NEC Merit Scholarship 2024, Eligibility, Application Process, and Benefits

The North Eastern Council (NEC) Merit Scholarship Scheme is a significant initiative by the Ministry of Development for the North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Government of India, to promote higher education among students from India’s North Eastern states. This fully funded program is designed to financially support deserving students based on their academic performance, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial hindrance.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme, including eligibility criteria, benefits, required documents, and the application process.

NEC Merit Scholarship 2024

Feature	Details
Nodal Agency	Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Scheme Name	North Eastern Council (NEC) Merit Scholarship
Number of Scholarships	1600 annually
Scholarship Amount	Up to ₹30,000 per year
Objective	Promote higher education in Northeastern states
Official Website	scholarships.gov.in

The program targets students from the Seven Sister States and Sikkim, providing monetary support for various higher education levels, including diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil, and Ph.D. programs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NEC Merit Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. General Eligibility

• Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Residency: Must be a permanent resident of one of the North Eastern states:
  • Assam
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Manipur
  • Meghalaya
  • Mizoram
  • Nagaland
  • Sikkim
  • Tripura

2. Educational Requirements

Education Level	Eligibility
Diploma Courses	Passed HSLC/HSSLC or equivalent with 60% marks from a recognized board.
Undergraduate Courses	Passed HSSLC/12th standard with 60% marks from a recognized board.
Postgraduate Courses	Bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.Sc., B.E., B.Tech., MBBS, etc.) with 60% marks.
M.Phil./Ph.D. Programs	Master’s degree in the relevant field from a recognized university.

3. Income Criteria

• The total annual household income must be below ₹8,00,000 from all sources.

4. Exclusions

The following candidates are ineligible for the scholarship:

• Students enrolled in distance learning programs.
• Beneficiaries of other scholarships or financial aid schemes.
• Students admitted through management quotas.

Scholarship Benefits

The NEC Merit Scholarship offers financial aid to support academic expenses. The amount varies based on the course level:

Course Level	Scholarship Amount (per year)
Diploma	₹20,000
Undergraduate	₹22,000
Postgraduate	₹25,000
M.Phil. and Ph.D.	₹30,000

The scholarship is credited directly to the student’s bank account to ensure transparency and avoid intermediary delays.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents during the application process:

• Resident Proof:
  • Certificate issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, or Civil Sub-Divisional Officers.
  • For Sikkim residents, a Certificate of Identification (COI) is mandatory.
• Income Certificate:
  • Authorized by a government official, confirming the family’s annual income.
• Bank Account Details:
  • Bank passbook in the applicant’s name, ensuring that payments are made directly to the student.
• Educational Certificates:
  • Most recent academic qualification mark sheets.
• Admission Proof:
  • Confirmation letter signed by the Director of Research, Project Guide, or relevant educational authority (required for M.Phil. and Ph.D. applicants).

Application Process

The application process for the NEC Merit Scholarship is digital, simplifying the procedure for students. Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Registration

• Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or use the UMANG App.
• Click on the ‘Register’ option and fill in your details, such as email ID, mobile number, and personal information.

Step 2: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR)

• Provide your mobile number, enter the OTP received, and finalize your registration.
• Download the NSP OTR Mobile App for face verification to complete the process.

Step 3: Log in to the NSP Dashboard

• Use your credentials to access the NSP dashboard.
• Go to the ‘Apply for Scholarship’ section and select the NEC Merit Scholarship.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

• Enter personal, academic, and income details accurately.
• Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.

Step 5: Submit the Application

• Review your application carefully to avoid errors.
• Submit the form and save the confirmation receipt for future reference.

Key Features of the NEC Scholarship

• Merit-Based Selection: Awards are given purely based on academic performance, ensuring fairness.
• Digital Transparency: Direct bank transfers eliminate intermediaries, ensuring timely disbursements.
• No Reservations: The scheme applies equally to all eligible candidates, irrespective of caste or gender.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the NEC Merit Scholarship?

Students from India’s North Eastern states who meet the educational, income, and residency criteria are eligible.

2. Can students apply if they are already receiving another scholarship?

No, students benefiting from other scholarships or financial aid programs are not eligible.

3. How much financial aid is provided under this scheme?

The scholarship amount ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per year, depending on the course level.

4. What is the last date to apply for the scholarship?

The application deadline is announced annually on the National Scholarship Portal. Check the portal for updates.

5. Are distance learning students eligible?

No, students enrolled in distance learning programs cannot apply.

6. How is the scholarship disbursed?

The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s registered bank account.

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