Scholarships for UPSC aspirants help in supporting candidates from economically weaker sections. Given the highly competitive nature of the UPSC exam, where only 0.1% to 0.2% of applicants succeed, focused preparation is essential. However, the high cost of coaching, study materials, and living in metro cities can make this dream unaffordable for many. To bridge this gap, several central and state governments, along with NGOs, offer scholarships and free coaching schemes. 

These initiatives are designed to reduce the financial burden on deserving students and provide them with the necessary guidance and resources. Many states also offer training and mentorship to help aspirants prepare effectively. The goal is to ensure that financial constraints don’t hinder one’s dream of becoming an IAS, IPS, or other civil servant. 

In this article, we highlight some of the most valuable scholarships available for UPSC aspirants to help you take the next step confidently.

Why Government Scholarships Matter for UPSC Aspirants?

High Cost of Coaching and Resources

Preparing for the UPSC exam often involves enrolling in good coaching institutes, purchasing study material, and taking multiple mock tests. These expenses can easily cross several lakhs of rupees, making it difficult for many deserving aspirants to afford quality preparation.

To Aid Economically Weaker Sections

Government scholarships help bridge the financial gap by supporting students from low-income families. By removing the burden of coaching fees and other expenses, these scholarships ensure that students with potential are not left behind due to a lack of resources.

Empowering Marginalised and Minority Communities

For aspirants from minority and marginalised communities, scholarships provide more than just financial aid. They offer encouragement, access, and empowerment. These schemes enable a more inclusive civil services system by helping diverse communities to get the positions they deserve in government exams.

Scholarship for UPSC Aspirants

Scholarship For UPSC Aspirants By the Central Government

Check out the information on UPSC scholarships provided by the central government below.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

• The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a UPSC scholarship for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Back Castes.
• Eligibility: SC/OBC students/aspirants with a total family income of Rs. 8 lakh or less per annum.
• How to Apply: Register online at the official website.

IGNOU UPSC Coaching

• IGNOU offers scholarships to UPSC candidates through its IGNOU UPSC Free Coaching initiative. IGNOU's full name is Indira Gandhi National Open University. It is the world's largest open university and the best open-distance education institution in India.
• Eligibility: SC candidates only have a graduation degree.
• How to Apply: Online registration process through IGNOU's official website.

Scholarship For UPSC Aspirants By State Government

State	Scheme Name	Benefits	Eligibility / Notes
Uttar Pradesh	CM Abhyudaya Yojana	Free online/offline coaching for UPSC, NEET, JEE; mentorship by IAS/PCS officers	For underprivileged aspirants
Uttar Pradesh	Dashmottar Scholarship Scheme	Financial support for UPSC coaching for OBC, SC, ST, EWS	Must fulfill post-matric eligibility conditions
Delhi	Jai Bheem Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana	75% coaching fee covered; 100% for families with income ≤ ₹2 lakh; fee paid in two installments to institutes	For SC/ST/OBC & General category; income-based eligibility
Tamil Nadu	Naan Mudhalvan Scheme	₹7,500/month (Prelims); ₹25,000 (Mains); ₹50,000 (Interview)	Must apply via official portal
Chhattisgarh	Rajiv Yuva Utthan Yojana	Free coaching (online/offline); ₹1,000 monthly stipend	For SC/ST/OBC aspirants
Arunachal Pradesh	CM’s Combined Civil Services Coaching Scheme	₹2 lakh (Prelims), ₹3 lakh (Mains); coaching via empanelled institutes	Only for APST candidates
Tripura	LAKSHYA Scholarship Scheme	₹1,00,000 (Mains qualifiers); ₹20,000 (Interview); funds via DBT	₹70,000 for coaching/materials + ₹30,000 for travel
Gujarat	SC Coaching Assistance Scheme	Up to ₹20,000 or actual coaching fee (whichever is lower); via DBT	For SC category candidates
Maharashtra	UPSC Scholarship Programme	₹10,000/month + full coaching fee reimbursement	For Mains-cleared candidates (last 3 years), income criteria apply
Manipur	Super IAS 500 Scholarship	Top 200: Full coaching sponsorship; Next 300: Partial assistance	Based on merit; top 500 aspirants selected

Scholarship For Minorities Clearing The UPSC Prelims Exam

Nai Udaan Scholarship

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched the Nai Udaan Scheme, which provides scholarships to minority candidates such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis who have passed the UPSC, SPSC, or SSC preliminary examinations.  The eligible candidates will receive financial assistance as listed below.

