Pursuing a nursing course in India—whether ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing, or Post Basic—can be financially challenging for many. Fortunately, numerous government and private nursing scholarships are available to help students fund their education and achieve their career goals. If you’re planning to apply for a nursing course in 2025, this guide covers everything you need to know about the top scholarships, eligibility, application process, and deadlines.
🔍 Why Nursing Scholarships Matter in 2025
With the rising demand for qualified nurses in India and abroad, the healthcare industry is rapidly growing. However, course fees, hostel charges, books, and uniforms can add up to a significant expense. Scholarships help:
- Reduce financial burden on families
- Motivate students to perform better academically
- Improve access for students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds
📚 Types of Nursing Scholarships in India
India offers a wide range of scholarships for nursing students, categorized as:
- Central Government Scholarships
- State Government Schemes (e.g., Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, etc.)
- Institution-Based Scholarships
- Private NGO Scholarships
- Minority and SC/ST/OBC Scholarships
🏛️ Top Central Government Nursing Scholarships 2025
1. Nursing Scholarship by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (NSP Portal)
- Eligible Courses: ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing
- Eligibility:
- Belong to Minority community (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi)
- Family income less than ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Benefits: ₹10,000–₹20,000/year + maintenance allowance
- Apply on: National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
- Deadline: Usually by October 31, 2025
2. AIIMS Nursing Scholarship
- Available for: Students admitted to AIIMS B.Sc Nursing courses
- Based on: Merit and economic need
- Benefits: Full or partial tuition fee waiver
- Apply through: AIIMS Admission Cell
- Deadline: As per AIIMS academic calendar
3. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
- Courses: Post-Matric including B.Sc and M.Sc Nursing
- Eligibility:
- Must belong to Scheduled Tribes
- Income below ₹6 lakh/year
- Benefits: Tuition fee + maintenance + book grant
- Apply via: NSP Portal
- Deadline: October 2025 (Tentative)
4. Inspire Scholarship for Nursing Students (if in Pure Sciences Pathway)
- For students opting nursing via science stream (PCB)
- Eligibility: Top 1% in Class 12 Boards
- Stipend: ₹80,000/year
- Apply on: online-inspire.gov.in
🌍 State Government Nursing Scholarships (Example: Chhattisgarh & Others)
Each Indian state has specific schemes to help local students, especially girls and tribal communities.
⭐ Chhattisgarh Post-Matric Scholarship (Tribal & Social Welfare Department)
- Courses: ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing
- Eligibility:
- Domicile of Chhattisgarh
- Belongs to SC/ST/OBC category
- Benefits: ₹3,800–₹5,700 annually
- Apply on: postmatric.cgstate.gov.in
- Deadline: September–November 2025 (Expected)
⭐ West Bengal Oasis Scholarship for Nursing Students
- Eligibility: SC/ST/OBC students enrolled in nursing
- Benefits: ₹1,200–₹6,000/year
- Apply on: oasis.gov.in
⭐ Madhya Pradesh Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana (for B.Sc Nursing)
- Eligibility:
- Score 75%+ in MP Board or 85%+ in CBSE
- Parental income < ₹6 lakh/year
- Covers: Full tuition fees
- Apply via: scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in
🎓 Institutional Nursing Scholarships (Private Colleges & Trusts)
1. Tata Trusts Scholarship for Nursing
- Courses: B.Sc, M.Sc, and Diploma in Nursing
- Eligibility: Academic excellence + financial need
- Amount: Variable (up to ₹60,000)
- Apply on: tatatrusts.org
2. Wings to Fly – Loreal India Nursing Scholarship (Girls Only)
- Eligibility:
- Girls scoring 85%+ in Class 12
- Annual family income < ₹4 lakh
- Amount: ₹1 lakh/year
- Apply on: loreal.co.in
3. Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship
- Only for: Girls in science-based courses (including B.Sc Nursing)
- Amount: ₹2.4 lakh over 3 years
- Apply by: August 2025 (Tentative)
👩⚕️ Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Scholarships
Each scholarship varies, but the common criteria include:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Performance | Min. 60% in Class 10/12 (some require 75%+) |
| Category | SC/ST/OBC/Minority/General (varies) |
| Annual Family Income | Usually less than ₹2–6 lakh/year |
| Admission Status | Must be enrolled in a recognized nursing course |
| Domicile | Needed for state-level scholarships |
📝 How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships in India (2025 Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Research
Make a list of scholarships you’re eligible for using official portals like:
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- State-specific portals (e.g., CG, MP, WB)
Step 2: Gather Documents
You’ll usually need:
- Aadhar Card
- Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
- Nursing admission proof
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate
- Bank account details
Step 3: Register & Apply Online
Use the official website, register with your details, and upload all documents in the required format.
Step 4: Submit and Track Application
Take a printout of the submitted form, and regularly check the portal for updates or document verification.
📅 Important Scholarship Deadlines (Tentative 2025)
| Scholarship Name | Deadline |
|---|---|
| NSP Pre-Matric/Post-Matric | Oct 31, 2025 |
| Tata Trusts Nursing Scholarship | Sep–Oct 2025 |
| CG Post-Matric Scholarship | Nov 2025 |
| L’Oréal Wings to Fly | Aug 2025 |
| AIIMS Nursing Scholarship | As per AIIMS intake |
🔔 Always confirm dates on official portals as they can change yearly.
💡 Tips for Maximizing Your Chances
- Apply early before the last date
- Ensure your documents are clear and attested
- Write strong personal statements (if needed)
- Keep backup copies of everything
- Don’t fall for fake scholarship websites – only use official portals
🧾 Final Words
With multiple government and private scholarships available in 2025, no aspiring nurse should let financial constraints stop them. Whether you’re pursuing GNM, ANM, B.Sc Nursing, or M.Sc, there’s financial aid out there for you. Start early, apply smartly, and take the first step toward a secure, respected, and impactful nursing career.