Quick Summary: The CBSE Scholarship 2025–26 includes schemes like the Single Girl Child Scholarship, CSSS, and SC/ST Merit Scholarship. These scholarships offer financial help to meritorious students, especially girls and those from reserved categories. Students from Class 10 and 12 can apply online or through schools. The CBSE Scholarship Application Dates for 2025-26 follow from 2 June to 30 October 2025. To apply, students must meet the eligibility criteria and submit the correct documents on time (race against time phrase meaning) through cbse.gov.in or scholarships.gov.in. For more details student can go through the entire blog.
CBSE Scholarship 2025–26: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) provides scholarships to support students across the nation in their studies without any financial concerns. These CBSE scholarships 2025-26 are introduced to help bright students, mainly girls, who are keen to study further after Class 10 or Class 12. This scholarship scheme is a good chance for students to get financial help directly from CBSE. It is not only a reward for scoring well but also a way to support education for girls and deserving students.
The CBSE Scholarship Application Dates for 2025-26 are as Follows: 2 June to 30 October 2025 – Students can apply for Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) from November 2025 to February 2026. The application for the Single Girl Child Scholarship will open from July to August. The Schools can send the names of students for the CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST available at www.cbse.nic.in. In 2024, over 10,000 single girl students benefited from this assistance, which raised girl enrolment by 15% and reduced dropouts among SC/ST students by 12%.
These scholarships are given every year, and many students avail them from the CBSE. If you have cleared 10th/12th in 2025 and you want to study further, then this scholarship is for you to help in your studies. This article will provide you with all the crucial details on CBSE scholarships, such as who can apply, what awards are offered, the complete schedule, and how to apply.
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CBSE Scholarship 2025-26 Overview
CBSE scholarships are cash-support programs introduced to aid students enrolled in schools affiliated with the CBSE board. Formed in 1921, CBSE is one of India’s leading educational boards. It manages over 28,000 schools and helps millions of students. The goal of CBSE Scholarship schemes is to help students do well in studies, support poor families, and also reduce the gap between boys and girls in education. In 2025, CBSE is offering three main scholarship schemes:
- Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child
- Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)
- Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students
| Scholarship Title | CBSE Scholarship Scheme 2025–26 |
| Organizing Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Type of Scholarship | Based on Academic Merit |
| How to Apply | Through Online Submission Only |
| Session | Academic Year 2025–26 |
| Official Portal | cbse.gov.in |
| Applicable For | Students of Class 10 and Class 12 |
| Beneficiary Group | High-performing Students, with a focus on Girls |
CBSE Scholarship – Application Timeline
The table below shows the application dates for the CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child, Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS), and CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students.
| Scholarship Scheme | When to Apply |
| CBSE Single Girl Child Merit Scholarship | Applications accepted from November to February |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) |
|
| CBSE SC/ST Merit Scholarship | The application window opens from July to August |
Types of CBSE Scholarship 2025-26 and Eligibility Requirements
CBSE mainly provides three important scholarship schemes. They have different rules, benefits, and eligibility requirements.
1. CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship for 2025-26
This CBSE scholarship is only for girl students who are the only child of their parents. It is meant to help such girls continue their studies without money problems and encourage them to study further. Started in 2008, the CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child helps these students study in Class 11 and Class 12. Applications for this scholarship year 2025–26 can be submitted until 8 February 2026.
Eligibility Requirements for CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship –
- The girl has to be a citizen of India and must have no siblings (brothers or sisters).
- She should have secured a minimum 70% in the CBSE class 10th of 2025 to avail the scholarship in 2026.
- She should be studying in Class 11 or 12 in a CBSE-affiliated school.
- The school tuition fees for Indian students should not exceed ₹2,500 per month, while for NRI students, it should not be more than ₹6,000 per month.
2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)
This CBSE scholarship is given every year to help more than 82,000 students who score well in Class 12 but face money problems. It helps them stay in college and continue their education. The aim of the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) for 2025–26 is to remove financial stress and improve college retention to 90%.
Eligibility Requirements for Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) –
- The student should be a citizen of India.
- Must have scored percentile of more the 80th percentile in CBSE 12th Board (2025) exam.
- Enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course.
- Family’s yearly income must not be more than ₹4.5 lakh.
