender or other specific conditions. Some schemes support meritorious students, while others focus on students from economically weaker families or particular backgrounds.

In this guide, we have listed 10 government scholarship schemes for students after Class 12 for the 2026–27 academic session, along with their eligibility criteria, financial assistance, application deadlines and official websites. This guide will help you identify suitable scholarships and understand where to apply.

Important: Scholarship eligibility, funding and deadlines differ by scheme. Some schemes are restricted to students in selected institutions or specific categories. Always verify the latest official guidelines before applying.

Top 10 Government Scholarships After Class 12 in 2026–27

Deadlines and amounts above are scheme-specific, not universal. The National Scholarship Portal lists several schemes with a 31 October 2026 application deadline. The Uttarakhand schemes have separate state-specific dates. Check the relevant scheme page before applying.

1. PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)

The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students supports meritorious students who want to continue their education after Class 12. It is intended to help students from eligible families meet the cost of higher education.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must meet the prescribed Class 12 merit requirements, including the relevant board's top-percentile criteria.

• The family's annual income must be within the scheme's prescribed limit.

• The student must be enrolled in an eligible regular undergraduate course.

• The student must satisfy the scheme's other conditions, including restrictions on receiving overlapping scholarships.

Scholarship Amount

Eligible undergraduate students may receive ₹12,000 per year during the initial years of study. Higher amounts can apply to specified later years and postgraduate study, according to the scheme guidelines.

Last Date

The National Scholarship Portal currently announces the 2026–27 renewal window for CSSS, with a student deadline of 31 October 2026. Students seeking a fresh application should verify whether the fresh application window is open.

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

2. Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students

This scholarship supports eligible students belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) communities who want to pursue higher education at institutions notified under the scheme.

It is particularly relevant to students admitted to eligible professional or other approved courses at participating institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.

• Admission must be to an institution covered by the scheme.

• The student must meet the applicable family-income and academic conditions.

• The student must provide the required category, income and admission documents.

Scholarship Amount

Financial assistance can cover eligible tuition and non-refundable charges, subject to scheme limits, along with prescribed living expenses and other allowances. The exact benefit depends on the applicable guidelines and institution.

Last Date

The National Scholarship Portal lists 31 October 2026 for this scheme for the 2026–27 session.

Official details: https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/27

3. National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students

The National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students helps eligible students pursue higher education at specified premier institutions.

Students admitted to eligible professional and undergraduate programmes may be able to receive financial support for their education.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.

• Admission must be to an institution and course covered by the scheme.

• The family's annual income must satisfy the prescribed limit.

• Selection and continuation depend on the official guidelines and verification requirements.

Scholarship Amount

The scheme can cover eligible tuition fees and provide living expenses, book allowances and computer-related assistance within the prescribed limits. The final amount depends on the course, institution and scheme rules.

Last Date

Check the scheme's current application timeline on the National Scholarship Portal. Do not assume that the deadline is identical for every scholarship.

Official website: https://tribal.nic.in/Scholarship.aspx

4. PM YASASVI Top Class Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students

The PM YASASVI Top Class Education scheme provides educational assistance to eligible students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC) and De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT), subject to the scheme's conditions.

It is intended to help eligible students access higher education at notified institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must belong to a category covered by the scheme.

• Admission must be to an eligible notified institution and course.

• The student must satisfy the applicable family-income ceiling.

• Required category and income documents must be provided.

Scholarship Amount

The scheme can provide tuition-fee assistance and additional allowances within the limits prescribed by the applicable guidelines. The amount is not the same for every student or institution.

Last Date

The National Scholarship Portal lists 31 October 2026 for the 2026–27 application cycle.

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

5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is designed to support eligible girl students pursuing approved technical education programmes. It can be relevant to students entering eligible diploma or degree programmes after Class 12.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must meet the scheme's conditions for girl students.

• Admission must be to an eligible technical course at an approved institution.

• The student must satisfy the prescribed admission, family-income and other requirements.

• The scheme's limits on the number of eligible beneficiaries in a family must be followed.

Scholarship Amount

The current listed scheme provides assistance of up to ₹50,000 per year, subject to the applicable rules and selection.

Last Date

31 October 2026, as listed on the National Scholarship Portal.

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

6. AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship supports eligible students with disabilities who are pursuing approved technical education programmes.

It aims to reduce financial barriers for students who want to continue their education in technical fields.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must meet the scheme's disability requirements and provide valid documentation.

• Admission must be to an eligible technical diploma or degree programme.

• The institution and course must satisfy the scheme's approval conditions.

• The student must meet the applicable income and other eligibility requirements.

Scholarship Amount

The current listed scheme offers assistance of up to ₹50,000 per year, subject to its rules.

Last Date

31 October 2026, according to the National Scholarship Portal's listed schedule.

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

7. AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme

The AICTE Swanath Scholarship supports eligible technical-education students who fall within specified special circumstances, such as qualifying orphan students or students covered under other categories defined by the scheme.

It can be an option for eligible students beginning technical studies after Class 12.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must fall within one of the scheme's specified beneficiary categories.

• Admission must be to an eligible technical diploma or degree course.

• The student must satisfy the institution, income and other prescribed conditions.

• Supporting documents must establish eligibility under the relevant category.

Scholarship Amount

The current listed scheme provides assistance of up to ₹50,000 per year, subject to the official rules.

Last Date

31 October 2026, as listed on the National Scholarship Portal.

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

8. Scholarship for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities

This scheme supports eligible students with disabilities pursuing higher education at institutions covered by the programme.

Students who need financial assistance for tuition and other eligible educational expenses should check whether their institution and course qualify.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must meet the scheme's disability requirements.

• Admission must be to an eligible institution and course.

• The student must satisfy the applicable family-income and other conditions.

