National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)
Rs 3,000 fixed-deposit incentive to keep SC/ST girls in school past Class 8
Government
Central Government
Who it’s for
SC/ST Girl Students entering Class 9
Application mode
Through school / District Education Office
Processing time
Verification and sanction typically take a few months after the application window closes, tied to the NSP scholarship cycle.
Deadline / renewal
One-time enrolment-linked benefit — apply in the year the girl enrols in Class 9. Funds are locked until she turns 18 and passes Class 10.
What it provides
One-time deposit of Rs 3,000 in a bank/post-office account (maturing at Rs ~4,000+) for SC/ST/other-eligible girls on enrolment in Class 9, to reduce dropout at secondary level. Now implemented as part of Samagra Shiksha.
Benefits breakdown
Who’s eligible
SC/ST girls (and girls who passed Class 8 under Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya) who are unmarried and enrol in Class 9 in a government/govt-aided school, below age 16.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Class 8 passing certificate/marksheet
- Caste certificate (SC/ST) — not required for KGBV-origin applicants
- School enrolment proof for Class 9
- Bank account details (for the fixed deposit)
How to apply
Online
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) and register as a new student
- Select the NSIGSE scheme under the applicable scholarship category
- Fill in personal, academic (Class 8 result) and school details
- Upload required documents (caste certificate, Class 8 marksheet, Aadhaar, bank details)
- Submit — the application is verified online by the designated State authority
- Final eligible list is compiled by the NSP team and forwarded to the Ministry of Education for sanction of the fixed deposit
Helpline
NSP Helpdesk: 0120-6619540
helpdesk[at]nsp[dot]gov[dot]in
FAQs
Can I withdraw the money before turning 18?
No — the fixed deposit (plus interest) can only be withdrawn after the beneficiary turns 18 and has passed Class 10.
What happens if the girl marries before 18?
The scheme requires the applicant to be unmarried at the time of application; marrying before 18 can affect continued eligibility — check current NSP/Ministry guidelines.
Is this only for SC/ST girls?
Primarily yes, but girls who passed Class 8 from a Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) are also eligible regardless of category.
Last verified 31 August 2026