Top Scholarships for MBBS Students in India 2026

Updated on 1 October 2026.

The main scholarships for MBBS students in India are government schemes on the National Scholarship Portal, plus two trust awards. The Central Sector Scheme pays Rs. 12,000 a year, rising to Rs. 20,000. SC, ST and OBC students at notified colleges such as AIIMS get full tuition. Most cap family income between Rs. 2.5 lakh and Rs. 8 lakh.

Key Takeaways

• Most MBBS scholarships are applied for on one website. The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) list of schemes for 2026 to 2027 shows student applications open until 31 October 2026 for most central schemes.

• The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) is merit based. It pays Rs. 12,000 a year for years one to three and Rs. 20,000 a year in years four and five of a five-year professional course, as per the CSSS guidelines from the Ministry of Education.

• Top Class schemes pay full tuition at named medical colleges. SC, ST and OBC students admitted to notified colleges such as AIIMS New Delhi, JIPMER or Gandhi Medical College can have tuition paid, up to Rs. 2 lakh a year at private institutions.

• Income limits decide who qualifies. They range from Rs. 2.5 lakh a year (Post Matric Scholarship for SC students) to Rs. 8 lakh (Top Class Scholarship for SC students and the NEC Merit Scholarship).

• Two trust scholarships name MBBS in their rules. The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme 2026 pays Rs. 50,000 a year for medicine, and the Sitaram Jindal Foundation pays a monthly amount to MBBS students.

• Many government schemes cannot be combined. The CSSS, for example, is only for students not receiving any other merit scholarship, state scholarship or fee waiver.

MBBS Scholarships in India at a Glance

This table lists the scholarships an MBBS student in an Indian medical college can apply for, with the income limit and the amount for a medical course. Each scheme is explained in its own section below.

MBBS fees decide how much each scholarship actually covers. At Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, the college fee at admission is about Rs. 29,000, as per the college fee structure page. Private and deemed seats cost many times more, as our web story on MBBS fees in government, private and deemed colleges shows. For a full fee breakdown, read our guide to the cost of MBBS in India.

MBBS Scholarship Dates for 2026 to 2027

Each year, the NSP publishes one window per scheme. These are the windows listed on the NSP schemes page for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, and the LIC date from the LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation page.

The college verification date matters as much as the student date. A form the college has not verified by its deadline does not reach the ministry, so ask your college scholarship office to approve it soon after you submit.

Key Terms in MBBS Scholarships Explained

• National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The Government of India website at scholarships.gov.in, where central scholarships are applied for, verified and paid.

• One Time Registration (OTR). A single NSP registration, linked to Aadhaar, that a student uses for every NSP scholarship.

• Post Matric scholarship. A scholarship for any study after Class 10, run through the state where the student is domiciled.

• Top Class scholarship. A larger award for students admitted to a fixed list of notified institutions, such as AIIMS, JIPMER and some government medical colleges.

• Slots. The number of awards given to each college. If more eligible students apply than there are slots, the award goes by entrance rank, which for MBBS is the NEET rank.

• Fresh and renewal. A fresh application is the first one. A renewal is filed every following year to keep the scholarship.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The government pays the money straight into the student's bank account. Payments can be tracked on the PFMS website.

Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) for MBBS Students

The CSSS is the main merit scholarship from the Ministry of Education, now part of the PM-USP scheme. It covers professional courses such as medicine. The CSSS guidelines provide a maximum of 82,000 fresh scholarships a year. Half are kept for girls.

The amount was raised from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000 for the first three years from 2022 to 2023. To renew it each year, you need at least 50% marks in the annual exam and 75% attendance. A ragging complaint leads to the scholarship being taken away.

Scholarships for SC Students Studying MBBS in India

Post Matric Scholarship for SC students

The Post Matric Scholarship for SC students is the widest SC scheme. It is funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and run by each state, as set out on the Post Matric Scholarship for SC students page. The state where you are domiciled selects you, even if you study MBBS in another state.

• Income limit. Parents' income from all sources must not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh in the last financial year.

• What it pays. All compulsory non-refundable fees, including tuition, as fixed by the state fee committee.

