UGC Scholarship 2026: Application Form, Eligibility & Last Date

The University Grants Commission (UGC) provides the UGC scholarship. UGC is a statutory organization that works under the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD) of the Government of India.

The commission leaves no stone unturned in maintaining the standard of higher education in India. The University Grants Commission offers more than 20,000 fellowships and scholarships. Here, we will tell you about the necessary details related to the UGC Scholarship 2026.

Highlights of UGC Scholarship 2026

• You must have a 10+2 certificate or graduate/post-graduate/PhD passed degree to benefit from this scholarship program.
• The maximum age for males is 45 years, and for females, is 50 years (as of 1st July of the application year).
• The tentative last date for application is 31st October 2025 for the 2025-26 session.
• Some of the important documents required are a caste certificate (if applicable), minority certificate, domicile certificate, income certificate, and physical disability certificate.
• You should go to the official website (scholarships.gov.in) to apply for a scholarship, renew your scholarship, or check status.
• Major UGC scholarships for 2026 include the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, Ishan Uday Scholarship, and Dr. D. S. Kothari Post-doctoral Fellowship.
• Applicants are selected based on merit and, in some cases, interview performance.

UGC Scholarship Portal 2026 Overview

Important Dates (2025-26 Session)

If you want to apply for the UGC scholarship, take the following tentative dates into account:

• Application Closing Date: 31st October 2025
• Institute Verification Date: 15th November 2025
• Defective Verification Date: 15th November 2025

UGC Scholarships Eligibility Criteria 2026

The Eligibility criteria for UGC scholarships is one of the most important aspects that every student needs to fulfill before applying. For the 2026 UGC Scholarships, students must be citizens of India and currently enrolled as full-time students.

• Candidates should have a 10+2 Certificate or Graduate / Post Graduate / Ph.D. degree.
• Students must possess skills in writing and speaking English fluently.
• Indian Citizenship candidates with a valid Indian passport/Aadhaar are eligible.
• Age Limit: Maximum 45 years for males and 50 years for females (as of 1st July).

List of Top UGC Scholarships & Fellowships 2026

1. PG Scholarship for Professional Courses (SC/ST)

• Awards: 1000
• Award Amount: ₹4,500/month + Contingency ₹7,800/annum
• Target Group: SC/ST Students pursuing professional courses.

2. Maulana Azad National Fellowship (Minority Students)

• Awards: 756
• Award Amount: ₹31,000/month (JRF) + Contingency
• Target Group: M.Phil/Ph.D. students from minority communities.

3. “Ishan Uday” Scholarship for North East Region

• Awards: 10,000
• Award Amount: ₹5,400/month (General) / ₹7,800/month (Technical/Professional)
• Target Group: Undergraduate students from NER with family income < ₹4.5 Lakh.

4. PG Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders

• Awards: 3,000
• Award Amount: ₹3,100/month
• Target Group: 1st and 2nd rank holders in University exams.

5. PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child

• Awards: 3,000
• Award Amount: ₹36,200 per annum
• Target Group: Single girl child admitted to a non-professional PG course (Age limit: 30 years).

6. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Post-Doctoral Fellowship

• Awards: 200
• Award Amount: ₹38,750 – ₹46,500/month + Contingency
• Target Group: Research in Humanities and Social Sciences.

7. Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child

• Awards: No fixed limit
• Award Amount: ₹31,000/month (JRF) / ₹35,000/month (SRF)
• Target Group: Single girl child pursuing Ph.D.

How to Apply for UGC Scholarship Online 2026?

1. Go to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
2. Click on ‘New Registration’ if you are a first-time user.
3. Fill in the registration form and click ‘Submit’. Note down your Application ID.
4. Log in using your Application ID and Password.
5. Select the specific UGC scholarship scheme you are eligible for.
6. Fill out the application form carefully and upload scanned copies of required documents.
7. Click ‘Final Submit’.

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card
• Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile Certificate
• Bonafide Certificate from Institute
• Mark sheets of previous exams (10th, 12th, UG)
• Bank Passbook (First Page)
• Single Girl Child Affidavit (for Indira Gandhi Scheme)

How to Renew UGC Scholarship?

1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal.
2. Click on the ‘Renewal Login’ option.
3. Enter your Application ID, Password, and Captcha.
4. Fill out the renewal form with your academic progress details.
5. Submit the form for institute verification.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

The University Grants Commission (UGC) provides critical financial support to meritorious and financially weak students. Ensure you have your Aadhaar seeded with your bank account to receive scholarship funds directly (DBT). The application window typically closes in October/November every year, so apply early!