The NEC Merit Scholarship 2024 is now open for applications, offering financial assistance to students from the North Eastern Region (NER) of India for the academic year 2024-2025. The North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India administers this scholarship, allowing eligible students pursuing various levels of education within India to apply.
Key Details of the NEC Merit Scholarship
| Scholarship Name | NEC Merit Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Academic Year | 2024-2025 |
| Total Scholarships Available | 1,600 |
| Awarding Body | North Eastern Council, DoNER |
| Contact Information | Phone: 0120-6619540 Email: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
1. Resident Requirement:
Applicants must be permanent residents of a North Eastern State.
2. Course Eligibility:
Scholarships are available for Diploma, Degree, Postgraduate, M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs in government-recognized institutions. Internships and practical training are not covered.
3. Income Limit:
The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh. An official income certificate is required.
4. Educational Qualifications:
| Level | Minimum Qualification | Required Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | HSLC/ HSSLC or equivalent from a recognized board | 60% |
| Degree | HSSLC/ Senior Secondary from a recognized board | 60% |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university | 60% |
| M.Phil./Ph.D. | Master’s Degree from a recognized university | 60% |
Selection Process
- Merit-Based: Scholarships are awarded based on merit, determined by marks obtained in qualifying exams.
- Specific Relevance for M.Phil. & Ph.D.: Topics must be directly related to North Eastern issues or problems.
Scholarship Amount
| Level of Study | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Diploma | ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Degree | ₹22,000 p.a. |
| Postgraduate | ₹25,000 p.a. |
| M.Phil./Ph.D. | ₹30,000 p.a. |
State-Wise Distribution of Scholarships
| State | Total | Diploma | Degree | Postgraduate | M.Phil./Ph.D. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | 209 | 20 | 130 | 52 | 7 |
| Assam | 320 | 30 | 200 | 80 | 10 |
| Manipur | 192 | 18 | 120 | 48 | 6 |
| Meghalaya | 192 | 18 | 120 | 48 | 6 |
| Mizoram | 192 | 18 | 120 | 48 | 6 |
| Nagaland | 192 | 18 | 120 | 48 | 6 |
| Sikkim | 111 | 10 | 70 | 28 | 3 |
| Tripura | 192 | 18 | 120 | 48 | 6 |
Application Process
Eligible candidates must apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Follow these steps for a successful application:
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in
- New Registration: For first-time applicants, click on “New Registration” and provide the required details.
- Log In and Apply: Complete the application form by entering personal, academic, and bank details.
- Upload Documents: Attach necessary documents as listed below.
- Submit Application: After completing all sections, submit your application and print a copy for future reference.
Required Documents
- Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) or Certificate of Identification (COI for Sikkim residents)
- Income Certificate (Mandatory)
- Bank Account Pass Book (Optional)
- Academic Qualification Certificates
- Synopsis (for M.Phil./Ph.D. applicants)
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 25th July 2024 |
| Application Deadline | 31st October 2024 |
| Defective Verification Deadline | 15th November 2024 |
| Institute Verification Deadline | 15th November 2024 |
Important Web-Links of NEC Merit Scholarship
| Online Application Form |
Click Here |
| One-Time Registration |
Register | Login |
| Official Notification |
Guideline | FAQ |
| Official Website |
Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible for the NEC Merit Scholarship?
A: Students who meet the specified academic, income, and residency criteria are eligible to apply.
Q2: Is there any income limit?
A: Yes, the combined annual income of the applicant’s family should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
Q3: How are students selected for the scholarship?
A: The scholarship is awarded strictly on a merit basis.
For further details and clarifications, candidates can refer to the official notification and guidelines provided on the National Scholarship Portal.
