Students across India have an important date to remember this month. Several scholarship schemes listed on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for the 2026–27 academic year have an application deadline of October 31, 2026. Eligible students should check the available schemes, verify their eligibility and complete the application process before the deadline.

These scholarships cover different categories of students, including those pursuing higher education, technical courses and studies under specific welfare programmes. The benefits and eligibility requirements vary depending on the scheme.

Which Scholarship Schemes Are Available?

According to the National Scholarship Portal, several schemes have applications open until October 31, 2026. These include:

• National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies: For eligible students pursuing postgraduate education.

• AICTE Pragati Scholarship: For eligible girl students enrolled in specified technical diploma or degree programmes.

• AICTE Saksham Scholarship: For eligible students with disabilities pursuing specified technical courses.

• PM YASASVI: Includes scholarship programmes supporting eligible students from OBC, EBC and DNT communities.

• Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme: Includes schemes for eligible wards of certain police personnel and Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles personnel.

Some schemes have separate conditions for fresh applications and renewals. Students should check the individual scheme details before applying. <Cite refs={["turn876050search5"]} />

Who Can Apply?

There is no single eligibility rule for all government scholarships. Depending on the scheme, applicants may need to meet requirements relating to:

• Academic qualifications and current course enrolment.

• Family income and social category.

• Disability status, where applicable.

• The institution and course in which they are enrolled.

• Previous academic performance and other scheme-specific conditions.

Meeting the general criteria does not automatically guarantee a scholarship. Applications are subject to the relevant scheme's rules and verification process.

How to Apply for a Scholarship

Students can follow these steps to check and submit an application:

1. Visit the official National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in/.

2. Find the relevant scholarship under the 2026–27 academic year.

3. Read the eligibility criteria, benefits and application instructions carefully.

4. Complete the required registration and application formalities.

5. Upload the requested documents and submit the form.

6. Track the application and complete any required verification through the institution or relevant authorities.

Applicants should ensure that their personal details, bank information and academic records are accurate. They should also check whether their institution must verify the application before it can be processed.

Important Dates to Remember

The National Scholarship Portal currently lists October 31, 2026, as the application deadline for several of the schemes mentioned above. Verification deadlines may extend into November, but students should not confuse these dates with the deadline for submitting a fresh application. <Cite refs={["turn876050search5"]} />

Since each scholarship has its own rules, applicants should confirm the deadline displayed on the official portal for their particular scheme before proceeding.

Beware of Fake Scholarship Links

Students should use official government portals and avoid websites or agents promising guaranteed scholarship approval in exchange for money. Never share an OTP, password or sensitive banking credentials with an unknown person.

A scholarship can provide meaningful financial support for education, but applying for the correct scheme is essential. Students and parents should check the official portal now, review the eligibility conditions and complete any pending application formalities before the relevant deadline.