UPSC Scholarship 2026 — Complete Guide to Financial Aid for IAS Aspirants

Central Government Scholarships for UPSC Aspirants

The central government funds several scholarship programmes administered through the National Scholarship Portal and individual ministry portals. These schemes cover a wide range of categories including SC, ST, OBC, minorities, EWS, and merit-based applicants. Below is a comprehensive table of the most relevant central scholarships for UPSC aspirants.

Disclaimer: Amounts and deadlines are indicative based on previous years. Always check the official portal for current year details.

State Government Scholarships for UPSC Preparation

In addition to central schemes, most Indian states operate their own scholarship portals with financial aid specifically for competitive examination coaching. These state-level scholarships often provide higher amounts than central schemes because they directly fund coaching institute fees rather than general educational expenses.

Uttar Pradesh

The UP Scholarship Portal (scholarship.up.gov.in) offers Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, and minority students. The state also runs a separate coaching scheme under the Social Welfare Department that reimburses coaching fees up to ₹50,000 for aspirants from weaker sections. Applications typically open in July and close by October. UP has one of the highest scholarship disbursement rates among Indian states.

Bihar

Bihar's scholarship portal (ekalyan.bih.nic.in) administers multiple coaching assistance programmes. The state's Civil Services Encouragement Scheme provides financial support to candidates who clear UPSC Prelims. Additionally, the SC/ST Welfare Department funds coaching for competitive exams with amounts ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on the coaching centre and category. The application window usually runs from August to November.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra operates the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Scholarship (mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in) and provides one of the most generous coaching assistance programmes in the country. SC/ST students can receive up to ₹1,00,000 for coaching at approved institutes. The Barti (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute) also runs a dedicated UPSC coaching scheme with residential facilities. Applications are processed through the MahaDBT portal between June and September.

Karnataka

The Karnataka government provides coaching assistance through the Backward Classes Welfare Department. The state offers scholarships of up to ₹50,000 for candidates preparing for UPSC and state civil services. SC/ST candidates can apply through the Social Welfare Department for additional funding. The portal (sw.kar.nic.in) opens applications typically between August and October.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan's Mukhyamantri Anuprati Coaching Yojana is one of the most well-known state coaching schemes in India. It provides free coaching at reputed institutes for SC, ST, OBC, MBC, EWS, and general category students with income below ₹8 lakh per year. Additionally, candidates who clear various stages of UPSC receive cash incentives — up to ₹1,00,000 for clearing the Prelims. Apply through sje.rajasthan.gov.in, usually between March and June.

Most states publish their scholarship calendars at the start of the academic year. Check your state's scholarship portal regularly, as deadlines and amounts are updated annually. If your state is not listed above, search for your state name followed by “scholarship portal” or “coaching assistance scheme” to find the relevant government portal.

Private and NGO Scholarships

Several private organisations and NGOs offer scholarships and financial assistance that UPSC aspirants can leverage. These schemes often have different eligibility criteria from government scholarships and may be stacked with government aid.

Note: Private scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria change annually. Verify details on the respective platforms.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Scholarships

Eligibility varies significantly across scholarship schemes. Understanding the specific requirements for your category is essential before applying. Below is a detailed breakdown of eligibility criteria by category, followed by a comparison table for quick reference.

General / EWS Category

General category students qualify primarily through Economically Weaker Section (EWS) schemes. The primary requirement is a family income below ₹8 lakh per year, certified by the district magistrate. Most central schemes also require 60% or above marks in the qualifying examination (graduation for UPSC-level coaching scholarships). The EWS certificate must be obtained fresh each year as it is valid for one financial year only. Some merit-based schemes like the Central Sector Scholarship accept general category students regardless of EWS status if they rank in the top 20th percentile of their board examination.

OBC (Other Backward Classes)

OBC candidates must have a family income below ₹8 lakh per year and must not belong to the creamy layer. A valid Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate issued by the competent authority is mandatory. The NCL certificate is typically valid for one year and must be renewed before applying. Most OBC scholarship schemes require a minimum of 50%–60% marks in the previous qualifying examination. State-level OBC schemes may have different income thresholds — for instance, some states use ₹6 lakh as the cutoff.

SC/ST (Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes)

SC/ST candidates benefit from the most extensive scholarship coverage. Most government schemes have no income ceiling for SC/ST applicants, or use a generous limit of ₹2.5 lakh per year. The primary document required is a caste certificate issued by the district magistrate or sub-divisional magistrate. The Post-Matric Scholarship — one of the largest programmes — covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and even study tour costs. SC/ST candidates can typically apply to both central and state schemes simultaneously, and many states provide additional top-up funding beyond the central allocation.

