The NEC Merit Scholarship 2025-26, offered by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, is a transformative opportunity for meritorious students from the North Eastern Region (NER). This scholarship empowers students from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura to pursue higher education in diploma, degree, postgraduate, M.Phil., or Ph.D. programs at recognized institutions in India. With 1,600 fresh scholarships awarded annually, the program aims to remove financial barriers, promote academic excellence, and support research relevant to the NER’s developmental needs. This beautifully designed, user-friendly guide provides all the details you need to apply, including eligibility, benefits, application process, required documents, and key dates, ensuring you can apply seamlessly without referring to other sources.
| Name of Scholarship | NEC scholarship |
| Launched By | North Eastern Council (NEC) |
| Registration Process | Online |
| Application Status | Not Started |
| Benefits | Financial assistance |
| Category | Central Scholarship |
| Application | Apply Here |
Why Choose the NEC Merit Scholarship?
The NEC Merit Scholarship is a beacon of hope for students in the NER, offering financial support to pursue diverse academic paths. Its key objectives include:
- Financial Empowerment: Alleviates economic constraints for meritorious students.
- Academic Excellence: Encourages higher education in professional and research-oriented fields.
- Regional Development: Prioritizes M.Phil./Ph.D. research addressing NER-specific issues.
- Inclusivity: Supports students studying within or outside the NER, as long as the institution is in India.
This scholarship is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Scholarship Benefits
The NEC Merit Scholarship provides financial assistance tailored to the level of study, disbursed annually to students’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The table below outlines the benefits:
| Course Level | Scholarship Amount (Per Annum) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | ₹20,000 | Full course duration |
| Degree (UG) | ₹22,000 | Full course duration |
| Postgraduate (PG) | ₹25,000 | Full course duration |
| M.Phil. | ₹30,000 | 1.5 years (extendable by 6 months) |
| Ph.D. | ₹30,000 | 3 years (extendable by 1 year) |
Note: Extensions for M.Phil./Ph.D. require a recommendation from the institution’s head. Funds cover tuition, living expenses, and academic costs, enabling students to focus on their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NEC Merit Scholarship 2025-26, candidates must meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Permanent resident of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura (Permanent Residential Certificate required). |
| Academic Qualification | – Diploma/Degree: Minimum 60% marks in HSLC/HSSLC or equivalent. – Postgraduate: Minimum 60% marks in undergraduate degree. – M.Phil./Ph.D.: Minimum 60% marks in postgraduate degree; must be registered with a submitted research topic relevant to NER issues. |
| Enrollment | First-year students in full-time diploma, degree, postgraduate, M.Phil., or Ph.D. programs at government-recognized institutions in India. |
| Income Limit | Annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh (income certificate required). |
| Age Limit | Between 17 and 25 years as of August 1, 2025. |
| Exclusions | – Students in distance learning, online programs, internships, or practical training. – Students admitted via management quota. – Students receiving other scholarships for the same course. – Sponsored or full-time employed candidates. |
Note: Selection is purely merit-based, with no reservations for category, gender, or religion. For M.Phil./Ph.D. candidates, research must address NER-specific issues.
Application Process
The application process is fully online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in or the UMANG App. The NSP’s One-Time Registration (OTR) system simplifies applying for multiple scholarships. Follow these steps:
Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit NSP: Go to scholarships.gov.in or open the UMANG App.
- Register: Click “Apply for One Time Registration (OTR)” on the NSP homepage.
- Review Guidelines: Read the instructions and click “Next”.
- Enter Mobile Number: Provide an active mobile number to receive an OTP.
- Verify OTP: Input the OTP and CAPTCHA code, then click “Verify”.
- Aadhaar Verification:
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP.
- If Aadhaar is unavailable, use an alternative ID (e.g., PAN, Voter ID).
- Face Authentication: Download the NSP OTR Mobile App from the Google Play Store for face authentication.
- Receive OTR ID: Save the unique OTR ID and password for future logins.
Step 2: Scholarship Application
- Log In: Use your OTR ID and password to log in to scholarships.gov.in.
- Select Scholarship: Choose “NEC Merit Scholarship for Students of NER” from the available schemes.
- Complete Application Form:
- Personal Details: Name, date of birth, gender, contact information.
- Academic Details: Qualifying exam details (e.g., HSLC/HSSLC/degree marks), current course, and institution.
- Bank Details: Aadhaar-linked bank account number and IFSC code for DBT.
- Income Details: Family income (below ₹8 lakh) with supporting certificate.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies (PDF/JPEG, max 200 KB each): Document Details Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) Issued by Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner (except Sikkim, where a Certificate of Identification is required). Qualifying Exam Mark Sheet HSLC/HSSLC for diploma/degree, degree for postgraduate, postgraduate for M.Phil./Ph.D. Income Certificate Issued by a competent authority (e.g., Tehsildar, SDM). Admission Proof Admission letter or joining proforma from the institution. Aadhaar Card/Alternative ID For identity verification. Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque To verify Aadhaar-linked bank account details. Synopsis (M.Phil./Ph.D.) Signed by project guide or authorized official, relevant to NER issues. Caste Certificate If applicable, for reserved categories. Disability Certificate If applicable, for PwD candidates.
