Education Services
Complete guide to scholarships, education loans, certificate verification, academic transcripts, RTE admissions, mid-day meals, digital degrees (NAD/Academic Bank of Credits), and all education-related government services.
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Common Use Cases
Document Types & Fees
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Official SiteOne-stop platform for 50+ scholarships from central/state governments. Covers pre-matric (Class 1-10), post-matric (Class 11-PhD), merit-based, minority, OBC, SC/ST, disabled students. Direct DBT to student bank account. Fresh + renewal applications.
PM YASASVI Scholarship (OBC/EBC/DNT)
Official SiteTop-class scholarship for OBC, EBC, and DNT students. Class 9-10: ₹75,000/year, Class 11-12: ₹1,25,000/year. Covers tuition, hostel, books. Selection via YASASVI Entrance Test (YET). Parental income <₹2.5 lakh/year.
PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
Official SiteFor wards/widows of ex-servicemen, police, railway employees killed in duty. ₹2,500-3,000/month. Minimum 60% marks in 12th. 6,000 scholarships/year for graduation/professional courses.
Central Sector Scholarship (Merit-Based)
Official SiteMerit scholarship for students with family income <₹8 lakh/year. 12th passed from CBSE/State Board in top 20% merit. ₹12,000-20,000/year for graduation/PG. 82,000 scholarships annually.
Education Loan (Vidya Lakshmi Portal)
Official SiteGovernment portal connecting students with banks for education loans. Up to ₹10 lakh for studies in India, ₹20 lakh abroad. No collateral up to ₹7.5 lakh. 4% interest subsidy for income <₹4.5L (CSIS scheme). Moratorium till course completion + 1 year.
National Academic Depository (NAD)
Official SiteDigital repository for all academic awards (certificates, degrees, diplomas, mark sheets). Issue DigiLocker-compatible e-certificates. Students can share digitally with employers/universities. Tamper-proof verification. Replaces physical certificate verification.
Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
Official SiteDigital storehouse of academic credits earned from different universities/courses. Enables multiple entry-multiple exit. Transfer credits between institutions. Earn degree by accumulating credits over time. Part of NEP 2020.
RTE Admission (Right to Education)
Official Site25% seats reserved for economically weaker sections in private schools (Class 1 entry, some states till Class 8). Income <₹3.5 lakh/year (varies by state). Free education + reimbursement to school. Admission via lottery system. Apply online on state education portal.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN)
Official SiteFree lunch for students in government/aided schools (Class 1-8). Nutritious meal (450 calories, 12g protein for primary, more for upper primary). Improves enrollment, attendance, nutrition. Covers 11.8 crore children.
SWAYAM (Free Online Courses)
Official SiteMOOC platform with 2,000+ free courses from IITs, universities. Earn certificates, credit transfer to degree. 9th standard to postdoc level. Video lectures, assignments, exams, certificates. Used for degree fulfillment in many universities.
UDISE+ (School Report Cards)
Official SiteUnified District Information System for Education. Get school details, infrastructure, teacher info, enrollment data. Compare schools before admission. School Unique ID mandatory for certificates. Parents check school recognition status.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
Official SiteUmbrella scheme for school education (pre-school to Class 12). Free textbooks, uniforms, bicycles for girls (Class 9+), teacher training, infrastructure, digital education. Implemented at state level.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Register on National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Visit scholarships.gov.in → New Registration → Fill basic details (name, DOB, mobile, email) → Create password → Verify email/mobile via OTP → Registration complete. Save login credentials. One-time registration, use forever.
Complete Profile and Add Bank Details
Login → My Profile → Fill personal details (Aadhaar, domicile, category) → Add bank details (account number, IFSC, branch - must be in your name and Aadhaar-linked) → Upload documents (Aadhaar, marksheet, income certificate, caste certificate) → Save profile.
Search and Select Applicable Scholarships
Go to "Application Form" → System shows eligible scholarships based on your profile (class, category, income, domicile) → Select scholarship (can apply to multiple if eligible) → Read guidelines carefully - note eligibility, income limits, required marks.
Fill Scholarship Application Form
Fill academic details (college/school name, UDISE code, course, year, rollno) → Fill parent details (name, occupation, income) → Upload required documents (marksheet, fee receipt, bonafide certificate - check size <200KB, format PDF/JPG) → Preview before submit.
Submit Application and Note Reference Number
Check all details → Tick declaration → Submit application → Note down Application/Reference ID → Download application form PDF → Take printout. Track status using this reference ID. Screenshot confirmation page.