Important points to consider:
- Students getting any other fee refund or scholarship cannot apply.
- This scholarship is not for students studying through distance mode or online.
3. CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students
This scholarship is for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. It helps them stay in school and continue studies. In 2024, over 8,000 students got help from this scholarship, and it helped reduce dropout rates by 12% in SC/ST groups.
Eligibility Requirements for CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students –
- The applicant should hold Indian nationality.
- Only students who come under the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category can apply, and they must have valid proof of their category.
- The student should have scored a minimum of 85% marks in their CBSE Class 10 or Class 12 board exams.
- After passing Class 10 or 12, the student must continue their education in a school affiliated with the CBSE board.
Check Out: CBSE Class 10 Board Exams To Be Conducted Twice A Year From 2026
CBSE Scholarship 2025-26 – From where to apply?
Students who are eligible for any CBSE scholarship can apply by using the correct application method or through the given online portals.
| Scholarship Scheme | Application Process / Portal |
| CBSE Single Girl Child Merit Scholarship | You need to apply online via the CBSE official portal– cbse.gov.in |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) | Submit online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – scholarships.gov.in |
| CBSE Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students | Obtain the form from your school, complete and furnish it with documents, and send it to CBSE’s Delhi office |
CBSE Scholarship 2025-26 Apply Online
If you meet the criteria, you can apply online by going through these simple steps:
- Visit the official website (idioms website) of CBSE: cbse.gov.in
- Click on “Scholarship Schemes” on the homepage under the ‘Main Website’ section.
- Select the category of scholarship you want to apply for (Merit or Single Girl Child).
- Select the option “Apply Online.”
- Register with Roll Number, Date of Birth, and other particulars provided.
- Complete the online application form, and make sure you fill the online application form meticulously.
- Upload all necessary documents in the correct format
- Submit this form and retain the confirmation page with your records.
Check Out: CBSE Class 12th Board Exam Preparation Tips 2026
Documents Required for Application
Below is a list of all documents required for the CBSE Scholarship 2025–26. Try to file everything correctly, as nearly a quarter of applications get rejected due to errors or a lack of documents.
1. CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child
- Class 10-mark sheet and passing certificate (attested copies)
- Notarized Affidavit (as per the CBSE format) stating that the student is the only child, signed by a First-Class Judicial Magistrate or an equivalent authority.
- Parents indicating their daughter is the only girl child of their family and is studying in Class 11 or 12.
- Aadhaar card copy
- Bank passbook of the student showing account details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Evidence that the student is studying in a CBSE-recognized school
- Class 11 mark-sheet and certificate (for scholarship renewal only)
- Updated bank details (for renewal purposes)
Note: All documents mentioned must be scanned and merged into one PDF file less than 1 MB in size.
2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)
- Copy of class 12th mark sheet and passing certificate
- Income certificate from a government-recognized authority
- Copy of the first page of the bank passbook to show account number and IFS code (in case of Direct Bank Transfer – DBT)
- Aadhaar card as ID proof and to link with the bank account
- College/Institute verification form signed by the College/Institute
- Caste certificate (Only if the candidate is from a reserved category)
3. CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST Students
- Class 10- or 12-mark sheet and certificate copy
- Caste certificate issued by the competent authority of a State or Union Territory.
- Document proof related to the student’s enrolment in a CBSE School
- Bank passbook copy with account details
- Aadhaar card for authentication of Identity.
Note: All of these items are to be submitted to the school first. The school will forward these to the CBSE scholarship department.
CBSE Scholarship 2025-26: Amount and Benefits
Students applying for these CBSE scholarships will receive the following benefits –
| Scholarship Scheme | Financial Support Provided | Scholarship Period |
| CBSE Single Girl Child Merit Scholarship | ₹1,000 per month (Total benefit of ₹24,000 over the full term) | Valid for a maximum of 2 academic years |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) | ₹12,000 per year – for the first 3 years of regular UG courses
₹20,000 per year – in 4th & 5th year for professional or integrated programs like B.Tech, MBBS, etc. |
3 to 5 years, depending on the course |
| CBSE SC/ST Merit Scholarship | ₹12,000 annually to help with educational expenses | Duration may vary depending on class level (Class 11–12 or beyond) |
Important Points:
- The scholarship amount is directly sent to the student’s bank account
- If the student continues the same course, the scholarship needs to be renewed every year
- This CBSE scholarship helps reduce the cost of school or college education
The CBSE Scholarship 2025-26 is a great support for talented students who want to continue their studies but may not have enough money. Whether you are the only girl child or a topper student, there is a CBSE scholarship for you. Not only does this scheme assist with the costs of education, but it also motivates you to study well and achieve your target. Be sure to check all the eligibility rules, keep your documents ready, and submit the application before the deadline. Don’t forget to save a hard copy of the form and visit (idioms dictionary) the official website regularly for the latest updates.
