Scholarship Schemes for Students with Disabilities
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India provides scholarship support to eligible students with disabilities to help them continue their education and reduce the financial burden associated with schooling, higher education, professional courses and advanced studies.
The scholarship framework covers different stages of education, from Class IX onwards to higher education, research and overseas studies, depending on the particular component of the scheme. Applications for the major school and higher-education scholarships are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Main Scholarship Schemes
1. Pre-Matric Scholarship
For Students with Disabilities in Class IX & X
Designed to support eligible students during secondary school education.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship
For Class XI & XII, Diploma, Degree and Post-Graduate Courses
Supports students pursuing education after Class X.
3. Top Class Education Scholarship
For Graduate / Post-Graduate Degree & Diploma Courses
For eligible students with disabilities studying in institutes notified under the scheme.
4. National Overseas Scholarship
For Higher Studies Abroad
Supports eligible students with disabilities pursuing higher studies in foreign universities/institutions.
6. Free Coaching
For Competitive / Entrance Examinations
Provides support for eligible students with disabilities undertaking approved coaching for competitive and entrance examinations.
5. National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD)
For M.Phil./Ph.D. Research
Provides fellowship support for eligible research scholars with disabilities pursuing higher research in India.
Important: The first three are currently displayed as separate DEPwD scholarship schemes on the 2026 National Scholarship Portal, while the broader Central Sector Umbrella Scholarship framework includes the additional higher-study/research components.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the particular scholarship. However, for the major Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Top Class schemes, applicants generally need to meet requirements such as:
- Indian citizenship
- Benchmark disability of 40% or more, as applicable
- Valid UDID / disability-related documentation
- Admission/enrolment in an eligible course or institution
- Applicable family income limit
- Fulfilment of the academic and other conditions of the particular scholarship
The exact eligibility criteria are different for each scholarship, so parents should check the specific scheme before applying.
1. Pre-Matric Scholarship
For Class IX & X Students
The Pre-Matric Scholarship is intended for eligible students with disabilities studying in Class IX or X.
Key Eligibility
- Student should be studying in Class IX or X
- Benchmark disability of 40% or more, as applicable
- Family income ceiling of ₹2.5 lakh per year
- UDID and Aadhaar requirements apply
- Student should not be receiving another scholarship/stipend under the applicable rules
Financial Support
The current DEPwD information lists support including:
- Hosteller: ₹800 per month
- Day Scholar: ₹500 per month
- Book Grant: ₹1,000 per year
- Disability Allowance: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per year
- Applicable tuition fee support
- Payment through DBT/PFMS
The scholarship is available for the applicable academic year/period subject to scheme conditions.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship
For Class XI onwards
Post-Matric Scholarship supports eligible students pursuing:
- Class XI & XII
- Diploma courses
- Degree courses
- Post-Graduate courses
- Other eligible post-matriculation programmes
Key Eligibility
Generally:
- Benchmark disability of 40% or more
- Family income up to ₹2.5 lakh per year, subject to scheme rules
- Valid UDID/Aadhaar requirements
- Admission in an eligible course
- No simultaneous benefit from another scholarship/stipend where prohibited
Financial Support
Current DEPwD information lists:
- Hosteller: ₹1,200 per month
- Day Scholar: ₹650 per month
- Book allowance: ₹1,500 per year
- Disability allowance: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per year
- Tuition/admission fee support subject to prescribed ceilings
- Other eligible fee support
Payment is made through DBT/PFMS.
3. Top Class Education Scholarship
For Higher Education
This scholarship is intended for eligible students with disabilities pursuing Graduate, Post-Graduate Degree/Diploma courses in institutes notified under the scheme.
Key Eligibility
- Indian national
- Benchmark disability of 40% or more
- Admission to a notified/eligible institute
- Family income up to ₹8 lakh per year
- UDID/Aadhaar requirements
- Other applicable scheme conditions
Financial Support
The current DEPwD information includes support such as:
- Tuition/admission fee up to prescribed limits
- Miscellaneous fee support
- Special disability allowance: ₹2,000 per month
- Hosteller: ₹3,000 per month
- Day Scholar: ₹1,500 per month
- Books & stationery: ₹5,000 per year
- Computer support up to ₹45,000
- Assistive devices up to ₹30,000
All benefits are subject to the applicable scheme ceilings and conditions.
4. National Overseas Scholarship
The National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities supports eligible students pursuing higher studies in foreign universities/institutions.
