The introduction sets the stage by highlighting a real and pressing social issue in India—gender inequality, especially in access to education for girls. It emphasizes that, in many parts of the country, girls still struggle to receive equal opportunities simply because of their gender. However, education is presented as a key solution to break this cycle of inequality and empower young women.
To support this transformative goal, the introduction brings focus to a specific initiative: the Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This scholarship specifically targets single girl children, acknowledging both the societal pressures they face and the potential impact of higher education on their lives.
The final part of the introduction outlines what the blog will cover: the purpose of the scholarship, who is eligible, how to apply, the financial support it offers, and the broader impact it has on girls’ empowerment. It also mentions that the blog will go beyond this one scheme to highlight other scholarships available to girls in India, giving readers a complete guide to educational financial aid for young women.
Why Support Single Girl Children?
A “single girl child” refers to a family where there is only one daughter and no male siblings. In the context of Indian society—especially in rural and traditional settings—this can come with unique social, emotional, and economic challenges. Despite growing awareness about gender equality, many families still favor male children due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs, inheritance customs, and the perception that sons are more financially supportive in the long run.
In such environments, daughters may be seen as a financial burden, often because of dowry expectations and the belief that investing in a girl’s education is not as worthwhile. As a result, girls—especially those who are the only child—may face neglect when it comes to opportunities for higher education or career advancement.
Supporting single girl children through scholarships is a powerful way to counteract these outdated narratives. It:
- Encourages families to value their daughters equally and invest in their future. When a family receives financial assistance for a girl’s education, it reduces economic strain and highlights the importance of her academic journey.
- Empowers the girl child by giving her access to quality education, which leads to better job prospects, increased confidence, and financial independence.
- Breaks cycles of poverty and inequality by ensuring that girls are not left behind. An educated girl is more likely to uplift her family and community, advocate for health and education, and raise future generations with a broader mindset.
- Promotes gender equality by reinforcing the idea that daughters deserve the same opportunities and respect as sons.
By supporting a single girl child, we’re not just helping one individual—we’re shaping a ripple effect that benefits society as a whole. Educated girls grow into strong women who can contribute to the economy, lead families and communities, and advocate for a more just and equal world.
About the UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
The Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child is a significant initiative launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to empower and uplift single girl children through education. This scholarship aims to reduce gender disparity in higher education by encouraging families to support their daughters’ academic ambitions, especially in cases where there are no male siblings.
This flagship scheme is particularly focused on promoting postgraduate studies among single girl children. Often, due to financial burdens or societal pressures, girls discontinue their education after graduation. This scholarship seeks to change that trend by providing essential financial support for full-time PG courses.
Key Highlights:
- Financial Assistance: The scholarship offers monetary support to cover academic expenses during a two-year postgraduate program. This financial aid helps reduce the cost burden on the family and ensures that the student can focus on her studies without financial stress.
- Exclusively for Single Girl Children: The scheme is open only to girls who are the sole child of their parents, with no brothers (biological or adopted). This focus reinforces the message that daughters are equally deserving of educational opportunities.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: The scholarship amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This ensures transparency and easy access to funds without delays.
By supporting single girl children at the postgraduate level, the UGC aims to build a more inclusive and educated society. This initiative not only helps girls pursue advanced studies but also boosts their confidence, independence, and long-term career prospects.
Objectives of the Scholarship
The UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child has been thoughtfully designed with several key goals in mind, all aimed at promoting gender equity and empowering young women through education. The objectives of this scholarship program are as follows:
1. Offset Direct Educational Expenses
The scholarship provides financial support to cover the cost of postgraduate education, thereby easing the financial burden on families. This enables single girl children to access quality education without being hindered by tuition fees or academic costs.
2. Encourage Parental Support for Higher Education
One of the main aims of the scheme is to motivate parents to support their daughters’ aspirations for higher education. In many families, especially where financial resources are limited, girls are often the first to compromise on education. This scholarship acts as an incentive for parents to prioritize and continue investing in their daughter’s academic journey.
3. Reduce the Gender Gap in Postgraduate Education
Despite advancements in women’s education, there is still a significant gender disparity at the postgraduate level in India. This scholarship strives to close that gap by creating equal opportunities for girls, especially those without male siblings, to pursue advanced degrees.
4. Retain Talented Young Women in the Academic Pipeline
Often, bright and capable young women are forced to discontinue their studies due to financial or societal constraints. This scholarship helps retain such talent by providing them with the resources and encouragement to continue their academic pursuits, potentially leading to research, teaching, or professional careers.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that the UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child reaches the most deserving candidates, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
General Requirements:
- Single Girl Child Status:
The applicant must be the only girl child in the family. This means there should be no brothers, whether biological or adopted.- Note: In the case of twin or fraternal girl children, both are eligible to apply—provided there are no male siblings in the family.
- Enrollment in Postgraduate Course:
The candidate must be newly admitted to the first year of a full-time, regular, non-professional postgraduate program (such as MA, MSc, MCom, etc.) in a recognized university or college. - Age Limit:
The applicant must be less than 30 years old at the time of admission into the postgraduate program. - No Other Scholarship Benefits:
The candidate must not be receiving any other scholarship or financial aid from central or state governments or any other similar agency for postgraduate studies.
5. Financial Assistance Provided
The UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child offers direct financial support to eligible candidates for the entire duration of their two-year postgraduate program. The objective is to ease the burden of tuition and academic costs, allowing the student to focus on her studies without financial stress.
