Over 17 lakh students in Uttar Pradesh received ₹351 crore in scholarships last year, with the state government now aiming to disburse ₹200 crore for 2025-26. The UP Scholarship Scheme supports economically weaker students across pre-matric and post-matric levels, ensuring access to education. Applications are open until October 30, 2025, via the official portal, with funds disbursed through DBT.
Uttar Pradesh Bolsters Education with ₹200 Crore Scholarship Initiative
The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out an ambitious ₹200 crore scholarship drive for the 2025-26 academic year, targeting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative, part of the UP Scholarship Scheme launched in 2008, aims to empower students across pre-matric (Classes 9-10) and post-matric (Classes 11-12, undergraduate, diploma) levels, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder education.
Last year, the state disbursed ₹351 crore to 17,80,595 students through the scheme, as reported by the Department of Social Welfare. With over 72,000 institutions registered on the UP Scholarship Portal (scholarship.up.gov.in), the program supports students from SC, ST, OBC, General, and Minority categories. For 2025-26, applications opened on July 2, 2025, and will close on October 30, 2025. Students can apply online, with a correction window available post-submission to address errors.
Eligibility criteria include an annual family income cap of ₹2,00,000 for SC/ST students and ₹2,50,000 for General/OBC/Minority categories. Applicants must have passed their previous year’s exams with at least 50% marks. The scheme covers courses from Classes 9 to postgraduate levels, including professional programs like engineering, medical, and diploma courses. Funds are transferred directly to students’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and efficiency.
The application process is streamlined through the official portal. Students must register under the “Student” section, selecting either “Fresh Login” for new applicants or “Renewal Login” for previous beneficiaries. Required documents include an Aadhaar-linked bank account, mobile number, email ID, and academic certificates. The portal also allows students to check application status and bank seeding details via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
The state government has emphasized vigilance to prevent fraud, releasing a list of blacklisted institutes ineligible for scholarships. This ensures funds reach genuine students pursuing recognized courses. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader goal of enhancing educational access and reducing dropout rates among marginalized communities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from the official UP Scholarship Portal (scholarship.up.gov.in), Buddy4Study, and other publicly available government websites. Data regarding the ₹200 crore allocation is based on projections for the 2025-26 academic year, as specific disbursement figures are yet to be officially released. Readers are advised to verify details on the official portal before applying.