Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Program 2026: The Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Program was introduced to help meritorious girls from minority communities continue their school education despite financial difficulties. The scholarship was designed to help eligible girls in Classes 9 to 12 continue their studies by providing financial support to ease the cost of education for their families.
Students looking for the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship in 2026 should first check its current status, as the government has made changes to how the scheme is administered. The Government of India confirmed in March 2023 that the scheme had been subsumed under the Prime Minister Educational Empowerment Scheme. A parliamentary answer dated 30 March 2026 further stated that it had been subsumed with the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for minorities from the 2022–23 academic year.
Therefore, students should not assume that a separate Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship application is currently available. The latest scheme list, eligibility conditions and application dates should be checked through the official National Scholarship Portal before submitting an application.
What Is the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Program?
The Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship was introduced to help meritorious girls from minority communities in India continue their education. The scheme was managed by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
The main aim was to support girls from low-income families who faced financial difficulties in pursuing their studies. The scholarship provided financial assistance to help cover education-related costs, including school fees, books and other essential expenses, according to the scheme’s rules.
The scholarship covered students in Classes 9, 10, 11 and 12. The scheme aimed to help more girls from minority communities continue their education by reducing the financial burden on families with limited incomes.
Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Program |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Minority Affairs |
| Implementing Body | Maulana Azad Education Foundation |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible girls from six minority communities studying in Classes 9 to 12 |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹5,000 for Classes 9–10 and ₹6,000 for Classes 11–12, per instalment under the original scheme |
| Annual Family Income Limit | ₹2 lakh |
| Application Mode | Online under the original scheme |
| Official Website | National Scholarship Portal |
Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship 2026: Latest Government Update
Students and parents should check the latest scholarship updates to understand whether the scheme is still available and what application options are currently open.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs announced on 23 March 2023 that the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship had been subsumed under the Prime Minister Educational Empowerment Scheme. Subsequently, a written answer in the Rajya Sabha on 30 March 2026 stated that the scholarship had been subsumed with the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for minorities from 2022–23.
These official statements mean that older webpages describing the scholarship as a separate application programme may not reflect the current administrative arrangement.The availability of another minority scholarship does not automatically mean that every former beneficiary qualifies for it.
Students should check the eligibility criteria and make sure they qualify for the scholarship before applying.
Eligibility Criteria Under the Original Scheme
The following are the eligibility criteria set under the original Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship scheme. They should be treated as historical scheme criteria, not as confirmation of eligibility for a separate scholarship application in 2026.
1. Eligible Minority Communities
The original scheme covered girl students belonging to six notified minority communities:
- Muslim
- Christian
- Sikh
- Buddhist
- Jain
- Parsi (Zoroastrian)
Applicants were required to meet the community-related conditions specified under the scheme.
2. Educational Qualification
The programme covered eligible girls studying in Classes 9 to 12 in India. Under the published criteria, students were required to have secured at least 50% marks or an equivalent grade in aggregate in the previous class.
The precise requirements for any currently available replacement scholarship must be checked separately. A student who met the original scheme’s academic criteria may still need to satisfy different conditions under another programme.
3. Annual Family Income
Under the published original criteria, the combined annual income of the student’s parents or guardians from all sources was not to exceed ₹2 lakh.
An income certificate issued by the competent authority designated by the relevant State Government or Union Territory administration was required under the published scheme information.
Students should not assume that the same income ceiling applies to every minority scholarship. Income limits can differ between programmes and academic years.
4. School Admission
Students were expected to be enrolled in the relevant school class and satisfy the programme’s admission requirements. The school and supporting records needed to establish the student’s educational details.
For a current scholarship, applicants should confirm whether their school is eligible and whether institutional verification is required.
Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship Amount
The published scheme information specified different maximum amounts for students in secondary and higher secondary classes.
| Class | Historical maximum scholarship amount |
|---|---|
| Classes 9 and 10 | ₹10,000 |
| Classes 11 and 12 | ₹12,000 |
Under the published benefit structure, the amount for Classes 9 and 10 was described as two instalments of ₹5,000 each. For Classes 11 and 12, the stated structure was two instalments of ₹6,000 each.
These figures describe the historical scheme provisions. They should not be presented as a newly announced benefit or a guaranteed payment under a separate 2026 application.
Before planning educational expenses around a scholarship, students should verify the current programme, approved amount, payment conditions and application status through official government sources.
Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
The documents required depend on the particular scholarship and its current guidelines. Students can prepare the following records for reference, but should check the official requirements before uploading or submitting anything.
Commonly Relevant Documents
Identity and registration records: Aadhaar or another accepted identity document, where required by the current scheme.
Income certificate: A valid certificate issued by the competent authority, if the scholarship requires proof of family income.
Academic records: The previous class’s marksheet and current school admission or enrolment details.
