Every year, lakhs of Indian students pass their Class 12 board exams and look forward to pursuing higher education. But for many, the rising cost of college education becomes a financial hurdle. Thankfully, the Indian government offers a wide range of Scholarship for 12th Passed Students by Indian Government to support talented and deserving youth from various economic backgrounds.
In this blog post, we’ll explore top government scholarships after 12th in India (2025 edition), their eligibility criteria, benefits, application processes, deadlines, and helpful tips to maximize your chances of selection.
Top Scholarships for 12th Passed Students by Indian Government
1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)
- Offered by: Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Eligibility:
- Must have scored above 80% in Class 12 (CBSE/State Board)
- Family income should be less than ₹8 lakh per annum
- Must be pursuing regular degree courses
- Scholarship Amount: ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year
- Duration: Up to 5 years (UG + PG)
- Apply on: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
2. National Scholarship Scheme for ST/SC/OBC/Minority Students
- Types: Post-Matric and Merit-Cum-Means
- Eligibility:
- Belong to SC/ST/OBC/Minority community
- Passed Class 12
- Annual family income below the prescribed limit (varies by category)
- Benefits: Tuition fees + maintenance allowance
- Apply via: NSP Portal
3. INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit)
- Offered by: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
- Eligibility:
- Class 12 passed with top 1% scores
- Must pursue courses in natural and basic sciences (e.g., BSc, BS-MS)
- Scholarship Amount: ₹80,000 per year
- Apply on: Online Inspire Portal
4. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
- For: Children of ex-servicemen, police, and paramilitary personnel
- Eligibility:
- Minimum 60% in Class 12
- Enrolled in professional courses (BTech, MBBS, etc.)
- Scholarship Amount:
- Boys: ₹2,500/month
- Girls: ₹3,000/month
- Apply on: KSB Portal
5. Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Offered by: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Eligibility:
- 40% or more disability
- Class 12 pass and admitted to post-secondary courses
- Benefits: Tuition + maintenance + book grants
- Apply via: NSP
6. AICTE Pragati and Saksham Scholarship
- Offered by: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
- Pragati (Girls): For female students pursuing technical education
- Saksham (Differently-abled): For students with disabilities
- Eligibility: Must be admitted to AICTE-approved institutions
- Amount: ₹50,000 per annum + contingency
- Apply at: AICTE Portal
How to Apply for These Scholarships?
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
Go to scholarships.gov.in and create a new student login. - Fill in Profile Details:
Add academic, income, category, and bank information. - Search for Eligible Scholarships:
Based on your details, NSP will list relevant scholarships. - Upload Required Documents:
- Class 12 marksheet
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Bank passbook
- Aadhaar card
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Submit Application:
Check for errors and submit. Save the application ID for future use.
Important Deadlines (2025 Cycle)
| Scholarship Name | Application Opens | Last Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| CSSS | August 2025 | October 2025 |
| Post Matric | June 2025 | September 2025 |
| INSPIRE | May 2025 | August 2025 |
| PMSS | July 2025 | October 2025 |
| AICTE Schemes | May 2025 | October 2025 |
Tip: Set reminders and apply early to avoid server delays and errors near deadlines.
Required Documents
- Passport-sized photograph
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Aadhaar card
- Domicile certificate
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (for reserved category)
- Bank account details
- Admission proof to college/university
Tips to Increase Chances of Scholarship Selection
- Maintain a good academic record
- Apply before the deadline
- Double-check document accuracy
- Use a bank account in your name for direct benefit transfer (DBT)
- Keep backup copies of all documents
External Resources
FAQ
Q1: Can I apply for more than one scholarship after 12th?
Yes, but usually, students can avail only one central government scholarship at a time.
Q2: Is there any scholarship for general category students?
Yes, schemes like CSSS and INSPIRE are open to all meritorious students, including general category.
Q3: Do I need to repay the scholarship money?
No, scholarships are not loans. They are financial aids given to support your education.
Q4: Can I renew my scholarship every year?
Yes, most scholarships are renewable yearly based on academic performance.
Q5: What if I don’t receive the scholarship after applying?
You can check your application status on the NSP portal and contact the helpline for updates.
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