Sports Scholarships 2025-2026: Complete Guide for Student Athletes
National & State Level Athlete Scholarships - NSP Portal
📋 Sports Scholarships Overview (2025-2026)
Sports Scholarships in India are offered by Central Government (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports), State Governments, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and various sports federations to support talented student-athletes pursuing both education and sports careers. These scholarships cover 50+ schemes with amounts ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per year, accessible through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Portal | scholarships.gov.in (NSP) |
| Ministry Portal | yas.nic.in (MYAS) |
| Total Schemes | 50+ (Central + State Level) |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹10,000 - ₹50,000/year |
| Eligibility | National/State/District level athletes |
| Application Period | August-October (Annual) |
| Payment Mode | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) |
| Helpline | 0120-6619540 (NSP) |
🏆 Major Sports Scholarship Schemes (2025-2026)
1. Central Government Schemes
| Scheme Name | Amount/Year | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| National Sports Talent Search (NSTSS) | ₹30,000 | Age 8-16, District/State level players |
| Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund | ₹20,000-₹40,000 | National level athletes pursuing higher education |
| SAI Training Center Scholarship | ₹15,000-₹50,000 | Athletes training at SAI centers |
| Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) | ₹50,000+ | Elite athletes with Olympic potential |
| MYAS Scholarship for Sportspersons | ₹12,000-₹25,000 | Class 9-12, State/National level |
2. State Government Schemes (Examples)
| State | Scheme | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Chhatrapati Shahu Sports Scholarship | ₹15,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP Sports Scholarship Scheme | ₹10,000-₹20,000 |
| Karnataka | Ekalavya Sports Scholarship | ₹12,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | TN Sports Persons Scholarship | ₹18,000 |
| Haryana | Haryana Sports Scholarship | ₹25,000-₹30,000 |
📝 How to Apply via NSP (2025-2026)
Complete Application Process:
Phase 1: Registration on NSP (One-Time)
- Step 1: Visit scholarships.gov.in
- Step 2: Click "New Registration"
- Step 3: Fill registration form:
- Name (as per Aadhaar)
- Date of Birth
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Aadhaar Number
- State of Domicile
- Step 4: Create Password
- Step 5: Verify Mobile & Email via OTP
- Step 6: Complete Registration → Note Application ID
Phase 2: Sports Scholarship Application
- Step 1: Login to NSP with Application ID & Password
- Step 2: Click "Application Form" → "Apply for Fresh"
- Step 3: Select:
- Academic Year: 2025-2026
- State: Your State
- Scheme Type: Sports Scholarship
- Select Specific Scheme from dropdown
- Step 4: Fill Student Details:
- Personal Information
- Address Details
- Category (SC/ST/OBC/General)
- Family Income
- Disability (if applicable)
- Step 5: Fill Sports Details:
- Sport Name (e.g., Cricket, Football, Athletics)
- Event/Discipline (if applicable)
- Achievement Level (National/State/District)
- Tournament/Championship Name
- Year of Achievement
- Position/Medal Won
- Step 6: Educational Details:
- Current Course (Class 9/10/11/12/UG/PG)
- Institute Name
- Roll Number
- Previous Year Marks/Percentage
- Step 7: Bank Account Details:
- Account Number
- IFSC Code
- Bank Name & Branch
- Account Holder Name (should be student's name)
- Step 8: Upload Documents (PDF/JPG, max 200KB each):
- Student Photo (passport size)
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook (first page)
- Income Certificate (if required)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Sports Certificates:
- Participation Certificate
- Achievement/Medal Certificate
- Sports Authority Letter
- Coach Recommendation (if required)
- Marksheet (previous year)
- Bonafide Certificate from Institute
- Step 9: Preview Application carefully
- Step 10: Accept Declaration & Terms
- Step 11: Click "Final Submit"
- Step 12: Print Application Receipt with Application ID
Phase 3: Institute Verification
- Institute login to NSP and verify your application
- Submit physical documents to institute (if required)
- Track status on NSP portal regularly
- Scholarship credited to bank after approval (Dec-Feb)
📎 Required Documents (2025-2026)
General Documents (All Applicants):
- ✅ Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- ✅ Bank Account Passbook (first page with account details)
- ✅ Passport-size Photograph (recent, colored)
- ✅ Student ID Card or Bonafide Certificate
- ✅ Previous Year Marksheet (Class 9+ onwards)
- ✅ Fee Receipt (current academic year)
- ✅ Domicile Certificate (for state scholarships)
Sports-Specific Documents:
- 🏆 Sports Achievement Certificates:
- National Level: Certificate from National Sports Federation
- State Level: Certificate from State Sports Authority
- District Level: Certificate from District Sports Officer
- Inter-School/Inter-College: Certificate from organizing body
- 🏆 Participation Certificate (for tournaments/championships)
- 🏆 Medal/Prize Certificate (if won any position)
- 🏆 Coach Recommendation Letter (on letterhead)
- 🏆 Sports Authority Registration (if athlete is registered)
- 🏆 Medical Fitness Certificate (some schemes require)
Category-Specific Documents (If Applicable):
- ✅ Income Certificate (for merit-cum-means scholarships)
- ✅ Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC applicants)
- ✅ PWD Certificate (for differently-abled athletes)
- ✅ Minority Certificate (if applicable)
🎯 Eligibility Criteria (2025-2026)
General Eligibility:
- ✅ Indian citizen
- ✅ Currently studying in Class 9 to Post-Graduation
- ✅ Age Requirement: 18 years or above - Sports scholarships are available only for adult students who have reached the age of majority (18+) and can make independent decisions regarding their education and sports career
- ✅ Regular/Full-time student (not distance learning)
- ✅ Bank account in student's own name
- ✅ Aadhaar card mandatory
Sports Achievement Criteria (varies by scheme):
Achievement Level Requirements:
- 🥇 National Level: Represented India or participated in National Championship/Games
