Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child 2026

About this scholarship

The Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child is a highly specialized and socially progressive scheme administered by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Its dual purpose makes it unique among central scholarships: it aims to empower young women through higher education while simultaneously rewarding families who have adopted the 'small family norm'. Specifically, this scholarship is reserved exclusively for families where the female student is the absolute only child. If you have a brother, or if you have a sister, you are ineligible. The only exception is for families with twin or fraternal daughters and no sons. The financial support provided by the UGC is substantial, designed to completely remove the economic friction of pursuing a Master's degree. Selected scholars receive ₹36,200 per year, which is disbursed as a monthly stipend over the standard two-year duration of a postgraduate course. This money isn't just for tuition; it is a consolidated grant that helps cover living expenses, books, and university fees, allowing the student to focus entirely on her academics rather than part-time jobs or educational loans. Eligibility is fiercely protected by specific rules. First, you must be a single girl child up to 30 years of age. Second, you must be enrolled in the first year of a regular, full-time Master's degree program at a recognized university or college. This is crucial: the UGC strictly excludes students pursuing professional postgraduate degrees (like MBA, M.Tech, or MCA) or distance education courses. This scheme is meant for regular, non-professional Master's programs (like M.A., M.Sc., or M.Com). Furthermore, there is absolutely no family income limit attached to this scheme. The government awards this purely based on your single girl child status and admission to a PG course. Applying for this scheme happens on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), but the documentation is a minefield. The absolute core of your application is the affidavit. You cannot just write a letter saying you are a single child. You must execute a formal affidavit on ₹50 non-judicial stamp paper, sworn before a First Class Magistrate, SDM, or Notary. The UGC provides a highly specific format for this affidavit in their guidelines. If you deviate from their text, the NSP verifiers will reject your application immediately. Additionally, timing is everything. You can only apply when you are in the first year of your Master's program. If you discover this scheme in your second year, you are too late. Once you secure the scholarship, you must maintain excellent attendance and pass your first-year exams to renew the funding for the second year. If your paperwork is airtight, this scheme is one of the most reliable sources of PG funding available to women in India.

Documents you need

Affidavit confirming single girl child status on ₹50 stamp paper
Proof of admission in a 1st year PG course
UG marksheet
Aadhaar card
Bank passbook

How to apply

Get the official UGC Single Girl Child affidavit format and have it executed on ₹50 non-judicial stamp paper, duly sworn before a First Class Magistrate or Notary.
Ensure you are enrolled in the first year of a regular, full-time Master's degree program at a recognized university.
Register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) under the UGC schemes section.
Upload your UG marksheet, admission proof, and the notarized affidavit, ensuring your university nodal officer verifies the application online.

Expert Tip

The ₹50 stamp paper affidavit is the single most scrutinized document in your application. Do not use a standard notary format; you must copy the exact affidavit text provided in the UGC's official guidelines PDF word-for-word.

Why applications get rejected

Applying while pursuing a professional PG degree like an MBA or MTech, or a distance learning course; the scheme is meant for regular, non-professional master's programs.
Uploading a simple self-declaration instead of a legally notarized affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper.
Applying in the second year of a master's degree; applications are strictly restricted to first-year entrants.

Common questions

When does Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child open for 2026?

Typically opens September–December. Verify on the UGC portal each year.

What is the last date to apply for Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child?

The closing date is announced for each cycle rather than fixed in advance, so it is not the same every year. Typically opens September–December. Verify on the UGC portal each year.

How do I apply for Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child?

Applications are submitted through UGC portal. Get the official UGC Single Girl Child affidavit format and have it executed on ₹50 non-judicial stamp paper, duly sworn before a First Class Magistrate or Notary.

Can I apply if I have a sister?

No, the scheme is strictly for the 'only child' in the family. However, families with twin daughters (and no other children) are eligible.

Is there an income limit for this UGC scholarship?

No, there is no family income ceiling. The scholarship is awarded based on your status as a single girl child and your PG admission.

Does this scheme cover MBA or M.Tech students?

No, the UGC strictly excludes professional and technical PG courses from this scheme. It is meant for regular Master's degrees like M.A. or M.Sc.

Where do I get the format for the Single Girl Child affidavit?

The exact legal wording for the affidavit is provided in the official UGC guidelines document available on the National Scholarship Portal.