Empowering young women through higher education is one of the most impactful ways to build a progressive society. The Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship 2025 for Single Girl Child is a testament to this philosophy. Designed and administered by the University Grants Commission (UGC), this scholarship aims to support single girl children in pursuing postgraduate studies across India. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, understanding this initiative can unlock new opportunities for academic and personal growth.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the Indira Gandhi PG Scholarship 2025: from eligibility criteria and financial benefits, to step-by-step application guidance, expert insights, and success stories. Let’s explore how this scholarship can change lives and promote gender equality in education.
Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship 2025 for Girls
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child 2025 |
| Administered by | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Eligibility | Single girl child, aged under 30, enrolled in first-year full-time PG course |
| Amount | INR 36,200 per annum for 2 years |
| Applicable Courses | Non-professional, full-time postgraduate programs |
| Application Mode | Online via National Scholarship Portal |
| Number of Scholarships | Approx. 3,000 per year |
| Deadline (Tentative) | October 31, 2025 |
| Official Website | https://www.ugc.gov.in |
The Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child 2025 is more than just a financial grant. It’s a powerful initiative encouraging educational equity and gender parity. With straightforward eligibility criteria and an easy online application process, thousands of deserving girls can now dream of completing their higher education without financial hurdles. Whether you’re a guardian, mentor, or applicant, sharing this information could be the first step toward empowering a future leader.
Why This Scholarship Matters
India has long struggled with gender disparity in education. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, the female gross enrollment ratio at the postgraduate level is only 17.8%. The Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship is a critical intervention aimed at addressing this gap by incentivizing families to educate their daughters.
This scholarship not only supports the financial needs of female students but also serves as a broader social message: empowering single girl children is an investment in the future.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria Explained
Before you start your application, it’s important to understand whether you qualify. Here are the eligibility conditions:
1. Gender and Family Structure
- Must be a female student
- Must be the only girl child in the family
- Twins or multiple daughters in a family can be eligible if there are no male siblings
2. Age Limit
- Applicant should be less than 30 years old at the time of admission into the first year of a PG course
3. Course & Admission Requirements
- Must have taken admission in a first-year, full-time, regular postgraduate course
- Courses must be non-professional (e.g., M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., etc.)
- The institution must be recognized by the UGC and funded by the Central or State Government
- Distance education students are not eligible
Financial Benefits: What You Get
- Annual Grant: INR 36,200 per year
- Duration: 2 years (totaling INR 72,400)
- Disbursement Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the applicant’s bank account
- Other Perks: Though the grant does not cover hostel or medical expenses, institutions may offer tuition fee waivers for eligible students
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for this scholarship is straightforward if you follow these steps:
Step 1 – Registration
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal
- Click on “New Registration” and read the guidelines carefully
- Fill in the necessary details to create your applicant ID
Step 2 – Login and Fill Application
- Use your credentials to log in
- Choose the appropriate scholarship scheme: “Incentive – PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child”
- Fill in your academic, personal, and bank details
Step 3 – Upload Documents
Prepare scanned copies of:
- Aadhaar Card
- Admission letter from the institution
- Joining report (Annexure I)
- Affidavit confirming single girl child status (Annexure II)
- Copy of bank passbook
- Class 10 certificate (as age proof)
Step 4 – Submit for Verification
- Submit your completed application
- Your institution will verify the application
- Monitor the application status on the portal regularly
Pro Tips for Applicants
- Apply early: Don’t wait till the last date to avoid portal overload
- Double-check your bank details: DBT requires accuracy
- Use updated documents: Ensure all documents are recent and legible
- Stay informed: Follow updates on the UGC official site
Expert Insights
“The Indira Gandhi Scholarship serves as both financial assistance and a motivational tool. Many of our students who benefited from this scheme went on to pursue doctoral research or public service careers.” — Dr. Renu Sharma, Dean of Student Welfare, Delhi University
“This scholarship helps remove the psychological and financial barrier that often prevents young women from continuing their education beyond graduation.” — Prof. Amit Khurana, Educational Consultant
Real Success Stories
Priya’s Journey from Village to master’s degree
Priya Kumari, a first-generation learner from Bihar, used the Indira Gandhi Scholarship to complete her M.A. in Sociology. She is now preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Ayesha Becomes a Role Model in Her Community
Ayesha Khan from Uttar Pradesh was the only girl child in her family. With the help of this scholarship, she completed her postgrad in Chemistry and is now working as a junior research fellow at CSIR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply if I have a brother?
No, the scholarship is only for single girl children in the family. Girls with brothers are not eligible.
2. Can I apply if I’m enrolled in a private college?
Only if the private institution is UGC-recognized and government-aided. Purely self-financed institutions are not eligible.
3. Are professional courses like MBA or M.Tech eligible?
No, the scholarship applies only to non-professional PG courses.
4. What if I fail in the first year?
Continuation into the second year depends on successful promotion to the next academic year. Marksheets and a progress report must be submitted.
5. Is there a renewal process?
Yes, applicants must submit a renewal form along with the first-year marksheet and progress certificate from the institution.
6. Can I avail of other scholarships alongside this one?
Yes, since this is considered an incentive scholarship, recipients can also apply for and receive other scholarships if eligible.
