Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship For Single Girl Child
₹36,200/year scholarship · only girl child in family · PG studies across India
The UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship is for girl students who are the only girl child in their family and have joined a full-time, first-year postgraduate (Master's) course at a recognized university or college in India. Winners receive ₹36,200 per year for the full two-year duration of the PG course. Applications are submitted once a year on the National Scholarship Portal after the UGC issues a public notification.
About This Scheme
The UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship is for girl students who are the only girl child in their family and have joined a full-time, first-year postgraduate (Master's) course at a recognized university or college in India. Winners receive ₹36,200 per year for the full two-year duration of the PG course. Applications are submitted once a year on the National Scholarship Portal after the UGC issues a public notification.
Full official description
A scholarship scheme by the University Grants Commission for Girl students who are admitted in the first year of PG courses in any designated university or a postgraduate college, and happen to be the only girl child in the family. The amount of fellowship is ₹ 36,200/- p.a. for the full duration of a PG course. The scheme has been introduced with an aim to compensate direct costs of girl education at all levels, especially for such girls who happen to be the only girl child in their families.
The objectives of the proposed scheme are:
a) To support the postgraduate education of single girl children in postgraduate courses only.
b) To recognize the value of observance of the small family norms.
The candidates are required to apply online on National Scholarship Portal after initiation of the application process and notice to be published on the UGC website. 3,000 fresh scholarships will be awarded every year and will be paid on DBT mode on annual basis.
Benefits
- ₹36,200 per year for two years (full PG course duration)
- 3,000 scholarships awarded every year via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- No additional hostel or medical allowance is provided
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Not directly relevant to most startups, but if you are building an edtech or scholarship-discovery product, this is a high-visibility UGC scheme — 3,000 seats a year at a fixed amount — worth featuring for your users.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian citizen and the only girl child in the family (no brothers; twin daughters can also apply)
- Age limit: not more than 30 years at the time of PG admission
- Must be pursuing a regular, full-time Master's degree at a recognized university or postgraduate college
- Course must be a non-professional stream (professional courses are excluded)
- Admission through distance/correspondence education is not covered
- Deemed universities that do not receive central/state government funds are not eligible
Exclusions
- Not available to students pursuing PG through distance education mode
- Does not cover students at deemed universities that receive no central or state government funding
- Not eligible if the family has one son and one daughter — the girl must be the only child
How to Apply
- Wait for the annual notification published on the UGC website (ugc.ac.in) and the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Register and apply online at scholarships.gov.in after the notification is released.
- Fill in all personal and academic details and upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Submit the completed application before the advertised deadline — incomplete applications are rejected outright.
- Your host institution must log in and verify your application online.
- If selected, scholarship is disbursed annually via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether The Candidate Has To Select “Scholarship” Or “Incentive” In The Type Of Scholarship For Applying Under The Scheme?
The candidate has to opt for an "incentive" to be able to apply under the scheme.
Whether A Girl Child With A Brother In The Family Is Eligible To Be Considered Under The Scheme For Award Of Scholarship?
No, only single girl children are eligible to apply under the scheme. However, twin/ fraternal daughters are eligible to apply under this scheme.
Whether A Candidate Who Was Within 30 Years Of Age During Admission To PG Course But Has Crossed This Limit At The Time Of Application Be Eligible To Be Considered?
Yes. The candidate applying under the scheme can apply if she is below 30 years of age as on the last date of application too.
Can A Single Girl Child Pursuing Post Graduation Through Distance Mode Apply Under The Scheme?
No.
After Selection, Is The Awardee Entitled For Hostel Fee Reimbursement/ HRA Or Medical Expenses?
No. The awardee is only entitled for scholarship amount. No HRA/contingency/hostel fee or medical expenses are admissible.
Are The Awardees Eligible For Waiver Of Tuition Fee Or Its Reimbursement?
No. Tuition fee reimbursement is not permitted. However, it is expected from the institutions where student has taken admission in the first year PG course, no tuition fees will be charged by the institute from girl students to pursue PG degree course in Universities/Colleges/Institutions.
Can Students Of Second Year Post Graduation Apply Under The Scheme?
No. The candidates who are pursuing first year postgraduate courses only can apply under the scheme.
Can The Awardee Avail Of Any Other Scholarship Scheme During The Tenure Of This Award?
Yes. This scheme can be availed with any other scholarship scheme as this is an incentive.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of admission to a recognised Master's degree course
- Joining report (per Annexure-I format from UGC)
- Affidavit confirming single girl child status (per Annexure-II format)
- Copy of bank passbook
- Birth certificate or Class 10 mark sheet