Northeast India, i.e. states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, are known for their natural beauty and cultural diversity. But many students living in these states face financial challenges for higher education. In such a situation, the Government of India has started a special scheme to help these students, named Ishan Uday – Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region. This scheme is a ray of hope for those youth who want to do well in studies, but lack of money is becoming a hindrance in their way. In this article, we will talk about this scheme in detail, so that you can understand it easily and take advantage of it.

Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships: A Golden Opportunity for College and University Students

What is Ishan Uday Yojana?

Ishan Uday is a scholarship scheme jointly launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance for higher education to economically weaker students of the North-Eastern states. This scheme is especially for those students who have passed 12th class and want to take admission in undergraduate courses. Under this scheme, 10,000 students are given scholarships every year so that they can complete their studies without any financial pressure.

This scheme was started in 2014-15 and since then it has proved to be helpful for thousands of students from the Northeast. Its main objective is to increase the level of higher education in these states, reduce the dropout rate, and enable more and more youth to hone their talents. Whether you want to study in any field like arts, humanities, science, engineering, medicine, agriculture or management, this scheme is open to you.

Who can avail the Benefit of this Scheme?

To avail the benefits of Ishan Uday Yojana, some important conditions have to be fulfilled. Let us understand them one by one:

• Residence: You must be a native of one of the states of Northeast India – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim or Tripura. For this you will have to provide a domicile certificate.
• Educational Qualification: You must have passed class 12th from a recognized board (like CBSE, CISCE, NIOS etc.). Also, you must be enrolled in the first year of a bachelor’s degree. This course should be regular and full-time.
• Income limit: Your family’s annual income should not exceed Rs 4.5 lakh. This means that this scheme is especially for families who have limited financial resources
• Institutions: You must be enrolled in a university or college that is recognized under sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act. Apart from this, deemed universities, institutions funded by the state or central government, or institutions of national importance (having AISHE code) are also eligible for this scheme.
• Who is not eligible?: If you take admission through open university, distance learning, correspondence courses, private institutions, or management quota, you will not be eligible for this scheme.

This scheme is open to all categories, including Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and General category students. The special thing is that transgender students can also avail the benefits of this scheme.

How much Scholarship is given?

Students selected under the Ishan Uday Yojana are given a scholarship of Rs 8,000 every month. This amount is given for 10 months in a year, i.e. a total of Rs 80,000 per year. This amount is sent directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Students can use this money for their studies, books, hostel fees, or other necessary expenses.

The scholarship amount and slots are divided into two parts:

• 50% slots for subjects like Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, and Management.
• 50% slots for technical courses like science, engineering, technology, medicine, agriculture, and forestry.

The number of scholarships awarded to each state is determined by its population. This ensures that students from all states get the opportunities they need.

How to Apply?

Applying for the Ishan Uday Scholarship is very easy, but you have to do it on time and correctly. Applications are accepted online only through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Let us understand the application process step-by-step:

• Registration: First of all go to the official website of NSP (scholarships.gov.in). There choose the option of “New Registration” or “Click Here for OTR”. Fill in the required information like your name, date of birth, mobile number, email, and Aadhaar number. After registration you will get a unique application number and login details.
• Login and fill the form: Login to the portal using your login credentials. Select the Ishan Uday Scholarship form and fill in your educational information, bank account details, and other required details carefully.
• Upload documents: You need to upload some important documents like
  • Domicile Certificate
  • 12th mark sheet
  • Income Certificate (issued by competent authority)
  • Copy of bank passbook (account must be linked to Aadhaar)
  • Proof of admission in the institute
  • Previous year mark sheet and progress report, if you are applying for renewal.
• Submit: Check the form carefully and submit it. After submitting, you will get an application reference number, keep it safely.
• Verification: Your application will be verified first by your institution (L1) and then by the District Nodal Officer (L2). The last dates for this process for 2024-25 are as follows
  • Institute Verification: 30 November 2024
  • District Verification: 15 December 2024

The last date to apply was 15 November 2024, but it is extended many times. Therefore, do check the latest information on the NSP portal.

What to do for Renewal?

If you have availed this scholarship in the first year and want to continue it in the next year, then you will have to apply for renewal. There are some conditions for this:

• You must be promoted to the next class or semester.
• You must have good conduct and minimum 75% attendance in the institute.
• You cannot change your course. If you change the course, the scholarship may be cancelled.
• You need to upload last year’s mark sheet and progress report.

Application for renewal also has to be made through the NSP portal.

Benefits of this Scheme

Ishan Uday Yojana not only provides financial aid, it also provides various incentives to the students from Northeast:

• Less financial burden: With Rs 8,000 per month, students can easily manage their studies, hostel, and other expenses.
• Equal opportunity: The scheme is open to students from all sections and transgender students, thereby promoting social equality.
• Promotion of Education: The scheme is improving the level of higher education in the Northeast and reducing the dropout rate.
• Easy career path: With financial aid, students can complete their studies without any stress and make their dreams come true.

Some Important things

• AISHE code: The institute where you are studying must have AISHE (All India Survey on Higher Education) code. If your institute does not have a code, then first get it registered on the AISHE portal.
• Aadhar Link: Your bank account must be linked with Aadhar, so that the scholarship amount can reach your account directly.
• Be mindful of the timing: Follow the application and verification dates. Delays may result in your application being rejected.
• Correct information: Avoid giving wrong information in the form, else your application may get rejected.

Why is this Plan Necessary?

There are many talented students in Northeast India, but due to financial constraints and lack of resources, their talent is often suppressed. Ishan Uday Yojana not only provides financial assistance to these students, but also boosts their confidence. This scheme ensures that no promising student leaves his studies just due to lack of money. Along with this, this scheme also helps in raising the level of education in the Northeast states and connecting the youth there to the mainstream of the country.

At the End

Ishan Uday Scholarship Scheme is a golden opportunity for those students who want to make their dreams come true but are facing financial difficulties. If you or any student you know is eligible for this scheme, then apply without delay by visiting the NSP portal. By applying on time and submitting the correct documents, you can easily take advantage of this scheme. This scheme will not only make your studies easier, but will also brighten your future.If you have any questions in your mind, you can contact the NSP helpdesk (0120-6619540) or visit scholarships.gov.in and get more information. This scheme can become a strong support for you in the path of studies. So do not delay, apply today and give wings to your dreams