ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS-PG) 2026–27 – Full Details
The ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS-PG) is a merit-based financial assistance scheme administered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The scholarship is intended for talented postgraduate students who secure admission to eligible Master’s programmes in agriculture and allied sciences at an agricultural university located outside their home or domicile state.
The NTS-PG provides financial support to eligible students admitted through the ICAR AIEEA (PG) All India admission process. Students who meet the prescribed eligibility and institutional conditions can receive the scholarship for the standard duration of their postgraduate programme, subject to satisfactory academic performance and continued compliance with the scheme rules.
💰 ICAR NTS-PG Scholarship Benefits
Selected students receive financial assistance under the following provisions:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | ₹5,000 per month |
| Duration | Standard duration of the degree programme, generally 2 years for a Master’s programme |
| Funding | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account |
The scholarship is intended to provide financial support throughout the eligible postgraduate programme, subject to fulfilment of the renewal and retention conditions.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all the applicable eligibility conditions for the ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS-PG) 2026–27.
1. Admission Outside the Home State
The student must be admitted to an eligible Agricultural University located outside their home or domicile state.
The non-domicile condition is an important requirement of the NTS-PG scheme because the scholarship is intended to encourage students to pursue postgraduate agricultural education outside their home state.
2. Admission Through ICAR AIEEA (PG)
Admission must be obtained through the All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA-PG) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Students admitted through localized institutional admissions, vacant-seat spot rounds, or other admission routes that do not satisfy the prescribed ICAR admission framework are not eligible.
3. Eligible Agricultural University
The postgraduate programme must be offered by an agricultural university or institution covered under the applicable ICAR higher agricultural education framework.
4. Full-Time Study
The applicant must pursue the postgraduate programme as a full-time or whole-time student.
Students are not permitted to take up employment, including part-time employment, during the period of the scholarship where prohibited under the scheme rules.
5. No Concurrent Scholarship
Students receiving the NTS-PG scholarship cannot simultaneously avail themselves of another scholarship, fellowship, stipend, or similar financial assistance where such concurrent benefits are prohibited.
📚 Eligible Programmes
The NTS-PG is intended for eligible Master’s degree programmes in agriculture and allied sciences offered through qualifying agricultural universities.
Students should ensure that both the university and the postgraduate programme satisfy the applicable ICAR requirements before applying.
📂 Documents Required
Students should keep the following documents ready for application and institutional verification:
ICAR AIEEA (PG) Admission/Allotment Letter
University Joining Report
Domicile Certificate showing the student's home state
Aadhaar Card
Aadhaar-linked bank account details for DBT payments
Graduation Marksheets / Academic Transcripts
Bonafide Certificate
Good Conduct Certificate or equivalent institutional certification
Declaration confirming that the student is not receiving another prohibited scholarship, fellowship, stipend, or financial assistance
Any additional documents requested by the university or National Scholarship Portal
All information provided in the application should match the student's official admission and academic records.
💻 How to Apply for ICAR NTS-PG 2026–27
The scholarship application is processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step 1: Complete NSP One-Time Registration
Students must first create or complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) profile on the National Scholarship Portal.
Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application
After completing OTR, log in to NSP and fill in the NTS-PG application with the required personal, academic, admission, domicile, and bank details.
Step 3: Provide ICAR Admission Details
Enter the relevant ICAR AIEEA (PG) admission and allotment information. The details should correspond with the records of the admitting agricultural university.
Step 4: Upload or Submit Required Documents
Provide the prescribed certificates and supporting documents as required by NSP and the university.
Step 5: Complete Institutional Verification
After submission, the application is checked by the concerned institution. Students should monitor the application status regularly and complete any correction or verification requirement within the specified time.
Step 6: Higher-Level Verification
Applications that successfully pass institutional verification proceed to the designated DNO/SNO/MNO verification stages.
🗓️ Important Dates
The key dates for the ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS-PG) 2026–27 are:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Student Application Last Date | October 31, 2026 |
| Defective Application Correction / Verification Deadline | November 15, 2026 |
| Institute Verification Deadline | November 15, 2026 |
| DNO / SNO / MNO Verification Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
Students are advised to submit their applications before the deadline so that defects, corrections, and institutional verification can be completed on time.
