National Scholarship Portal NSP 2026-27
Check scholarship registration, the mandatory 14-digit One-Time Registration number, Aadhaar face authentication, eligibility, documents and application deadlines for the 2026-27 academic year.
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is the Government of Indias online platform for scholarship schemes offered by various central ministries, departments and participating states. For the 2026-27 academic year, the portal has been accepting applications since 1 June 2026. Students must complete the required One-Time Registration (OTR) and then apply separately for a scholarship scheme for which they are eligible.
NSP 2026-27: Quick Overview
Important: Check Your Schemes Last Date
The application deadline is scheme-specific. The official NSP portal lists 31 October 2026 for certain schemes, including the renewal applications for PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students and the PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The deadline for other scholarships may differ. Always check the relevant scheme listing before applying.
What Is the National Scholarship Portal?
The National Scholarship Portal is a central online platform that helps students discover eligible scholarship schemes, register, submit applications and follow the application process. Scholarships available on the portal may support school education, college education, professional courses and students belonging to eligible beneficiary groups.
Scholarship schemes have different eligibility requirements, income limits, academic conditions, benefit amounts and verification procedures. Registering on NSP does not automatically guarantee scholarship approval or payment.
Scholarship Categories Available on NSP
SC Scholarships
Eligible Scheduled Caste students may apply for relevant pre-matric, post-matric or other listed schemes according to the scheme rules.
ST Scholarships
Eligible Scheduled Tribe students can check available scholarship schemes and their educational and income requirements.
OBC Scholarships
Eligible Other Backward Class students may find applicable central schemes, subject to the implementing departments rules.
Minority Scholarships
Students should check which minority scholarship schemes are open and whether they meet the notified eligibility conditions.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Eligible students with disabilities should review the applicable scheme and complete any required UDID-related steps.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Students meeting the academic and other eligibility criteria can check merit-based scholarship opportunities listed on NSP.
What Is the 14-Digit OTR Number?
OTR stands for One-Time Registration. It is a unique 14-digit number issued to a student for use throughout their academic career on the National Scholarship Portal. It is generated using Aadhaar or an Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID), subject to the portals registration requirements.
Unique Number
One OTR is assigned to the student for scholarship-related registration.
Long-Term Use
The OTR is intended to remain applicable throughout the students academic career.
Required for Applications
Students need their OTR to apply for eligible scholarships on NSP.
Is Aadhaar Face Authentication Mandatory?
The official OTR registration process includes identity verification. Students are instructed to use the NSP OTR application and the required Aadhaar Face RD service to complete face authentication when prompted during registration.
Important Authentication Requirements
- Keep an active mobile number available for registration.
- Use the official NSP OTR application and the required Aadhaar Face RD service on a compatible Android device.
- Complete Aadhaar-based eKYC and face authentication according to the on-screen instructions.
- If Aadhaar biometric authentication fails, check whether Aadhaar biometrics are locked.
- Ensure the personal details submitted during registration are accurate.
- Follow the official instructions if your registration uses an Aadhaar Enrolment ID instead of an Aadhaar number.
OTR registration itself is free. Do not pay an unofficial agent for generating an OTR number.
How to Register for NSP 2026-27?
Open the Official Website
Visit scholarships.gov.in and select the student section.
Start One-Time Registration
Open the OTR registration section and read the instructions carefully.
Enter Mobile and Identity Details
Provide the requested details and complete the verification steps.
Complete Face Authentication
Use the required applications and follow the official instructions to finish authentication.
Receive Your OTR
After successful registration and authentication, note your OTR number and keep it secure.
Apply for an Eligible Scholarship
Log in with your OTR, select the applicable scheme and complete the scholarship application.
Official Registration Links
Documents and Details to Keep Ready
Identity and Contact
- Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID, as applicable
- Active mobile number
- Required identity details
Academic Details
- Previous examination marks or certificates
- Current course and institution details
- Admission or enrolment information
Financial and Category Details
- Income certificate, where required
- Caste or category certificate, where applicable
- Disability or UDID details, where required
Bank Details
- Bank account details
- Required account verification information
- Aadhaar-bank seeding details, where applicable
The exact documents depend on the selected scholarship scheme. Check its official guidelines before submitting an application, and ensure that the name and other personal details match the relevant records.
How to Check Scholarship Application Status?
- Open the official National Scholarship Portal.
- Log in using the required OTR credentials.
- Open the relevant fresh or renewal application.
- Review the application status and any verification remarks.
- Contact your institution or the relevant nodal officer if an action is required.
Submission of an application does not mean it has been approved. Institute, district, state or ministry verification may be required depending on the scheme.
Important Instructions for Students
- Complete OTR registration before starting the scholarship application.
- Check the individual schemes opening and closing dates instead of relying on a general deadline.
- Review the application carefully before final submission because some details may not be editable afterwards.
- Students with disabilities should follow the applicable UDID consent and verification requirements shown on NSP.
- Keep your OTR credentials, password and verification messages private.
- Never share your Aadhaar OTP, banking PIN or password with an unknown person.
- Complete institute and other required verification within the applicable timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is NSP registration open for 2026-27?
The National Scholarship Portal opened for the 2026-27 academic year on 1 June 2026. The application window and deadline depend on the individual scheme.
2. What is the last date for NSP 2026-27?
There is no single deadline for every scholarship. Certain schemes list 31 October 2026 for student applications. Check your selected scheme on the official portal for its exact closing date.
3. What is the 14-digit OTR number?
OTR is a unique 14-digit student registration number used to access scholarship application services on NSP throughout the students academic career.
4. Is OTR registration free?
Yes. The official NSP OTR registration process does not require a registration fee.
5. Is face authentication required?
The official OTR process requires identity verification, including face authentication through the prescribed applications when instructed. Follow the latest portal directions.
6. Can I apply without an OTR?
OTR is required for scholarship applications on NSP. Complete the registration process before applying for a scheme.
7. Does OTR guarantee scholarship approval?
No. OTR is a registration requirement. Scholarship approval depends on eligibility, accurate documents, verification and the schemes rules.
