The Indian government has always recognized the importance of empowering students through education and skill-building. To make education more accessible, inclusive, and practical, several central and state governments have launched initiatives that support students financially, academically, and professionally.
If you’re a student or parent, it’s vital to know the top 10 government schemes for students in India 2025. These programs not only reduce the financial strain of educational expenses but also pave the way for greater opportunities and a brighter future.
📘 Why These Schemes Matter in 2025?
With rising education costs and growing competition, these government schemes provide:
- 💸 Financial relief through scholarships and stipends
- 🧠 Access to coaching and technical skill development
- 🧾 Support for higher education and overseas studies
- 🎯 Improved employability and digital skills
Now, let’s explore the top 10 government schemes for students in India 2025 you must know about.
✅ 1. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
Focus: Support for meritorious students from economically weaker sections
Applicable for: Class 9 to Class 12 students
- 💰 Scholarship: ₹12,000 per annum
- 🧾 Eligibility: Family income less than ₹350000/year, min. 55% marks in Class 8
- 📝 Application: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
This is one of the top government schemes for students in India 2025, aimed at reducing dropout rates in secondary schools.
🎓 2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students
Focus: Financial assistance for students in higher education
Applicable for: Class 12 pass-outs in top 20 percentile
- 💰 Scholarship: ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year
- 🧾 Eligibility: Family income below ₹4.5 lakh/year
- 📝 Application: NSP (scholarships.gov.in)
This scheme supports over 80,000 students every year and helps cover tuition fees in UG and PG courses.
🌍 3. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
Focus: Funding for higher studies abroad
Applicable for: SC/ST students pursuing Master’s or PhD overseas
- 💰 Scholarship: Covers tuition, living cost, travel & more
- 🧾 Eligibility: Family income < ₹8 lakh/year
- 🎯 Target: Uplifting underprivileged communities in global education
If you’re looking to study abroad, this is among the most generous government schemes for students in India 2025.
👩💻 4. PM YASASVI Scheme (Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme)
Focus: Scholarships for OBC, EBC, and DNT students
Applicable for: Students of Classes 9 and 11
- 💰 Scholarship: ₹75,000 to ₹1.25 lakh/year
- 🧾 Eligibility: Annual income less than ₹2.5 lakh
- 📝 Conducted by: NTA (National Testing Agency)
PM YASASVI is quickly becoming one of the top 10 student scholarship schemes in India 2025, especially for underrepresented communities.
🧠 5. AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarship Schemes
Focus: Support for girl students and differently-abled students in technical education
Applicable for: Students enrolled in AICTE-approved institutions
- 💰 Scholarship: ₹50,000/year
- 🧾 Eligibility:
- Pragati: For girl students
- Saksham: For students with disabilities
- 📅 Application: AICTE official site or NSP
Both are important government schemes for students in India 2025, focusing on inclusivity in technical education.
📱 6. PM eVIDYA – One Nation, One Digital Platform
Focus: Digital learning access for students from KG to PG
Applicable for: All Indian students
- 📺 Channels: SWAYAM, DIKSHA, PM eVidya, SWAYAM PRABHA
- 💻 Offers: Free video lectures, mock tests, eBooks
- 📈 Impact: Over 10 crore students benefited in 2023–24
As digital education grows, PM eVIDYA will be one of the most impactful schemes for students in 2025.
🏛️ 7. UGC–Ishan Uday Scholarship for North Eastern Region (NER)
Focus: Financial aid to students from North Eastern states
Applicable for: Undergraduate students
- 💰 Scholarship: ₹5,400–₹7,800/month
- 🧾 Eligibility: Annual income < ₹4.5 lakh
- 📝 Apply via: NSP
This is among the top 10 government schemes for students in India 2025, especially from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, etc.
🏆 8. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
Focus: Identify and nurture academic talent
Applicable for: Class 10 students
- 📝 Two-stage exam conducted by NCERT
- 💰 Scholarship: ₹1,250 to ₹2,000 per month
- 🧠 Covers studies till post-graduation
NTSE is one of India’s most prestigious government merit-based schemes for students, with alumni in IITs, AIIMS, and abroad.
🎓 9. Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships for Minorities
Focus: Support for minority communities (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, etc.)
Applicable for: Classes 1 to Post-Graduation
- 💰 Pre-Matric: Up to ₹6,000/year
- 💰 Post-Matric: Up to ₹10,000/year
- 🧾 Eligibility: Income < ₹2 lakh/year
These scholarships cover tuition, books, and maintenance, making them important government schemes for students in India 2025 from minority backgrounds.
🧩 10. PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Focus: Skill development for youth
Applicable for: 15–29 year olds, students & dropouts
- 🧑🏫 Offers: Free short-term courses in IT, retail, healthcare, etc.
- 🧾 Certification from NSDC
- 📍 Centers in every district across India
For those who want employable skills without formal college, PMKVY is among the top government schemes for students in India 2025.
🧾 Bonus Schemes to Watch in 2025
| Scheme Name | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| Digital India Internship | Monthly stipend for interns |
| STAR Scheme (NSDC) | Skill training with job linkages |
| Vidya Lakshmi Portal | Single-window education loan platform |
| Mukhya Mantri Medhavi Yojana (MP) | Free college for high-scoring students |
📊 Summary Table – Top Government Schemes for Students in India 2025
| Scheme Name | Who Can Apply | Benefit Provided |
|---|---|---|
| NMMSS | Class 9–12, low income | ₹12,000/year |
| Central Sector Scholarship | UG/PG students | ₹10,000–₹20,000/year |
| National Overseas Scholarship | SC/ST students | Tuition + Travel + Stipend |
| PM YASASVI | Class 9/11 OBC/DNT/EBC | ₹75,000–₹1.25 lakh/year |
| AICTE Pragati & Saksham | Girl students/PwD | ₹50,000/year |
| PM eVIDYA | All students | Free online education |
| UGC Ishan Uday (NER) | UG students (NE states) | ₹5,400–₹7,800/month |
| NTSE | Class 10 | ₹1,250–₹2,000/month |
| Scholarships for Minorities (Pre/Post) | Minority community | ₹6,000–₹10,000/year |
| PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana | Youth (15–29 yrs) | Free skill training |
🧠 How to Apply for These Schemes?
Most government schemes are listed on the National Scholarship Portal, which allows students to:
- 📥 Register and fill application forms
- 📎 Upload documents like Aadhaar, income certificate, marksheets
- 🧾 Track application status
- 💸 Receive direct bank transfer (DBT)
For skill programs like PMKVY or internships, visit the official ministry websites, AICTE, or NSDC.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing for higher studies, need financial support, or want to build skills, these top 10 government schemes for students in India 2025 can help shape your future.
Start early. Apply smart. Make the most of the benefits you’re eligible for.
Education should never stop due to lack of funds or opportunities—and with these schemes, you’ll never have to.
RELATED: How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Exam – Complete Strategy & Resources