Agriculture Scholarships 2026: The Union Agriculture Ministry has launched the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)-Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for agriculture students, with scholarships and fellowships worth Rs 21.35 crore released to more than 6,000 students. Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the initiative at ICAR-IARI, Pusa.
Also Read: UP Scholarship 2026-27 Registration OPEN For Class 9 to 12 & Dashmottar Students, Apply Online
Under the new system, scholarship amounts for agriculture students will be transferred directly through DBT, with monthly payments intended to reduce delays in the release of financial assistance. The initiative aims to make scholarship disbursement more streamlined and allow students to focus on their education.
Agriculture Scholarships 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | NSP-DBT (National Scholarship Portal — Direct Benefit Transfer) for Agriculture Students |
| Launched By | Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ministry |
| Launched At | ICAR-IARI, Pusa |
| Launched By (Minister) | Shivraj Singh Chouhan |
| Amount Released | Rs 21.35 Crore |
| Students Benefited | More than 6,000 |
| Disbursement Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (Monthly) |
| Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Academic Year | 2026-27 |
Chouhan Stresses Practical Agricultural Education
Addressing students, Chouhan said scholarships should support stronger and more practical agricultural education. He stressed the importance of practical training, noting that classroom learning alone cannot prepare students to become farmers, scientists, or agricultural entrepreneurs.
“Examination, admission and payment – all must happen on time; that is the real test of any system,” Chouhan said.
He also encouraged students to share suggestions for improving agricultural education and training, urging young people to look beyond employment and participate in innovation, research, and start-ups.
NSP-DBT Aims to Streamline Scholarship Payments
The NSP-DBT system is intended to make scholarship distribution faster, transparent, and seamless. Under the framework, eligible students can apply through the National Scholarship Portal after completing One-Time Registration (OTR).
For the 2026-27 academic year, the NSP portal opened on June 1, 2026. The deadline for most Post-Matric and Higher Education scholarships is October 31, 2026.
Agriculture Scholarships 2026 — Important Dates
| NSP Milestone | Target Date |
|---|---|
| Portal Opening | June 1, 2026 |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Post-Matric/Higher Education Deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Institute-Level Verification | November 15, 2026 |
| District/State-Level Verification | November 30, 2026 |
| First Monthly DBT Cycle | December 2026 |
How Agriculture Students Can Apply
- Visit the official National Scholarship Portal.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) using the NSP OTR App, if required.
- Select “Apply Fresh” on the portal.
- Provide Aadhaar, mobile, and academic details.
- Select the relevant ICAR or Agriculture Ministry scheme.
- Upload the required documents and submit the application for verification.
Note: Students applying for state-sponsored schemes should also check the relevant state portal and deadlines, as these may differ from the central NSP timeline.
Minister Calls for Innovation and Environmental Action
Chouhan said food security, nutrition, and farmers’ income security remain priorities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He credited ICAR scientists and farmers with strengthening India’s foodgrain reserves and agricultural progress.
He also appealed to agriculture students at ICAR institutions to undertake plantation activities on Hariyali Amavasya. Union Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General M.L. Jat, and other officials, scientists, and students attended the programme, with thousands joining online.
Important Links
| National Scholarship Portal | Apply Online |
|---|---|
| NSP OTR App | One-Time Registration |