Scholarship for General Category Students 2026–27 | Central, State & Private Schemes List

Q: What is the NSP scholarship for General category students?

The main NSP scheme for General category students is the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students. It requires students to be in the top 20th percentile of their Class 12 board, with family income up to ₹4.5 lakh per year. The amount is ₹12,000 per year for UG courses and ₹20,000 per year for professional PG courses. Apply at scholarships.gov.in.

Q: Is there a separate scholarship for EWS General category students?

EWS (Economically Weaker Section) is a sub-category within General category, created for students whose family income is below ₹8 lakh per year and who do not belong to any reserved category. EWS students get a 10% reservation in central institutions and central government jobs. Many state-level General category scholarships, including MYSY Gujarat, specifically include EWS students alongside open category students.

Q: What is the income limit for General category scholarships?

Income limits vary by scheme. NSP Central Sector Scheme: ₹4.5 lakh per year. MYSY Gujarat: ₹6 lakh per year. UP Post-Matric Scholarship for General: ₹2 lakh per year. EWS reservation income limit: ₹8 lakh per year. Always check the specific scheme's current income ceiling before applying, as limits are revised periodically.

Q: Can General category students apply for scholarships after 12th?

Yes. After Class 12, General category students can apply for the NSP Central Sector Scheme (if scoring in the top 20 percentile), state post-matric scholarships, MYSY in Gujarat, UP Scholarship in Uttar Pradesh, and various private scholarships from ONGC, Reliance Foundation, and other corporate foundations. Eligibility depends on marks, family income, and the course chosen.

Q: Are there scholarships for General category engineering and B.Tech students?

Yes. General category B.Tech students can apply for AICTE scholarships through NSP, state schemes like MYSY (Gujarat) and ACPC Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme, the Central Sector Scheme for technical courses, and private scholarships from ONGC, L&T, and Tata Trusts. Many of these require minimum marks in Class 12 and an income certificate.

Q: Can General category students get PG or PhD scholarships?

Yes. General category postgraduate and PhD students can apply for the Central Sector Scheme PG component, UGC NET-JRF fellowship (merit-based, open to all categories), ICAR research scholarships, university-specific fellowships, and state research fellowships. PhD funding for General category is typically merit and entrance-exam based rather than income based.

The Myth | "No Scholarships for General Category"

Search any forum and you will find this complaint repeated hundreds of times. Students from the General category feel left out of India's scholarship system.

The truth is more nuanced. There is no scheme literally named "General Category Scholarship" on the National Scholarship Portal. But that does not mean nothing exists. Several schemes are open to General category students by design | based on merit, income, or both.

The confusion comes from how scholarship categories are framed. Most government schemes target SC, ST, OBC, or minority students by name. General category students need to look at merit-based and income-based schemes instead of caste-based ones.

Where General category students actually qualify: Three types of schemes work for you: merit-based national schemes (like Central Sector Scholarship), EWS-specific schemes (income below ₹8 lakh), and state-run schemes that explicitly include General category students alongside reserved categories.

Central Sector Scheme | The Main NSP Option

This is the single most important national scholarship for General category students. It is run by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and applied through the National Scholarship Portal.

Criteria	Detail
Eligibility	Top 20th percentile of successful students in their stream of the Class 12 board exam
Income limit	Family income up to ₹4.5 lakh per year
Course level	Undergraduate and postgraduate programs at recognised institutions
Amount	₹12,000/year (1st, 2nd, 3rd year), ₹20,000/year (4th year and PG technical courses)
Total scholarships	82,800 awarded annually, with 50% reserved for girls
Apply at	scholarships.gov.in

The 20th percentile rule confuses many students. It does not mean 20% marks. It means you must score in the top 20% of all students who took your specific board exam in your stream | Science, Commerce, or Arts.

How to Apply for Central Sector Scheme

1

Go to scholarships.gov.in
Click the "Student" tab to start registration. New users click "Register Yourself."
2

Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
Provide your mobile number, verify OTP, and enter the captcha. This OTR works for all NSP schemes going forward.
3

Complete e-KYC with Aadhaar
Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP. This links your identity for fund transfer.
4

Select Central Sector Scheme and fill the form
Enter your Class 12 percentile, board details, current course, and income certificate details.
5

Upload documents and submit
Upload marksheet, income certificate, Aadhaar, and bank passbook. Submit before the deadline.

Deadline pattern: Registration typically opens in June each year through NSP. Past cycles have closed in October or November with extensions for defective applications. Apply as soon as the portal opens | do not wait for the deadline.

EWS Scholarships | General Category's Biggest Door

EWS stands for Economically Weaker Section. It is the most useful classification for General category students who do not qualify for merit-only schemes.