- Review and Submit: Verify all details, click “Save as Draft”, then “Final Submit” after ensuring accuracy.
- Save Application ID: Note the application ID for tracking.
- Institution Verification: Contact your institution’s scholarship nodal officer to ensure verification on the NSP portal.
Important Tips
- Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Ensure documents are clear and in the correct format (PDF/JPEG, max 200 KB).
- Verify bank account details for smooth DBT disbursal.
- Save OTR ID, password, and application ID securely.
- Submit only one application; multiple submissions lead to disqualification.
Key Dates for 2025-26
The tentative schedule for the NEC Merit Scholarship 2025-26 is:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | July 2, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | October 31, 2025 |
| Defective Application Verification | November 15, 2025 |
| Institute Verification Deadline | November 15, 2025 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO Verification Deadline | November 30, 2025 |
| Merit List Announcement | December 2025/January 2026 |
Note: Dates may vary. Check scholarships.gov.in for updates.
Selection Process
The NEC selects 1,600 students annually based on:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit-Based | Based on aggregate marks in the qualifying exam (minimum 60%). In case of a tie, preference is given to candidates with lower family income. |
| State-Wise Allocation | Scholarships are distributed based on the normative allocation for each NER state. Unfilled slots are redistributed among other eligible NER candidates. |
| M.Phil./Ph.D. Selection | Based on the relevance of the research synopsis to NER issues. Basic/theoretical research is not favored. |
| No Reservations | Selection is purely merit-based, with no quotas for category, gender, or religion. |
The merit list is published on the NSP portal, accessible using your application ID.
Renewal Process
Students previously awarded the scholarship can apply for renewal if they:
- Are promoted to the next academic year/semester with no backlogs.
- Maintain good academic performance and conduct.
- Submit a renewal application on the NSP portal by October 31, 2025, including:
- Previous year’s mark sheet/pass certificate.
- For M.Phil./Ph.D., a progress report signed by the guide and countersigned by the Registrar.
- Have not changed their course or institution.
Note: Renewal is for one academic year, and no separate merit list is generated for renewals.
How to Check Application Status
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Visit NSP Portal | Go to scholarships.gov.in and click “Status” under “Public Corner”. |
| Enter Details | Input your application ID, academic year, and other required details. |
| Submit | View status (e.g., under review, approved, or rejected). |
How to Check the Merit List
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Visit NSP Portal | Navigate to “List of Applicants Processed for Scholarship” under “Public Corner”. |
| Select Filters | Choose academic year, application type, ministry, scheme, state, district, and enter your name and mobile number. |
| Submit | Enter CAPTCHA and click “Submit” to view the merit list. |
Contact for Assistance
For queries, contact:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Director IPR, NEC Secretariat, Nongrim Hills, Shillong-793003 |
| Phone | (0364) 2522662 |
| mgnsl@nic.in or helpdesk@nsp.gov.in | |
| NSP Portal | Check scholarships.gov.in for additional contact options. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Permanent NER residents pursuing full-time diploma, degree, PG, M.Phil., or Ph.D. with 60% marks and family income below ₹8 lakh. |
| Can distance learning students apply? | No, only full-time courses are eligible. |
| What is the scholarship amount? | ₹20,000 (diploma), ₹22,000 (degree), ₹25,000 (PG), ₹30,000 (M.Phil./Ph.D.) per annum. |
| Is there a reservation policy? | No, selection is purely merit-based. |
| Can M.Phil./Ph.D. students apply without a finalized topic? | No, a submitted synopsis relevant to NER issues is required. |
| How is the scholarship disbursed? | Via DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. |
Why Apply for the NEC Merit Scholarship?
The NEC Merit Scholarship 2025-26 is a golden opportunity for North Eastern students to pursue their academic dreams without financial burdens. By supporting diverse courses and prioritizing research relevant to the NER, it fosters education and regional development. Apply now to secure your future and contribute to the NER’s growth!
Apply Online: Visit scholarships.gov.in or the UMANG App before October 31, 2025.
Disclaimer: Dates and details are based on the latest available information and may change. Verify all details on the official NSP website.
Headings:
- NEC Scholarship 2024-25: A Golden Opportunity for North Eastern Students
- Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
- Application Process: How to Apply?
- Important Dates: Don’t Miss the Deadlines!
- Scholarship Amount: How Much Will You Get?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Related Post: Ishan Uday Scholarship
Important Link To Apply
| Online Application | Registration | Login |
| Apply for Renewal | Click Here |
| Download Official Advertisement | Click Here |
| Visit NCE Official Website | Click Here |
| Visit NSP Official Website | Click Here |
Merit List 2023-24
| Beneficiary State | Merit List |
| Assam | Click Here || Click Here |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Click Here |
| Manipur | Click Here |
| Meghalaya | Click Here |
| Mizoram | Click Here |
| Nagaland | Click Here |
| Sikkim | Click Here |
| Tripura | Click Here |
