Education
Sep 18, 2026
UGC Launches 'Pragati' Scholarship 2026 for Women in STEM Fields
K
Karan Varma
Sep 18, 2026
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In a major boost for women's participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially launched the 'Pragati' Scholarship Scheme for the 2026-27 academic year. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to 10,000 meritorious female students who have secured admission in the first year of degree or diploma programs in AICTE-approved institutions across India. Each selected scholar will receive an annual grant of ₹50,000 for every year of their study, intended to cover tuition fees, books, and equipment.
The application window opened today, September 18, 2026, on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Eligible candidates must have a family income of less than ₹8 lakh per annum to qualify for the scheme. The selection process will be strictly based on the merit of the qualifying examination (Class 12 for degree and Class 10 for diploma). UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, highlighted that the scholarship is a key component of the government's strategy to bridge the gender gap in technical education. "Empowering women in STEM is not just about social equity; it is about driving innovation in the Indian economy," he said.
To apply, students must upload their admission proof, income certificate, and bank account details linked to Aadhaar for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The UGC has streamlined the process this year by integrating the NSP with the DigiLocker platform, allowing for instant verification of academic documents. This integration is expected to reduce the processing time for scholarship disbursement by nearly 40%. The last date for submission of applications is October 31, 2026, followed by a month-long verification process by the respective institutions and state nodal officers.
In addition to the financial grant, the Pragati scholars will also get access to a dedicated mentorship program launched in collaboration with leading tech firms like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro. This program will provide students with industry exposure, internship opportunities, and career guidance, ensuring they are job-ready by the time they graduate. This holistic approach marks a shift from traditional scholarship models that only focus on financial aid.
Educational experts have praised the initiative, noting that the rising costs of technical education often deter families from middle and lower-income backgrounds from sending their daughters to engineering or pharmacy colleges. The Pragati Scholarship serves as a vital safety net. Students who are already receiving other central government scholarships are not eligible to apply for this scheme, as per the 'one student, one scholarship' policy. The UGC has set up a 24/7 helpline and a chatbot on their website to assist applicants with any queries regarding the eligibility or application process.
The application window opened today, September 18, 2026, on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Eligible candidates must have a family income of less than ₹8 lakh per annum to qualify for the scheme. The selection process will be strictly based on the merit of the qualifying examination (Class 12 for degree and Class 10 for diploma). UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, highlighted that the scholarship is a key component of the government's strategy to bridge the gender gap in technical education. "Empowering women in STEM is not just about social equity; it is about driving innovation in the Indian economy," he said.
To apply, students must upload their admission proof, income certificate, and bank account details linked to Aadhaar for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The UGC has streamlined the process this year by integrating the NSP with the DigiLocker platform, allowing for instant verification of academic documents. This integration is expected to reduce the processing time for scholarship disbursement by nearly 40%. The last date for submission of applications is October 31, 2026, followed by a month-long verification process by the respective institutions and state nodal officers.
In addition to the financial grant, the Pragati scholars will also get access to a dedicated mentorship program launched in collaboration with leading tech firms like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro. This program will provide students with industry exposure, internship opportunities, and career guidance, ensuring they are job-ready by the time they graduate. This holistic approach marks a shift from traditional scholarship models that only focus on financial aid.
Educational experts have praised the initiative, noting that the rising costs of technical education often deter families from middle and lower-income backgrounds from sending their daughters to engineering or pharmacy colleges. The Pragati Scholarship serves as a vital safety net. Students who are already receiving other central government scholarships are not eligible to apply for this scheme, as per the 'one student, one scholarship' policy. The UGC has set up a 24/7 helpline and a chatbot on their website to assist applicants with any queries regarding the eligibility or application process.