Students whose family has a gross annual income below ₹8 lakh come under the EWS quota. This 10% reservation applies to admissions in central institutions and central government jobs under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.

EWS is not a separate caste category. It is an economic classification within General category. If you are General category and your family income is under ₹8 lakh, you likely qualify for EWS benefits in admissions and several scholarship schemes.

Where EWS Status Helps

10% reserved seats in central universities, IITs, NITs, and IIMs
10% reserved posts in central government job recruitment
Eligibility for MYSY scholarship in Gujarat (General + EWS only)
Eligibility for several state-level fee waiver and tuition assistance schemes
Lower cutoffs in some entrance exams' EWS-specific seat pools

How to get an EWS certificate: Apply at your state's revenue department or citizen service portal. You need an income and asset certificate confirming your family's annual income is below ₹8 lakh and that you do not own specified high-value assets. Processing usually takes 7–15 working days.

Other NSP Schemes Open to General Category

Beyond the Central Sector Scheme, a few more NSP schemes do not exclude General category students.

Class 9–12 · Merit + Income

NMMSS

1,00,000 scholarships for Class 9–12 students, income limit ₹3.5 lakh, ₹12,000 per year. Open to all categories including General.

Study Outside Home State

PM-USP J&K and Ladakh

5,000 scholarships for students from J&K and Ladakh studying outside their UT. Income-based, not caste-restricted.

Engineering/Technical · AICTE

AICTE Pragati and Saksham

Primarily for girls and differently-abled students in technical courses. General category students who meet income and disability/gender criteria can apply.

Disability-Based

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Open to General category students with 40% or more disability, regardless of caste. Covers school to PhD level.

One central scholarship per academic year: NSP allows only one central scholarship per academic session per student. If you qualify for two schemes, you must choose the one that benefits you most.

State-Wise Scholarships for General Category

Many states run their own scholarship schemes that include General category students. Each has different income limits and deadlines. Check your specific state below.

State	Scheme	Income Limit	Notes
Gujarat	MYSY (Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana)	General/EWS category, score 80%+ in Class 12	Covers tuition, hostel, exam fees
Uttar Pradesh	UP Post-Matric Scholarship for General	Below ₹2,50,000 per year for General category	Apply at scholarship.up.gov.in
Bihar	Bihar Post-Matric / Kanya Utthan Yojana	Income limit varies by scheme; girls get incentive after 12th and graduation	Apply at Bihar Scholarship Portal
Karnataka	State Merit Scholarships, PhD fellowships	Varies by scheme	Check Karnataka education department site
Maharashtra	Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Scholarship and EBC schemes	Income-based, varies	Apply via Maha DBT portal
Rajasthan	Mukhyamantri Uchcha Shiksha Scholarship	Income-based, varies	Check Rajasthan SSO portal
Madhya Pradesh	MP State Scholarship Portal schemes	Income-based, varies	Apply via scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in
Haryana	Haryana State Scholarship for General Category	Income-based, varies	Apply via Haryana e-disha or SWD portal
Punjab	Punjab State scholarships for meritorious students	Income-based, varies	Check Punjab Department of School Education
Delhi	Delhi government merit scholarships	Income-based, varies	Check Directorate of Higher Education, Delhi
Odisha	Odisha state merit scholarships	Income-based, varies	Apply via SAMS Odisha portal
Kerala	Kerala State Merit Scholarship for Plus Two	Income-based, varies	Apply via Kerala e-grantz portal
Assam	Assam state merit-cum-means scholarships	Income-based, varies	Check Assam Directorate of Higher Education
Uttarakhand	Uttarakhand state scholarship schemes	Income-based, varies	Apply via Uttarakhand scholarship portal

UP Scholarship for General Category | Closer Look

Annual family income must be below ₹2,50,000 for General category applicants in Uttar Pradesh's Post-Matric Scholarship. Pre-matric scholarship income limit is ₹1 lakh and post-matric is ₹2 lakh in some scheme variants | always check the exact scheme page since limits differ between intermediate-level and higher-education-level applications.

e-Grantz | Kerala's State Scholarship Portal

Kerala runs its state scholarships through the e-Grantz portal. General category students applying for the Kerala State Merit Scholarship for Plus Two and other state schemes use this same portal. Registration and application both happen at e-Grantz directly, separate from NSP.

Scholarships After 12th for General Category

This is the most searched moment | right after board results. Here is what to check first.

Calculate your percentile (not percentage) against your board's full result data
If in the top 20 percentile, apply for the Central Sector Scheme immediately
Get your income certificate ready before applying | processing takes 7–15 days
Check your state's post-matric scheme for General category | most states have one
If income is under ₹8 lakh, get an EWS certificate for additional admission benefits
Apply to private scholarships in parallel | they do not block your government applications

Timing matters: Most scholarship windows open within weeks of board results. NSP Central Sector Scheme registration typically opens in June. State schemes often open July through September. Missing the window means waiting a full year.