Institute Verification (Nodal Officer Approval)
After submission, your application goes to college/school Nodal Officer → Officer verifies documents, enrollment, attendance → Approves/Rejects → Track status: "Institute Pending" → "Institute Verified". If rejected, correct errors and resubmit. Contact college office if delayed.
Department Verification and Payment
After institute approval → Goes to Department (Social Welfare/Minority/Tribal etc.) → Department verifies eligibility, income, caste certificates → Approves for payment → Status: "Approved" → Amount credited to bank via PFMS (DBT) within 30-60 days. Track on PFMS portal.
For Education Loan - Vidya Lakshmi Portal
Register on vidyalakshmi.co.in → Fill Common Education Loan Application Form (CELAF) → Upload documents (admission letter, fee structure, parent income proof, academic records) → System shows eligible loan schemes from multiple banks → Apply to 3-5 banks → Banks contact you for processing.
Important Notes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Scholarship Portal (NSP)? Which scholarships available?
NSP is one-stop portal for 50+ central and state government scholarships. Types: 1) Pre-Matric (Class 9-10): ₹3,000-10,000 for SC/ST/OBC/Minority. 2) Post-Matric (Class 11-PhD): ₹2,000-20,000 based on course, hostel. 3) Merit-based: ₹10,000-50,000 for toppers. 4) PM YASASVI: ₹75,000-1,25,000 for OBC/EBC. 5) Top Class: ₹2-3 lakh for SC/ST in top colleges. 6) MCM: ₹20,000 for minorities. One registration, apply to multiple scholarships. Direct bank transfer (DBT).
When do scholarship applications open? What are the deadlines?
Timeline (generally): FRESH applications: August-October (for current academic year). RENEWAL applications: November-January (for continuing students). Specific dates: Pre-matric: September-October. Post-matric: September-November. Merit/PMSS: July-October. PM YASASVI: July (YET exam). Dates vary slightly by year and state. Apply EARLY (first 2 weeks of opening) as some operate "first come first serve". Set Google Calendar reminder in July! Check scholarships.gov.in homepage for exact notifications.
How to apply for scholarship on NSP step-by-step?
Step 1: Register on scholarships.gov.in (one-time, save login). Step 2: Complete profile - Aadhaar, bank details (in student name, Aadhaar-linked), category, domicile. Step 3: Upload documents - Aadhaar, marksheet, income cert, caste cert, bonafide (PDF/JPG <200KB). Step 4: Go to "Application Form" → System shows eligible scholarships. Step 5: Select scholarship → Fill form (academic details, parent info, fee details). Step 6: Upload scheme-specific documents (fee receipt, admission proof, etc.). Step 7: Preview → Submit → Note Application ID → Download PDF → Print. Step 8: Submit printout to college Nodal Officer. Step 9: Track status weekly - "Institute Pending" → "Institute Verified" → "Dept Approved" → Payment.
What documents needed for scholarship application?
MANDATORY for ALL: 1) Aadhaar card. 2) Bank passbook (student name, Aadhaar-seeded). 3) Previous year marksheet. 4) Current year admission receipt/bonafide certificate. 5) Income certificate (<6 months old, from Tehsildar). 6) Self-declaration/undertaking. 7) Passport photo. CATEGORY-SPECIFIC: SC/ST/OBC/EBC: Caste certificate. Minority: Community certificate. Disabled: Disability cert (40%+). STATE scholarships: Domicile certificate. HOSTEL students: Hostel admission proof + fee receipt. FORMAT: PDF or JPG, size <200KB (compress if needed). Scan clearly, all 4 corners visible. Self-attest all documents.
My scholarship application status showing "Institute Pending" for weeks. What to do?
Meaning: Your college/school Nodal Officer hasn't verified your application yet. REASONS: 1) Nodal Officer overloaded (100s applications). 2) Document error - officer sees issue, doesn't inform you. 3) Officer unaware of deadline. ACTION PLAN: 1) Visit college office with application printout. 2) Meet Nodal Officer - politely ask status. 3) If error found, correct on portal, resubmit. 4) If everything correct, request immediate verification. 5) Get officer mobile/email for follow-up. 6) If officer refusing, escalate to Principal/HOD, tweet @mygovindia mentioning college name. Don't wait - institution deadline misses = rejected!
Income certificate - what is family income limit? Who all included?