• Academic allowance. MBBS is a Group 1 course. Hostellers get Rs. 13,500 a year and day scholars Rs. 7,000 a year, as per the Post Matric Scholarship for SCs scheme guidelines. Students with a disability get 10% more.

• Free admission rule. Colleges should admit eligible students without asking them to pay tuition and hostel fees first. The fee is paid once the scholarship is released.

Top Class Scholarship for SC students

The Top Class Scholarship pays much more but only at notified institutions. The Top Class Scholarship for SC students guidelines for 2026 to 2027 set these terms.

• Income limit. Family income up to Rs. 8 lakh a year.

• Tuition. Full tuition and non-refundable charges, with a ceiling of Rs. 2 lakh a year at private institutions.

• Academic allowance. Rs. 86,000 in the first year and Rs. 41,000 in each later year, paid as a lump sum for living costs, books and a laptop.

• Selection. Only first-year students are selected fresh. 30% of slots are kept for girls. No more than two siblings in a family can benefit.

The scheme has 134 medical slots across 31 institutions. These are the medical colleges with the most slots.

An SC student at one of these colleges who is not within the slots can still claim the Post Matric Scholarship. Our pages on Gandhi Medical College Secunderabad, KGMU Lucknow and AIIMS New Delhi cover seats and cutoffs for these colleges. The full list of government colleges is on our government medical colleges in India page.

Scholarships for OBC, EBC and DNT Students in MBBS

OBC, EBC (Economically Backward Classes) and DNT (Denotified Tribes) students are covered by PM YASASVI. The PM YASASVI scheme page lists five sub-schemes, including a Post Matric Scholarship run through the states and Top Class Education in College.

The Top Class Education in College guidelines pay full tuition (up to Rs. 2 lakh a year at private colleges), Rs. 3,000 a month for living costs, Rs. 5,000 a year for books and up to Rs. 45,000 once for a computer. Family income must be up to Rs. 2.5 lakh. Where a college has spare slots, they can go to second, third and fourth year students.

The 2026 to 2027 slot allocation for this scheme gives these medical colleges the most slots.

Scholarship for ST Students Studying MBBS

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs the National Scholarship for ST students, earlier called Top Class Education for ST students. Its scheme guidelines cover medicine at notified institutions, including AIIMS, JIPMER, Christian Medical College Vellore and Kasturba Medical College.

• Income limit. Family income up to Rs. 6 lakh a year.

• Tuition. Full fees at government institutions, with a ceiling of Rs. 2.5 lakh a year at private institutions.

• Allowances. Rs. 3,000 a month stipend, Rs. 5,000 a year for books and Rs. 45,000 once for a computer.

• No slot ceiling. Every eligible ST student admitted on merit to a listed institute can get it. Management quota seats at private institutes are excluded.

MBBS Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities runs scholarships for students with a benchmark disability, meaning 40% or more. Its revised guidelines of 25 September 2024 set these amounts. Half of all slots are kept for girls.

Scholarships for Wards of Armed Police and RPF Personnel

The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is funded from the National Defence Fund. MBBS is named as an eligible course. Under the Ministry of Home Affairs PMSS FAQ, it covers wards of CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel, and wards of state police personnel killed in terror or Naxal attacks.

• Amount. Rs. 3,000 a month for girls and Rs. 2,500 a month for boys, paid yearly, for up to five years.

• Marks. At least 60% in Class 12 for new applicants, and 50% each year to renew.

• Number of awards. 2,000 fresh scholarships a year for CAPF and Assam Rifles families, and 500 for state police families.

• RPF families. A separate PMSS for wards of RPF and RPSF personnel gives 150 scholarships a year at the same rates.

NEC Merit Scholarship for MBBS Students from the North East

The North Eastern Council (NEC) Merit Scholarship is for permanent residents of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It can be used in any recognised college in India. The NEC Merit Scholarship rules give Rs. 22,000 a year at degree level. Family income must be up to Rs. 8 lakh, with at least 60% in Class 12. There are 1,000 fresh degree-level awards a year, for example 200 for Assam and 130 for Arunachal Pradesh.

State Government Scholarships for MBBS Students

Most SC, ST and OBC Post Matric scholarships, and every state's own scheme, are applied for on the state portal, not on the NSP. The Post Matric Scholarship guidelines say the state where a student is domiciled makes the selection.

