Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025: Empowering North Eastern Students for Higher Education

The Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025, a transformative initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC), is designed to uplift students from the North Eastern Region (NER) of India. This prestigious scholarship aims to foster higher education and provide equitable opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura. By offering financial support to pursue general degree courses, technical programs, professional courses, and medical and paramedical studies, the scheme empowers the youth of the NER to achieve academic excellence and contribute to the region’s growth. With 10,000 fresh scholarships awarded annually, the Ishan Uday Scholarship is a beacon of hope for aspiring students, ensuring access to quality education and professional development.

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,400 for students enrolled in general degree courses and Rs. 7,800 for those pursuing technical, medical, or paramedical programs. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic session are open from 25th June 2025 to 31st October 2025, exclusively through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). This comprehensive guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, application process, selection process, and key details to help you secure this opportunity. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this article will provide all the information you need to navigate the Ishan Uday Scholarship with confidence.

Objectives of the Ishan Uday Scholarship

The Ishan Uday Scholarship is driven by a clear vision to transform the educational landscape of the North Eastern Region. Its primary objectives include:

• Promoting equal opportunities: Ensuring students from the NER have access to higher education, regardless of financial constraints.
• Increasing Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER): Boosting the number of students pursuing higher education in the region.
• Fostering professional education: Encouraging enrollment in technical, medical, and paramedical courses to develop a skilled workforce.
• Optimizing budgetary allocation: Efficiently utilizing funds allocated for the NER to maximize educational impact.

By providing 10,000 scholarships each year since its inception in 2014-15, the scheme has been instrumental in empowering students to pursue their academic dreams and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ishan Uday Scholarship

Who is eligible to apply for the Ishan Uday Scholarship?
Only students with a valid domicile certificate from the North Eastern states (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura) are eligible. Applicants must be in their first year of an undergraduate (UG) degree program at an eligible institution and have a family income not exceeding Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum.

What types of courses are covered under the scholarship?
The scholarship supports general degree courses, technical courses, professional courses, and medical and paramedical programs, including integrated and dual-degree programs (only the UG component).

What is the last date to apply for the Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025?
The deadline for submitting online applications is 31st October 2025. Ensure all documents are uploaded, and the application is verified by the institute by 15th November 2025.

Can students pursuing courses through open or distance learning apply?
No, only students enrolled in regular or full-time UG programs are eligible. Courses pursued through open, distance, correspondence, private, or part-time modes are not covered.

Is there a reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)?
Yes, reservations for PwD candidates are provided as per Government of India norms, ensuring inclusivity in the selection process.

What is the One-Time Registration (OTR) process?
The OTR is a unique 14-digit number issued based on the applicant’s Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID). It simplifies the application process by eliminating the need for annual re-registration on the National Scholarship Portal.

Can the scholarship be transferred if a student changes their institution or course?
No, the scholarship is non-transferable if a student changes their institution or course during the tenure.

How can I contact the helpline for assistance?
For support, contact the NSP helpline at 0120-6619540 (available from 8 AM to 8 PM, excluding holidays) or email helpdesk@nsp.gov.in.

Eligibility Criteria for Ishan Uday Scholarship

To qualify for the Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Domicile Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid domicile certificate from one of the NER states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura).
• Educational Qualification: Only students admitted to the first year of an undergraduate degree program in the academic year 2025-2026 are eligible. Students who have already completed a degree are not eligible.
• Type of Institution: The scholarship is available for students enrolled in:
• Universities, colleges, or institutes listed under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, with valid NAAC accreditation.
• Deemed Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, with valid NAAC accreditation.
• Institutes of National Importance.
• Institutions recognized by other statutory councils within or outside India.
• Course Type: Eligible programs include general degree courses, technical courses, professional courses, and medical and paramedical courses. For integrated or dual-degree programs, only the UG component is covered.
• Mode of Study: Only students pursuing regular or full-time UG programs are eligible. Programs through open, distance, correspondence, private, or part-time modes are excluded.
• Family Income: The annual income of the applicant’s parents must not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh.
• Exclusions: The following are not eligible:
• Students enrolled in open universities.
• Students receiving scholarships for UG programs under other schemes.
• Students admitted through management quota.
• Students pursuing diploma courses that do not lead to a degree.
• Students with a family income exceeding Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum.

Meeting these criteria ensures that the scholarship reaches deserving students who are committed to pursuing higher education in the NER.

Scholarship Amount and Benefits

The Ishan Uday Scholarship provides substantial financial support to help students cover their educational expenses. The scholarship amounts are as follows:

• General Degree Courses: Rs. 5,400 per month.
• Technical, Medical, or Paramedical Courses: Rs. 7,800 per month.

These funds are disbursed directly to the students’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and timely support. The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the UG program, subject to the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress and adhering to the scheme’s guidelines.

How to Apply for the Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025

Applying for the Ishan Uday Scholarship is a straightforward process, conducted entirely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at https://scholarships.gov.in. Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal: Go to https://scholarships.gov.in and navigate to the Ishan Uday Scholarship section.
2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): Click on the One-Time Registration link and provide your Aadhaar number or Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID). This generates a unique 14-digit OTR number, which simplifies future applications across your academic career.
3. Log In to the Portal: Use your OTR credentials to log in and access the Online Application Form.
4. Fill in the Application Form: Enter all required details, including personal information, academic records, and bank account details.
5. Upload Necessary Documents: Submit scanned copies of the following documents:

• Domicile certificate of an NER state.
• Income certificate proving family income does not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum.
• Aadhaar card or Aadhaar Enrollment ID.
• Class 12 marksheet or equivalent certificate.
• Admission proof for the first year of the UG program.
• Bank passbook or canceled cheque for account details.

