What do you get under State Merit Scholarship?
A state-funded merit scholarship for indigenous students of Nagaland in Class 11 and above who score 80% (school and diploma) or 70% (degree and PG).
The 2026 window was 1 August to 31 October 2026 and is now closed. The guideline does not print the amount; check with the Directorate of Higher Education.
Who is eligible for State Merit Scholarship?
- Indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland in post-matric study at a recognised institution. Non-indigenous permanent residents qualify only if they were in the top 10 of a Board or University exam within Nagaland.
- Fresh: at least 80% in Class 10 (for Class 11 or diploma), 80% in Class 12 (for a bachelor's), 80% in diploma (lateral entry engineering), or 70% in graduation (for B.Ed. or PG).
- Renewal: pass the last exam with 80% (school or diploma) or 70% (degree or PG).
- Not for repeaters, people already getting another scholarship, or government or semi-government employees.
Also check:
- Diploma or certificate courses must be at least two years long.
- The bank account must be in your name (joint account with your name first for a minor).
Documents needed for State Merit Scholarship
0 of 6 ready
Offices may ask for more. Check the official list before you go.
How to apply for State Merit Scholarship
- Register on scholarship.nagaland.gov.in (Aadhaar authentication through DigiLocker) and fill the State Merit Scholarship form.
- Studying in Nagaland: give the printout and documents to your institution for verification.
- Studying outside Nagaland: send the printout, documents and Part B form to the Scholarship Section, Directorate of Higher Education, Kohima, by speed post or by hand.
How to check State Merit Scholarship status
- Log in on scholarship.nagaland.gov.in to see your application status.
- Nodal officer: 9612520569, hescholarship@gmail.com. Portal help: 9863771513 / 9863386145.
Never share an OTP with a caller or a message. Official portals end in .gov.in.
Common questions
Who is eligible for State Merit Scholarship?
Indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland in post-matric study at a recognised institution. Non-indigenous permanent residents qualify only if they were in the top 10 of a Board or University exam within Nagaland. Fresh: at least 80% in Class 10 (for Class 11 or diploma), 80% in Class 12 (for a bachelor's), 80% in diploma (lateral entry engineering), or 70% in graduation (for B.Ed. or PG). Renewal: pass the last exam with 80% (school or diploma) or 70% (degree or PG). Not for repeaters, people already getting another scholarship, or government or semi-government employees.
How much do I get under State Merit Scholarship?
A state-funded merit scholarship for indigenous students of Nagaland in Class 11 and above who score 80% (school and diploma) or 70% (degree and PG). The 2026 window was 1 August to 31 October 2026 and is now closed. The guideline does not print the amount; check with the Directorate of Higher Education.
What documents do I need for State Merit Scholarship?
Education certificates (marksheets); Caste certificate (SC / ST / OBC), if you claim it; Domicile or residence certificate of the state; Bank passbook or account details (Aadhaar-seeded account); Proof of admission or fee receipt; Passport-size photo.
How do I apply for State Merit Scholarship?
Register on scholarship.nagaland.gov.in (Aadhaar authentication through DigiLocker) and fill the State Merit Scholarship form. Studying in Nagaland: give the printout and documents to your institution for verification. Studying outside Nagaland: send the printout, documents and Part B form to the Scholarship Section, Directorate of Higher Education, Kohima, by speed post or by hand. Official site: https://scholarship.nagaland.gov.in/
How do I check State Merit Scholarship status?
Log in on scholarship.nagaland.gov.in to see your application status. Nodal officer: 9612520569, hescholarship@gmail.com. Portal help: 9863771513 / 9863386145.
Do I have to pay anyone to apply for State Merit Scholarship?
No. Applying for a government scheme is free on the official portal, and at Common Service Centres you pay only the notified service fee, if any. Never pay an agent who promises approval.
What marks do I need for the Nagaland State Merit Scholarship?
For fresh applications: 80% in Class 10 for Class 11 or diploma, 80% in Class 12 for a bachelor's degree, 80% in diploma for lateral entry engineering, and 70% in graduation for B.Ed. or PG.
Where do I apply?
On the Common Scholarship Portal, scholarship.nagaland.gov.in, then submit the printout to your institution (or to the Directorate in Kohima if you study outside Nagaland).
Can I get this with another scholarship?
No. You must not be getting any other scholarship, and repeaters and government employees are not eligible.
Official sources
- Common Scholarship Portal Nagaland: State Merit Scholarship guidelines
- Common Scholarship Portal Nagaland: scholarship list and nodal officers
Last checked 1 November 2026; next review by 30 April 2027. Rules and amounts change, so confirm on the official site before you apply. IndiaDigital is independent and not a government site.