The Ministry of Education has set November 15, 2025, as the final date for students to submit their National Merit Scholarship applications. This applies to both fresh applicants and students seeking renewal for the 2025-26 academic year.
If you passed your Intermediate Public Examination (IPE) in 2025 or received this scholarship before, this is your chance to secure financial support for your college education. The process is straightforward, but you need to act fast.
What Makes This Scholarship Important
The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) supports meritorious students across India. This year, the government has opened applications for 61,135 eligible candidates. The scholarship helps students from various backgrounds continue their higher education without financial stress.
The selection focuses on merit. Students who rank in the top 20% of the IPE 2025 examination get priority consideration. This means your hard work in intermediate has a direct payoff.
Who Can Apply for This Scholarship
The scholarship has two main categories of applicants:
Fresh Applicants: You qualify if you passed the IPE 2025 examination with a top merit rank. The government has allocated seats across different categories:
- General, OBC, SC, and ST combined: 18,696 seats
- General (BIE): 33,932 seats
- SC: 8,446 seats
- Persons with Disabilities (PH): 43 seats
Renewal Applicants: If you received the National Merit Scholarship in previous years, you can renew it for 2025-26. This ensures continuous support throughout your degree program.
You must study in a recognized college or university in India. The scholarship does not apply to students studying abroad or in unrecognized institutions.
Important Dates You Should Not Miss
Mark these dates on your calendar:
November 15, 2025: Last date to submit your application. The portal will not accept applications after this date. No extensions have been announced, so treat this as a hard deadline.
November 30, 2025: Your Institute Nodal Officer (INO) must verify your application by this date. Even if you submit your application on time, missing INO verification means your application gets rejected.
Plan to complete your application at least a few days before the deadline. Technical issues or document problems can cause delays, and you want buffer time to fix any problems.
How to Apply Step by Step
The application process happens entirely online. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Visit the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. This is the only official website for applications. Avoid third-party websites that claim to help with applications.
Step 2: Register yourself on the portal if you are a first-time user. You will need a valid email address and mobile number. Keep these active because the portal sends important updates through these channels.
Step 3: Log in using your credentials. Look for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) option on the dashboard.
Step 4: Fill out the application form carefully. Double-check every detail. A single mistake in your personal information or academic records can lead to rejection.
Step 5: Upload the required documents. Make sure your scans are clear and in the correct format. The portal usually accepts PDF and JPG files, but check the specific requirements listed on the website.
Step 6: Submit your application. Save the acknowledgment receipt. This serves as proof that you submitted your application on time.
Step 7: Contact your Institute Nodal Officer. They need to verify your application before November 30, 2025. Follow up with them to ensure they complete this step.
Documents You Will Need
Keep these documents ready before you start your application:
- IPE 2025 mark sheet and pass certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details (passbook or cancelled cheque)
- Income certificate of your family
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Current year admission proof
- College ID card or bonafide certificate
Make sure all documents are valid and up to date. Expired certificates or unclear scans can cause problems during verification.
What Happens After You Apply
After you submit your application and your INO completes verification, the Ministry of Education reviews all applications. They check eligibility, verify documents, and confirm merit rankings.
Selected candidates receive notifications through the portal and via email or SMS. The scholarship amount gets credited directly to your bank account in installments throughout the academic year.
If your application gets rejected, the portal usually provides a reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, missed deadlines, or eligibility issues. You can address these problems if you apply for renewal next year.
Tips for a Successful Application
Start early. Do not wait until November 14 to begin your application. Technical issues with the website or problems with your documents can delay submission.
Read instructions carefully. The portal provides detailed guidelines for each step. Following these exactly improves your chances of approval.
Keep copies of everything. Save your application form, uploaded documents, and acknowledgment receipt. You might need these for future reference or appeals.
Stay in touch with your INO. They handle verification for multiple students. Polite follow-ups ensure your application does not get stuck in the queue.
Check your application status regularly on the portal. This helps you catch any issues early and take corrective action.
Additional Resources
For complete candidate lists and detailed information about merit rankings, visit the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education website at tgbiie.cgg.gov.in.
If you face technical problems with the National Scholarship Portal, look for the helpdesk contact information on their website. They provide support through phone and email.
Your college administration office can also help with questions about the application process or INO verification.
The National Merit Scholarship offers genuine financial support for deserving students. With the deadline approaching fast, now is the time to gather your documents and complete your application. The process takes some effort, but the financial assistance you receive makes it worthwhile.
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