FAQs on CBSE Scholarship 2025-26
Q1. Why is the CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship given?
This scholarship is meant to help girl students continue their education and lower the dropout rate among girls.
Q2. Who is eligible for the CBSE Class 12 Merit Scholarship?
Any student (boy or girl) who performs well in the CBSE Class 12 exams and gets admission for higher studies can opt.
Q3. Is it possible to apply for both CBSE scholarships together?
No, you can only be nominated for the class level and category that applies to you.
Q4. Do I need to renew the CBSE scholarship every year?
Yes, most CBSE scholarships need to be renewed yearly. You must show proof that you’re still studying and doing well in your course.
Q5. How will I receive the CBSE scholarship amount?
The funds will be directly deposited into your account you used for your applications.
Q6. How do I apply for the CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship 2025-26?
Go to cbse.gov.in, then click on ‘Single Girl Child Scholarship – 2025 (Fresh Application),’ and enter your Class 10 roll number and date of birth. Then fill up the form and upload marksheet, affidavit, and undertaking in PDF format (max.1 MB in size) and submit the same. Print the confirmation page and take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) it to your school to verify the information. A copy of Class 11 marksheet, Aadhaar card, and bank passbook may be sent to the CBSE Delhi office for those seeking renewals by February 8, 2026.
Q7. What is the process to apply for CBSE scholarships?
To apply for the Single Girl Child Scholarship, go to cbse.gov.in and submit your application by February 8, 2025, after getting it verified by your school. For the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS), you need to register at scholarships.gov.in from June 2 to October 31, 2025, and institute-level verification. To apply for the SC/ST Merit Scholarship. Interested, eligible candidates may apply to the program through their school and attach mark sheets and a caste certificate. You can read all the details in the article above.
Q8. What is the CBSE Merit Scholarship for SC/ST students 2025?
The CBSE Board Merit Scholarship for SC/ST students is given to those who score 85% or more in Class 10 or 12 CBSE exams and are studying in a CBSE-affiliated school. The selected students get ₹12,000 per year to support their education. Applications must be sent through the school, including marksheets and valid caste certificate. For final dates for 2025–26, visit cbse.gov.in. More than 8,000 students benefited from this aid in 2024, which in turn resulted in a 12% reduction in dropouts.
Q9. When are the last dates to apply for CBSE scholarships in 2026?
Single Girl Child Scholarship can be applied for until February 8, 2026, and school verification till March 2026. The CSSS application window is from June 2 – October 31, 2025, and the institute verification (to be completed) by Dec 15, 2025. The SC/ST Merit Scholarship form closing dates are generally based on the school calendar. Don’t miss it by checking the official cbse.gov.in in for further information on updates and deadlines.
Q10. How do I track my CBSE scholarship application online?
To know the status of your Single Girl Child Scholarship, visit cbse.gov.in and enter your registration number. For the CSSS Scholarship, please go to scholarships.gov.in and log in through your OTR number. You will also get notifications via SMS. For the SC/ST Merit Scholarship, you can check the status at cbse.gov.in or send an email to scholarship.cbse@nic.in. Make sure your school or institute completes the verification process on time to avoid delays.
Q11. What documents are needed to apply for a CBSE scholarship?
For the Single Girl Child Scholarship, you require the Class 10 mark sheet, affidavit, undertaking, Aadhaar card, and the bank passbook. For CSSS, you need to upload a Class 12 marksheet, an income certificate, and a bank passbook. For the SC/ST Merit Scholarship, you will need the Class 10 or 12 marksheet, caste certificate, and school enrolment proof. Check all the document rules on cbse.gov.in or scholarships.gov.in.
