UPSC Scholarships 2025: Govt & Private Aid for Aspirants

UPSC Scholarship Schemes in India 2025: Government and Private Initiatives for Civil Services Aspirants

By Gurukul Academy | Published: June 27, 2025

Preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a dream for millions of aspirants across India. However, financial constraints often pose significant barriers for underprivileged students. To bridge this gap, various government and private scholarship schemes have been introduced to provide free or subsidized coaching, financial aid, and mentorship. This article explores the latest UPSC scholarship schemes in India for 2025, including recent government initiatives and private coaching programs, with a focus on states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Manipur, and others. These schemes aim to empower aspirants to excel in one of India’s toughest competitive exams.

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Why UPSC Scholarships Matter

The UPSC CSE is renowned for its rigor, requiring extensive preparation, quality coaching, and access to resources. For economically disadvantaged aspirants, the cost of coaching, study materials, and living expenses can be prohibitive. Recognizing this, both central and state governments, along with private institutions, have launched scholarship programs to ensure equitable access to opportunities for aspiring civil servants.

These initiatives provide:

• Free or subsidized coaching (online and offline)
• Monthly stipends for living expenses
• Financial assistance for study materials, travel, and exam preparation
• Mentorship from experienced professionals and IAS officers

Below, we detail the latest government and private UPSC scholarship schemes for 2025, including new projects and state-specific programs to help aspirants succeed.

Government Scholarships for UPSC Aspirants in 2025

Several state governments across India have launched or updated scholarship schemes to support UPSC aspirants, particularly those from marginalized communities such as SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories. Below is a comprehensive list of key schemes, including recently introduced programs.

1. Uttar Pradesh

CM Abhyudaya Yojana

Launched by the Uttar Pradesh government, the CM Abhyudaya Yojana provides free coaching for competitive exams, including UPSC, JEE, and NEET. The program offers:

• Online and offline coaching through dedicated centers across the state.
• Guidance from serving IAS, PCS officers, and subject experts.
• Free study materials and access to digital platforms.
• Eligibility: Open to all aspirants, with a focus on economically disadvantaged students.

Dashmottar Scholarship Scheme

Originally a post-matric scholarship, this scheme has been extended to support UPSC coaching for OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates. Benefits include:

• Financial assistance for coaching fees.
• Eligibility: Candidates must meet income and category criteria set by the state government.
• Application: Apply through the official Uttar Pradesh scholarship portal.

New Initiative: UPSC Pratibha Setu Scheme

Announced in June 2025, the UPSC Pratibha Setu Scheme is a new initiative by the central government, aimed at candidates who clear the UPSC Mains but fail to make the final merit list. It provides:

• Financial aid for advanced coaching.
• Mentorship for the Personality Test (interview stage).
• Eligibility: Candidates who have cleared the Mains in the last three years.

2. Delhi

Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana

The Delhi government’s Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana supports UPSC, JEE, and NEET aspirants from General, SC, ST, and OBC categories. Key features include:

• Subsidized coaching: Students pay 25% of the coaching fee, while the government covers 75%.
• 100% fee coverage for students from families with an annual income of ₹2 lakh or less.
• Direct fund transfer to coaching institutes in two installments.
• Eligibility: Delhi residents enrolled in recognized coaching institutes.

3. Tamil Nadu

Naan Mudhalvan Scheme

The Naan Mudhalvan Scheme by the Tamil Nadu government provides comprehensive support for UPSC aspirants:

• Financial aid:
  • ₹7,500/month for 10 months during Prelims preparation.
  • ₹25,000 for Mains preparation.
  • ₹50,000 for Interview preparation.
• Training support through empanelled institutes.
• Application: Apply via the official Naan Mudhalvan portal.

4. Chhattisgarh

Rajiv Yuva Utthan Yojana

This scheme targets SC, ST, and OBC candidates with:

• Free coaching (online and offline) for UPSC and other competitive exams.
• Monthly stipend: ₹1,000 to cover basic expenses.
• Eligibility: Residents of Chhattisgarh from specified categories.

5. Arunachal Pradesh

CM’s Combined Civil Services Coaching Scheme

Designed for APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) candidates, this scheme offers:

• Financial assistance: ₹2 lakh for Prelims and ₹3 lakh for Mains.
• Coaching through empanelled institutes and NGOs.
• Eligibility: APST candidates enrolled in recognized coaching programs.

New Initiative: CM’s Talent Development Program

Launched in early 2025, this program expands coaching support for UPSC aspirants by collaborating with top institutes and providing:

• Subsidized coaching fees.
• Mentorship programs for rural APST candidates.
• Application: Details available on the state government’s education portal.

6. Tripura

LAKSHYA Scholarship Scheme

The LAKSHYA Scholarship Scheme supports UPSC aspirants at various stages:

• Mains qualifiers: ₹1,00,000 (₹70,000 for coaching/materials, ₹30,000 for travel).
• Interview stage: ₹20,000 for preparation.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for seamless fund disbursement.
• Eligibility: Tripura residents preparing for UPSC.