Limits vary by scheme: Pre-matric: ₹1-2.5 lakh/year. Post-matric (SC/ST/OBC): ₹2-2.5 lakh/year. Merit (Central Sector): ₹8 lakh/year. PM YASASVI: ₹2.5 lakh. Top Class: ₹6-8 lakh. FAMILY = Father + Mother + Student + Unmarried siblings. Include ALL income: Salary, agriculture, business, rent, pension, interest. Income certificate issued by Tehsildar office (visit with Aadhaar, ration card, salary slip/no income proof). Valid 6 months only. Some states have online income certificate via CSC/e-District portal (instant if data available). Keep updated!
Can I apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously?
YES! Apply to ALL scholarships you're eligible for on NSP. Example: If you're OBC student, income <₹1L, 80% marks → Apply to Post-Matric OBC + Merit + PM YASASVI + State scholarship. HOWEVER: Can RECEIVE multiple sometimes, restrictions sometimes. Central+State: Usually both allowed (different sources). Two central: Usually only one sanctioned (department decides). STRATEGY: Apply to all, let department decide. Don't self-reject! Worst case: Higher amount scholarship selected. No penalty for multiple applications. Portal itself filters and shows only eligible ones.
What is education loan? How to apply? Any subsidy?
Education loan = Bank financing for higher education (graduation to PhD). Amount: Up to ₹10 lakh (India), ₹20 lakh (abroad). Interest: 8-12% p.a. (varies by bank). SUBSIDY: 4% interest subsidy if family income <₹4.5 lakh/year (CSIS scheme) - government pays 4%, you pay balance. No collateral up to ₹7.5 lakh. Above ₹7.5L: collateral (property papers, FD, insurance) needed. Co-borrower mandatory (parent). HOW TO APPLY: Method 1: Visit Vidya Lakshmi portal (vidyalakshmi.co.in) → Fill CELAF (Common Education Loan Application Form) → Apply to multiple banks → Banks contact you. Method 2: Directly visit bank (SBI, Canara, Bank of India etc. have education loan desks). DOCUMENTS: Admission letter, fee structure, academic records (10th/12th/graduation), parent income proof, collateral papers (if loan >₹7.5L), co-borrower KYC. Processing: 30-45 days. EMI starts after course + 1 year grace (moratorium).
What is moratorium period in education loan? When to start repaying?
Moratorium = Grace period when you don't pay EMI (but interest accrues). Duration: Course duration + 6 months after course OR Course duration + 1 year after course OR Till you get job + 6 months (whichever earlier, varies by bank). Example: 3-year BTech (2023-2026) → Moratorium till June 2027 → EMI starts July 2027. During moratorium: Interest accumulates, added to principal (simple interest usually). If you want, pay interest during course to reduce total burden. After moratorium: Regular EMI for 5-15 years (you choose tenure). Lower tenure = higher EMI but less interest. BENEFIT: You study tension-free, pay later when earning. Tax benefit: Claim interest under Section 80E (no limit, for 8 years).
What is NAD (National Academic Depository)? How to get digital degree?
NAD = Digital locker for all educational certificates (degrees, diplomas, marksheets). Like Aadhaar for documents. HOW IT WORKS: 1) University uploads your degree to NAD. 2) You get NAD-ID or ABC-ID. 3) Access via DigiLocker app or NAD portal (nad.gov.in). 4) Download degree PDF (digitally signed by university, tamper-proof). 5) Share with employers/universities using NAD-ID (they verify online, instant, no physical certificate needed). BENEFIT: No risk of losing certificate, verification instant (employers check NAD, no need to send physical), accepted everywhere (govt mandated), free. HOW TO GET: Check if your university uploads to NAD (most do now). If not, request university to join NAD. For old degrees: University can upload retrospectively. DigiLocker automatically fetches if NAD has it.
What is Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)? How does it help?
ABC = Digital account storing all credits earned from different universities/colleges. Like bank account but for educational credits. REVOLUTIONARY BENEFITS: 1) Multiple Entry-Multiple Exit: Study 2 years BCom → Take break → Resume after 3 years → Complete remaining credits → Get degree! 2) Credit Transfer: Start BSc in College A → Transfer to College B in 2nd year → Credits automatically transfer. 3) Multiple degrees: Do BA + BCom simultaneously from different unis, accumulate credits in ABC. 4) MOOCs credit: SWAYAM/NPTEL courses → Earn credits → Add to ABC → Use for degree. HOW TO CREATE: Visit abc.gov.in → Register using Aadhaar + mobile → Create ABC ID → Get 12-digit ID. Link with DigiLocker. Universities auto-upload credits each semester. VALIDITY: Credits valid 7 years (NEP 2020). No need to continue in same university!
What is RTE admission? How to get seat in private school under RTE 25% quota?
