The Divyangjan Scholarship 2026-27, administered by the Department of Persons with Disabilities under India's Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, just opened applications on 1 June 2026. This is a centrally sponsored scheme offering financial aid to students with benchmark disabilities those with 40% or more disability across six distinct categories. The sheer scale is noteworthy: over 43,500 scholarship slots are available this year, split across Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Top Class Education, National Overseas, National Fellowship, and Free Coaching schemes. If you have a valid disability certificate and meet the income criteria, this scholarship can cover tuition, books, and living costs depending on which category fits your education stage.
Quick Summary
- Total slots: 43,520+ across all six categories
- Disability requirement: 40% or more, certified by District Medical Officer or Civil Surgeon
- Income limits: Rs 2.5 lakhs (Pre/Post-Matric), Rs 8 lakhs (Top Class)
- Application deadline: 31 August 2026 (Pre-Matric), 31 October 2026 (other categories)
- Application mode: Online only via NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in)
- No other scholarship allowed simultaneously
Who Should Apply: First-Timers vs Renewals
This scholarship welcomes both new applicants and students renewing their awards from previous years. If you're applying for the first time, you'll need to register on the National Scholarship Portal and complete the full application with all required documents. If you're a renewal candidate meaning you received this scholarship last year and want to continue the process is similar but faster; you won't need to resubmit your disability certificate if it's still valid, though you will need updated income proof and mark sheets.
First-time applicants should note that the scheme is competitive in the sense that slots are limited. While 43,520 slots sounds substantial, they are distributed across the entire country and split into six categories. This means that applying early and ensuring your documents are error-free is important.
Understanding the Six Scholarship Categories
DE PwD Scholarship 2026-27 isn't a single award. It's a suite of six interconnected schemes, each designed for a different educational stage and purpose. Here's what each offers:
Pre-Matric Scholarship: 25,000 Slots
This is for Class IX and X students. The scheme provides financial help to cover school fees and study materials. With 25,000 slots available (including renewals), this is the largest category. If your family income is up to Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum and you have a valid disability certificate, you're eligible. The scholarship amount varies based on your actual fees and financial need.
Post-Matric Scholarship: 17,000 Slots
This covers a much wider range: Class XI, XII, post-matriculation diplomas and certificates, bachelor's degrees or diplomas, and master's degrees or diplomas from any UGC or AICTE recognized institution. With 17,000 slots, this is the second-largest category. The same income ceiling of Rs 2.5 lakhs applies. This scholarship is particularly valuable if you're in college or pursuing a professional diploma, as tuition costs are higher at this level.
Top Class Education: 300 Slots
This is for students pursuing graduate or postgraduate degrees or diplomas at institutes specifically notified by DEPwD as centers of excellence in education. Only 300 slots are allocated here, so competition is tighter. However, the income limit is relaxed to Rs 8 lakhs per annum, recognizing that higher education often comes with greater costs. If you're aiming for a top-tier institution or specialized postgraduate program, this category may apply.
National Overseas Scholarship: 20 Slots
This supports Indian students pursuing master's degrees or PhDs at recognized foreign universities or institutes. Only 20 slots are available each year, plus ongoing cases from previous years. This is the most selective category. If you're planning to study abroad and have secured admission to a recognized institution, this scholarship can help bridge the financial gap.
National Fellowship: 200 Slots
Designed for M.Phil. and PhD research programs at Indian universities, this scheme offers 200 slots plus ongoing cases. If you're pursuing advanced research in India, this is your avenue. The income criteria for this category are not separately specified in the notification, so check the official NSP portal for details.
Free Coaching Scheme: 1,000 Slots
This funds coaching for competitive exams (UPSC, SSC, banking, etc.) and entrance exams for professional and technical courses (JEE, NEET, etc.). With 1,000 slots, this is a significant opportunity for students preparing for government jobs or professional courses. If you're studying for a competitive exam and need financial support for coaching, this scheme can help.
| Scholarship Category | Educational Level | Available Slots | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric | Class IX and X | 25,000 | Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum |
| Post-Matric | Class XI to Master's degree | 17,000 | Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum |
| Top Class Education | Graduate and postgraduate at notified institutes | 300 | Rs 8 lakhs per annum |
| National Overseas | Master's and PhD abroad | 20 | Not specified separately |
| National Fellowship | M.Phil. and PhD in India | 200 | Not specified separately |
| Free Coaching | Competitive exam coaching | 1,000 | Not specified separately |
| Total | 43,520+ |
The distribution across categories shows that Pre-Matric and Post-Matric together account for over 42,000 slots. This reflects the government's priority on supporting school and college-level education for students with disabilities. The smaller allocations to overseas, fellowship, and coaching categories don't mean they're less important; they're simply targeted at smaller, more specialized populations.
