The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in May 2008. The primary objective of this scheme is to promote the enrollment of girl children in the age group of 14-18 years at the secondary education level, especially those who have passed Class VIII.
It also aims to reduce the dropout rate of girls and encourage them to continue their education up to Class XII or the age of 18. Additionally, the exclusion of girls in private or central government schools could overlook some deserving candidates from economically weaker sections. Strengthening monitoring, increasing the incentive amount, and combining the scheme with community-level interventions could enhance its effectiveness.
Objective National Scheme of Incentive to Girls For Secondary Education
To promote the enrollment and retention of girls, particularly from SC/ST communities and those who have passed Class VIII from KGBVs, in secondary education (Classes IX to XII). A one-time grant of ₹ 3,000 is provided as a fixed deposit.
The fixed deposit account is opened in a nearby public sector bank or post office for easy access. The student receives a passbook or certificate as proof of being a beneficiary. The scheme includes mechanisms for monitoring the progress and evaluating its impact. The incentive amount is directly transferred to the beneficiary's account through the banking channel using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
The scheme is implemented in all States and Union Territories of India. The NSIGSE scheme plays a crucial role in encouraging girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education, thereby reducing dropout rates and promoting gender equality in education.
Eligibility Criteria for NSIGSE
1. All girls belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) who have passed Class 8 and enrolled in Class 9 in a recognized institution.
2. All girls who have passed Class 8 from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), regardless of caste or tribe, and enrolled in Class 9 in state/UT government, government-aided, or local body schools.
3. Girls must be below 16 years of age as of March 31 of the year they join Class 9.
4. Only unmarried girls are eligible.
5. Girls studying in private unaided schools or schools run by the Central Government (e.g., Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, or CBSE-affiliated schools) are not eligible.
6. There are no income-based restrictions for SC/ST girls or those from KGBVs, as they are assumed to be from disadvantaged sections.
7. To avail the matured incentive, girls must continue their studies for at least two years after enrolling in Class 9 and pass the Class 10 examination.
Application Process
1. Visit the official National Scholarship Portal.
2. Click on the "New Registration" option.
3. Read the registration guidelines carefully and click "Continue" after accepting the terms.
4. Fill in the required details in the registration form.
5. Click on "Register." An Application ID and password will be generated and sent to the registered mobile number.
6. Upload the necessary documents. The portal may use DigiLocker for verification of some credentials.
7. Once the application is complete, click on "Final Submit." You also have the option to "Save as Draft" to complete it later.
For the latest updates, including application deadlines for 2025, visit the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
