Scholarship Application Process for 2026-27 Now Open on National Scholarship Portal

Scholarship Application and Renewal Process

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has initiated the application and renewal process for scholarships for the academic year 2026-27. Students eligible for various central government scholarship programs can submit their applications online until October 31, 2026. Those who are already receiving scholarships must ensure they renew their applications on time, particularly for schemes like PM-USP CSSS and the special scholarship for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. It is crucial for students to understand the One Time Registration (OTR) process and gather the necessary documents before applying.

Key Dates for Scholarship Applications

**Application Deadline: October 31**

As per the NSP timeline, the last date for submitting scholarship applications is October 31, 2026. Following this, institutions are required to verify the applications by November 15, 2026, with Level-2 (L2) verification concluding by November 30, 2026. Students are encouraged to apply early to prevent any issues during the verification stage.

Multiple Scheme Applications Allowed

**Apply for Various Welfare Schemes**

From the 2026-27 academic year, eligible students will have the opportunity to apply for multiple welfare schemes in addition to merit-based scholarships. It is important to thoroughly check the eligibility requirements for each scheme prior to application.

Mandatory One Time Registration (OTR)

**OTR Required for Applications**

Before applying for scholarships on the NSP, students must complete the One Time Registration (OTR). This process assigns a unique number to students, which remains valid throughout their academic journey. The OTR number can be obtained using an Aadhaar number or an Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID).

Troubleshooting Face Authentication Issues

**Resolving Face Authentication Errors**

In case of encountering 'Error 904' during face authentication, students should update the UIDAI Aadhaar Face RD app. Those with locked Aadhaar biometrics can unlock them using the mAadhaar app or the My Aadhaar portal to proceed with their applications.

Guidelines for Differently-Abled Students

**Instructions for Differently-Abled Applicants**

Differently-abled students must log into the UDID portal and consent to share their UDID details before they can submit their scholarship applications.

Assistance Available via Common Service Centers

**Support for Online Applications**

Students who find it challenging to apply online can seek help from a nearby Common Service Center (CSC). A nominal fee of ₹30 is charged for completing the registration and application process at these centers. It is advisable to have all necessary information and documents ready before proceeding.