Who is this guide for?
This guide is for girls and young women who are about to start, or are studying, a diploma, degree or school course, and for their parents. It lists the central government scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) that are only for girls or keep places for girls in 2026-27, with the rules from each scheme’s official guidelines.
To apply for any of these you need a One Time Registration (OTR) number on NSP. Our National Scholarship Portal guide explains how to get one.
What is the AICTE Pragati scholarship?
AICTE Pragati is a scholarship from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) only for girls in technical education. There are two versions: one for degree courses (such as B.E. or B.Tech) and one for diploma courses (such as polytechnic diplomas), in institutions approved by AICTE.
| Detail | Pragati (Degree) | Pragati (Diploma) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Girls admitted to the first year of a degree, or the second year by lateral entry | Girls admitted to the first year of a diploma, or the second year by lateral entry |
| Family income limit | Up to Rs 8 lakh a year, with a state or UT income certificate | Up to Rs 8 lakh a year, with a state or UT income certificate |
| Girls per family | Up to two | Up to two |
| Selected on | Class 12 (or equivalent) marks, state-wise merit | Class 10 (or equivalent) marks, state-wise merit |
| Amount | Rs 50,000 a year, up to 4 years (3 for lateral entry) | Rs 50,000 a year, up to 3 years (2 for lateral entry) |
| 2026-27 dates on NSP | Opened 1 June 2026, closes 31 October 2026 | Opened 1 June 2026, closes 31 October 2026 |
The money is paid once a year by Direct Benefit Transfer and can be used for college fees, a computer, books, equipment and software. The gap between your qualifying exam and admission must not be more than two years. To keep the scholarship next year, you must pass and be promoted.
Which other scholarships keep places for girls?
Some central scholarships are open to everyone but reserve a share of places for girls:
| Scholarship | Places for girls | Who it is for | 2026-27 closing date on NSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM-USP Central Sector Scholarship for College and University Students | 50% of scholarships | Students above the 80th percentile in Class 12, family income up to Rs 4.5 lakh | Renewals only listed for 2026-27 |
| Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Top Class scholarships for students with disabilities | 50% of slots | Students with 40% or more disability | Pre-Matric 30 September 2026; others 31 October 2026 |
| Top Class Education in Schools for OBC, EBC and DNT students (PM YASASVI) | At least 30% | Students in selected Top Class Schools, household income under Rs 2.5 lakh | 30 September 2026 |
For the disability scholarships, the guidelines say that if not enough eligible girls apply, the unused places go to boys, so applying on time matters.
What documents will you need?
- An income certificate issued by the state government (Pragati asks for a valid state or UT certificate).
- Your mark sheet (Class 12 for degree, Class 10 for diploma).
- Aadhaar, or an Aadhaar Enrolment ID, for your NSP One Time Registration.
- A bank account in your own name, linked to Aadhaar, because scholarships are paid by Direct Benefit Transfer.
- For disability scholarships: your disability certificate and UDID.
What are the most common mistakes?
- Missing the institute verification. After you submit, your college must verify your application before its own deadline. Remind them.
- An old income certificate. Pragati asks for income in the current financial year.
- Taking two scholarships that do not allow it. Pragati does not allow any other scholarship or stipend at the same time.
- Waiting for the last day. NSP can be slow near deadlines.
Need help?
SEEDbridge volunteers can check which of these fit you and guide you through the NSP form, free of charge. Never share your Aadhaar, bank details or OTPs with anyone who offers to “get” you a scholarship.