Are you a student from India’s North Eastern Region dreaming of higher education but worried about the costs? The Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025 could be your ticket to achieving those dreams! Launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC), this special scholarship scheme supports talented students from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. With financial aid of up to ₹7,800 per month, it’s designed to make college accessible for first-year undergraduate students. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—eligibility, application steps, benefits, and more—so you can seize this opportunity.
What is the Ishan Uday Scholarship?
The Ishan Uday Scholarship, introduced in 2014-15, is a flagship initiative by the UGC to promote higher education in the North Eastern Region (NER). It aims to empower 10,000 students annually by providing financial support for their undergraduate studies. Whether you’re pursuing a general degree or a professional course like engineering or medicine, this scholarship helps cover expenses so you can focus on your academics. For 2025, the program continues to be a lifeline for students from economically weaker backgrounds in the NER.
Why does this matter? The NER is rich in talent, but financial barriers often hold students back. Ishan Uday bridges that gap, ensuring that students from remote villages or bustling towns alike can chase their ambitions.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for 2025
Before diving into the application process, let’s check if you qualify for the Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025. Here’s what you need to meet:
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Domicile: You must be a resident of one of the eight NER states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura.
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Academic Status: You should be a first-year undergraduate student (admitted in 2025) in a recognized university, college, or institute.
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Course Type: The scholarship covers general degree courses (e.g., BA, B.Sc), professional courses (e.g., B.Tech, MBBS), and technical courses (e.g., B.Arch).
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Family Income: Your family’s annual income must be below ₹4.5 lakh.
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Academic Performance: You need to have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
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Exclusions: Students pursuing courses through open universities, those already receiving other scholarships, or those enrolled in diploma courses are not eligible.
Pro tip: Double-check your domicile certificate, as it’s a key document for proving your NER residency.
Scholarship Benefits: How Much Can You Get?
The Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025 offers generous financial support, disbursed monthly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to your bank account. Here’s the breakdown:
|
Course Type |
Monthly Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
|
General Degree (e.g., BA, B.Com, B.Sc) |
₹5,400 |
|
Technical/Professional (e.g., B.Tech, MBBS, B.Arch) |
₹7,800 |
With 10,000 scholarships awarded annually, this aid can cover tuition, books, or living expenses, easing the financial burden on your family. Imagine the relief of focusing on your studies without stressing about fees!
How to Apply for Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025
Applying for the Ishan Uday Scholarship is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail. The application process is entirely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:
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Register on NSP: Visit scholarships.gov.in and click “New Registration.” Create an account using your One Time Registration (OTR) ID or Aadhaar number.
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Log In: Use your registered credentials to access the portal.
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Find the Scholarship: Navigate to the “Central Schemes” section and select “Ishan Uday Scholarship for NER.”
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Fill the Application Form: Enter personal details, academic information, and bank account details (linked to Aadhaar for DBT).
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Upload Documents: Scan and upload required documents (see below for the list).
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Submit and Save: Review your application, submit it, and download the confirmation receipt for reference.
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Track Your Application: Use your Application ID and date of birth to check the status on NSP.
Important: Keep your OTR ID and Application ID handy, as you’ll need them for tracking or future renewals.
Documents You’ll Need
To avoid delays, gather these documents before starting your application:
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Aadhaar card (or Aadhaar enrollment slip)
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Domicile certificate of your NER state
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Class 12 marksheet and passing certificate
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Income certificate (family income < ₹4.5 lakh)
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Admission proof (college/university admission letter)
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Bank account details (passbook copy linked to Aadhaar)
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Recent passport-size photograph
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Caste certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
Tip: Ensure all documents are clear, legible scans in PDF format (max size: 200 KB each, as per NSP guidelines).
Key Dates and Deadlines for 2025
While exact dates for 2025 are yet to be announced, based on previous cycles, here’s a likely timeline:
|
Event |
Tentative Date |
|---|---|
|
Application Start Date |
September 2025 |
|
Application Deadline |
November/December 2025 |
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Document Verification |
December 2025–January 2026 |
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Scholarship Disbursement |
February 2026 onward |
Keep an eye on scholarships.gov.in for official announcements. Missing deadlines is a common mistake, so set a calendar reminder!
How to Check Your Application Status
Wondering if your application was approved? Here’s how to track it:
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Visit scholarships.gov.in.
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Click “Login” and select “Fresh Application” or “Renewal” (if applicable).
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Enter your Application ID and date of birth.
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Check the status (e.g., “Under Verification,” “Approved,” or “Rejected”).
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Contact the NSP helpline (0120-6619540) if you face issues.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
Having helped friends apply for scholarships, I’ve seen what works. Here are some practical tips:
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Apply Early: The NSP portal can get slow near deadlines. Submit your application as soon as it opens.
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Double-Check Documents: Errors in Aadhaar or bank details can lead to rejection.
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Contact Your Institute: Your college’s nodal officer verifies your application, so ensure they have your details.
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Stay Updated: Follow UGC or NSP’s official social media for announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can students from open universities apply?
No, the scholarship is only for students in regular undergraduate programs.
Q: What if my family income is slightly above ₹4.5 lakh?
Unfortunately, the income limit is strict. You won’t qualify if your family income exceeds ₹4.5 lakh annually.
Q: Can medical students apply for Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025?
Yes, MBBS and other professional course students are eligible for the ₹7,800/month scholarship.
Q: How do I renew the scholarship for the next year?
Log in to NSP, select “Renewal,” update your academic details, and submit. Renewals require maintaining good academic performance.
Need Help? Contact Details
If you’re stuck, reach out to the National Scholarship Portal:
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Helpline: 0120-6619540
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Email: [email protected]
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Website: scholarships.gov.in
Final Thoughts
The Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025 is more than just financial aid—it’s a chance to pursue your dreams without worrying about money. Whether you’re aiming for a degree in arts, science, or engineering, this scholarship can lighten the load for you and your family. Take the first step today: gather your documents, register on NSP, and apply before the deadline. Got questions? Drop them in the comments below, or contact the NSP helpline. Best of luck, and here’s to a bright future!
Ready to apply? Visit scholarships.gov.in now and start your journey with Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025!