Financial Aid under Nai Udaan Scheme

The Nai Udaan scheme offers financial support to minority candidates who clear government exams. The aid is structured as follows:

• Rs. 1,00,000 for clearing the UPSC Preliminary Examination
  
  
• Rs. 50,000 for clearing State PCS (Gazetted) Preliminary Examination
  
  
• Rs. 25,000 for clearing SSC CGL & CAPF-Group B Preliminary Examination
  
  
• Rs. 25,000 for clearing State PCS (Graduate Level Non-Gazetted) Preliminary Examination

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must belong to notified Minority Communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) as per the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.

• Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 8 lakh
  
  
• The candidate must not have received Nai Udaan benefits previously for the same exam
  

Selection Process

Up to 5100 candidates can be selected annually based on eligibility and funding availability. If seats for a specific community or exam are limited, a first-come, first-served basis is followed.

Application Procedure

Apply online via https://www.minorityaffairs.gov.in within one month of result declaration. Late applications may be considered by the selection committee.

Required Documents

• Proof of qualifying the exam
  
  
• Admit card/roll number slip
  
  
• Income certificate from the competent authority
  
  
• Any other documents requested by the Ministry

Scholarship Program	Provided By	Eligibility	Application Process	Key Benefits
Free UPSC Coaching (MANUU)	Maulana Azad National Urdu University (Central University)	Graduates	Download and submit the application form from MANUU official website	Free coaching for UPSC Prelims; final selection based on Entrance Test + Interview
UPSC Scholarship	Vikash Deep Foundation (NGO)	Graduates or those pursuing graduation	Online application on a first-come, first-served basis	Covers 50% of coaching cost; Women get an additional 5% discount
SAMBHAVAM UPSC Coaching Scholarship	Sood Charity Foundation & Divine India Youth Association (DIYA)	Intermediate-qualified students	Online registration via Sonu Sood Foundation website	Free coaching, mentorship, and personality development training

Digital Initiatives like DIKSHA and SWAYAM for Self-Preparation

• Government-backed digital platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM have become powerful tools for UPSC aspirants who prefer self-study or cannot afford expensive coaching. 
• DIKSHA offers free, high-quality educational resources in multiple languages, including NCERT content crucial for UPSC preparation. 
• SWAYAM, on the other hand, provides courses from top institutions like IITs and IIMs. It covers subjects relevant to the UPSC syllabus such as governance, economics, and environmental studies. 

Enrol in the best IAS coaching institute

Students who are preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination can enroll in APTI PLUS, the best coaching institute in Kolkata. Known for its experienced faculty, comprehensive study material, and a good track record of success, APTI PLUS offers the right academic guidance and mentorship. 

With specialized programs for Prelims, Mains, and Interview preparation, the institute creates a focused study environment that helps UPSC aspirants. Whether you're aiming for your first attempt or looking to improve your score, APTI PLUS provides the structure and resources needed to succeed in one of UPSC.

APTI PLUS offers a merit-based scholarship program to support talented aspirants. Each year, APTI PLUS extends free guidance and support to 20 deserving candidates from economically weaker sections, selected strictly through an entrance test and merit, under the management’s approval. This initiative helps in empowering meritorious students who face financial challenges, ensuring they receive quality UPSC coaching and mentorship to achieve their civil services dreams without the burden of high coaching fees.

To know more about APTI PLUS coaching, contact us now!!