Maharashtra is a clear example. Its MahaDBT scholarship portal lists several schemes that medical students can use. These include:

• Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Yojana (EBC). A tuition fee scholarship for economically backward students, offered through several departments including medical education.

• Education fee reimbursement for open category students affected by SEBC and EWS reservation in medical and dental colleges. A scheme only for medical and dental students.

• Scholarship for minority community students in higher and professional courses (DMER). A scheme of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research for minority students.

• Post Matric Scholarship to OBC girls taking admission in professional courses. For OBC girls in courses such as MBBS.

Other states run similar portals. Check your own state's scholarship portal in the month you take admission, since most state windows open after counselling. Our guide to NEET reservation explains which category certificate each quota needs.

Private and Trust Scholarships for MBBS in India

LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship 2026

The LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation gives a higher rate for medicine than any other stream. The Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme 2026 sets these terms.

LIC does not pay a student who already holds a trust scholarship. A government scholarship, however, does not stop you from receiving the LIC award.

Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship

The Sitaram Jindal Foundation lists MBBS under its Category E, for engineering and medicine. Its scholarship eligibility page gives the following amounts.

• Monthly amount. Rs. 3,000 a month for girls and Rs. 2,500 a month for boys on a graduate medicine course.

• Hostel addition. Rs. 1,800 a month more for medical students living in a hostel.

• Marks. At least 70% for boys and 65% for girls. Students with a disability, orphans and children of single parents need only pass marks.

Who Is Not Eligible for MBBS Scholarships in India?

• Management, NRI and spot admission seats. The Post Matric Scholarship for SC students excludes seats filled outside the state merit process.

• Families above the income limit. Even a small amount over the limit makes a student ineligible for that scheme.

• Students already holding another scholarship. The CSSS, the Post Matric Scholarship and the disability schemes all bar a second government award for the same course.

• Students outside the notified list. Top Class schemes pay only at notified institutions. A student at any other college applies for the Post Matric Scholarship instead.

• Students studying MBBS abroad. These schemes are for study in India only.

How to Apply for an MBBS Scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal

1. Complete your One Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP with Aadhaar.

2. Log in, choose the scheme you are eligible for and fill in the form with marks, income, course and bank details.

3. Upload the income certificate, category certificate and fee details the scheme asks for, then submit before the student deadline.

4. Your college verifies the form online. For the CSSS, the state nodal officer then checks it too.

5. The ministry approves the award and pays the amount by DBT into your own bank account.

6. Track the payment on the PFMS website using your NSP application ID, bank account number or Aadhaar.

7. Apply for renewal every year before the NSP closing date.

Counselling and scholarship dates overlap. Our NEET counselling guide explains the admission steps that come before a scholarship form.

Documents Required for MBBS Scholarships in India

• Income certificate. Issued by a revenue officer such as a Tehsildar, or by the employer for salaried parents.

• Category certificate. SC, ST, OBC, EBC or DNT certificate for category schemes.

• Disability certificate. For the disability schemes, showing 40% or more disability.

• Class 12 marksheet. For merit schemes such as the CSSS, LIC and PMSS.

• Admission proof. A bonafide certificate from the college, plus your NEET rank and fee details for Top Class schemes.

• Aadhaar and a bank account in the student's name. Payments go only to the student's own account.

• Service or martyrdom certificate. For the PMSS, as listed in the scheme FAQ.

Can You Hold More Than One MBBS Scholarship?

Usually not, for two government schemes on the same course. The CSSS needs you to hold no other merit or state scholarship. The SC Post Matric Scholarship lets you pick the better of two awards. The ST scheme bars any other Centre or state scholarship. A trust award is different. LIC allows a government scholarship alongside its own, so an SC student could hold the Post Matric Scholarship and the LIC award together.

What If Things Go Wrong With Your MBBS Scholarship?

• You miss a renewal date. Under the CSSS, you lose that year but can renew again the next year if you still qualify.

• You fail a year. The SC and OBC Top Class scholarships stop if you are not promoted. The SC scheme restarts once you are promoted.

• You change college. The SC Top Class Scholarship ends if you move. The CSSS continues if the new college has a valid AISHE code.

• Your college misses verification. The application does not reach the ministry, so follow up with the college scholarship nodal officer.