- 🥈 State Level: Represented state in State Championship or National-level qualifiers
- 🥉 District Level: Won medal/position in District Championship
- 🎖️ Inter-School/College: Represented school/college in recognized tournaments
Note: Some schemes accept potential talent even without major achievements (like NSTSS)
Academic Criteria:
- ✅ Minimum 50-60% marks in previous class (varies by scheme)
- ✅ Regular attendance (minimum 75%)
- ✅ No backlog in current academic year
Income Criteria (for some schemes):
- ✅ Family annual income: ≤ ₹6-₹8 Lakh (varies by scheme)
- ✅ Some schemes have no income limit
💰 Sports Scholarship Amounts by Level (2025-2026)
Achievement Level
Typical Amount/Year
Examples
International/Olympic Level
₹50,000+
TOPS, National Sports Welfare
National Level
₹25,000-₹40,000
MYAS, Deendayal Fund
State Level
₹15,000-₹25,000
State Sports Scholarships
District/Talent Search
₹10,000-₹15,000
NSTSS, District Schemes
| Achievement Level | Typical Amount/Year | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| International/Olympic Level | ₹50,000+ | TOPS, National Sports Welfare |
| National Level | ₹25,000-₹40,000 | MYAS, Deendayal Fund |
| State Level | ₹15,000-₹25,000 | State Sports Scholarships |
| District/Talent Search | ₹10,000-₹15,000 | NSTSS, District Schemes |
📅 Important Dates (2025-2026)
| Event | Timeline (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| NSP Portal Opens | August 2025 |
| Application Submission Period | August - October 2025 |
| Last Date for Applications | 31st October 2025 |
| Institute Verification | October - November 2025 |
| Payment Processing | December 2025 - February 2026 |
🏛️ Private Sector Support for Sports Development
While government programs form the backbone of sports scholarships in India, the private sector plays an increasingly vital role in supporting athletic talent and sports infrastructure development. Among the most significant contributors are sports betting and gaming companies, which have emerged as major stakeholders in the sports ecosystem.
🎯 How Betting Industry Supports Indian Sports
Sports betting companies, including online bookmakers and gaming platforms, have a direct commercial interest in the growth and popularity of sports. As sports viewership and participation increase, so does engagement with their platforms. This creates a symbiotic relationship where these companies invest significantly in:
- ✅ Grassroots Sports Programs: Funding local tournaments, training facilities, and youth development initiatives
- ✅ Athlete Sponsorships: Direct financial support to promising athletes for training, equipment, and competition expenses
- ✅ Sports Infrastructure: Contributing to stadiums, training centers, and sports academies
- ✅ Sports Broadcasting: Sponsoring sports events and broadcasts to increase accessibility and viewership
- ✅ Educational Scholarships: Supporting student-athletes through educational grants and merit-based financial aid
- ✅ Sports Technology: Funding innovations in sports analytics, training equipment, and performance tracking
These contributions, while driven by business interests, have tangible positive impacts on Indian sports development. The betting industry's investment in sports creates a robust ecosystem where athletes receive better training, facilities improve, and more young people have access to quality sports programs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 2025
Q1: Can I apply for multiple sports scholarships?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple schemes (Central + State) through NSP. However, you may receive only one scholarship depending on scheme rules. Priority given to highest eligible scholarship.
Q2: Is sports scholarship different from normal education scholarship?
A: Yes, sports scholarships are merit-based on sports achievements, not just academic performance. You can receive both sports scholarship and education scholarship if eligible for both.
Q3: What if I don't have national-level achievement?
A: Many schemes accept state-level, district-level, or even school-level achievements. Schemes like NSTSS (National Sports Talent Search) identify and support potential talent at grassroots level.
Q4: Which sports are covered under these scholarships?
A: Most recognized sports including Cricket, Football, Hockey, Athletics, Badminton, Wrestling, Boxing, Swimming, Shooting, Archery, Weightlifting, Kabaddi, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Table Tennis, and many more Olympic/Asian Games sports.
Q5: How long does it take to receive scholarship amount?
A: After final approval, scholarship is credited to bank account within 60-90 days (typically December-February). Delays possible due to verification process.
Q6: Can I renew sports scholarship every year?
A: Yes, most scholarships are renewable. You need to apply fresh every year through NSP during application period. Continued sports participation and academic progress required for renewal.
Q7: Why is there an age restriction of 18+ for sports scholarships?
A: Sports scholarships require recipients to be legal adults (18+) who can independently manage funds, sign legal agreements, make informed decisions about their sports and academic careers, and take full responsibility for meeting scholarship requirements. This ensures program integrity and protects both students and institutions.
📞 Contact Information & Support (2025)
☎️ NSP Helpline
0120-6619540
(Mon-Fri, 9 AM-6 PM)
Email: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in
🌐 Official Portals
NSP: scholarships.gov.in
MYAS: yas.nic.in
SAI: sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
📧 Email Support
Technical: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in
Sports Queries: scholarships@yas.nic.in
(Response within 48 hours)
🏛️ Ministry Office
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi
Helpline: 011-23387280
Visit scholarships.gov.in | Call 0120-6619540
Support Your Sports Dreams with Education! 🎓⚽🏏
📝 Disclaimer: Information as of January 2025. Scholarship schemes, amounts, and eligibility may change. Verify current details at scholarships.gov.in or call NSP helpline 0120-6619540.
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Valid for: 2025-2026 Academic Year
Champion Athletes, Champion Students! 🏆🎓
© 2025 National Scholarship Portal & Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India