NHDP Scholarship Scheme 2026: Up to ₹2 Lakh Fee Support and ₹5,000 Monthly Stipend

At a glance

About the scheme

Administered by the Office of Development Commissioner for Handlooms under the Ministry of Textiles, the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) Scholarship Component aims to improve the socio-economic condition of weaver families. The scheme financially supports up to two children of handloom weavers or workers who are enrolled in 3 or 4-year diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate programmes at Central or State Government-recognised and funded textile institutions. Funds covering annual academic charges alongside a monthly subsistence stipend are transferred directly into the beneficiary bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer.

Benefits

• Full coverage of tuition fees, admission fees, examination fees, and other annual institutional charges.
• A monthly stipend of ₹5,000.
• Total financial assistance capped at ₹2,00,000 per child per annum (or actual expenses, whichever is lower).
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payment sent straight to the bank account of the weaver or child.
• Support extends across 3-year or 4-year diploma, graduate, and post-graduate programmes.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be the child of a handloom weaver or handloom worker.
• Assistance is restricted to a maximum of two children per weaver family.
• Must be admitted to a 3 or 4-year Diploma, Graduate, or Post Graduate course.
• The institution must be a Central or State Government recognised and funded textile institution.

Who cannot apply

• Students receiving similar financial assistance from any other source are not eligible (undertaking required).
• More than two children from the same weaver family cannot avail of this scheme.

Documents required

• Self-attested passport-sized photograph of the weaver/worker.
• Copy of Weaver/Worker Pehchan Card.
• Aadhaar card copies of both weaver/worker and the student.
• Address proof of the weaver/worker.
• Caste certificate of the weaver/worker and student.
• Self-attested passport-sized photograph of the student.
• Matriculation certificate as date of birth proof for the student.
• Proof of admission from the textile institution (for fresh students).
• Mark sheet of the annual examination and next session admission proof (for continuing students).
• Document certifying that the institution is Central or State Government recognised and funded.
• Fee structure details showing total annual fees and charges.
• Bank mandate form signed by the bank or cancelled cheque showing bank name, account number, branch, and IFSC code.
• An undertaking confirming non-receipt of similar financial assistance from any other source.

How to apply

1. 1Obtain and fill in the prescribed application form from the official handlooms portal (handlooms.nic.in) or your local Weavers' Service Centre (WSC).
2. 2Affix your self-attested passport photograph and attach copies of all required documents along with the signed undertaking.
3. 3Submit the physical application dossier and present original documents for verification at your designated Weavers' Service Centre (WSC).
4. 4The WSC verifies your paperwork and forwards the complete proposal to the relevant Zonal Office.
5. 5The Zonal Office scrutinises the proposal and submits fund requisitions to the head office for sanction by the District Collector (Handlooms).
6. 6Upon sanction, funds are remitted directly to your bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Frequently asked questions