Civil Services (UPSC) Scholarships
5 scholarships · 2 categories
UPSC preparation is typically self-funded, but several scholarships and fellowships support aspirants financially during the preparation phase. State governments, NGOs, and private organisations offer stipends to serious UPSC aspirants, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Coaching Scholarships and Fee Waivers
Scholarships that cover the cost of coaching and preparation materials.
YASASVI Scholarship (OBC/EBC/DNT)
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Amount: ₹75,000–₹1,25,000/year for coaching
Deadline: As per NTA notification
Eligibility: OBC/EBC/DNT students; income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year; qualifying test (YASASVI exam)
Free Coaching Scheme for SC/ST Students
Ministry of Social Justice / Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Amount: Full coaching fee + ₹3,000–₹3,500/month stipend
Deadline: August–October
Eligibility: SC/ST students; family income ≤ ₹8 lakh/year; Pre-IAS coaching
Ishan Uday Coaching Support (NE Students)
UGC
Amount: Coaching fee covered + living stipend
Deadline: October–November
Eligibility: North-East domicile; family income limits apply
NGO and Private Support
Foundations and NGOs that provide financial support to UPSC aspirants.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute Fellowship
Various NGOs and State Governments
Amount: ₹5,000–₹10,000/month stipend for 12 months
Deadline: Varies by organisation
Eligibility: Serious UPSC aspirants from economically backward backgrounds; application + interview
Chanakya IAS Foundation Scholarship
Various IAS coaching institutes
Amount: 30–100% fee waiver on coaching
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Qualifying test conducted by institute; financial hardship; first-time Prelims qualifiers
Application Tips
- State Public Service Commissions often have their own coaching scholarship schemes — check your state's Social Welfare department
- Many IAS coaching institutes offer merit scholarships based on their own entrance tests — take multiple institute tests
- If you clear Prelims, most top coaching institutes offer free or subsidised Mains coaching to Prelims qualifiers
- Delhi government's Mukhyamantri Vigyan Pratibha Pariksha is available for Delhi domicile aspirants
- Document all preparation expenses for tax deduction under Section 80C (where applicable)
Important Points
- UPSC preparation typically takes 12–24 months — plan scholarship applications for the entire preparation period
- State PCS (Provincial Civil Services) preparation is cheaper and many scholarships apply here too
- Institutes like Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) provide fully-funded officer training post-selection
- Many state governments provide financial assistance to their domicile candidates who clear Prelims
Apply via National Scholarship Portal
Central government scholarships are available at scholarships.gov.in. Application season is typically September–November. Register early to avoid last-minute issues.
Preparing for Civil Services?
A SkillMonster Guide will help you build a study plan, hit your target score, and advise on scholarship eligibility alongside your preparation.