Engineering, B.Tech, and NIT Scholarships for General Category

Engineering students from General category have more options than most expect, especially if family income is moderate.

Scheme	Best For	Key Condition
Central Sector Scheme (PG technical)	4th year and PG technical courses	Top 20 percentile, income ≤₹4.5 lakh
AICTE Pragati/Saksham	Girls and disabled students in technical courses	Family income ≤₹8 lakh
MYSY (Gujarat)	Engineering, medical, pharmacy in Gujarat	80%+ in Class 12, General/EWS category
ACPC Tuition Fee Waiver (Gujarat)	B.Tech/B.E. through GUJCET or JEE	Family income ≤₹8 lakh, ACPC counselling admission
ONGC Scholarship	Engineering, MBA, Medical merit students	Private scheme, merit-based
Tata Trusts / L&T Scholarships	Engineering students from low-income families	Private scheme, varies by program

NIT students specifically do not get a separate "NIT scholarship" reserved for General category. Instead, NIT students apply for institute-specific merit-cum-means scholarships funded by MHRD, plus any state or private scheme they qualify for based on income and merit.

Girls in engineering | extra options: Several schemes specifically target girls in technical education regardless of category | AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls being the largest. If you are a General category female engineering student, check this first alongside MYSY or your state scheme.

PG and PhD Scholarships for General Category

Postgraduate and doctoral funding for General category students works differently than undergraduate aid. It leans more on merit and entrance exams than income.

PG-Level Options

Central Sector Scheme PG component for technical postgraduate courses
University-specific merit scholarships and fee waivers
State government PG scholarships (varies by state, check your state portal)
Private foundation scholarships for specific subjects (science, social work, law)

PhD-Level Options

UGC NET-JRF | open to all categories based on national exam rank, provides ₹31,000–₹35,000/month
ICAR research scholarships for agricultural sciences PhD candidates
University internal fellowships and Institute of Eminence research grants
State research fellowships in select states (check your state's higher education department)
CSIR fellowships for science PhD candidates qualifying through CSIR NET

For General category PhD aspirants, clearing UGC NET with JRF remains the single most reliable funding path. It is open to every category and pays a fixed monthly fellowship regardless of caste.

Practical tip for PhD funding: Apply to JRF-qualifying exams (UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE for technical fields) early in your final year of PG. Most PhD funding in India for General category students comes through these competitive exams rather than income-based welfare schemes.

Private and Corporate Scholarships

Government schemes are not the only path. Private foundations and corporations fund scholarships open to all categories, often with simpler eligibility than government schemes.

Engineering/MBA/Medical

ONGC Scholarship

Merit-based, open to General category. Popular among engineering, MBA, and medical students nationwide.

Science Students

INSPIRE Scholarship

Department of Science and Technology scheme for students pursuing science courses. Merit-based, open to all categories.

High-Value Private Aid

Reliance Foundation Scholarship

One of the highest-value private scholarships in India. Can reach ₹2 lakh or more depending on course and need.

Need + Merit Combined

Foundation for Excellence (FFE)

Supports academically strong students from economically weaker backgrounds, regardless of category.

Apply to multiple private scholarships together: Unlike NSP's one-scholarship-per-year rule, private scholarships generally do not restrict you from applying to several at once. Apply broadly. The success rate for any single private scholarship is moderate, so spreading applications improves your odds.

Eligibility | Common Conditions Across Schemes

While every scheme has its own rules, most General category scholarships share a similar structural pattern. Knowing this pattern helps you scan new schemes quickly.

Condition	Typical Range
Family income ceiling	₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh per year, depending on scheme
Minimum marks (merit schemes)	Top 20 percentile or 60%–80% in qualifying exam
Domicile requirement (state schemes)	Permanent resident or domicile certificate of the state
One scholarship rule	Only one central government scholarship per academic year
Bank account	Aadhaar-linked account mandatory for DBT payment
Attendance	75%–80% minimum attendance required in most schemes

Documents You Need

Keep these ready before starting any application. Missing documents is the top reason applications stall.

Aadhaar card linked to your bank account
Income certificate for the current financial year, from your Tehsildar or Mamlatdar
Previous year's marksheet (Class 12 for UG applicants, Class 10 for school-level)
Admission letter or bonafide certificate from your current institution
Bank passbook showing account number and IFSC code
Domicile certificate (for state-specific schemes)
EWS certificate, if applying under EWS provisions
Passport-size photograph, recent and clear

How to Apply | Step by Step

1

Identify which schemes you qualify for
Match your income, marks, course, and state against the tables above. Shortlist 3–5 realistic options.
2

Gather documents in advance
Apply for your income certificate early | it takes 7–15 working days and almost every scheme needs it.
3

Register on the relevant portal
NSP (scholarships.gov.in) for central schemes. Your state's scholarship portal for state schemes. Each private scholarship has its own site.
4

Fill the form accurately
Double-check income figures, percentile or marks, and bank details. Errors cause rejection or delay.
5

Upload documents and submit
Use JPG or PDF, keep file sizes small, and confirm all names match exactly across documents.
6

Track status and respond to queries fast
Log in regularly. If a query is raised on your application, fix it within days | not weeks.

