Kalpana Chawla Chatravriti Yojana: Scholarship Scheme for Promoting Higher Education Among Girls in Himachal Pradesh

The Kalpana Chawla Chatravriti Yojana was launched by the Government of Himachal Pradesh in 2012–13 to promote higher education among girls and honor the legacy of Dr. Kalpana Chawla, India’s first woman astronaut. This scholarship aims to support meritorious female students from economically weaker families in Himachal Pradesh, helping them pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses without financial constraints. The scheme encourages academic excellence, gender equality, and self-reliance among young women of the state.

Important Dates (2025–26 Academic Year)

• Scheme Open From: 17 June 2025
• Last Date for Student Application: 31 October 2025
• Defective Application Verification: Up to 25 November 2025
• Institute Verification: Up to 25 November 2025
• DNO/SNO/MNO Verification: Up to 29 November 2025

Objectives of the Scheme

The main objectives of the Kalpana Chawla Chatravriti Yojana are:

1. To promote higher education among girls of Himachal Pradesh.
2. To provide financial assistance to economically weaker sections, reducing barriers to education.
3. To reward academic excellence based on 10+2 merit.
4. To encourage gender equality and women empowerment.
5. To reduce dropout rates among female students after class 12.
6. To foster self-reliance and skill development for career growth.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Fully funded by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
• Named in honor of Dr. Kalpana Chawla to inspire young girls.
• Open to all academic streams: Science, Arts, and Commerce.
• Merit-based selection according to HP Board 10+2 results.
• Scholarship funds transferred directly to the student’s bank account.
• Renewable annually for up to five years based on eligibility and performance.
• Covers professional and technical courses including engineering, medicine, and management.
• Only students in recognized institutions affiliated with HP Board or universities are eligible.

Scholarship Amount

• Scholarship Amount: ₹15,000 per annum.
• Disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
• Renewable each academic year for up to five years.
• Can be used for tuition fees, books, stationery, hostel fees, and other educational expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant must be a girl student.
2. Must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh.
3. Must have passed 10+2 from a recognized institution affiliated with HP Board.
4. Enrolled in a regular academic, professional, or technical course after 10+2.
5. Studying in a Government, Government-aided, or recognized private institution.
6. Merit-based selection according to 10+2 results declared by HP Board.
7. Must provide an Income Certificate issued by a competent authority.
8. Maintain regular attendance and satisfactory academic performance for renewal.

Reservation Policy

• Exclusively for female students of Himachal Pradesh.
• Merit-oriented selection based strictly on 10+2 results.
• No specific caste or category reservation is mentioned; equal opportunity is provided for all eligible girls.

Distribution of Scholarships

1. Merit List Preparation: District-wise merit lists are prepared based on 10+2 results.
2. Selection of Beneficiaries: Eligible students are selected after verification of documents.
3. Disbursement of Funds: Scholarship amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer.
4. Annual Renewal: Students can renew the scholarship for up to five years, subject to eligibility and academic performance.

Application Process (Step by Step)

Step 1: New Registration

• Register on the National Scholarship Portal.
• Read the guidelines carefully and accept the terms.
• Fill in basic details and click “Register”.
• Receive Application ID and password via SMS.

Step 2: Login

• Login with Application ID and password.
• Enter OTP sent to registered mobile number.
• Create a new password to access the Applicant Dashboard.

Step 3: Fill Application Form

• Complete personal, academic, and bank details.
• Upload the required documents.
• Save as draft or submit the final application.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

1. Aadhaar Card
2. Class 12th Passing Certificate
3. Admission Certificate of Post-10+2 Course
4. Bank Passbook
5. Selection Letter from Institution
6. Passport-size Photograph
7. Himachal Pradesh Domicile Certificate
8. Income Certificate
9. Fee Payment Receipt
10. Bonafide Certificate

Step 5: Verification and Approval

• Institute Verification: Institution checks the details and documents.
• District/State Verification: DNO, SNO, and MNO verify applications before approval.
• Scholarship amount is disbursed after successful verification.