Eligibility Checklist: Do You Qualify?
Before you invest time in the application, run through this checklist. You must meet all the criteria below to be eligible:
- Indian citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen.
- Disability certificate: You must have a valid disability certificate issued by a District Medical Officer or Civil Surgeon of a government hospital confirming 40% or more disability.
- Family income: For Pre-Matric and Post-Matric, your family's total annual income from all sources must not exceed Rs 2.5 lakhs. For Top Class Education, the limit is Rs 8 lakhs.
- Enrolled in eligible institution: You must be a student of the specified level (Class IX for Pre-Matric, Class XI onwards for Post-Matric, etc.) in a recognized school or institution.
- No other scholarship simultaneously: You cannot hold any other scholarship or stipend at the same time. If you receive another award, you must choose one and inform the awarding authority.
- Family limit: No more than two disabled children from the same parents can receive benefits under this scheme. The only exception is if the second child is a twin; both twins remain eligible.
One common question: what if you're a twin with a disability? Both of you can apply and receive the scholarship, even if you're the second disabled child in the family. This is an explicit exception built into the scheme.
Another important point: if you belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, you should also apply separately for the Assam SC Scholarship 2026-27 through its dedicated portal. Similarly, if you're in the OBC category, apply for the Assam OBC Scholarship 2026. These are separate schemes that may provide additional or alternative benefits.
Income Verification: The Critical Rule
Income is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected or delayed. The government requires proof of family income from all sources salary, agricultural income, business income, rental income, everything.
You'll need an income certificate signed by the revenue authority (typically the Tehsildar or Tahasildar depending on your state). Importantly, Form 16 (income tax return form) is explicitly not acceptable. You must get a separate income certificate from the revenue office. If you're self-employed or in business, the revenue authority will assess your likely income and issue the certificate accordingly.
For Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships, the income ceiling is Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum. For Top Class Education, it's Rs 8 lakhs. If your family income exceeds these limits, you won't qualify, no matter how strong the rest of your application is.
Important Dates: Timeline for Action
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | 1 June 2026 |
| Last date for Pre-Matric applications | 31 August 2026 |
| Last date for Post-Matric, Top Class, and other categories | 31 October 2026 |
| Institution-level verification deadline | 15 November 2026 |
Mark these dates clearly. Pre-Matric has an earlier deadline (31 August) because school years typically end sooner. All other categories have until 31 October. However, don't wait until the last week. Server traffic spikes near deadlines, and you risk technical glitches. Apply by mid-August for Pre-Matric and by mid-October for others if possible.
The institution verification deadline of 15 November is important: your school or college must verify your details and documents by this date. This means your institution needs to process your application internally, so submit to them well before 15 November if you're in a category requiring document verification at the institution level.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Process
All applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in. Here's the process:
- Register on NSP: If you're a first-time user, create a One-Time Registration account on the NSP portal. You'll need your Aadhaar number or enrollment number.
- Log in and fill the application form: After registration, log in and access the online application form for the DEPwD Divyangjan Scholarship 2026-27.
- Enter all required details: Fill in your personal information, educational details, disability information, family income, and bank account details (for scholarship disbursement).
- Upload or submit documents: Depending on the scholarship amount you're eligible for (see below), either upload documents on the portal or submit them to your institution.
- Submit and print: Review your application carefully, then submit it. Print a copy for your records and keep it safe.
The application form will ask for your disability certificate number, the percentage of disability, the issuing authority, and the issue date. Have this information ready. You'll also need your bank account details for scholarship transfers, so have your passbook or a cancelled cheque handy.