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection

Confusing percentage with percentile | these are not the same number
Applying for two central government scholarships in the same year
Submitting an income certificate from the wrong financial year
Name mismatch between Aadhaar, bank account, and marksheet
Missing the institution verification deadline after submitting the form
Applying after the portal closes | most schemes do not accept late entries

Most rejections are preventable. Read the eligibility page of each scheme carefully before applying, and never assume two schemes have the same rules just because they look similar.

Start With the Scheme That Fits You Best

Check your NSP eligibility first, then look at your state's scheme and Digital Gujarat options if you live in Gujarat.

Go to NSP Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any scholarship for General category students?

Yes. General category students can apply for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship on NSP, EWS-based schemes, state schemes like UP Scholarship, Bihar Post-Matric, MYSY in Gujarat, and private scholarships such as ONGC, INSPIRE, and Reliance Foundation. No single scheme is labeled "General Category Scholarship," but multiple merit-based and income-based options remain open.

What is the NSP scholarship for General category students?

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship is the main NSP option. It requires top 20 percentile marks in Class 12 and family income up to ₹4.5 lakh per year. It pays ₹12,000 per year for most UG years and ₹20,000 for the 4th year or PG technical courses. Apply at scholarships.gov.in.

Is there a separate scholarship for EWS General category students?

EWS is a sub-category within General category for students whose family income is below ₹8 lakh. It is not a separate scholarship by itself, but it unlocks 10% reservation in central institutions and jobs, and qualifies you for several scholarships that combine General and EWS eligibility, such as MYSY in Gujarat.

What is the income limit for General category scholarships?

It varies by scheme. NSP Central Sector Scheme: ₹4.5 lakh per year. MYSY Gujarat: family income criteria apply alongside an 80% Class 12 score requirement. UP Post-Matric for General: ₹2.5 lakh per year. EWS classification nationwide: ₹8 lakh per year. Check the specific scheme page for the current limit before applying.

Can General category students apply for scholarships after 12th?

Yes. After Class 12, check your Central Sector Scheme eligibility first if you scored in the top 20 percentile. Then check your state's post-matric scholarship for General category. If income is below ₹8 lakh, also get an EWS certificate for added admission benefits. Apply to private scholarships like ONGC or Reliance Foundation in parallel.

Are there scholarships for General category engineering and B.Tech students?

Yes. Options include the Central Sector Scheme for technical postgraduate courses, AICTE Pragati/Saksham for girls and disabled students, MYSY and ACPC Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme in Gujarat, and private scholarships from ONGC, Tata Trusts, and L&T. Eligibility usually combines minimum Class 12 marks with an income ceiling.

Can General category students get PG or PhD scholarships?

Yes. PG students can use the Central Sector Scheme PG component, university fellowships, and state PG scholarships. PhD students typically rely on UGC NET-JRF, CSIR NET, or ICAR fellowships | all open to every category based on national exam rank rather than income or caste.

Does Digital Gujarat offer a scholarship for General category students?

Yes. General category students in Gujarat receive scholarship support through the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana, paid through mysy.guj.nic.in, while the broader Digital Gujarat Scholarship portal covers SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EWS, NTDNT, and minority schemes. Log in via Digital Gujarat Scholarship login to check your eligibility across both systems.

What is the difference between General category and EWS for scholarships?

General category includes all students who do not belong to SC, ST, OBC, or SEBC reserved categories. EWS is a smaller group within General category | those with family income below ₹8 lakh and no specified high-value assets. EWS status often unlocks additional scholarship and admission benefits that plain General category status does not.

Sources and References

National Scholarship Portal | scholarships.gov.in
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education | Central Sector Scheme Guidelines
UP Scholarship Portal | scholarship.up.gov.in
Bihar Scholarship Portal | pmsonline.bihar.gov.in
MYSY Gujarat Official Portal | mysy.guj.nic.in
National Government Services Portal | services.india.gov.in
University Grants Commission | UGC NET-JRF Guidelines

Last reviewed: June 2026. Scheme amounts, deadlines, and income limits change periodically. Always verify current details on the official scheme portal before applying.

Scholarship for General Category Students | Every Scheme You Can Actually Apply For