Differently Abled Students Scholarship: The Government of India has opened applications for the Differently Abled Students Scholarship 2025. Offered under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities – DEPwD), these scholarships are aimed at helping differently abled students continue their education without financial burdens.
For the academic year 2025–26, eligible students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for any of the following three schemes:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship
- Post-Matric Scholarship
- Top Class Education Scholarship
Whether you’re studying in Class 9 or pursuing higher education at a premier institute, if you have a benchmark disability, this is your chance to receive much-needed support.
What is the Differently Abled Students Scholarship 2025?
The Differently Abled Students Scholarship 2025 is an umbrella term covering three centrally funded schemes for students with 40% or more disability. These scholarships aim to:
- Reduce school dropouts among disabled children
- Provide equal access to higher education
- Support entry into top institutions for quality learning
The financial aid is offered at different education levels — from secondary school to postgraduate studies.
Types of Scholarships Available
1. Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class IX–X)
For students enrolled in classes 9 and 10, this scheme encourages regular school attendance and reduces dropouts among differently abled students.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship (Class XI to PG)
Covers all courses beyond Class 10, including higher secondary, UG, and PG. This is especially helpful for low-income families supporting students with disabilities.
3. Top Class Education Scholarship (UG/PG in premier institutes)
This scholarship is for differently abled students who are enrolled in top institutions like IITs, IIMs, NITs, and other reputed universities. It supports their academic journey by covering tuition, books, and living expenses.
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Criteria
If you’re planning to apply for the Differently Abled Students Scholarship 2025, here’s what you need to qualify:
1. Disability Requirement
- Minimum 40% disability is required.
- Must have a valid Disability Certificate or UDID Card issued by a recognized medical authority.
2. Income Criteria
- Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships: Annual income of parents/guardians should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
- Top Class Scholarship: Family income should be under ₹8 lakh annually.
- The income certificate must be issued only by the Circle Officer of the Revenue Circle.
3. Aadhaar & Bank Account
- The student must have an AADHAAR-linked bank account.
- Scholarship funds will be directly transferred to this account — no need to manually enter bank details on NSP.
How to Apply for Differently Abled Students Scholarship 2025
The entire process is digital, simple, and student-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Do One Time Registration (OTR)
- Download the NSPOTR Mobile App from Google Play Store.
- Use your mobile number and complete face authentication to generate your OTR ID.
- If you’ve applied last year, reuse the same mobile number and reference ID.
Step 2: Apply on the NSP Portal
- Visit scholarships.gov.in
- Click on New Registration or Login (for renewal)
- Fill in the details, upload scanned documents, and submit.
Step 3: Institute Verification
- Your application will be verified by your educational institution.
- Ensure your school or college is registered on NSP.
Application Deadlines
| Scholarship Type | Application Opens | Last Date to Apply | Institute Verification Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric (Class 9–10) | 25 June 2025 | 31 August 2025 | 15 September 2025 |
| Post-Matric (Class 11 to PG) | 25 June 2025 | 31 October 2025 | 15 November 2025 |
| Top Class Education (UG/PG) | 25 June 2025 | 31 October 2025 | 15 November 2025 |
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready while applying:
- Disability Certificate or UDID Card
- Income Certificate (issued by Circle Officer)
- Aadhaar Card (student or parent for minors)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Last exam’s marksheet
- Bonafide certificate (if required)
Why This Scholarship Matters for India’s Disabled Youth
The Differently Abled Students Scholarship 2025 is more than just a financial scheme — it’s a vision for inclusive education in India. For many families, especially in rural or low-income settings, the cost of education can be a major barrier. With these scholarships:
- Students no longer have to choose between schooling and survival
- Bright minds get a fair chance to shine
- Equality and dignity are promoted through education
For students in Assam and the Northeast, this is also a chance to access national-level funding with simple online procedures.
Important Links
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | scholarships.gov.in |
| UDID Card Portal | swavlambancard.gov.in |
| NSPOTR App (Face Auth Registration) | Available on Play Store |
| MSJE Official Website | socialjustice.gov.in |
Final Words
If you or someone in your family is a student with a disability, don’t miss this opportunity. The Differently Abled Students Scholarship 2025 is your gateway to a brighter academic future. Apply early, check your documents, and track your application on time.