• Valid disability, admission and income documents may be required.

Scholarship Amount

Eligible students may receive tuition assistance and prescribed allowances. The exact benefit depends on the official guidelines, eligible expenses and the institution.

Last Date

The National Scholarship Portal lists 31 October 2026 for the 2026–27 application cycle.

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

9. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Wards of CAPFs and Assam Rifles Personnel

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme supports eligible dependent wards and widows of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles personnel under specified conditions.

This is a category-specific scheme, not a general scholarship for every student who has passed Class 12.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must fall within the eligible dependent or widow category defined by the scheme.

• The student must be admitted to an eligible professional course.

• Academic, service-related and other scheme conditions must be met.

• The required service, dependency and admission documents must be submitted.

Scholarship Amount

The scholarship is paid at the prescribed monthly rate for eligible students. The amount and duration depend on the current official guidelines and the applicant's eligibility.

Last Date

The National Scholarship Portal lists 31 October 2026 for the 2026–27 application cycle.

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

10. Uttarakhand Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes

Students who are domiciled in Uttarakhand should also check the state's post-matric scholarship schemes. Depending on the scheme, eligible students from SC, ST, OBC and other covered categories may receive financial support for recognised courses after Class 10, including undergraduate study.

These scholarships may be useful for students enrolling in colleges in Uttarakhand, provided they meet the relevant domicile and category requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

• The student must meet the domicile and category conditions of the particular scheme.

• The student must be enrolled in an eligible recognised course.

• Family income must be within the applicable limit.

• The student must provide the required income, category, bank and admission documents.

Scholarship Amount

The amount depends on the category, course group, institution, eligible fees and whether the student is a hosteller or day scholar. Check the relevant scheme guidelines for the exact benefit.

Last Date

The National Scholarship Portal lists 30 November 2026 for several Uttarakhand post-matric schemes, including schemes for SC, ST and OBC students. Verify the specific scheme before submitting your application.

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

How to Apply for Government Scholarships After Class 12

Many central government scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Follow these steps to begin your application.

1. Visit the official portal: Open https://scholarships.gov.in/.

2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): Follow the portal's instructions to generate your OTR number.

3. Check eligibility: Review the available schemes and select one for which you qualify.

4. Prepare documents: Keep your academic records, income certificate, category certificate where applicable, bank details and admission documents ready.

5. Fill out the application: Enter your details carefully and upload the requested documents.

6. Submit and save the reference details: Keep a copy of the application or acknowledgement for future use.

7. Complete verification: Check whether your institution or the relevant authority must verify the application.

8. Track the status: Log in to the portal to monitor updates and respond to any correction requests.

Important: Never pay an unofficial agent who promises guaranteed scholarship approval. Use official government websites and follow the instructions published for the relevant scheme.

Documents Required for Scholarship Applications

The exact documents depend on the scholarship, but students may be asked to provide:

• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets

• Aadhaar or another accepted identity document

• Recent photograph and signature, where requested

• Income certificate

• Caste/category certificate, if applicable

• Disability certificate or other category-specific proof, if applicable

• College admission letter or bonafide certificate

• Fee receipt, if required

• Bank account details in the student's name, as prescribed

• Domicile certificate for state-specific scholarships

• OTR and application details, where applicable

Check the official document checklist before submitting the application. Incorrect or incomplete details can delay verification.

Tips to Avoid Missing Scholarship Deadlines

• Check the official portal regularly for new announcements and deadline extensions.

• Complete OTR registration early.

• Confirm that your course and institution are eligible.

• Make sure the bank and identity details match the information required by the scheme.

• Submit the form before the final date rather than waiting until the last day.

• Keep checking your application status after submission.
  
  Also Read

1. https://www.collegeforme.in/scholarship

2. https://www.collegeforme.in/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which government scholarship is available after Class 12 in 2026–27?

Options include CSSS, Top Class Education scholarships, AICTE Pragati, AICTE Saksham, AICTE Swanath and other category-specific schemes. Eligibility depends on the student's marks, course, institution, family income and other conditions.

2. Can students with average Class 12 marks apply for government scholarships?

Yes, some schemes do not depend only on high marks. Eligibility may instead depend on category, family income, disability status, course or other conditions. Students should read each scheme's requirements.

3. How much scholarship money can a student receive after Class 12?

The amount varies widely. Some schemes offer fixed annual assistance, while others cover eligible tuition fees and provide additional allowances. Check the current scheme guidelines before estimating your benefits.

4. Can a student apply for more than one government scholarship?

The rules depend on the schemes. Some scholarships restrict students from receiving another scholarship for the same purpose, while the National Scholarship Portal allows one merit-based scheme and one or more welfare-based schemes where eligibility rules permit. Read the scheme guidelines before applying.

5. Is the National Scholarship Portal a government website?

Yes. The National Scholarship Portal is the Government of India's online platform for participating scholarship schemes. Students should use the official website at https://scholarships.gov.in/.

6. Are government scholarships available for B.Tech students?

Yes. Eligible B.Tech students may be able to apply for schemes such as AICTE Pragati, Saksham or Swanath, as well as other scholarships for which they qualify. The course and institution must meet the relevant scheme conditions.

7. Does every student who applies receive a scholarship?

No. Applying does not guarantee selection. Students must meet eligibility conditions, provide correct documents and complete the required verification. Some schemes also have limited slots or merit-based selection.

Conclusion

Government scholarships can make higher education more affordable for students who have completed Class 12. Whether you are planning to pursue B.Tech, B.Sc., B.Com., BA or another undergraduate programme, it is worth checking the scholarships that match your academic profile, family income, category and chosen institution.

Start by reviewing the official National Scholarship Portal, comparing the eligibility criteria and preparing your documents early. Pay particular attention to the application deadline because different schemes follow different timelines.