National Scheme Of Incentive To Girls For Secondary Education
The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education supports girls aged 14-18 from SC/ST backgrounds to continue their education.
Key facts
| Benefit | ₹3,000 fixed deposit in the girl’s name (withdrawn with interest) |
|---|---|
| When deposited | On enrolment in Class IX |
| When withdrawn | After she turns 18 and passes the Class X exam |
| Who | SC/ST girls who passed Class VIII; and all girls from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV) |
| Schools | Government, government-aided or local-body schools |
| Not for | Married girls; students of private-unaided or Central Government schools |
| Apply | Online at the National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in) |
| Application window | Apply on the National Scholarships Portal in the year the girl enrols in Class IX. The portal opens application windows each year — apply within that window. |
Benefits
Beneficiaries receive a one-time cash incentive of ₹3000, which is deposited in their name until they turn 18. The funds are held in a fixed deposit account, earning interest until maturity.
Full guide
What the scheme gives you
The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) is a central scheme that encourages girls to continue past Class VIII. When an eligible girl enrols in Class IX, ₹3,000 is put into a fixed deposit in her own name. She can withdraw it — with the interest it has earned — once she turns 18 and has passed her Class X exam. The design is deliberate: the money is a reward for staying in school and completing secondary education.
Who can apply
The incentive is for girls continuing into secondary school. You are eligible if:
- The girl passed Class VIII and belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, OR passed Class VIII from a Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) — in which case any community qualifies
- She has enrolled in Class IX in a government, government-aided or local-body school
- She is unmarried
- No family member is a government employee (as required)
How to apply and withdraw
Apply online on the National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in) in the year the girl enrols in Class IX — register, fill the form and upload the documents. The ₹3,000 is then held as a fixed deposit in her name. It is not paid out immediately: she withdraws it, with interest, only after turning 18 and passing Class X. There is no premature withdrawal, so keep the account and records safe until then.
Documents you need
- Aadhaar card and bank account proof (in the girl’s name)
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST) — or proof of studying at a KGBV
- Class VIII pass certificate and Class IX enrolment proof
- Domicile certificate
Who can apply
- Age 14–18
- Women / girls only
- Category: SC, ST
- not income tax payer
- no government employee in family
- poor household
Eligible applicants must be female, aged between 14 and 18, and belong to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. They should have passed class 8 and must not have any government employees in their family. Married girls and those studying in private unaided or Central Government schools are excluded from this scheme.
Who is not eligible
- Married girls
- Students in private-unaided or Central Government schools
- Girls who are not SC/ST and did not pass Class VIII from a Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online through the official scholarship portal.
- Prepare soft copies of the required documents.
- Visit scholarships.gov.in and click on 'New Registration'.
- Fill in the registration form and click 'Register' to receive your Application ID and password.
- Log in using your Application ID and password on the portal.
- Complete the application form and upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the application by clicking 'Final Submit'.
Documents required
- Scanned copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar card
- Domicile Certificate
- Income certificate of the parents or legal guardian
- Class 10th scorecard of the applicant
- Certificate from the school head or principal
- Fees receipts of the current class
- Bank account proof of the applicant’s existing account
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
Common problems and how to fix them
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Cannot withdraw the money yet | The deposit unlocks only when the girl turns 18 AND has passed Class X. No premature withdrawal is allowed. |
| Not SC/ST — is my daughter eligible? | Yes, if she passed Class VIII from a Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), any community qualifies. |
| Which portal to use | Apply on the National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in), not a state portal. |
| Married girl applying | Married girls are not eligible for this incentive. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the amount provided under this scheme?
Eligible candidates receive ₹3000, which is deposited in a fixed deposit account until they turn 18.
Can married girls apply for this scheme?
No, married girls are not eligible to receive benefits under this scheme.
Are students from Central Government schools eligible?
No, students enrolled in Central Government schools are excluded from this scheme.
What happens if a beneficiary does not continue her studies?
Beneficiaries must continue their studies for at least two years to access the funds; otherwise, they cannot withdraw the incentive amount.
Is there any age limit for applying?
Yes, applicants must be between 14 and 18 years old; those above this age are not eligible.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include the Aadhaar card, domicile certificate, income certificate, class 10 scorecard, and bank account proof, among others.
How much is the incentive?
₹3,000 held as a fixed deposit in the girl’s name, withdrawn later with interest.
When can she withdraw it?
After she turns 18 and passes the Class X examination — no premature withdrawal.
Who is eligible?
SC/ST girls who passed Class VIII, and all girls from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, enrolling in Class IX in government / aided / local-body schools.
Are married girls eligible?
No — married girls are excluded.
Where do I apply?
Online at the National Scholarships Portal, scholarships.gov.in.
Key terms explained
- SC / ST / OBC
- Official social categories — Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes — used for reservations and targeted welfare schemes.
Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.
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