1. Review and Submit: Double-check all entries and uploaded documents. Click Submit to complete the application process.
2. Download and Print: Save a copy of the submitted application form for your records.

Ensure your application is submitted by 31st October 2025. After submission, the application undergoes defective verification and institute-level verification, both of which must be completed by 15th November 2025.

Important Dates for Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025

Mark these key dates to stay on track with your application:

• Application Start Date: 25th June 2025
• Application Deadline: 31st October 2025
• Defective Verification Deadline: 15th November 2025
• Institute-Level Verification Deadline: 15th November 2025

Missing these deadlines may result in the rejection of your application, so plan accordingly.

Selection Process for Ishan Uday Scholarship

The Ishan Uday Scholarship selection process is transparent and merit-based, with the following key aspects:

• Number of Scholarships: 10,000 fresh scholarships are awarded annually.
• Distribution of Slots: Scholarships are allocated among NER states based on the population census data. This ensures equitable distribution across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura.
• Handling Vacant Slots: If slots remain unfilled in a particular state due to a lack of eligible candidates, they are redistributed equitably among other NER states.
• Reservation for PwD: Reservations for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are implemented as per Government of India norms, ensuring inclusivity.
• Merit-Based Selection: Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, family income, and compliance with eligibility criteria.

The selection process is managed through the National Scholarship Portal, with final decisions communicated to applicants via the portal or email.

Documents Required for Ishan Uday Scholarship

To complete your application, ensure you have the following documents ready for upload:

• Domicile Certificate: Proof of residency in an NER state.
• Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority, confirming family income does not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum.
• Aadhaar Card or Aadhaar Enrollment ID: For OTR registration.
• Class 12 Marksheet: Proof of passing the 12th standard from a recognized board.
• Admission Proof: Document verifying admission to the first year of a UG program.
• Bank Passbook or Canceled Cheque: For direct scholarship disbursement.
• Recent Passport-Size Photograph: For identification purposes.

Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in the prescribed format (PDF or JPEG, as specified on the portal).

Benefits of One-Time Registration (OTR)

The One-Time Registration (OTR) system is a game-changer for students applying for scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal. By generating a unique 14-digit OTR number linked to your Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrollment ID, the system eliminates the need for repeated registrations in subsequent academic years. This streamlines the application process, saves time, and ensures a seamless experience for students applying for the Ishan Uday Scholarship or other schemes on the portal.

Key Exclusions of the Ishan Uday Scholarship

While the scholarship is inclusive, certain categories of students are not eligible:

• Students enrolled in open universities or pursuing courses through distance, correspondence, private, or part-time modes.
• Students already receiving scholarships for UG programs under other schemes.
• Students admitted through management quota.
• Students pursuing diploma courses that do not lead to a degree.
• Students with a family income exceeding Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum.

Understanding these exclusions helps applicants determine their eligibility before applying.

Tips for a Successful Application

To maximize your chances of securing the Ishan Uday Scholarship, consider these tips:

• Start Early: Begin preparing your documents and application well before the 31st October 2025 deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
• Verify Documents: Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, valid, and meet the portal’s specifications.
• Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria, including domicile, income, and course requirements.
• Contact the Helpline: If you face issues during the application process, reach out to the NSP helpline at 0120-6619540 or email helpdesk@nsp.gov.in.
• Monitor Application Status: Regularly check the National Scholarship Portal for updates on your application, including verification status.

Why the Ishan Uday Scholarship Matters

The Ishan Uday Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a catalyst for change in the North Eastern Region. By supporting 10,000 students annually, the scheme addresses critical challenges such as low enrollment rates and financial barriers to education. It empowers students to pursue diverse fields, from general degrees to technical and medical programs, fostering a skilled and educated workforce that can drive the region’s development.

For students from economically weaker sections, the scholarship provides a lifeline, enabling them to access quality education without the burden of financial stress. The focus on professional education aligns with the region’s need for skilled professionals in fields like medicine, engineering, and technology. Moreover, the scheme’s emphasis on equity and inclusivity ensures that marginalized groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PwD), have a fair chance to succeed.

Contact Information for Support

If you encounter any issues during the application process or have questions about the Ishan Uday Scholarship, the National Scholarship Portal offers dedicated support:

• Phone: 0120-6619540 (available from 8 AM to 8 PM, excluding holidays).
• Email: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in.
• Official Website: https://scholarships.gov.in.

The helpline is equipped to assist with technical issues, document verification, and general queries, ensuring a smooth application experience

.Important Web Links

Conclusion

The Ishan Uday Scholarship 2025 is a golden opportunity for students from the North Eastern Region to pursue their academic dreams without financial constraints. With 10,000 scholarships available each year, the scheme supports a wide range of programs, from general degrees to technical and medical courses. By meeting the eligibility criteria, completing the online application by 31st October 2025, and submitting the required documents, you can take a significant step toward a brighter future.

Don’t miss this chance to unlock your potential and contribute to the growth of the NER. Visit https://scholarships.gov.in today, complete your One-Time Registration, and apply for the Ishan Uday Scholarship. For additional support, contact the NSP helpline or refer to the official guidelines. Seize this opportunity to transform your educational journey and make a lasting impact.