RTE (Right to Education Act): 25% seats in private schools reserved for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Group (DG). FREE education (govt pays fee to school). ELIGIBILITY: Income <₹3.5 lakh/year (varies by state - some ₹1L, some ₹2.5L). Age 3-6 years for entry (nursery/KG/Class 1). Domicile of that state. DG includes: Orphans, SC/ST, OBC, disabled, girl child, child labor parents. PROCESS: 1) Online application on state education portal (opens December-February). 2) Upload income certificate, birth certificate, Aadhaar, domicile, address proof. 3) Select up to 5-10 schools (nearby preference). 4) Lottery/Draw (March-April) - random selection. 5) If selected, admission in selected school (April-May). 6) Fee reimbursement to school by govt. ADMISSION: Class 1 entry (some states allow till Class 8). No donation/interview/screening by schools. Points for EWS/DG, proximity to school, sibling preference.
My application rejected. What are common reasons and how to overcome?
TOP 10 REJECTION REASONS + FIXES: 1) Bank not Aadhaar-seeded → Visit bank, link Aadhaar, reapply. 2) Income exceeds limit → Check certificate shows correct income (not gross, net). If wrong cert, get corrected one. 3) Marks below minimum % → Improve next year, some scholarships accept lower %. 4) Document not uploaded/corrupted → Re-upload PDF/JPG <200KB, clear scan. 5) Wrong category certificate → Get proper SC/ST/OBC cert from competent authority (not MRO/VRO). 6) UDISE code wrong → Verify from college, correct in application. 7) Father name mismatch → Use notarized affidavit "both names same person" or correct Aadhaar. 8) Account not in student name → Open new account in student name. 9) Income certificate expired → Get fresh (<6 months). 10) Duplicate application → Don't apply twice for same scholarship. FIX AT INSTITUTE LEVEL: If rejected by college Nodal Officer, meet in person, understand reason, correct on portal, request re-verification. FIX AT DEPARTMENT: Grievance redressal on NSP portal or email/call helpline.
What is SWAYAM? Can I get degree credits from online courses?
SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) = Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform by Govt. 2,000+ FREE courses from IITs, IIMs, IGNOU, universities. LEVELS: 9th-12th (NIOS), Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD, Skill Development. DURATION: 4-12 weeks per course. Video lectures + assignments + quizzes + final exam. CREDITS: Many universities accept SWAYAM certificates for credit transfer (per NEP 2020). Example: Your college says "4 credits via SWAYAM allowed per semester" → You do SWAYAM course → Pass exam → Get 4 credits → Added to degree. CERTIFICATION: 1) Free online certificate: Just complete course, download. 2) Paid proctored certificate (₹1,000): Take final exam at authorized center → Physical certificate. USE CASES: 1) Learn extra skills (data science, coding, languages). 2) Fulfill elective requirements. 3) Prepare for competitive exams (GATE, UPSC). 4) Upgrade knowledge for free. Popular platforms: SWAYAM, NPTEL, NCERT, IITs.
Education loan vs Scholarship - which is better? Can I avail both?
DIFFERENCES: Scholarship = FREE money (no repayment). Eligibility: Income-based, merit-based, category-based. Amount: ₹5,000-50,000/year (usually partial). Loan = Borrowed money (repay with interest). Eligibility: Based on admission + creditworthiness. Amount: ₹10-20 lakh (full course). WHICH BETTER? SCHOLARSHIP: Better if eligible - free money! But covers partial expenses usually. LOAN: When scholarship insufficient or not eligible. Full course coverage. Both together: YES, allowed! Scholarship covers fees, loan covers hostel/books/living. STRATEGY: 1st preferece: Apply scholarships (free money). If insufficient, take loan for balance. Combined approach best for expensive courses (engineering, medical, MBA). Example: Engineering fee ₹5L/year. Scholarship ₹30k/year. Take loan ₹4.7L/year. Tax benefit: Loan interest deduction under 80E.
I passed 12th with 85% marks. What scholarships am I eligible for?
With 85%, you qualify for MERIT-based scholarships! Here's list: 1) CENTRAL SECTOR SCHOLARSHIP: If 85% puts you in top 20% of your board + family income <₹8L → ₹10,000-20,000/year for 3-5 years. Apply on NSP. 2) PM SCHOLARSHIP (if applicable): Parents ex-servicemen/police/railway → ₹2,500-3,000/month. 3) STATE MERIT: Most states have merit scholarships. Check state scholarship portal. 4) COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS: Many colleges give merit scholarships (50-100% fee waiver). Ask during admission. 5) CORPORATE/PRIVATE: Tata, Reliance, Aditya Birla, HDFC give merit scholarships - apply on their websites. 6) CATEGORY-based: If SC/ST/OBC + 85% → Post-Matric + Merit both! Higher amount sanctioned. 7) GIRL CHILD: Kanya scholarships in many states for girls with good marks. PLUS apply for category/income-based if eligible (combine merit + need-based). 85% is great - don't miss deadlines!