🔍 Selection and Verification Process
The NTS-PG scholarship is linked to the student's eligibility under the prescribed ICAR AIEEA (PG) admission framework.
The process generally involves:
Admission through the eligible ICAR AIEEA (PG) route.
Verification of the student's domicile and out-of-state university status.
Submission of the scholarship application through NSP.
Verification by the concerned agricultural university or institute.
Correction and re-verification of defective applications, where necessary.
Verification by the designated DNO/SNO/MNO authorities.
Processing of eligible scholarship payments through the applicable DBT mechanism.
📈 Renewal and Retention Rules
The scholarship is renewable only when the student continues to meet the prescribed academic and disciplinary requirements.
Academic Performance
Students must maintain a minimum OGPA/CGPA of 7.00 out of 10.00.
For SC/ST students, the applicable relaxed standard is 6.50 out of 10.00.
Successful Completion of Examinations
Students are required to clear all courses/papers in the respective semester through the regular examination process. Failure in a paper can result in discontinuation of the scholarship according to the applicable rules.
Attendance and Conduct
The student must maintain regular attendance and satisfactory conduct. Unauthorised absence, disciplinary problems, or participation in prohibited agitations or strikes may lead to suspension or cancellation of financial assistance.
No Change of University or Discipline
Students are expected to continue at the university and in the discipline allotted through the applicable counselling/admission process. An unauthorised transfer or change of discipline can result in termination of the scholarship.
Withdrawal Shortly After Admission
Students who leave the course within the prescribed initial period, including the stated one-month period, may become ineligible for the scholarship payment.
📌 Important Points to Remember
The student must study at an eligible agricultural university outside the home/domicile state.
Admission must be obtained through the prescribed ICAR AIEEA (PG) process.
Admission through unauthorised spot rounds or other non-eligible institutional routes does not qualify.
The programme must be an eligible postgraduate course in agriculture or allied sciences.
The student must be a full-time postgraduate student.
Concurrent scholarships, fellowships, stipends, or other prohibited financial assistance cannot be availed simultaneously.
The scholarship amount is ₹5,000 per month.
Renewal requires satisfactory academic performance and compliance with conduct and examination requirements.
Students should maintain at least 7.00/10.00 OGPA/CGPA, with the applicable 6.50/10.00 relaxation for SC/ST students.
Changing the allotted university or discipline without permission can result in cancellation.
The NSP application deadline is October 31, 2026.
Students should regularly check the NSP portal for application defects, verification updates, and payment status.
🔗 Official Application Portal
National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
https://scholarships.gov.in/
ICAR Official Website:
https://icar.org.in/
NTA ICAR Examination Portal:
https://exams.nta.nic.in/icar/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS-PG)?
The ICAR NTS-PG is a merit-based scholarship for eligible postgraduate students in agriculture and allied sciences who pursue their Master's programme at an eligible agricultural university outside their home or domicile state.
How much scholarship is provided under NTS-PG?
Eligible students receive ₹5,000 per month.
What is the duration of the NTS-PG scholarship?
The scholarship is provided for the standard duration of the eligible degree programme, generally two years for a Master’s degree, subject to the prescribed renewal conditions.
Is ICAR AIEEA (PG) admission compulsory?
Yes. The stated eligibility requires admission through the prescribed ICAR AIEEA (PG) All India admission route.
Can I receive NTS-PG while receiving another scholarship?
No. Students cannot simultaneously receive another scholarship, stipend, fellowship, or financial assistance where concurrent benefits are prohibited under the scheme.
What is the minimum OGPA required for renewal?
The stated requirement is 7.00 out of 10.00, with a relaxed requirement of 6.50 out of 10.00 for SC/ST students.
What is the last date to apply for ICAR NTS-PG 2026–27?
The student application deadline is October 31, 2026.
Where should students apply?
The application is processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at https://scholarships.gov.in/ after completing the required OTR process.
Conclusion
The ICAR National Talent Scholarship (NTS-PG) 2026–27 offers financial support of ₹5,000 per month to eligible postgraduate students pursuing agriculture and allied sciences outside their home state. Students admitted through the prescribed ICAR AIEEA (PG) route should carefully check the non-domicile, institutional, academic, and scholarship-exclusivity requirements and complete their NSP application before October 31, 2026.
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