The National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) has officially released the notification for the 2026 Doctoral and Master’s Scholarship Schemes. Aspiring candidates can apply online for the NBHM Scholarship Written Test, which is the first stage of selection. The test is scheduled for 24 January 2026. Applications can be submitted through the official portal nbhmexam.puchd.ac.in from 3 December 2025.
NBHM Scholarship 2026 Overview
The NBHM Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for Indian nationals pursuing higher studies in mathematics, statistics, and mathematical sciences. The selection process includes a written test followed by an online interview. The same test is used for both Master’s and Doctoral scholarships, and candidates may apply for one or both.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) |
| Scholarship Types | Master’s Scholarship & Doctoral Scholarship |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Portal Opens | 3rd December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21st December 2025 (23:59 IST) |
| Written Test Date | 24th January 2026 (10:30 AM – 1:30 PM IST) |
| Interview Period | March 2026 (tentative) |
| Final Results | 30th April 2026 |
NBHM Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility differs for Doctoral and Master’s NBHM Scholarships. Candidates must ensure they meet the academic and nationality requirements before applying.
For Doctoral Scholarship:
- Must qualify in written test and doctoral interview.
- Must be enrolled (or join by September 2027) in a qualifying PhD programme in India.
- Must be an Indian national.
- Should not hold any other doctoral scholarship simultaneously.
For Master’s Scholarship:
- Must qualify in written test and Master’s interview.
- Must be enrolled in a qualifying Master’s programme in 2026–27.
- Must not have previously received NBHM Master’s Scholarship.
- Must be an Indian national.
- Cannot hold any other Master’s scholarship concurrently.
Check Eligibility Details Here
NBHM Scholarship Benefits 2026
Selected scholars receive financial support to aid their research and studies. NBHM Scholarship Stipends and grants are revised periodically.
Doctoral Scholarship Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: ₹37,000 (first two years), ₹42,000 (thereafter).
- Annual Contingency Grant: ₹40,000.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per GoI norms.
- Tenure: Initially 4 years, extendable by 1 year.
- Maternity Leave: Available for women scholars as per rules.
Master’s Scholarship Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: ₹8,000.
- Tenure: Up to 2 years (1 year for those in second year in 2026–27).
- Continuation to second year depends on satisfactory progress.
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Selection Process for NBHM Scholarship 2026
Selection is a two-phase process: a written test followed by an online interview. Separate shortlists are prepared for Doctoral and Master’s streams.
Written Test: 24th January 2026, 3-hour duration.
Test Scores: Two scores calculated per candidate:
- M-score (for Master’s, raw score).
- D-score (for Doctoral, weighted score).
Shortlisting Criteria:
- Doctoral shortlist: Applied for Doctoral Scholarship + D-score ≥ D-cut-off.
- Master’s shortlist: Applied for Master’s Scholarship + (M-score ≥ M-cut-off OR D-score ≥ D-cut-off).
Interview: Online, tentatively in March 2026.
Final Selection: Based on test score, interview performance, and academic record.
Check Selection Process Here
NBHM Scholarship Test Centres (Zone-wise)
The written test will be conducted across five zones in India. Applicants must select five centres in order of preference during application.
Zone 1 (North):
- Chandigarh, Delhi, Jodhpur, Shimla, Srinagar (Kashmir).
Zone 2 (North Central):
- Bhopal, Indore, Kanpur, Patna, Prayagraj, Raipur, Srinagar Garhwal, Varanasi.
Zone 3 (West):
- Ahmedabad, Dharwad, Goa, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Pune, Vallabh Vidyanagar.
Zone 4 (East):
- Agartala, Aizawl, Bardhaman, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Dimapur, Guwahati, Imphal, Jamshedpur, Kharagpur, Khurda, Kolkata, Ranchi, Rangpo, Sambalpur, Shillong, Siliguri, Tezpur.
Zone 5 (South):
- Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Madurai, Mangaluru, Pondicherry, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted only online through the official National Board for Higher Mathematics portal. Candidates should keep documents and application fee ready.
- Step 1: Visit nbhmexam.puchd.ac.in.
- Step 2: Register and fill the application form.
- Step 3: Upload required documents (photo, signature, academic records).
- Step 4: Pay application fee:
- ₹400 for one scholarship (Master’s OR Doctoral).
- ₹700 for both scholarships.
- Step 5: Submit and download confirmation.
- Step 6: Download admit card from 31st December 2025.
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NBHM Scholarship 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must note the following schedule for the National Board for Higher Mathematics NBHM Scholarship 2026 process. Any changes will be updated on the official website.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 3rd December 2025 |
| Online Application Ends | 21st December 2025 |
| Admit Card Availability | 31st December 2025 |
| Written Test | 24th January 2026 |
| Shortlist & Scores Published | 27th February 2026 |
| Online Interviews | March 2026 |
| Final Selection Announcement | 30th April 2026 |
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for NBHM Scholarship 2026?
21st December 2025 (23:59 IST).
2. Can foreign nationals apply for the scholarship?
They can appear for the test, but only Indian nationals are eligible for the scholarship.
3. Is there any age limit for National Board for Higher Mathematics Scholarship?
No age limit is specified.
4. Can I apply for both Master’s and Doctoral National Board for Higher Mathematics scholarships?
Yes, candidates can apply for one or both.
