The Government of India, through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, has released the official notification for scholarships for students with disabilities for the academic year 2026-27. These scholarships are being offered through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
Students with benchmark disabilities (40% or more disability) from Assam can apply under three categories: Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Top Class Education scholarships. The application process began on 1st June 2026.
Assam Disability Scholarship 2026-27 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Divyangjan Scholarship – Pre-Matric, Post-Matric & Top Class |
| Authority | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Govt. of India |
| Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
| Academic Session | 2026-27 |
| Application Mode | Online through National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Portal | scholarships.gov.in |
| Application Start Date | 1st June 2026 |
| Last Date – Pre-Matric | 31st August 2026 |
| Last Date – Post-Matric & Top Class | 31st October 2026 |
| Minimum Disability | 40% (Benchmark Disability) |
| Helpline Number | 0120-6619540 |
| Helpline Email | helpdesk@nsp.gov.in |
Types of Scholarships Available
The scheme covers three types of scholarships for students with benchmark disabilities:
| Scholarship Type | Eligible Classes/Courses | Slots Available |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric Scholarship | Class IX & X | 25,000 (including renewal) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship | Class XI, XII, Diploma, Certificate, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree | 17,000 (including renewal) |
| Top Class Scholarship | Graduate & Postgraduate Degree/Diploma in notified institutes of excellence | 300 (including renewal) |
Besides these, there are also National Overseas Scholarships for Master's and PhD abroad, National Fellowships for M.Phil/PhD in Indian universities, and Free Coaching schemes for competitive examinations.
Eligibility Criteria for Divyangjan Scholarship 2026
1. Citizenship
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for these scholarships.
2. Disability Requirement
Applicants must have a minimum of 40% disability and possess a valid disability certificate issued by the competent medical authority. A UDID Card showing 40% or more disability is also acceptable.
3. Family Income Limit
| Scholarship Type | Annual Family Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Pre-Matric & Post-Matric | ₹2.5 Lakhs per annum |
| Top Class Education | ₹8 Lakhs per annum |
Income certificate must be obtained from the Circle Officer of the respective Revenue Circle.
4. Family Restriction
Not more than two disabled children of the same parents are entitled to receive benefits under this scheme. However, if the second child is a twin, both are eligible.
5. Other Scholarships
A scholarship holder under this scheme cannot hold any other scholarship or stipend simultaneously. If awarded another scholarship, the student must choose the more beneficial one and inform the awarding authority.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Disability Certificate – Issued by competent medical authority (40% or more disability)
- Income Certificate – Issued by Circle Officer of the respective Revenue Circle
- Bank Account Passbook – Active account linked with Aadhaar for DBT
- Aadhaar Card – Mandatory for all applicants (for minors, parent/guardian Aadhaar is required)
- Bonafide Student Certificate – Issued by the Head of the Institution
- Previous Academic Marksheets – As applicable
How to Apply for Assam Disability Scholarship 2026?
The application process is entirely online through the National Scholarship Portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new applicant. Renewal applicants can log in with existing credentials.
- Complete authentication through the NSPOTR Mobile Application available on the portal.
- Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and bank details.
- Upload the required documents (disability certificate, income certificate, bank passbook, etc.).
- Review all details carefully, then click "Submit".
- Download and save the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 1st June 2026 |
| Last Date – Pre-Matric | 31st August 2026 |
| Last Date – Post-Matric & Top Class | 31st October 2026 |
Assam CM's Special Initiative for Specially-Abled PhD Scholars
On 26th February 2026, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a special one-time assistance of ₹40,000 for specially-abled PhD scholars. Under the 'Jeevan Prerana Achoni' initiative, 13 specially-abled researchers will receive this financial assistance to support their higher studies and promote inclusive education.
The Chief Minister also announced that research scholars from state and central universities in Assam will receive financial assistance – ₹25,000 for scholars who enrolled after 1st April 2021.
Other Scholarships for PWD Students in Assam
Apart from the central government's Divyangjan Scholarship, there are other scholarship opportunities for PWD students in Assam:
1. Secondary Education Scholarship for Physically Disabled Students
The Government of Assam's Secondary Education Directorate provides scholarships to meritorious physically disabled students studying in Government/Provincialised H.S.S./H.S. schools. Students in Class IX-X receive ₹400 per annum, and students in Class XI-XII receive ₹500 per annum.
2. Extra Allowances for Disabled Students
Under various NSP scholarships, 10% extra allowances are provided for disabled students.
3. University-Level Scholarships
Several universities in Assam, including Tezpur University, offer scholarships to students with disabilities (PWD) under various schemes.
Important Points to Remember
- All scholarship funds are distributed directly to the student's account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Ensure your bank account is Aadhaar-seeded and active.
- Aadhaar is mandatory for all applicants. For minor applicants who do not possess Aadhaar, the Aadhaar number of parents or legal guardians is required.
- Applications must be submitted online only. No offline applications will be accepted.
- Renewal applicants must also apply through the NSP portal with updated documents.
- Incomplete applications or those with incorrect details will be rejected.
Important Links
| Sl No. | Link Description | Action / Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Scholarship Portal (Apply Online) | scholarships.gov.in |
| 2 | DEPwD Official Website | depwd.gov.in |
| 3 | NSP Helpline | 0120-6619540 |
| 4 | NSP Helpline Email | helpdesk@nsp.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum disability percentage required for Assam Disability Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must have a minimum of 40% disability (benchmark disability) with a valid disability certificate or UDID Card.
What is the last date to apply for Divyangjan Scholarship 2026?
The last date for Pre-Matric scholarship is 31st August 2026. For Post-Matric and Top Class scholarships, the last date is 31st October 2026.
What is the income limit for Divyangjan Scholarship 2026?
For Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships, the annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 Lakhs. For Top Class scholarship, the limit is ₹8 Lakhs per annum.
How to apply for Assam Disability Scholarship 2026?
Visit the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in, complete One Time Registration (OTR), fill the application form, upload required documents, and submit. Applications started from 1st June 2026.
Can a student hold another scholarship along with Divyangjan Scholarship?
No. A scholarship holder under this scheme cannot hold any other scholarship or stipend simultaneously. If awarded another, the student must choose the more beneficial one.
What is the special initiative announced by Assam CM for specially-abled PhD scholars?
On 26th February 2026, Assam CM announced a one-time assistance of ₹40,000 for specially-abled PhD scholars under the 'Jeevan Prerana Achoni' initiative. 13 specially-abled researchers will benefit from this.
