The UGC Ishan Uday scheme is a targeted scholarship initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to promote higher education among students from India’s North‑Eastern Region (NER), especially those from economically challenged backgrounds. It aims to uplift underrepresented communities by facilitating access to quality undergraduate education.
Highlights of the UGC Ishan Uday Scholarship
- Target group: Students in their first year of undergraduate, technical, or professional programs (including medical and paramedical) from the eight North-East Indian states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
- Annual slots: 10,000 fresh scholarships awarded yearly.
- Monthly award:
- ₹5,400/month for general degree courses
- ₹7,800/month for technical/medical/paramedical studies.
- Implementing Authority: University Grants Commission (UGC) via the National Scholarship Portal.
Objectives of the Scheme
The UGC Ishan Uday scheme is designed to:
- Promote equitable access to higher education across the North-East.
- Improve the region’s higher education enrollment (Gross Enrollment Ratio)
- Encourage pursuit of professional courses.
- Strengthen the utilization of NE region’s budgetary educational resources.
Who’s Eligible?
- Enrollment: Must be enrolled in the first year of a full‑time undergraduate, technical, or professional program (UGC-recognized and NAAC-accredited, or under statutory bodies/institutes of national importance)
- Residence: Must hold a valid domicile of one of the eight NER states.
- Income limit: Annual family income must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
- Not eligible for:
- Open, distance, part-time, or correspondence courses
- Students already receiving another UG scholarship
- Management quota admissions
- Diploma-only programs
- Family income above ₹4.5 lakh.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal. Here’s a step‑by‑step guide:
- One‑Time Registration (OTR) using Aadhaar details to obtain a 14‑digit permanent ID.
- Complete the application form and log in annually using the OTR ID.
- Upload necessary documents and submit the application.
- Print and save the confirmation for your records.
The OTR simplifies future applications—they only need to log in and apply each year.
Key Dates for 2025 (Tentative)
- Application window: June 25 – October 31, 2025
- Verification deadline (Institute): November 15, 2025 .
🏛️ Selection Criteria
- Distribution of scholarships across states is based on population proportions.
- Unfilled slots in any state may be redistributed among others.
- Reservations are in place for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) as per government norms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply?
Only first-year undergraduates from recognized full-time programs in NER states.
Q: Is there a financial cap?
Yes, family income must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh per annum.
Q: What’s the deadline?
October 31, 2025.
Q: What if I change my course or institution?
Scholarship is not transferable if you change courses or colleges.
Final Thoughts
The UGC Ishan Uday scheme offers a valuable opportunity for deserving students in northeastern India who might otherwise struggle to fund higher education. With supportive monthly grants and strong backing from the UGC, it not only encourages professional development but also enhances educational equity across the North-East.
For current notifications, registration links, and further assistance, visit the National Scholarship Portal and look for the Ishan Uday Scholarship section.
