Education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges. Students with disabilities often face additional financial barriers when pursuing their academic goals, making scholarships for students with disabilities not just helpful but essential for their success.
Multiple scholarship opportunities are available across India, designed specifically to support students with disabilities at various educational levels. These programmes range from government-funded initiatives to private sector scholarships, each offering unique benefits and eligibility requirements.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about disability scholarships, from application processes to required documentation, helping you navigate these valuable opportunities with confidence.
Understanding Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Education is a basic right, but for students with disabilities, the journey often comes with additional challenges—both academic and financial. To bridge this gap, several scholarships have been introduced to ensure that differently-abled students can continue their studies without the burden of high expenses.
Scholarships for students with disabilities are specially designed financial aid programmes that support learners with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments. These initiatives go beyond just financial help—they encourage inclusion, create equal opportunities, and value the unique strengths and contributions of students with disabilities in education.
Most of these scholarships require official proof, such as a disability certificate or medical documentation. While the eligibility and benefits may vary across schemes, the central aim remains the same: to make education more accessible and to empower students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities 2025-26
Education is a fundamental right, and scholarships for students with disabilities play a vital role in ensuring equal opportunities for pursuing academic goals. The Government of India, state governments, and private organisations offer several financial aid programmes that reduce the financial burden and encourage inclusive education.
List of Scholarships Covered
- Legrand Empowering Scholarship (for Girls, incl. girls with disabilities)
- Top Class Education for Students with Benchmark Disabilities (DEPwD)
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (Classes 9–10, DEPwD)
- Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (Class 11 to PG, DEPwD)
- Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities – Nagaland
1) Legrand Empowering Scholarship (for Girls, incl. girls with disabilities)
The Legrand Empowering Scholarship 2025-26 supports meritorious girl students, including those from special categories (differently-abled, LGBTQ+, Covid-affected, single-parent, orphans), to pursue higher education in fields like engineering, architecture, commerce, and science. It offers up to Rs. 60,000 per year along with mentorship and career guidance.
General Category (Girl Students)
Eligibility
- Open for meritorious girl students across India.
- Must have taken admission in B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, BBA, B.Com, or B.Sc courses in India.
Should have passed Class 12 in 2024–25. - Must have scored at least 70% in Class 10 and 12.
- Annual family income should be less than Rs. 5,00,000.
Special Category (Differently-abled, LGBTQ+, Covid-affected, Single-parent, Orphans)
Eligibility
- Open for differently-abled girl students, LGBTQ+ students, Covid-affected students, single-parent children, or orphans across India.
- Must have taken admission in B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, BBA, B.Com, or B.Sc courses in India.
- Should have passed Class 12 in 2024–25.
- Must have scored at least 60% in Class 10 and 12 (exceptions considered case by case).
- Annual family income should be less than Rs. 5,00,000.
Benefits
- Financial support of up to Rs. 60,000 per year.
- Applicable for meritorious girl students pursuing B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, or related fields in Electrical, Electronics, IT, and Computer Science.
- Additional support in the form of mentorship and career guidance.
Important dates (2025)
- Application Deadline: September 8, 2025
Direct link to Apply:
Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program 2025-26 (Special Category Application)
Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program 2025-26 (General Category Application)
2) Top Class Education for Students with Benchmark Disabilities (DEPwD)
Eligibility
- Indian nationals with ≥40% benchmark disability (UDID/UDID enrollment mandatory).
- Family income ≤ Rs. 00,000 per annum.
Admitted to a full-time UG/PG degree/diploma in the notified Institutes of Excellence. PWD Welfare Maharashtra
Benefits
- Tuition fee reimbursement up to Rs. 2,00,000 per year.
- Coverage of hostel fees and other allowances.
Applicable for students with 40% or more disability pursuing graduate or postgraduate courses in notified institutions
Important dates (2025)
Last date: October 31, 2025 (per current cycle overview).
Direct Link to Apply for Top-Class Education for Students with Benchmark Disabilities
3) Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (Classes 9–10, DEPwD)
Eligibility
- Applicant must be an Indian national with at least 40% benchmark disability.
- Should be studying in Class 9 or Class 10 at a government-recognised school.
The annual family income should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh. - A maximum of two differently-abled children per family can apply (exception for twins).
- A valid disability certificate is mandatory.
Benefits
- Monthly allowance: Rs. 500 (day scholars) and Rs. 800 (hostellers).
- Book grant and disability allowance provided annually.
- Encourages students with disabilities in Classes 9 and 10 to continue their education.
Important Date (2025)
- Last date: August 31 2025, on NSP (cycle varies by year).
Direct link to Apply for Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (Classes 9–10, DEPwD)
4) Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (Class 11 to PG, DEPwD)
Eligibility
- Must be an Indian national with a benchmark disability of 40% or above.
- Should be pursuing studies after Class 10 (undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or professional/technical courses).
- A valid disability certificate is compulsory.
- Scholarship can be renewed each year based on academic performance and meeting eligibility criteria.
Benefits
- Maintenance allowance ranging from Rs. 550–Rs. 1,200 per month (depending on course level and category).
- Book a grant of Rs. 1,500 per year.
- Tuition fee reimbursement up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per year.
- Disability allowance is provided annually.
Important dates (2025)
- Last date: October 31 2025, on NSP
5) Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities – Nagaland
Eligibility
- The scheme is meant for students with disabilities belonging to Nagaland.
- Class level: Applicants must be studying in Classes 1 to 8 in a government school or a government-recognised private school.
Documents required: Students must provide a valid disability certificate (issued by a competent authority) and a Nagaland domicile certificate as proof of residence
Benefits
- State-level scheme exclusively for PwD students from Nagaland.
- Benefits include tuition fee waiver, maintenance allowance, and book allowance (amount varies by course level).
- Aims to promote inclusive education and reduce financial barriers for differently-abled students.
Important dates (2025)
- Application window Deadline: October 31, 2025.
Direct link to Apply for Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities – Nagaland
How to Apply for Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Below is the step-by-step process to apply for scholarships for students with disabilities
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
Different scholarships use different application portals
Step 2: Create Your Account
- Register with accurate personal information
- Use a reliable email address you check regularly
- Choose a strong password and keep your login details secure
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Fill all sections accurately
- Double-check spellings, especially names and addresses
- Save your progress regularly if the platform allows
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Ensure all documents are:
- Clear and legible
- In the correct format (usually PDF or JPEG)
- Within specified file size limits
- Named appropriately for easy identification
Step 5: Review and Submit
- Review all information before final submission
- Print or save the acknowledgement receipt
- Note your application reference number for tracking
Essential Documents for Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Prepare these documents well in advance of your application:
Core Requirements:
- Valid disability certificate (40% or above benchmark)
- Aadhaar card or other government-issued ID
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Bank account details (preferably linked to Aadhaar)
Academic Documents:
- Mark sheets from the last qualifying examination
- School/college leaving certificates
- Current admission proof (if applicable)
- Academic transcripts for higher education programmes
Financial Documents:
- Income certificate (family annual income)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- BPL card (if applicable)
Additional Documents:
- Domicile certificate (for state-specific programmes)
- Medical certificates supporting disability claims
- Birth certificate (for age verification)
Also Read:
HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Programme 2025-26: A Detailed Guide for Students