7. Gujarat

SC Coaching Assistance Scheme

Managed by the Directorate of Scheduled Caste Welfare, this scheme provides:

• Financial support: Up to ₹20,000 or actual coaching fees (whichever is lower).
• Disbursement: Via DBT to the candidate’s account.
• Eligibility: SC candidates preparing for UPSC or other recruitment exams.

8. Maharashtra

UPSC Scholarship Programme

This program supports candidates who cleared the UPSC Mains but did not qualify in the final list within the last three years:

• Monthly stipend: ₹10,000.
• Full coaching fee reimbursement (subject to income cap).
• Eligibility: Maharashtra residents meeting the specified criteria.

9. Manipur

Super IAS 500 Scholarship

The Super IAS 500 Scholarship selects the top 500 UPSC aspirants in Manipur:

• Top 200: Full coaching sponsorship.
• Next 300: Partial financial assistance.
• Eligibility: Manipur residents who pass the scheme’s selection process.

10. Madhya Pradesh

Civil Services Incentive Scheme

Launched in 2025, this scheme supports SC and ST candidates with:

• Free coaching at state-run centers.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Eligibility: Madhya Pradesh residents from SC/ST categories.

11. Bihar

Mukhyamantri Anusuchit Jati Evam Anusuchit Janjati Civil Seva Protsahan Yojana

Announced in June 2025, this scheme provides:

• Financial assistance for SC/ST candidates preparing for UPSC.
• Free coaching and study materials.
• Eligibility: Bihar residents from SC/ST categories.

12. Central Government

Naya Savera Scheme

The Naya Savera Scheme by the Ministry of Minority Affairs supports aspirants from six notified minority communities (Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi):

• Free coaching for UPSC and other competitive exams.
• Hostel facilities in select centers.
• Eligibility: Minority community candidates meeting income criteria.

NIRMAN Scheme

Launched in May 2025, the NIRMAN Scheme provides financial assistance to candidates who qualify for the UPSC Prelims:

• Funding for coaching and study materials.
• Eligibility: Open to all categories, with priority for economically weaker sections.

Private Coaching Scholarships for UPSC Aspirants

In addition to government schemes, several private coaching institutes offer scholarships to support UPSC aspirants. These programs often include merit-based or need-based financial aid, free coaching, and access to premium resources.

1. Vajiram & Ravi Scholarship

• Details: Offers merit-based scholarships for UPSC coaching, covering up to 100% of fees for top performers in their entrance test.
• Eligibility: Open to all aspirants who clear the institute’s scholarship test.
• Application: Apply through the Vajiram & Ravi website.

2. Vision IAS Scholarship

• Details: Provides financial aid for online and offline UPSC coaching programs, including test series and study materials.
• Eligibility: Based on merit or financial need.
• Application: Check the Vision IAS website for details.

3. Drishti IAS Scholarship

• Details: Offers partial to full fee waivers for economically disadvantaged students.
• Eligibility: Requires proof of financial need and academic potential.
• Application: Available on the Drishti IAS portal.

4. BYJU’S UPSC Scholarship

• Details: Provides free access to online UPSC courses and mentorship for meritorious students.
• Eligibility: Based on a national-level scholarship test.
• Application: Register on the BYJU’S Exam Prep platform.

How to Apply for UPSC Scholarships

1. Government Schemes:
   • Visit the respective state’s scholarship portal (e.g., Uttar Pradesh Scholarship Portal, Tamil Nadu’s Naan Mudhalvan portal).
   • Check eligibility criteria (category, income, residency).
   • Submit required documents (income certificate, caste certificate, UPSC application proof).
   • Apply within the specified deadlines.
2. Private Scholarships:
   • Register for the institute’s scholarship test or application process.
   • Provide academic records, income proof, or other required documents.
   • Follow up on selection results and enrollment.

FAQs About UPSC Scholarships

Q1. Are there scholarships available for UPSC students?

Yes, both government and private institutions offer scholarships, including free coaching, stipends, and study materials for UPSC aspirants.

Q2. What are the government schemes for UPSC aspirants?

Key schemes include CM Abhyudaya Yojana (Uttar Pradesh), Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana (Delhi), Naan Mudhalvan (Tamil Nadu), and others listed above.

Q3. Can I study for UPSC for free?

Yes, schemes like CM Abhyudaya Yojana and Naya Savera provide free coaching and resources for eligible candidates.

Q4. How can I get free UPSC coaching?

Apply for state-specific schemes or private scholarships through their respective portals or coaching institutes.

Q5. How do I get a scholarship for IAS coaching?

Check eligibility for government schemes or take scholarship tests offered by private institutes like Vajiram & Ravi or Vision IAS.

For more information on UPSC preparation tips, study resources, and scholarship updates, visit Gurukul Acdemy. Stay motivated, stay prepared.