Are These Scholarships Available for MBBS Abroad?

No. Every scheme above is for study at a recognised college in India. Families comparing MBBS abroad should read our guide to scholarships for MBBS abroad. Our education loan guide explains how families fund a degree outside India.

Conclusion

An MBBS student in India should start with the NSP. Merit students with family income up to Rs. 4.5 lakh fit the CSSS. SC, ST, OBC and students with disabilities at notified colleges can have tuition paid in full. Everyone else should check the state portal and the LIC scheme. Keep the income certificate ready before counselling ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a government scholarship for MBBS students in India?

Yes. The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship pays Rs. 12,000 a year for MBBS years one to three and Rs. 20,000 in years four and five. SC, ST, OBC and students with disabilities have separate schemes. Most are applied for on the National Scholarship Portal, where 2026 to 2027 forms close on 31 October 2026.

How much does the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship pay MBBS students?

It pays Rs. 12,000 a year for the first three years and Rs. 20,000 a year in the fourth and fifth years of a five-year professional course. That is about Rs. 76,000 in total. Family income must be up to Rs. 4.5 lakh, and you must be above the 80th percentile in Class 12.

Which scholarship pays full MBBS tuition in India?

The Top Class schemes for SC, ST and OBC students pay full tuition at notified colleges such as AIIMS and JIPMER. At private colleges, the ceiling is Rs. 2 lakh a year, or Rs. 2.5 lakh for ST students. Income limits are Rs. 8 lakh (SC), Rs. 6 lakh (ST) and Rs. 2.5 lakh (OBC).

What is the income limit for MBBS scholarships in India?

It depends on the scheme. The SC Post Matric and OBC Top Class schemes allow up to Rs. 2.5 lakh. The CSSS and LIC scholarship allow up to Rs. 4.5 lakh. The ST scheme allows Rs. 6 lakh. The SC Top Class, disability Top Class and NEC schemes allow Rs. 8 lakh a year.

Is there a scholarship for general category MBBS students?

Yes. The CSSS is open to all categories with income up to Rs. 4.5 lakh and Class 12 marks above the 80th percentile. The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship pays Rs. 50,000 a year for medicine with 60% in Class 12. Some states, such as Maharashtra, also run fee schemes for open category students.

What documents are needed for an MBBS scholarship?

Most schemes ask for an income certificate from a Tehsildar or employer, a category certificate where relevant, the Class 12 marksheet, a bonafide certificate from the college and Aadhaar. You also need a bank account in your own name. Top Class schemes also ask for your NEET rank and fee details.

Can I get two scholarships for MBBS at the same time?

Usually not two government ones. The CSSS needs you to hold no other merit or state scholarship, and the SC Post Matric Scholarship asks you to choose one. A trust award is different. The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship can be held alongside a government scholarship, but not with another trust scholarship.

When is the last date for MBBS scholarships in 2026?

For 2026 to 2027, most central schemes on the National Scholarship Portal close for students on 31 October 2026, with college verification until 15 November 2026. The CSSS renewal window closed on 30 September 2026. The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship closes on 15 October 2026.

Sources

• National Scholarship Portal: schemes on NSP and dates for 2026 to 2027

• Ministry of Education: PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship guidelines

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: Post Matric Scholarship for SC students

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: Post Matric Scholarship for SCs scheme guidelines

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: Top Class Scholarship for SC students

• Top Class Scholarship for SC students: scheme guidelines 2026 to 2027

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: PM YASASVI for OBC, EBC and DNT students

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: Top Class Education in College for OBC, EBC and DNT students

• Top Class Education in College for OBC, EBC and DNT students: guidelines

• Top Class Education in College: institutions and slots for 2026 to 2027

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs: National Fellowship and Scholarship for ST students guidelines

• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: scholarship scheme guidelines, 25 September 2024

• Ministry of Home Affairs: Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme FAQ

• Ministry of Railways: Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for wards of RPF and RPSF

• North Eastern Council: NEC Merit Scholarship rules

• Government of Maharashtra: MahaDBT scholarship portal

• LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation: scholarship page

• LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme 2026

• Sitaram Jindal Foundation: scholarship eligibility and amounts

• Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad: fee structure