Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme: Financial Aid for North East Regions

The Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme is a landmark initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education aimed at enhancing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the North Eastern Region of India. Recognizing the unique geographical and economic challenges faced by students in these states, the scheme provides financial support to pursue higher education, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.

What is this scheme?

Ishan Uday is a special scholarship scheme for students belonging to the North Eastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. It is designed to promote higher education among students from economically weaker backgrounds, providing 10,000 fresh scholarships every year for general degree courses, technical courses, and professional courses including medical and paramedical studies.

Who is eligible?

• Must be a permanent resident (domicile) of any of the eight North Eastern states.
• Must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
• The applicant must have secured admission in the first year of any degree course (General/Professional) in a recognized university, college, or institute.
• The annual family income of the applicant from all sources must not exceed INR 4.5 Lakh.
• Transgender students are eligible to apply under the scheme.
• Students pursuing courses through Open Universities or distance learning are not eligible.

How much money?

The scholarship amount is disbursed directly into the beneficiary's bank account via DBT. General degree students receive approximately INR 5,400 per month, while students in technical or professional courses (including Medical/Paramedical) receive approximately INR 7,800 per month for the duration of the course.

Documents needed

1. Domicile Certificate issued by a competent authority
2. Annual Income Certificate for the family
3. Mark sheets of Class 12 or equivalent qualification
4. Aadhar Card for identity and bank linking
5. Admission proof or fee receipt from the recognized institution
6. Disability certificate (if applicable)
7. Bank Passbook copy for account verification

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
2. Register as a new user to generate 'Student Application ID' and password.
3. Log in using the credentials and select the 'UGC Schemes' section.
4. Select the 'Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme' from the list.
5. Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and bank details.
6. Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
7. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
8. Monitor the application status on the NSP portal for Institute and State level verification.

Important dates

Conclusion

The Ishan Uday Scholarship serves as a vital bridge for students in North Eastern India, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations. By offering substantial monthly stipends, the UGC empowers thousands of students to pursue professional excellence and contribute to the nation's growth. Interested candidates should keep a close watch on the National Scholarship Portal to apply within the stipulated timelines.