Scholarship Details:
| Details | Amount |
| Annual Scholarship Amount | ₹36,200 (₹3,100 per month) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Total Benefit | ₹72,400 |
| Disbursement Method | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account |
Note:
- The scholarship only covers academic assistance through a monthly stipend.
- It does not include additional expenses such as:
- Books and study materials
- Travel or commuting costs
- Hostel or accommodation fees
- Examination fees or other institutional charges
This financial aid is a step toward ensuring that economic challenges do not obstruct a single girl child’s path to higher education.
Let me know if you’d like to continue with the application process, important dates, or how to renew the scholarship.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
The application process for the UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child is completely online and managed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)—a centralized platform for various government scholarships.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Visit the Official Portal
Go to https://scholarships.gov.in - Register as a New User
If you’re applying for the first time, click on “New Registration” and complete the registration form with your basic details. - Log In to Your Account
Use the generated credentials (Application ID and password) to log in to the portal. - Select the Scholarship Scheme
Navigate to “UGC Schemes” and choose:
“PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child” - Fill Out the Application Form
Enter all required academic, personal, and bank details accurately. - Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload the necessary documents (see list below if needed). - Submit the Application
After reviewing all information, submit the form online.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child is not just a financial aid program—it’s a powerful tool for social change. By supporting the higher education of single girl children, the scheme tackles deep-rooted gender disparities and opens doors to a brighter, more equitable future.
Social Impact
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- Encourages Families to Prioritize Girls’ Education
In a society where male education has traditionally taken precedence, this scholarship motivates families to invest in their daughters’ academic growth. It helps shift mindsets by showing that girls, too, can achieve great things when given the opportunity. - Reduces Early Marriage and School Dropout Rates
Many young girls are forced into early marriage due to financial pressure or cultural expectations. By providing an incentive to continue education, the scholarship helps delay marriage and reduces dropout rates, allowing girls to complete their academic journey. - Empowers Women to Be Independent and Aspirational
Higher education gives young women the confidence and skills to pursue careers, become financially independent, and make informed life choices. It sets them on a path toward leadership and self-reliance.
Supports National Missions like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”
The scholarship aligns with government initiatives aimed at protecting and educating the girl child, reinforcing efforts to create a society where girls have equal access to education and opportunity.
- Encourages Families to Prioritize Girls’ Education
Real-Life Inspiration
Over the years, many recipients of this scholarship have gone on to become educators, civil servants, researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Their success stories demonstrate the transformative power of education—and serve as beacons of hope for other girls from similar backgrounds.
Each scholarship awarded is not just a financial investment, but a vote of confidence in a young woman’s potential to change her life, her family, and even her community.
Hope in Koderma: How a Scholarship Rekindled a Girl’s Future by CIF
In the mica-rich yet economically fragile districts of Koderma and Giridih, stories of resilience often go unheard. One such story is that of 15-year-old Nazia, who was forced to drop out of school in early 2024 after completing Class 8. When her father, a mica factory worker, suffered a severe injury, the family’s income came to a standstill. With mounting financial stress, Nazia and her younger brother were compelled to join their mother in hazardous mica processing work just to make ends meet. “Leaving school broke my heart,” Nazia shared, “but there was no other choice. I wanted to help my family survive.”
Mid-2024 marked a turning point when the project team, along with the local children’s group Balmanch, engaged with her parents to find sustainable solutions. Her mother joined a Self-Help Group (SHG), and both parents received training in safer income-generating activities like goat-rearing and homestead gardening. Nazia was re-enrolled in Class 9 with community support, and received a bicycle, school supplies, and access to a mobile library.
By October, the family had earned from goat sales and accessed government employment through MGNREGA. With renewed financial stability and support, Nazia and her brother stopped mica work entirely. Today, Nazia is a proud student, actively participating in Balmanch leadership at the district level—her dreams of education and a better future rekindled. Stories like Nazia’s highlight why scholarships for single girl children are so crucial—they don’t just fund education; they help reclaim lost childhoods and empower young girls to lead change in their communities.
Other Scholarships for Girl Students in India
While the UGC Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child is a flagship initiative, there are several other scholarships and financial support schemes available across India to promote girls’ education. These programs are aimed at reducing dropout rates, easing financial burdens, and empowering girls to complete their schooling and higher education.
a) CBSE Single Girl Child Merit Scholarship
- Eligibility: Awarded to meritorious girl students who are the only child of their parents and have scored at least 60% marks in Class 10.
- Benefits: ₹500 per month for two years, applicable during Class 11 and 12.
- Objective: To encourage academic excellence among single girl children studying under the CBSE curriculum.
b) AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
- Eligibility: Girls pursuing technical education such as engineering degrees or diplomas in approved institutions.
- Benefits: ₹50,000 per year for up to 4 years (or until course completion).
- Additional Perk: Also includes coverage for college fees, books, equipment, and software.
c) Kanya Vidya Dhan Yojana (Uttar Pradesh Government)
- Eligibility: Girls who have passed Class 12 from the UP Board.
- Benefits: A one-time financial grant to support enrollment in higher education institutions.
- Focus: To encourage college education among girls from economically weaker sections in Uttar Pradesh.
d) Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
- Type: A long-term savings scheme launched under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative.
- Purpose: While not a scholarship, funds saved under SSY can be used for a girl’s higher education or marriage once she turns 18.
- Benefits: Offers high interest rates, tax benefits, and flexible contribution amounts.
e) INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
- Eligibility: Students (including girls) who have chosen the science stream after Class 12 and are pursuing BSc or MSc degrees in basic and natural sciences.
- Benefits: Up to ₹80,000 per year.
- Objective: To attract talented youth to science education and research careers.
