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Under the NEC Merit Scholarship, meritorious students from the eight states of Northeast India receive financial assistance ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 annually.

If you are a resident of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura, and are seeking financial aid for your higher studies, the North Eastern Council (NEC) Merit Scholarship could prove to be a golden opportunity for you. Under this scheme, students are provided with financial assistance ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per year, enabling them to pursue their education without facing any financial hardships.

Amidst the rising costs of higher education, this scholarship has become a lifeline for thousands of students. A key highlight is that this scheme is not limited merely to the school or college level; students pursuing diplomas, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees, M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs are also eligible to benefit from it. This is precisely why a large number of students apply for this scholarship every year.

Who Receives How Much?

Under the NEC Merit Scholarship, varying amounts of financial aid are disbursed based on the level of study. Students pursuing diploma courses receive ₹20,000 annually. Students enrolled in undergraduate or degree courses are granted ₹22,000 per year. Meanwhile, postgraduate students receive ₹25,000, while students pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs receive an assistance amount of ₹30,000 per year.

This financial aid directly helps in offsetting expenses related to the students’ education. Many students utilize this assistance to cover costs such as books, study materials, hostel fees, and other academic necessities.

Who Can Apply?

Certain essential criteria have been established to avail the benefits of this scholarship. Foremost among these is the requirement that the applicant must be a permanent resident of one of the eight states of Northeast India. This includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

Furthermore, the student must have secured a minimum of 60 percent marks in their previous qualifying examination. In other words, this scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated strong academic performance.

Family Income Must Fall Within Prescribed Limits

The total annual income of the parents or guardians of a student applying for this scholarship must not exceed ₹8 lakh. The government’s objective is to assist meritorious students hailing from economically weaker sections or middle-class families who wish to pursue higher education.

Enrollment in a Recognized Institution is Mandatory

It is mandatory for the applicant to be enrolled in a recognized university, college, or institution. Students pursuing courses such as Diplomas, Degrees, Post-graduation, M.Phil., and Ph.D. are eligible to apply for this scheme. Students studying in institutions that lack official recognition will not be eligible to receive the benefits of this scholarship.

How ​​to Apply Online

The application process for the NEC Merit Scholarship is conducted entirely online. Interested students must visit the Government of India’s National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to submit their applications. First, students are required to complete a One-Time Registration (OTR).

Subsequently, they must upload the necessary documents. These include an Aadhaar Card, a Bonafide Certificate, an Income Certificate, and other requisite documents. Once all the information has been accurately filled in, the application form can be submitted online.

Annual Application Required

A distinctive feature of this scholarship is that it requires not only new applicants but also existing beneficiaries to apply for renewal every year. Therefore, students who are currently availing the benefits of this scheme should ensure they submit their renewal forms in a timely manner.