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NISER Scholarships 2026: Financial Aid & Eligibility Criteria
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Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Updated on 5 June 2026

NISER Scholarship opportunities in 2026 include an annual ₹60,000 grant through the DISHA program, supporting students in their integrated MSc studies. These awards facilitate higher education for high-potential, financially constrained students, aligning with government initiatives.

Table of Contents

Major Scholarship Programs Available

NISER provides several scholarship programs aimed at supporting students across various academic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The primary schemes include government-backed initiatives and institutional support, detailed below.

SchemeFunderAnnual Amount (2025)Primary EligibilityApplication Window
DISHA ProgramDepartment of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt. of India₹60,000 + ₹20,000 (internship)Admitted to Integrated MSc program at NISER via NESTAutomatic upon admission
INSPIRE-SHE ProgramDepartment of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India₹5,000/month (approx. ₹60,000/year)Selected by DST for INSPIRE-SHE; endorsed by NISER/UM-DAE CEBSAs per DST guidelines
Merit Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/MinoritiesVarious Government Bodies (e.g., e-District Delhi for specific regions)Varies by schemeAcademic merit, parental income limits, category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)As per specific scheme notifications
Fee Waivers for SC/ST StudentsNISER100% Tuition Fee, 100% Laboratory FeeBelonging to SC/ST categoriesAutomatic upon admission

Category-Specific Financial Support (2025 Data)

Financial aid at NISER is structured to ensure equitable access to education for students from diverse categories. This includes specific provisions for reserved categories and economically disadvantaged groups, often involving fee waivers and direct scholarships.

Student CategoryApplicable Schemes (2025)Key Benefits
SC/ST StudentsMerit Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, Fee WaiversScholarships to reduce financial burden, 100% tuition and laboratory fee waivers
OBC StudentsMerit Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/MinoritiesScholarships to support higher education continuation
Minority StudentsMerit Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/MinoritiesFinancial aid to encourage college-level studies
Merit (General Category)DISHA Program, INSPIRE-SHE ProgramAnnual scholarship for Integrated MSc students, internship grant
Economically ConstrainedNISER Philosophy (needs-based)Identified high-potential students may receive support based on evidence-based parameters

Government Scholarship Schemes Overview (2025 Data)

Several government-backed scholarship initiatives form the backbone of financial assistance available to NISER students. These schemes are designed to promote higher education and scientific research across India.

Scheme TitleAdministering BodyKey CriteriaSupport Provided
DISHA ProgramDepartment of Atomic Energy (DAE)Admission to Integrated MSc program at NISER via NEST₹60,000 annual scholarship, ₹20,000 annual internship grant
INSPIRE-SHE ProgramDepartment of Science & Technology (DST)Selection by DST, endorsement by NISER/UM-DAE CEBS₹5,000 per month scholarship
Merit Scholarship for College And Professional Institution Student (SC/ST/OBC/Minorities)Various State/Central Government DepartmentsAcademic merit, parental income limits, caste/minority statusVaries by specific scheme, aims to reduce financial burden
e-District Delhi Welfare Schemes (SC/ST/OBC)Delhi Government (for Delhi residents)Caste certificate, income details, academic performanceScholarships for higher education, details vary by scheme
National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) related scholarshipsNISER / HBNIPerformance in NEST for Integrated MSc admissionEligibility for DAE DISHA program

FAQs

Q: Are there merit scholarships at NISER?

A: Yes, NISER offers merit-based scholarships. Students admitted to the Integrated MSc program are eligible for the DISHA program scholarship via DAE. Additionally, selection for DST's INSPIRE-SHE program can lead to an INSPIRE scholarship.

Q: What is the DISHA program scholarship at NISER?

A: The DISHA program, funded by the Department of Atomic Energy, provides an annual scholarship of ₹60,000 and an additional ₹20,000 for summer internships to students admitted to NISER's Integrated MSc program.

Q: Which categories of students receive fee waivers at NISER?

A: NISER provides 100% tuition fee waiver and 100% laboratory fee waiver specifically for students belonging to the SC and ST categories, as part of its commitment to equitable education.

Q: How is eligibility determined for NISER scholarships?

A: Eligibility is based on academic merit (e.g., NEST rank, Class XII performance), minimum marks (typically 60% in qualifying exams), parental income meeting government limits, and, when applicable, category recognition (SC/ST/OBC/Minority).

Q: Can scholarships at NISER be renewed annually?

A: Yes, scholarships awarded at NISER are typically renewed annually. Students must continue to meet the specific eligibility and performance criteria set by NISER or the relevant scholarship authorities for renewal.