NEC Merit Scholarship: Higher education can be expensive, but scholarships like the NEC Merit Scholarship help students achieve their academic dreams. This scholarship, funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), offers up to ₹30,000 per annum to meritorious students from India’s North Eastern Region (NER). If you are a student from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura, this opportunity can significantly support your education.
This article covers everything you need to know, from eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, scholarship benefits, and more. Read on to ensure you don’t miss the deadline!
NEC Merit Scholarship
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | NEC Merit Scholarship |
| Offered By | North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India |
| Amount | Up to ₹30,000 per annum |
| Eligibility | Residents of NER states, pursuing Diploma, Degree, PG, M.Phil., or Ph.D. |
| Academic Criteria | Minimum 60% marks in the previous qualifying exam |
| Family Income Limit | Less than ₹8,00,000 per annum |
| Application Mode | Online via National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Deadline | October 31, 2024 (for 2024-25 session) |
| Official Website | scholarships.gov.in |
The NEC Merit Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students from India’s North Eastern Region to receive financial aid for their education. With up to ₹30,000 per year, this scholarship can help ease the burden of tuition and academic expenses. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss out on applying via the National Scholarship Portal!
What is the NEC Merit Scholarship?
The NEC Merit Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps students from India’s North Eastern states pursue higher education. It is funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and aims to promote academic excellence among students from this region.
This scholarship is designed to encourage students to pursue higher studies in professional and technical fields, ensuring that the youth of the North East get the right opportunities to compete on a national level. It is a stepping stone for students who might otherwise struggle with financial constraints.
Who Can Apply for NEC Merit Scholarship?
- Students who are permanent residents of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura.
- Those enrolled in Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, M.Phil., or Ph.D. programs in recognized institutions in India.
- Students who scored at least 60% marks in their previous qualifying examination.
- Applicants whose family income is below ₹8 lakh per annum from all sources.
Scholarship Amounts
| Course Level | Scholarship Amount per Year |
| Diploma | ₹20,000 |
| Undergraduate (UG) | ₹22,000 |
| Postgraduate (PG) | ₹25,000 |
| M.Phil./Ph.D. | ₹30,000 |
This financial aid is renewable every year, provided the student maintains the necessary academic standards and meets the renewal criteria.
How to Apply for NEC Merit Scholarship?
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Register on NSP: Visit the National Scholarship Portal and create an account.
- Complete Your Profile: Fill in your personal, academic, and bank details carefully.
- Choose the NEC Merit Scholarship: In the “New Application” section, search for “NEC Merit Scholarship” and select it.
- Upload Documents: Ensure you have scanned copies of all required documents.
- Submit for Verification: Once completed, submit your application. It will be verified by your institution and the state government.
Documents Required
- Permanent Residential Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Bank Account Passbook
- Previous Year’s Marksheet
- Aadhaar Card
- For M.Phil./Ph.D. students: A research synopsis signed by the project guide
Additionally, students should ensure that their bank account is linked with Aadhaar for smooth scholarship disbursement.
Important Deadlines & Selection Process
The last date to apply for the 2024-25 academic year was October 31, 2024. Keep checking the National Scholarship Portal for updates on the next application cycle.
Selection Process:
- Applications are screened and verified at the state level.
- Final selections are based on merit, financial need, and regional representation.
- Scholarship funds are directly credited to the student’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
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Frequently Asked Questions About NEC Merit Scholarship
1. Can I apply if I am studying outside the North East?
Yes! You can apply as long as your institution is recognized by the Indian government.
2. Is there a renewal process for this scholarship?
Yes, students need to apply every year to continue receiving the scholarship.
3. What if I miss the deadline?
Unfortunately, late applications are not accepted. Keep an eye on the official website for the next cycle.
4. How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
The amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
5. What happens if my marks drop below 60%?
Your scholarship may not be renewed if you fail to maintain the required academic performance.
6. Can I hold another scholarship along with this?
No, students receiving other scholarships from the Government of India cannot apply for this one.
