UGC Mandates Aadhaar Linking for Scholarship Payments: Key Details for Students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has mandated that students must link their bank accounts to their Aadhaar numbers to receive scholarship and fellowship funds. This new regulation requires students to update their details on the Scholarship and Fellowship Management Portal (SFMP) by April 15, 2026. Failure to comply may result in delayed payments. Some universities have already implemented this rule, particularly for UGC-NET fellowship recipients. A step-by-step guide is available on the SFMP portal to assist students in this process. Stay informed to ensure uninterrupted access to your financial support.

By Ambika Singh Apr 8, 2026, 11:47 IST

Essential Update for Students

Students should take note: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a new requirement that necessitates linking your bank account with your Aadhaar number to receive scholarship and fellowship funds. If you do not update your information by the specified deadline, you risk having your payments delayed.

Overview of the New Regulation

The UGC has established a new protocol for disbursing scholarship and fellowship funds, which will now be processed exclusively through the Aadhaar-Based Payment (ABP) system. This means that funds will be sent directly to bank accounts associated with the beneficiary's Aadhaar number, making it crucial for students to ensure their Aadhaar is linked.

Steps for Students

Students must log into the Scholarship and Fellowship Management Portal (SFMP) to update their personal information. The primary action required is to link your Aadhaar number with your bank account and then update this information on the portal. It is imperative to complete this task promptly to avoid any interruptions in scholarship payments.

Important Deadline

The UGC has set a deadline of April 15, 2026, for students to complete the Aadhaar linking process. Following this, Nodal Officers will verify and approve the Aadhaar details by April 20, 2026, ensuring timely disbursement of funds for the financial year 2026–27. Missing this deadline could result in a halt to your scholarship or fellowship payments.

Implementation at Various Institutions

Several universities, including Pondicherry University and Allahabad University, have already adopted this regulation. This requirement is particularly enforced for students receiving the UGC-NET fellowship and is now being rolled out nationwide.

Guidance for Updating Information

For those unsure about the updating process, a detailed guide is available on the SFMP portal. Students can refer to this guide for assistance in updating their Aadhaar details. Additionally, support can be sought through the designated email address if needed.