Introduction to Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship
Education is a key driver of empowerment, especially for single girl children who often face social and financial hurdles. To ensure that no girl is left behind, the Government of India launched the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child – a focused initiative to promote higher education among girls pursuing postgraduate studies.
This scholarship provides financial assistance to single girl children, enabling them to pursue postgraduate degrees and break the barriers of inequality, while contributing meaningfully to society.
What Is the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child?
The Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship is a government-backed scheme aimed at encouraging single girl children to pursue postgraduate education in recognized Indian institutions. Named after the first woman Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, the scheme empowers girls by easing financial burdens, helping them build a successful career.
The scholarship helps in covering tuition fees, study materials, and other academic expenses, supporting the academic and personal growth of girls.
Primary Objectives of the Scholarship
1. Promote Higher Education for Single Girl Child
To provide financial support for girls pursuing postgraduate studies in any recognized university or institution.
2. Empower Socially and Economically
By supporting higher education, the scheme empowers single girl children to become independent, economically stable, and socially confident.
3. Address Gender Disparity in Higher Education
Aims to reduce the gender gap at postgraduate levels, promoting more women scholars and leaders.
4. Encourage Families to Invest in Girl’s Education
Provides a strong incentive for families to invest in the higher education of their only daughter.
Who Is Eligible for the Scholarship?
Eligible Beneficiaries
- Single girl child of a family (no other siblings)
- Pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree (Master’s in Arts, Science, Commerce, etc.)
- Studying in a recognized Indian university or institution
- Indian citizen
- Annual family income must not exceed ₹8 lakh
Key Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Single Girl Child Certificate (issued by a competent authority)
- Admission Proof of Postgraduate Course
- Income Certificate
- Bank Account linked with Aadhaar
- Identity proof and academic records
How Does the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship Work?
Step 1 – Application Process
Candidates must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) by submitting an application form along with all required documents.
Step 2 – Verification of Application
Applications are verified by the respective university/institution and district administration to ensure eligibility.
Step 3 – Scholarship Sanction
Once verified and approved, the scholarship amount is sanctioned and disbursed directly to the girl’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Step 4 – Academic Monitoring
Continuous academic progress monitoring ensures that the girl remains enrolled and performs well in her studies.
Key Benefits of the Scholarship
Financial Assistance for Postgraduate Education
A fixed annual amount (up to ₹30,000–1,20,000 per year depending on the institution and course) is provided to help cover tuition fees, study materials, and other academic expenses.
Empowers Women in Professional Fields
Supports higher education in fields that help women achieve professional and leadership roles.
Supports Economically Weaker Families
The scheme reduces the economic burden on families and promotes higher studies without financial strain.
Encourages Personal and Career Growth
Facilitates independent career building, contributing to self-reliance and confidence.
Challenges and Limitations
Low Awareness in Rural Areas
Many eligible families, especially in rural regions, remain unaware of the scheme due to poor outreach.
Documentation Process Is Tedious
Obtaining a Single Girl Child Certificate and other documents can be time-consuming and complicated.
Limited Coverage
Only single girl children pursuing postgraduate degrees are eligible, leaving out those pursuing other higher education or vocational courses.
Success Stories
Priya’s Academic Transformation
Priya, a single child from Madhya Pradesh, always dreamed of becoming an economist. Her family struggled to manage her college expenses for post-graduation. After applying for the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship, Priya received financial support that helped her complete her Master’s in Economics. She now works in a reputed government think-tank and actively promotes education for girls in her community.
Comparison with Other Government Schemes
Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child
While the Savitribai Phule Fellowship supports single girl children at undergraduate level, the Indira Gandhi Scholarship specifically targets postgraduate education, focusing on advanced academic empowerment.
Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students
The Pragati Scholarship primarily supports technical degree courses (Engineering, IT, etc.), whereas the Indira Gandhi Scholarship covers a broader range of post-graduate courses in arts, science, commerce, etc.
Future Prospects of the Scholarship
Increased Coverage and Awareness
Plans are in motion to expand awareness campaigns, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, to ensure maximum reach.
Digital Integration for Simplified Process
Integration with Digital India efforts helps streamline applications, making it easier for deserving students to apply without facing bureaucratic hurdles.
Promoting Research and Innovation
Encouraging scholarship recipients to pursue research and innovation, contributing to national progress.
How to Track Your Scholarship Application Status?
Applicants can track the status by visiting the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and entering their Aadhaar or application ID. Regular updates via SMS and email help applicants stay informed.
Conclusion
The Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child stands as a vital initiative empowering girls to pursue higher education without financial hindrance. By providing targeted financial support, promoting gender equality, and enabling professional success, this scheme plays a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive and progressive India.
Every scholarship awarded is not just an amount of money – it’s a step toward breaking stereotypes, empowering single girl children, and allowing them to dream big, study hard, and lead the nation toward growth and equality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1 – Who is eligible for the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship?
Single girl child pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree in any recognized Indian institution, with family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh annually.
Q2 – How much is the annual scholarship amount?
Typically ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹1,20,000 per year depending on the course and institution.
Q3 – How can I apply for the scholarship?
Applications are available on the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Q4 – Is the scholarship amount transferred directly?
Yes, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Q5 – Can I check the status of my application online?
Yes, by visiting the NSP Portal and using your Aadhaar or application ID.