Funding your Master’s degree can be a real challenge. Between tuition fees, living expenses, and study materials, the costs add up quickly. If you are the only daughter in your family, the Indian government has a fantastic initiative to support your academic dreams. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship For Single Girl Child, a scheme designed to help you pursue higher education without financial stress.
We’ll walk through the objectives, who can apply, how much you get, and the exact steps to submit your application. Let’s get started.
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| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child |
| Launched By | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Target Group | Single Girl Child (including twin girls) pursuing PG |
| Nationality Requirement | Indian Citizen |
| Gender Requirement | Female Students Only |
| Age Limit | Up to 30 years at admission to 1st year PG |
| Course Requirement | Full-time, regular Master’s degree |
| Ineligible Courses | Distance education PG courses |
| Eligible Institutions | UGC-recognized universities/colleges (Deemed, Sec. 2(f) & 12(B)) |
| Annual Scholarship Amount | ₹36,200 per annum |
| Duration | 2 years (entire PG duration) |
| Total Benefit | ₹72,400 over 2 years |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account |
| Other Allowances | None (No HRA/contingency) |
| Application Mode | Online through National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in |
| Application Window | July–October 31, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Required Documents | Affidavit (₹50 Stamp Paper), Proof of Admission, UG Marksheets, Aadhaar Card, Bank Passbook, Photo, Signature |
| Verification Levels | Level 1: Institute; Level 2: UGC |
| Renewal Requirement | Must pass 1st year & be promoted to 2nd year; renewal via NSP |
| Parental Income Limit | No income limit |
| Other Scholarships | Cannot avail another scholarship simultaneously |
| Change of Course/University | Leads to termination of scholarship |
| Annual Slots Available | 3,000 scholarships |
| Selection Basis | No merit list; eligible verified applicants considered until slots filled |
What is the Goal of This Scholarship?
Before diving into the details, it’s helpful to understand why this scholarship exists. The University Grants Commission (UGC) started this scheme with some clear goals in mind. Understanding them helps you see the bigger picture of how you’re being supported.
The primary objectives of the scholarship are:
- To Support Girls’ Post-Graduate Education: The main aim is to promote and support higher education among women, helping them achieve their academic and career goals.
- To Uphold the Norm of a Small Family: By offering a specific benefit to single-daughter families, the scheme acknowledges and supports family planning norms.
- To Compensate for Direct Educational Costs: The financial award is intended to help cover some of the direct costs involved in pursuing a Master’s degree, such as tuition fees, books, and other academic expenses.
- To Promote Equality and Access: It aims to ensure that a talented student, who is a single girl child, is not held back from higher education due to financial constraints.
Simply put, this scholarship is a way for the government to invest in your future and recognize the commitment your family has made.
Are You Eligible?
This is the most important part. Let’s see if you qualify. The eligibility criteria are very specific, so read through this checklist carefully.
- Single Girl Child: You must be the only child in your family. You cannot have any brothers or sisters.
- What about twins? If you are one of two twin daughters or if you are a fraternal daughter (born at the same time), you are both eligible to apply for the scholarship. This is a key exception.
- What if I have an adopted sibling? The guidelines focus on biological siblings. However, the affidavit you submit declares you as the only child, so this generally applies to the family unit as a whole.
- Gender: You must be a female student.
- Age Limit: You must be 30 years of age or younger at the time of your admission to the first year of your PG course.
- Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen.
- Course Level: You must have taken admission in the first year of a regular, full-time Master’s degree program.
- Course Recognition: Your course must be in a recognized university or a post-graduate college.
- Ineligible Courses: This scholarship is NOT for students enrolled in PG courses through distance education mode.
- University/College Status: The institution where you are pursuing your Master’s degree must be recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This includes Deemed to be Universities, those under Section 2(f) & 12(B) of the UGC Act, and certain other recognized institutions.
If you tick all these boxes, congratulations! You are likely eligible to apply.
The Big Question: What Do You Get? 💰
The financial support offered by the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship For Single Girl Child is substantial and can make a huge difference.
- Scholarship Amount: You will receive ₹36,200 per year.
