The Directorate of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh, has announced an important update regarding the application process for scholarships dedicated to students with disabilities under the Central Sector Pre-Matric Schemes for the academic year 2024-25. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwd), New Delhi, is managing this scholarship program through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), making education more accessible for students with disabilities across the nation.
In a press release issued on October 21, 2024, the Directorate stated that the Government of India’s Cabinet Secretariat, under the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) Mission, has extended the deadline for applications. The original deadline of October 15, 2024, for receiving applications has now been extended to October 31, 2024, allowing more time for eligible students to apply.
Extended Deadlines for Scholarship Application and Verification:
The revised deadlines for the 2024-25 scholarship cycle are as follows:
- Last date for application submission: Extended from October 15, 2024, to October 31, 2024.
- First-level verification (Institution Nodal Officer – INO Level): Deadline extended to November 15, 2024.
- Second-level verification (District/State Nodal Officer – DNO/SNO Level): Deadline extended to November 30, 2024.
This extension is expected to provide relief to thousands of students across the country, ensuring that no eligible student misses out on this financial support due to time constraints.
Key Benefits of the Scholarship Program
The scholarship program, managed under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, aims to provide financial assistance to students with disabilities to pursue their education without financial barriers. It is available for students studying from pre-matric levels to postgraduate levels, covering tuition fees, maintenance allowances, books, and other necessary expenses.
Application Process:
Students with disabilities who wish to avail themselves of the scholarship for the academic year 2024-25 can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at https://scholarships.gov.in. The NSP platform streamlines the scholarship process by allowing students to easily register, apply, and track their applications.
Applicants are encouraged to complete their submissions well before the newly extended deadline to avoid last-minute issues. Schools and educational institutions must also ensure timely verification of applications at both the INO and DNO/SNO levels to facilitate smooth disbursement of funds.
Official Notification:
The Additional Director of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh, confirmed this extension in a notice addressed to key stakeholders, including the Secretary of Education for the Government of Himachal Pradesh, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), and various media outlets. The notice has also been circulated to institutions and is available on the official website of the Directorate of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh.
Next Steps for Applicants:
Eligible students who have not yet applied are encouraged to visit the National Scholarship Portal and complete their applications by October 31, 2024. Educational institutions are urged to assist students in the application process and ensure verification of applications by the specified deadlines.
Contact Information:
For further details or queries regarding the scholarship program, students and institutions can visit the official website of the National Scholarship Portal or contact the Directorate of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh, through their helpline numbers.