It is intended for higher-level programmes such as Master’s Degree and Ph.D. studies abroad, subject to the prescribed eligibility, admission, income and other conditions.
The DEPwD’s current scholarship resources continue to list National Overseas Scholarship-related information and selection documents.
5. National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities
The National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD) supports eligible students pursuing advanced research such as M.Phil./Ph.D. in India.
The scheme is intended to help students with disabilities continue higher research without financial constraints becoming a barrier to their academic career.
The DEPwD continues to publish NFPwD selection and guideline updates, including updated annexures and requirements.
6. Free Coaching for Students with Disabilities
The scholarship framework also includes support for Free Coaching for Students with Disabilities.
The objective is to help eligible students prepare for suitable competitive examinations, entrance examinations and other approved examinations through recognised coaching support.
The guidelines for this component have been revised by DEPwD, so applicants should always check the latest notification before applying.
What Documents Are Generally Required?
Parents/students should keep the following documents ready, as applicable:
- UDID Card / UDID Number
- Disability Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Student photograph
- Previous academic year’s marksheet
- Admission / course details
- Institution details
- Student’s bank account/passbook
- Family income certificate
- Fee/admission details, where required
- Other documents prescribed for the particular scholarship
The DEPwD Citizen Charter specifically lists items such as photograph, previous academic marksheet, student passbook and UDID/disability documentation for Pre-Matric and Post-Matric applications.
Scholarship Payment
Scholarship assistance is generally transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), subject to successful verification and approval.
Therefore, students should make sure that:
- Bank details are correct
- Account is active
- Aadhaar/bank linking requirements are fulfilled where applicable
- Name and details are consistent across documents
Important Rules for Parents & Students
1. Check the Income Limit
Different scholarship components have different income ceilings.
For example:
Pre-Matric / Post-Matric: ₹2.5 lakh annual family income
Top Class: ₹8 lakh annual family income
These limits are subject to the current applicable guidelines.
2. Don’t Apply for an Incorrect Scheme
Choose the scholarship according to:
Class → Course → Institution → Disability → Income → Eligibility
3. Keep UDID Ready
UDID/disability documentation is an important part of the current scholarship process. DEPwD has also issued specific updates concerning UDID requirements for scholarship beneficiaries.
4. Avoid Duplicate Scholarship Benefits
Under the applicable rules, a student generally cannot simultaneously receive another scholarship/stipend where such duplication is prohibited.
5. Apply Before the Deadline
Scholarship dates change every academic year.
For 2026–27, the National Scholarship Portal currently shows:
- Pre-Matric: student applications open until 31 August 2026
- Post-Matric: student applications open until 31 October 2026
- Top Class Education: student applications open until 31 October 2026
These dates can change, so applicants should verify the live NSP status before applying.
Scholarship for Girls with Disabilities
The scholarship framework also provides reservation of scholarship slots for female candidates in specified components.
Under the cited umbrella guidelines, 50% of slots in Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Top Class Education and 30% of slots in National Overseas Scholarship are reserved for female candidates, subject to the applicable rules.
What Parents Should Do Before Applying?
✅ Keep UDID Ready
Make sure the student’s disability documentation is available.
✅ Check the Course
Confirm that the student’s course and institution are eligible.
✅ Check Family Income
Keep a valid income certificate ready.
✅ Check Bank Details
Ensure the student’s bank account details are correct.
✅ Keep Academic Documents
Keep the latest marksheet and admission details ready.
✅ Apply on Time
Don’t wait until the last date.
✅ Complete Verification
Application submission alone does not guarantee scholarship. Institute/department verification and approval are important.
Most Important for Parents
Scholarship is not only financial assistance—it can help a student with disability continue education, develop skills and move towards greater independence.
Parents should not assume that scholarship is available only for school education. Depending on eligibility, support can extend from secondary education to diploma, degree, postgraduate studies, research, competitive examinations and higher studies abroad.
The most important first step is to identify the student’s current class/course and eligibility, and then select the appropriate scholarship.
Useful Official Links
National Scholarship Portal
Apply / Check Scholarship on National Scholarship Portal
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities – Scholarship
Official DEPwD Scholarship Page
Pre-Matric Scholarship
Official Pre-Matric Scholarship Details
Post-Matric Scholarship
Official Post-Matric Scholarship Details
Top Class Education Scholarship
Official Top Class Education Details
