The Post Graduate Merit Scholarship Scheme for University Rank Holders 2025, initiated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, is designed to reward outstanding undergraduate performers. This scholarship supports top university rank holders from General and Honours courses to pursue full-time postgraduate (PG) studies in recognized institutions across India. It aims to promote academic excellence, nurture talent, and encourage students to continue higher studies in basic disciplines.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Implemented by: University Grants Commission (UGC)
• Scholarship Amount: ₹2,000 per month (₹20,000 per year for 10 months)
• Scholarship Tenure: 2 years (non-extendable)
• Target Group: First and Second Rank Holders at UG level (General Courses) and First Rank Holders (Honours Courses)
• Total Scholarships: 1,800 for General Courses + 575 for Honours Courses annually
• Mode of Application: Online via UGC Portal
Benefits
• ₹2,000 per month for 10 months each year for two years
• Total financial support of ₹40,000 over the duration of the Master’s program
• Recognition of merit by promoting postgraduate education among university toppers
• Focus on strengthening basic subjects like Arts, Science, and Commerce
Note: No additional grant for hostel or medical charges is provided.
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a First or Second Rank Holder in General Courses (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com)
• Must be First Rank Holder in Honours Courses (specific subjects listed below)
• Minimum 60% marks at the undergraduate level
• Should be admitted to a regular full-time Master’s degree program in a recognized university or postgraduate college
• Should be pursuing the first PG degree only
• Maximum age limit: 30 years at the time of PG admission
• Distance education and part-time courses are not eligible
Eligible Courses (Subjects at UG Level)
• B.Sc. (General) – Common for all subjects
• B.A. (General) – Common for all subjects
• B.Com. (General)
• Honours Courses:
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Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology
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Economics, English, Geography, Hindi, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sanskrit, Sociology, Urdu
Note: Only these specific subjects are covered. Other combinations or professional courses are not eligible.
Exclusions
• Students admitted to distance learning programs or part-time PG courses
• Students pursuing a second PG degree
• Students with less than 60% marks at UG level
• Students involved in any misconduct or scoring below required marks in PG program (scholarship may be canceled)
Application Process (Online)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Visit the official UGC website: https://www.ugc.ac.in/
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Click on “e-SARTS Scholarships-Fellowships” on the homepage
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Select the “Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders” scheme
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Click on “Apply Now”
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Fill out the application form with personal, academic, and bank details
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Upload all mandatory documents (certificates and endorsements)
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Submit the application and save the acknowledgment receipt for future reference
Note: Applications must be submitted before the announced deadline.
Documents Required
• Attested copy of University Undergraduate Degree
• Matriculation Certificate (proof of date of birth)
• Verification Certificate from the institution where the student is admitted for PG studies
• Provisional Certificate of rank (issued by the university, not college)
• Recent Passport-size Photograph
• Bank Account Details
Certificate Submission by Institutions
• Institutions must submit:
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Compiled list of selected candidates
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Progress Reports after the first year
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Utilization Certificates annually
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What Are The Objectives Of This Scheme?
A) to promote and nurture talent.
b) to reward meritorious students with outstanding performance at the Undergraduate level for pursuing postgraduate studies.
c) to Promote study in basic subjects both General as well as Honours at the undergraduate level. Professional courses are not covered under the scheme.
d) to build up academic excellence at the postgraduate level across the colleges and universities in the country. - What Will Be The Tenure Of The Scholarship?
The scholarship may be tenable for a period of two years to enable the rank holders of each university at the undergraduate level to pursue their Master’s Degree. - Is This Scheme Only Apply To Those Pursuing Post-Graduate Programs?
Yes, the awardees, under this scheme, can pursue their Postgraduate program in any area of specialization in any institution of higher learning in the country. - What Is The Amount Of Financial Assistance Provided In This Scheme?
Each awardee, under the scheme, will be provided a scholarship of ₹ 2,000/- p.m. for a period of two years (i.e. 10 months in a year). The second-year grant will be released after receiving the Utilization Certificate and statement of expenditure along with the progress report of the first year. - Is This Scholarship Subject To Securing A Minimum Of Marks At The Undergraduate Level?
Yes, the scholarship would be subjected to securing a minimum of 60% marks at the undergraduate level. - Is This Scheme Also Applicable To Students Who Have Taken Admitted To Part-Time Master’s Degree Courses?
No, the scheme is applicable to such students who have taken admitted to a regular, full-time Master’s Degree course in any recognized university or a postgraduate college. - Is The Scholarship Available To The Student For The Second PG Degree?
No, the scholarship is available to the student for the first PG Degree only. - Is There An Age Criterion For This Scheme?
Yes, the age limit for the students is 30 years at the time of admission to the PG course. - Is Distance Mode Of Education Covered Under This Scheme?
No, the distance mode of education is not covered under the scheme.