Important Web-Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Download PDF |
| Scholarship Guidelines | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit |
| VacancyWallah Website | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Follow on Facebook | Click Here |
| Free Photo & Signature Resizer | Click Here |
Documents to Keep Ready
The documents you need depend on the scholarship amount. The NSP portal divides applicants into two groups based on anticipated scholarship disbursement:
If Receiving Less Than Rs 50,000:
You do not upload documents on the portal. Instead, submit them physically to your school or institution. Keep these ready:
- Aadhaar ID or student enrollment receipt
- Disability certificate (issued by District Medical Officer or Civil Surgeon)
- Parental income certificate signed by the revenue authority (not Form 16)
- Previous year's mark sheet or progress report
- Tuition fee receipt from your current institution
If Receiving Rs 50,000 or More:
You must upload scanned copies directly on the NSP portal. Prepare these documents in soft copy:
- Student photograph (recent, color, passport-sized)
- Parental income certificate signed by revenue authority
- Aadhaar card or student enrollment number
- Disability certificate
- Previous year's mark sheet
- Tuition fee receipt of the current course year
- Bank passbook (first page showing account holder name and number) or cancelled cheque leaf
- For Top Class scholarship recipients only: receipt of purchase of computer and aids/assistive devices (if applicable)
Ensure all scans are clear and readable. Blurry or incomplete documents will cause delays. Income certificates are especially important; if the revenue authority's signature or stamp is unclear, the application may be rejected. Get a fresh certificate if needed.
A Reality Check: Who Should Not Apply
Before you start the application, know that this scholarship isn't for everyone. You should not apply if:
- Your disability is less than 40%. The certificate must explicitly state 40% or more.
- Your family income exceeds the limit (Rs 2.5 lakhs for Pre/Post-Matric, Rs 8 lakhs for Top Class).
- You already hold another scholarship or stipend and cannot give it up.
- You're not an Indian citizen.
- You're a third or later disabled child in your family (unless you're a twin).
- You don't have a valid disability certificate from a government medical authority.
If any of these apply to you, the application will likely be rejected. Save yourself the effort and focus on other opportunities instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What counts as 40% disability? Do I need a specific type of disability certificate?
A. Any disability physical, sensory, mental, or intellectual counts as long as a competent medical authority (District Medical Officer or Civil Surgeon of a government hospital) has certified it as 40% or more. Private doctors' certificates are not accepted. Your certificate must be recent and valid; check with your institution about any age limits.
Q. My family income is Rs 2.6 lakhs. Can I still apply for Post-Matric?
A. No. The income ceiling for Pre-Matric and Post-Matric is exactly Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum. If your income is even slightly above this, you won't qualify. Income is calculated from all sources—salary, business, agriculture, rent, pension, everything combined.
Q. I'm an SC category student with a disability. Should I apply for both the DEPwD scholarship and the Assam SC Scholarship?
A. Yes, you can apply for both. They are separate schemes. However, you cannot receive both simultaneously. Once you're awarded a scholarship, you must choose the more beneficial one and inform the awarding authority. Applying for both gives you options.
Q. What if I can't submit my documents by 15 November for institution verification?
A. Try to submit as soon as possible after applying on NSP. The 15 November deadline is firm because the institution needs time to verify all applications before the final merit list is prepared. Late submissions may not be processed.
Q. I'm a renewal applicant. Do I need to resubmit my disability certificate?
A. If your existing certificate is still valid (check the validity period), you may not need to resubmit it. However, you will need updated income proof and current mark sheets or progress reports. Check the NSP portal and your institution's guidelines for renewal-specific requirements.
Q. Can I apply for both Pre-Matric and Free Coaching at the same time?
A. No. You can apply for only one category of this scholarship. Choose the one that best fits your current educational need. If you're in Class IX and also preparing for a competitive exam, pick the one that will benefit you most financially.
Q. What if I don't have a bank account yet?
A. Open a bank account before submitting your application. Scholarship disbursements are made only through bank transfer. A savings account in any nationalized or scheduled bank will work.
Support and Resources
If you get stuck during the application, help is available. The NSP helpline can be reached at 0120-6619540 or helpdesk@nsp.gov.in. The official NSP website is scholarships.gov.in. For Assam-specific queries, contact the Directorate of Social Justice and Empowerment at directorwsc.assam.gov.in.
Keep in mind that helpline staff handle thousands of queries daily. For faster resolution, check the NSP website's FAQ section first; your question may already be answered there.
Next Steps: What You Should Do Right Now
The application window opened on 1 June 2026. If you haven't started yet, begin immediately. First, gather your disability certificate, income certificate, and mark sheets. Next, log into scholarships.gov.in, complete your One-Time Registration, and fill out the application form for your category. Double-check all details and upload or submit documents to your institution depending on the scholarship amount. Don't wait until August or October; apply by mid-July at the latest to avoid last-minute issues. Once submitted, keep your application reference number and follow up with your institution to ensure documents are verified by 15 November. Your eligibility and timely submission today determine whether you get financial support for your education this year.