Minorities (MOMA)

The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA) defines six notified minority communities: Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, and Jain. MOMA scholarships require a minority community certificate and a family income typically below ₹2 lakh (Pre-Matric) or ₹2.5 lakh (Post-Matric). The Merit-Cum-Means scholarship for minorities has a higher income threshold of ₹2.5 lakh and requires 50% marks in the previous examination. All MOMA scholarships are applied through the National Scholarship Portal.

Eligibility Comparison Table

How to Apply for UPSC Scholarships — Step-by-Step

The application process for most government scholarships follows a standardised flow through the National Scholarship Portal. State-specific scholarships have their own portals but follow a similar pattern. Here is the complete step-by-step process.

1. Step 1

   Register on scholarships.gov.in

   Visit the National Scholarship Portal and click on “New Registration.” You will need your Aadhaar number linked to a mobile number for OTP verification. Create your account by providing basic details — name, date of birth, mobile number, and email. The system generates a unique Application ID that you will use for all future logins and tracking. Save this ID securely. Note that the registration window typically opens in October for fresh applicants and September for renewals.

2. Step 2

   Choose the Right Scholarship Scheme

   After logging in, use the portal's filter to browse available schemes by state, category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS), and education level. The portal shows the full list of schemes you are eligible for based on your profile. Read each scheme's guidelines carefully — pay attention to income limits, marks requirements, and whether the scheme covers coaching fees or general educational expenses. Select the most relevant scheme and begin the application.

3. Step 3

   Fill the Application Form

   Complete the multi-page application form with personal details, academic history, family income information, and bank account details (for direct benefit transfer). The form requires your current educational institution details and the course you are enrolled in. For coaching-specific scholarships, you may need to provide your coaching centre's registration number. Double-check all entries before proceeding — errors in bank details or Aadhaar number cause significant delays in disbursement.

4. Step 4

   Upload Required Documents

   Upload scanned copies of all required documents. The portal typically accepts PDF and JPEG formats with file sizes under 200KB per document. Ensure all documents are clearly legible — blurred or cropped documents are a common reason for rejection. Some state portals may have different size limits (check before scanning). Keep original copies ready as they may be required for physical verification later.

5. Step 5

   Submit and Track Your Application

   Review all information one final time and submit the application. The portal generates a confirmation receipt with a reference number — save or print this. You can track your application status anytime by logging in with your Application ID. Status updates are also sent via SMS and email. Common statuses include “Submitted,” “Under Verification,” “Approved,” and “Disbursed.”

6. Step 6

   Institute Verification

   After submission, your application is forwarded to your educational institution (or coaching centre for coaching-specific schemes). The institute principal or designated nodal officer must verify your enrolment and approve the application on their portal login. This is a critical step — if your institute does not verify within the deadline, your application lapses. Contact your institute administration proactively to ensure timely verification.

7. Step 7

   Annual Renewal

   Most scholarships require annual renewal. The renewal window opens before the fresh application period (typically September–October). You need to update your academic progress, upload the latest marksheet, and confirm continued eligibility. Failure to renew on time results in discontinuation of the scholarship — set calendar reminders for renewal deadlines. Some schemes also require maintaining minimum attendance or marks to be eligible for renewal.

Documents Checklist

Keep the following documents ready before starting your scholarship application:

• Aadhaar card (linked to active mobile number)
• Income certificate issued by tehsildar or district magistrate
• Caste certificate — SC/ST/OBC as applicable
• EWS certificate (for general category applicants)
• Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate (for OBC applicants)
• Bank passbook front page (with name, account number, IFSC)
• Previous year marksheet or degree certificate
• Passport-sized photograph (white background, recent)
• Domicile certificate (for state-specific scholarships)
• Minority community certificate (for MOMA scholarships)
• UPSC admit card or coaching enrolment proof (for coaching-specific schemes)

Scholarship Deadline Calendar 2026

Deadlines vary by scheme and are updated annually. The calendar below shows typical application windows based on previous years. Always verify current dates on the official portal.

Dates are based on previous year patterns and may shift. Check official portals for confirmed dates each academic year.

Can't Afford Traditional Coaching?

