The North Eastern Council (NEC) Merit Scholarship Scheme, run by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, offers financial support to meritorious students from the eight North‑Eastern states pursuing higher education in India. It’s a merit-based, centrally funded scheme aimed at promoting educational equity across the region.
Who Can Apply?
Must be a permanent resident of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura with valid domicile documents.
Provided they are in the first year of a diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil., or Ph.D. course.
Need to have scored 60% or more in the most recent qualifying exam.
Family annual income must not exceed ₹8 lakh.
Scholarship Benefits
Scholarship amounts vary by level of study—awarded annually via DBT to the beneficiary’s bank account:
Diploma: ₹20,000/year
Degree: ₹22,000/year
Postgraduate: ₹25,000/year
M.Phil./Ph.D.: ₹30,000/year
Each year, 1,600 seats are allocated among the states based on population. For example: Assam receives 320 slots—30 diploma, 200 degree, 80 PG, and 10 M.Phil./Ph.D. seats.
Key Dates (2025–26)
Application opens: ~ June 2, 2025
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Defective/institution-level verification closes: November 15, 2025
How to Apply on NSP
Register using One-Time Registration (OTR) on the National Scholarship Portal.
Log in and select “NEC Merit Scholarship Scheme”.
Upload required documents:
Domicile certificate
Qualifying exam mark sheet
Income proof
Bank passbook and Aadhaar
For M.Phil./Ph.D.: Signed synopsis by guide/director
Submit and save or print the confirmation.
Renewal & Conditions
Scholarship continues only if promoted each year with no backlog for more than one year.
Changing course or institution results in cancellation.
Not valid for internships, open/distance learning, management quota admissions, or students already holding another scholarship.
Note: For full details, guidelines, and updates, visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the NEC Merit Scholarship?
Only students who are permanent residents of the North Eastern states (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura), pursuing diploma, degree, PG, M.Phil., or Ph.D. courses, and have scored at least 60% in their previous qualifying examination can apply.
2. Where can I apply for the scholarship?
Applications must be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in
3. What is the last date to apply?
Generally, applications open around June and close by October 31 each year. Students must also complete institutional and document verification by mid-November.
4. Can I apply if I already receive another scholarship?
No. Students receiving any other scholarship or financial assistance are not eligible to apply for the NEC Merit Scholarship.
5. Will I need to reapply every year?
Yes. The scholarship is renewable annually, but only if the student is promoted to the next year without failing in more than one subject.
6. Is distance education eligible for this scholarship?
No. Courses pursued through open universities or distance learning are not covered under this scheme.
7. What happens if I change my course or institution?
Changing your course or institution without proper permission will lead to cancellation of the scholarship.
8. How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
The scholarship amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