What if I don't have caste certificate? How long to get one?
Caste certificate MANDATORY for SC/ST/OBC/EBC category scholarships. Without it = general category = ineligible for category scholarships. HOW TO GET: ONLINE: Visit state e-District/CSC portal → Apply for caste certificate → Upload proof (parent caste cert, school records) → Pay ₹10-50 → Submit → Tahsildar verifies → Certificate issued (15-30 days). OFFLINE: Visit Tehsildar office with application form (download from district website), parent caste certificate/school LC showing caste, Aadhaar, ration card, photos. Submit → Receipt → Collect after 15-30 days. TIME: 15 days (if documents ready) to 90 days (if verification issues). URGENT? Walk-in to Tehsildar office, request priority processing, mention scholarship deadline. Pay speed money (unofficially - not recommended but reality). INTERIM: If certificate pending but you have RECEIPT, some colleges accept receipt + declaration that "certificate under process". Apply first, submit cert later.
Can I get scholarship for studying abroad? Any government schemes?
YES! Several government scholarships for internationl studies: 1) NATIONAL OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP (NOS): For SC/ST/OBC/EBC/Disabled/Minorities pursuing Masters/PhD abroad. Full scholarship: tuition + living + travel. Income <₹8L. 100 scholarships/year. Apply on socialjustice.nic.in. 2) COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP: For Masters/PhD in UK. Full scholarship. Indian govt nominates. Apply via UGC (ugc.ac.in). 3) FULBRIGHT-NEHRU: For Masters/PhD in USA. Full scholarship. Highly competitive. Apply via usief.org.in. 4) ICCR SCHOLARSHIP: For students from developing countries to study in India (not for Indians abroad). 5) COUNTRY-SPECIFIC: Germany (DAAD), France (French Govt), Japan (MEXT), China (Chinese Govt) offer scholarships - apply via respective embassy websites. PLUS: Education loan up to ₹20 lakh available from banks for abroad studies (vidyalakshmi.co.in). Apply 12-18 months before course starts!
Scholarship payment delayed for months. Where is my money? How to track?
Payment delays common - 2-6 months post-approval normal. TRACKING: 1) NSP portal: Login → Application Status → Check current stage. Stages: Institute Pending → Institute Verified → Department Sent for Approval → Approved → Payment in Process. 2) PFMS Portal: Visit pfms.nic.in → Know Your Payment → Enter NSP ID + Bank account → See payment status/date/amount. 3) Bank SMS: Payment reflects in 3-5 days after PFMS shows "Success". DELAYS REASONS: 1) Institute not verified (weeks delay). 2) Document errors (sent back for correction). 3) Department processing backlog (thousands applications). 4) PFMS payment batch pending (govt processes in batches). 5) Bank account issue (wrong IFSC, not Aadhaar-seeded, frozen). ACTION: 1) If >90 days no update: File grievance on NSP → Public Grievance. 2) Call helpline: 0120-6619540. 3) Email: helpdesk@scholarships.gov.in with Application ID. 4) Tweet @mygovindia @scholarSHIP_IN. 5) Visit district social welfare office. BE PATIENT but FOLLOW UP!
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for scholarships, linked to bank)
- Previous semester/year marksheet (with minimum required %)
- Current year admission receipt/bonafide certificate from college
- Income Certificate (from Tehsildar, valid 6 months, showing annual family income)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable - SC/ST/OBC/EBC certificate from competent authority)
- Domicile/Residence Certificate (for state quota scholarships)
- Bank Account Passbook (in student name, Aadhaar-linked for DBT)
- Passport Size Photographs (recent, 4-6 copies)
- 10th and 12th Marksheets (for verification, eligibility)
- Gap Certificate/Affidavit (if break in studies)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable, for disability scholarships)
- Father/Mother Income Proof (salary slip, ITR, income certificate)
- Self Declaration/Undertaking (that info provided is correct)
- College/School Fee Receipt (current year, showing payment)
- Minority Community Certificate (for minority scholarships)
- BPL Card (if below poverty line for certain schemes)
- Parents' Occupation Certificate (for some state scholarships)
- Migration Certificate (if changed university/board)