The Indian government has introduced a new ₹3,000 monthly scholarship scheme starting from July 2025, specifically for high-performing students of Class 10 and 12. This initiative is aimed at recognizing academic excellence and providing financial assistance to support further studies, especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
The monthly scholarship for toppers will be available for those who scored in the top percentile in their respective state or national board exams. With rising education costs and competitive pressure, this announcement comes as a timely boost for thousands of hardworking students across the country.
This new education news update is part of a broader strategy to promote merit-based support alongside existing need-based schemes.
Eligibility Criteria and Who Can Apply
To ensure fairness and merit-based selection, the eligibility conditions for the monthly scholarship for toppers are clearly outlined:
Eligibility Details:
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Students must have passed Class 10 or Class 12 board exams in 2025
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Should be in the top 5 percentile of their respective board (CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards)
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Annual family income must not exceed ₹3 lakh
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Must be enrolled in a recognized higher secondary school or college
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One-time verification through school or board registration number
The application process will be conducted entirely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), beginning July 10, 2025.
Event |
Date |
|---|---|
Application Start Date |
July 10, 2025 |
Last Date to Apply |
August 10, 2025 |
Verification Deadline |
August 20, 2025 |
First Payment Release |
September 5, 2025 |
This scholarship scheme is open to students from all streams—science, commerce, arts—provided they meet the academic criteria.
Scholarship Amount and Duration
The ₹3,000 monthly scholarship will be credited directly into the student’s bank account every month for a maximum of two years—covering Class 11 and 12 for Class 10 toppers, or undergraduate studies for Class 12 toppers.
Details include:
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Amount: ₹3,000 per month (₹36,000 per year)
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Mode of Transfer: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
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Tenure: 2 academic years, subject to continued enrollment and minimum performance
If a student fails to maintain 75% attendance or drops out mid-year, the scholarship will be discontinued.
Objectives and Long-Term Benefits
The main aim of this monthly scholarship for toppers is to encourage meritorious students to pursue higher education without financial pressure. It also helps bridge the education gap for rural and underserved students who often have to discontinue due to lack of support.
Expected outcomes:
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Higher retention of students after Class 10 and Class 12
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Reduction in early dropouts in rural and semi-urban areas
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Motivation for students to excel in board exams
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Stronger foundation for competitive exams and career goals
This education news update also reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to aligning academic achievement with tangible rewards.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the ₹3,000 monthly scholarship?
Top-performing Class 10 and Class 12 students from recognized boards who meet the income and academic cutoff are eligible.
When will the scholarship applications open?
The online application for the monthly scholarship for toppers starts on July 10, 2025, via the National Scholarship Portal.
How will the scholarship be paid?
The amount of ₹3,000 per month will be transferred through DBT directly to the student’s registered bank account.
Can Class 10 students apply for this scholarship?
Yes. Class 10 toppers can apply and receive the scholarship during Class 11 and 12, subject to annual performance review.
Is this scholarship available for all boards?
Yes. All national and state education boards are included, provided the student falls within the top 5 percentile in their board exam results.
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