Traditional UPSC coaching institutes charge ₹1–3 lakh per year — a prohibitive cost for many aspirants, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds. Even with scholarships, the combined cost of coaching, accommodation, and study materials in Delhi or other coaching hubs can exceed ₹5 lakh for a full preparation cycle.

Vaidra's AI-powered preparation starts free. No coaching fees required. The free tier includes access to UPSC GPT for 24/7 doubt resolution, basic test generation, daily current affairs, and 1,800+ structured learning topics covering the entire UPSC syllabus. Premium plans are available at a fraction of traditional coaching costs for aspirants who want unlimited AI features.

Whether you receive a scholarship or not, quality UPSC preparation should not depend on your financial situation. Explore Vaidra's features and pricing to see how AI can supplement or replace expensive coaching without compromising on preparation quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there government scholarships specifically for UPSC aspirants?

Yes. The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) lists several schemes relevant to UPSC aspirants. The PM Scholarship Scheme covers wards of CAPF and RPF personnel with up to ₹36,000 per year. State governments offer coaching assistance under SC/ST/OBC/EWS welfare departments — for example, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar fund coaching fees for eligible candidates. Additionally, MOMA scholarships support minority community students. Amounts typically range from ₹12,000 to ₹36,000 per year depending on the scheme and category.

What is the National Scholarship Portal for UPSC preparation?

The National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) is the central government platform for applying to over 50 scholarship schemes across categories. To register, you need an Aadhaar-linked mobile number, bank account details, income certificate, and educational documents. The portal typically opens for fresh applications between October and December each year. After registration, you can filter scholarships by state, category, and education level. All applications are tracked online with status updates via SMS and email.

Can general category students get UPSC scholarships?

Yes. Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students from the general category with family income below ₹8 lakh per year are eligible for several schemes. The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students provides up to ₹20,000 per year for meritorious students. Some state governments also offer merit-cum-means scholarships regardless of category. The key requirement is typically 60% or above marks in the qualifying examination and a valid EWS certificate issued by the district magistrate.

What scholarships are available for SC/ST UPSC aspirants?

SC/ST aspirants have access to the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme (one of the largest government scholarship programmes), which covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and study tour charges. The Pre-Matric Scholarship for coaching supports competitive exam preparation directly. Amounts vary by state — for instance, Maharashtra offers up to ₹1,00,000 for coaching assistance. Most SC/ST schemes have no income ceiling or a generous one (up to ₹2.5 lakh per year). State-level additions in UP, Bihar, MP, and Rajasthan further supplement central funding.

How much financial aid can a UPSC aspirant get per year?

The amount ranges widely depending on the scheme, category, and state. Basic NSP scholarships provide ₹12,000–₹20,000 per year. The PM Scholarship for CAPF/RPF wards offers up to ₹36,000 per year. State coaching assistance schemes for SC/ST/OBC can cover ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 towards coaching fees. Some aspirants stack multiple scholarships — for example, a state OBC scholarship plus a central merit scholarship — to receive combined aid exceeding ₹60,000 per year. Always check stacking rules on the specific scheme guidelines.

What documents are needed to apply for UPSC scholarships?

Common documents include: Aadhaar card (mandatory for NSP registration), income certificate issued by a competent authority (tehsildar or district magistrate), caste certificate if applicable (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), bank passbook with IFSC code, previous year marksheet or degree certificate, passport-sized photograph, and domicile certificate for state-specific schemes. For coaching-specific scholarships, some portals also require the UPSC admit card or coaching institute enrolment proof. Keep all documents as scanned PDFs under 200KB for upload.

Does Vaidra offer any discount for students from economically weaker backgrounds?

Vaidra is designed to be accessible to all aspirants regardless of financial background. The free tier provides access to UPSC GPT, basic test generation, current affairs, and 1,800+ structured learning topics at no cost — covering more features than most paid coaching apps. Premium plans are priced at a fraction of traditional coaching fees (which typically cost ₹1–3 lakh per year). Visit the pricing page for current plan details and any active offers for students.

What is the deadline for UPSC scholarship applications in 2026?

Deadlines vary by scheme and are updated annually. The NSP portal typically opens for fresh applications in October–December and for renewal in September–November. MOMA (Ministry of Minority Affairs) scholarships usually close between January and February. State portals follow their own calendars — UP opens around July–October, Bihar around August–November, and Maharashtra around June–September. We recommend checking scholarships.gov.in and your respective state scholarship portal regularly, as dates shift each academic year.