NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, offers a variety of scholarship programmes designed to make higher education accessible to a wide range of students. These scholarships support merit, need, and specific categories such as domicile, reserved categories, girl students, and differently-abled learners. NSOU’s affordable fee structure is further supplemented by fee waivers and financial assistance tailored to both academic achievers and economically weaker sections.
- NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Scholarships Overview
- NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Eligibility
- NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Required Documents
- NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Application Process
- NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Scholarship Details
- NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Additional Notes
NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Scholarships Overview
The NSOU scholarship system aims to encourage academic excellence, support financially disadvantaged students, and promote inclusive education. Students can benefit from direct fee waivers or receive stipends, depending on the scholarship type. Typical waivers and benefits include:
Merit-based waivers (for high performers in previous board/entrance/university examinations)
Need or EWS-based support (linked to family income thresholds)
Category-based options for domiciled students, single girl children, sports achievers, students from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC), persons with disabilities, and wards of defense personnel or alumni
NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for NSOU scholarships generally balance academic merit and financial need. Most merit scholarships require students to secure a minimum of 75% marks in qualifying examinations or rank among university toppers. EWS and need-based awards typically have a family income limit, often requiring documentation such as income certificates. Category scholarships are available to SC/ST/OBC students, minority students, persons with disabilities, and female students (notably through the Kanyashree and Pragati schemes). For sports and other special categories, participation at the state or national level is usually required.
NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Required Documents
Applicants must provide proof of both eligibility and identity. The typical documents required include:
Academic mark sheets and certificates
Income certificate (for need/EWS scholarships)
Caste/Community/Disability certificate (if applicable)
Domicile certificate (for state or domicile-based awards)
Recent passport-size photographs
NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Application Process
Scholarship applications are typically submitted during the admission process or within a designated application window each academic cycle. Students are advised to apply online through the university portal or relevant government scholarship portals (such as the National Scholarship Portal for eligible schemes), ensuring all supporting documents are in order. It is crucial to adhere to published deadlines and submit accurate, complete documentation to avoid application rejection.
NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Scholarship Details
The following table summarizes key, verifiable scholarship options for students at NSOU Kolkata. Award amounts, eligibility, and scheme specifics may vary year to year. Final grants are subject to verification, funding, and seat availability.
Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit | Notes (if any) |
NSOU Merit Scholarship | 75% or above in qualifying examination; enrolled in UG/PG at NSOU | Fee waiver or financial assistance | Based on academic performance; limited quota |
SC/ST/OBC Scholarships | Valid caste certificate; enrolled in NSOU programmes | Tuition fee waiver/financial support as per government norms | For reserved category students |
Kanyashree Scholarship | Female students; fulfilling state scheme criteria | Annual grant as per West Bengal government | State government-run scheme |
Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Domiciled in West Bengal; academically meritorious and financially needy | Monthly stipend or tuition fee waiver | Offered through state government |
Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities | Belonging to recognized minority community; income ceiling as per scheme | Tuition support and maintenance allowance | Central government scheme; eligibility subject to NSP listing |
Saksham Scholarship (for PwD) | Disability >40%; studying a relevant course | Up to INR 50,000 per annum | Available under AICTE/UGC/central schemes |
Bayer Fellowship Program - Medha | EWS/Low income group M.Sc./Ph.D students (Biotech/Life Science/Pharma) | Research/travel grants, stipend | Discipline-specific, limited to select departments |
PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child | Single girl child; enrolled in select PG courses | Stipend for the duration of the PG program | UGC scheme subject to annual revisions |
NSOU Fellowship Support | M.Sc. or Ph.D. students in select disciplines | INR 20,000/month (Master’s); INR 40,000/month (Ph.D.); up to 2 years | Limited seats per year |
NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University Additional Notes
Scholarships at NSOU often require recipients to maintain a minimum CGPA or academic performance threshold and meet attendance and conduct standards for renewal. Many schemes cannot be combined—students are typically permitted to draw only one major scholarship at a time. Quotas and annual award caps may apply, especially for high-value fellowships or discipline-specific grants. Students are advised to consult the latest university notifications for updates on availability, changes to eligibility, and important renewal criteria.