National Talent Scholarship Undergraduate 2026: ₹2,000 Monthly Stipend, Eligibility & How to Apply

At a glance

About the scheme

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, conducts the National Talent Scholarship Undergraduate (NTS UG) scheme. Funded through the planning initiative Strengthening and Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India, it supports meritorious students studying agricultural and related sciences outside their state of domicile. The scholarship provides financial support for the first year and continues across the complete duration of the degree programme, provided the student maintains good academic standing and conduct.

Benefits

• Financial assistance of ₹2,000 per month during the undergraduate bachelor's degree programme.
• Initial grant for one year from the date of admission.
• Renewal for the full remaining duration of the degree, subject to good academic performance and conduct.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme at an ICAR-recognised agricultural university located outside the candidate's state of domicile.
• Must have secured admission through the All India Entrance Examination (AIEE).
• The agricultural university must be funded under the ICAR scheme 'Strengthening and Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India'.
• Must maintain satisfactory merit and good conduct certified by the Head of the College, University, or Institution.
• Must not remain absent without prior permission or take part in strikes or agitations.
• Must pursue studies on a full-time basis without engaging in any part-time or full-time employment.
• Must not accept any other concurrent scholarship or financial aid during the undergraduate course.
• Must not leave the academic programme within one month of joining.
• Must not change the allocated course of study during the degree tenure.

Who cannot apply

• Students admitted to agricultural universities within their own state of domicile.
• Students admitted directly through nomination without clearing the All India Entrance Examination.
• Students accepting any other financial assistance or scholarship.
• Students engaged in full-time or part-time employment.
• Students who withdraw from the course within one month of admission.
• Students who alter their allocated subject during the study period.

Documents required

• Proof of admission secured through the ICAR All India Entrance Examination (AIEE/AIEEA).
• Domicile certificate confirming residence outside the university's state.
• Identity proof and academic records.
• Conduct and merit certificate issued by the Head of the institution.
• Undertaking confirming no other scholarship or employment is taken up.

How to apply

1. 1Register and submit the entrance examination form online through the official portal at icar.nta.ac.in.
2. 2Pay the requisite examination fee through the online payment gateway using Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
3. 3Appear for and qualify the All India Entrance Examination (AIEE).
4. 4Secure admission through counselling in an eligible ICAR-funded agricultural university outside your domicile state.
5. 5Complete the enrolment process and submit required scholarship verification forms through your university department.

Frequently asked questions