- Duration: The scholarship is awarded for the full duration of your PG course, which is two years.
- Total Benefit: Over the two years of your Master’s program, you will receive a total of ₹72,400.
- Payment Method: The amount is paid directly into your bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This means no delays or middlemen.
- Other Allowances: Please note that this scholarship does not include any additional grants, such as house rent allowance (HRA) or contingency funds.
This amount is designed to provide a solid financial cushion, allowing you to focus more on your studies and less on financial worries.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying 📝
The application process is entirely online and managed through a centralized system. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
Step 1: Check the Timeline and Get Ready
The application window for all UGC scholarships usually opens on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) around July or August and can remain open until October 31, 2025 (Tentative).
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Documents
Having all your documents ready will make the application process smooth and fast. You will need scanned copies of the following:
- Affidavit for Single Girl Child: This is the most crucial document. You need an affidavit on a ₹50 Stamp Paper from your parents. It must be attested by a First Class Magistrate/Gazetted Officer/SDM. The affidavit should clearly state that you are the only child in the family.
- Proof of Admission: An official letter or document from your college/university confirming your admission to the first year of a Master’s degree program for the current academic year.
- Undergraduate Degree Marksheet: A copy of your mark sheet or certificate from your Bachelor’s degree.
- Aadhaar Card: Your Aadhaar number is mandatory for the application. If you don’t have one, apply for it immediately.
- Bank Account Details: A copy of the first page of your bank passbook, clearly showing your name, account number, and IFSC code. The account must be in your name.
- Photograph and Signature: Scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph and your signature.
Step 3: The Online Application on NSP
The only way to apply is through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official website: scholarships.gov.in.
- New Registration: On the homepage, click on “New Registration.” Read the guidelines carefully, agree to the terms, and continue if you have OTR.
- Enter Details: Fill in your personal details, academic information, and bank account details. Your mobile number and email ID must be active, as you will receive OTPs and updates.
- Get Application ID: Once you register, you will receive a temporary Application ID and password on your registered mobile number.
- Log In and Apply: Log in using the Application ID and password. You will be prompted to change your password. After logging in, you will see a dashboard.
- Select the Scheme: Find the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship For Single Girl Child under the “UGC Schemes” tab.
- Fill the Form: Complete the application form with all the correct information. Be very careful while entering your details, as errors can lead to rejection.
- Upload Documents: Upload the scanned copies of all the documents listed in Step 2.
- Final Submission: Review your application one last time and click “Final Submit.” You cannot edit the application after the final submission.
- Save Your ID: Make sure to save or print your permanent Application ID for future reference.
Step 4: Verification Process
After you submit your application, it goes through a two-level verification process:
- Level 1: Institute Verification: Your college or university will verify your admission and academic details.
- Level 2: UGC Verification: Once your institute approves it, the application is forwarded to the UGC for final verification and selection.
You can track the status of your application by logging into your NSP account.
The Renewal Process for the Second Year
This isn’t a one-time process. To receive the scholarship for your second year, you must apply for a renewal.
The process is straightforward. To be eligible for renewal, you must:
- Pass your first-year examinations with the required marks as per your university’s rules.
- Be promoted to the second year of your Master’s course.
The renewal application is also done on the National Scholarship Portal. You will need to log in with your existing ID, select “Renewal Application,” and upload a continuation certificate or a progress report issued by your Head of Department or the head of your institution.
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FAQs
Is there an income limit for my parents?
No. Unlike many other scholarships, this scheme is not means-tested. Your parents’ income does not affect your eligibility.
Can I receive another scholarship at the same time?
No. If you are awarded this scholarship, you cannot accept any other scholarship or fellowship from any other source. You will have to choose one.
What happens if I change my university or course mid-way?
The scholarship will be terminated. The award is specific to the course and institution you mentioned in your original application.
How many scholarships are available each year?
The UGC awards 3,000 of these scholarships every year.
How are students selected?
There is no separate merit list prepared for this scholarship. If you meet all the eligibility criteria and submit a complete and verified application, you are likely to be selected, subject to the availability of the 3,000 slots.