Bank account information: Account details belonging to the eligible beneficiary, in accordance with the applicable payment rules.
Minority community documentation: Any declaration or supporting record required by the relevant scheme guidelines.
Photograph and contact details: A recent photograph, mobile number and other personal information where requested by the official application system.
Additional certificates: Domicile, school verification or other documents may be required by a particular programme.
This is a general preparation list, not a definitive checklist for a currently open Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship application. Applicants should follow the requirements displayed for the specific scheme they select.
How to Check Scholarship Availability in 2026
Students looking for financial assistance can use the National Scholarship Portal to identify programmes that are currently available.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Open scholarships.gov.in. Check that the website address before entering information.
Step 2: Select the Relevant Academic Year
Review the scholarship information for the academic year in which the student intends to apply. The portal currently provides information for the 2026–27 academic year.
Step 3: Check Available Schemes
Open the schemes section and examine the programmes listed by the relevant ministry or department. Read the eligibility criteria and official guidelines carefully.
Step 4: Use the Eligibility Checker
The portal provides a scholarship eligibility checker that helps students identify schemes for which they may qualify. Enter the requested information accurately and review the results.
Step 5: Complete Registration if Required
The National Scholarship Portal states that a One Time Registration (OTR) number is required for scholarship applications on the portal. Follow the official registration instructions if the selected scheme requires an application through NSP.
Step 6: Submit Only Under an Available Scheme
Proceed only when the relevant scholarship is listed as available and the student meets its current eligibility conditions. Follow the scheme’s application and verification instructions.
The portal’s general availability does not establish that the former Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship has reopened as a separate programme.
How to Check Scholarship Payment Status
Students who have already received an approved scholarship under a relevant programme should use the official payment-tracking facility.The National Scholarship Portal provides a link to the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for tracking scholarship disbursements. Applicants should use the details requested by the official system and check whether the payment has been processed.
A payment delay does not necessarily mean that an application has been rejected. Verification, bank-account issues or administrative processing may affect the timing of a payment. Students should consult the relevant scholarship authority if the status remains unclear.Applicants should never share their password, PIN or one-time password with an unknown person claiming to release scholarship funds.
What Students Should Do If the Old Scholarship Is Not Listed
If the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship does not appear in the current scheme list, students should not rely on unofficial websites that promise a new registration link or guaranteed payment.
Instead, they should examine the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship options and other educational assistance programmes currently listed by the government. The appropriate programme will depend on the student’s class, community, family income, institution and other eligibility conditions.
Students can also contact their school administration or the relevant government scholarship office for guidance on available assistance. A school may help explain documentation requirements, but the final eligibility decision rests with the authority administering the selected scheme.
Also Read:
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, Registration and Payment
- PM Kisan Status Check 2026: Complete Beneficiary Status, Installment & eKYC Guide
Why the Scheme’s Administrative Status Matters
Scholarship information can remain online long after a programme’s administrative structure changes. Historical eligibility rules, previous payment amounts and old application instructions may continue to appear on information websites even when a separate application is no longer available.
For families planning school expenses, this distinction matters. An outdated amount should not be treated as assured financial support, and an old application link should not be taken as proof that fresh applications are being accepted.
The most reliable approach is to verify three things independently: whether the programme is currently available, whether the student meets the latest eligibility requirements, and whether the application window is open for the relevant academic year.
In Conclusion
The Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship played an important role in supporting the education of meritorious girls from minority communities. However, the government’s official records confirm that the original scheme was subsumed into other minority education scholarship arrangements.
For 2026, students should focus on identifying the currently available scholarship that matches their circumstances rather than assuming that the former programme is accepting fresh applications. Checking the official guidelines before applying is the safest way to avoid outdated information and make informed decisions about educational funding.
FAQ Section
Is the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship available in 2026?
The original scheme was subsumed into other minority education scholarship arrangements. The Government of India confirmed this in a parliamentary answer dated 30 March 2026.
Who was eligible for the Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship?
Under the original published criteria, eligible girls from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities studying in Classes 9 to 12 could qualify. The criteria also included at least 50% marks in the previous class and an annual parental or guardian income not exceeding ₹2 lakh.
What was the scholarship amount?
The published historical benefit was up to ₹10,000 for Classes 9 and 10 and up to ₹12,000 for Classes 11 and 12. The amounts were described as two instalments.
Can students apply through the National Scholarship Portal?
Students can use the National Scholarship Portal to explore current scholarship programmes, check eligibility and follow application instructions. However, the portal’s general availability does not mean that the Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship is open as a separate scheme.
What is the family income limit under the original scheme?
The published original criteria specified annual parental or guardian income of no more than ₹2 lakh from all sources. Applicants were required to provide an income certificate from the competent authority. Students applying for a different scholarship must check that programme’s own income rules.
