ICAR Launches NSP-Enabled DBT System for Direct and Transparent Disbursement of Scholarships and Fellowships

₹21.35 Crore in Scholarships and Fellowships to Benefit More Than 6,000 Students

10 August 2026, New Delhi

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) today launched the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)-Enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) System for the disbursement of scholarships and fellowships to students pursuing education and research in agricultural and allied sciences. The system was launched at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, with the objective of making the delivery of financial assistance more efficient, transparent, timely and student-centric.

Under the new system, scholarships and fellowships amounting to ₹21.35 crore are being transferred directly to the bank accounts of more than 6,000 students, enabling seamless and timely access to financial support.

Launching the system, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, emphasized that the true purpose of a scholarship is fulfilled when financial assistance reaches students at the time it is needed. He said that the NSP-enabled DBT system would facilitate the timely, direct and transparent delivery of scholarships and fellowships to students.

Highlighting the larger role of agricultural education, Shri Chouhan stated that agricultural education is not merely a career pathway but also an opportunity to serve the nation and contribute to the transformation of Indian agriculture. He further emphasized that building a Viksit Bharat is a collective endeavour and that agricultural students and young scientists have a vital role to play in shaping the country’s future.

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, underscored the significance of knowledge, science, technology and innovation in strengthening Indian agriculture. He stated that agriculture is the foundation of India’s economy and society and emphasized that empowering agricultural education and nurturing young talent would be crucial to accelerating the country’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, highlighted that student empowerment must ultimately contribute to the welfare of farmers. He stated that ICAR’s efforts should go beyond bringing smiles to the faces of students and ensure that these opportunities translate into improved livelihoods, prosperity and well-being for farmers. He further emphasized the need for agricultural education to continuously evolve in response to changing times and equip a new generation of students with the knowledge, scientific capabilities and innovative thinking required to develop meaningful solutions for farmers.

During the programme, Shri Sandeep Sarkar, Additional Secretary, DARE & Financial Adviser, ICAR, presented an overview of the NSP-Enabled DBT ICAR Scholarship/Fellowship Workflow, outlining the streamlined mechanism established for the direct transfer of financial assistance to students.

The programme commenced with the welcome address by Dr Yashpal Singh Malik, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, who highlighted the importance of fellowships in advancing reforms in agricultural education. He noted that fellowships play a significant role in supporting institutions that promote knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship for the advancement of agriculture and the country.

Dr C. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, proposed the formal vote of thanks.

The programme also provided an opportunity for students of ICAR-IARI to share their experiences and perspectives on the importance of timely financial assistance in supporting their academic and research pursuits.

The launch of the NSP-enabled DBT system marks an important step towards strengthening transparent, efficient and accountable mechanisms for scholarship and fellowship delivery. By facilitating direct and timely financial assistance, the initiative seeks to ensure that financial constraints do not impede students in pursuing education, research and innovation for the advancement of Indian agriculture.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture, New Delhi)