Uttar Pradesh students in 2026 have access to more government welfare schemes than ever before. However, most students only know about one or two schemes and miss out on benefits they are fully entitled to. The best UP government schemes for students cover everything from free devices and financial scholarships to free coaching and women-focused empowerment programmes. This guide compiles every major active scheme, explains who qualifies for each, and tells you exactly where to apply — so you claim every benefit you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- UP students can benefit from multiple schemes simultaneously — they are not mutually exclusive
- DigiShakti gives free tablets and smartphones to over one crore students
- UP Scholarship covers pre-matric and post-matric financial assistance for SC/ST/OBC/EWS students
- Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana provides free coaching for competitive exams
- Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana targets meritorious girl students
Top Government Schemes for UP Students 2026 — Quick Overview
| Scheme | Benefit | Who Qualifies | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| DigiShakti | Free tablet or smartphone | Class 10, 12, UG, ITI, Polytechnic students in UP institutions | digishakti.up.gov.in |
| UP Scholarship | Financial assistance for education | SC/ST/OBC/EWS/minority students — pre and post matric | scholarship.up.gov.in |
| Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana | Free coaching for IAS, IPS, NEET, JEE and more | UP students preparing for competitive exams | abhyuday.up.gov.in |
| Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana | Free scooty for meritorious girl students | Girls scoring top marks in Class 12 in UP | UP government portal |
| Kanya Sumangala Yojana | Financial support at key educational milestones | Girls from families with annual income under ₹3 lakh | mksy.up.gov.in |
| UP Free Laptop / DigiShakti | Digital devices for education | Eligible UP students via college enrollment | digishakti.up.gov.in |
1. DigiShakti — Free Tablet and Smartphone
DigiShakti is the most active and widely covered scheme for UP students in 2026. Under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, the state government is distributing free tablets and smartphones to over one crore students enrolled in recognised UP institutions. The scheme covers Class 10, Class 12, undergraduate, ITI, and polytechnic students.
Registration happens through your college — there is no individual application. Students complete eKYC on the MeriPehchaan portal using Aadhaar and OTP. Furthermore, there is no merit requirement — all eligible enrolled students qualify. This makes DigiShakti the most accessible scheme in this list.
How to apply: Ensure your college has uploaded your data to digishakti.up.gov.in. Complete eKYC. Track your device status in Student Corner.
2. UP Scholarship — Financial Assistance for Education
UP Scholarship is one of the most important financial support schemes for students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and minority communities. The scheme has two components — pre-matric (for students in Class 9 and 10) and post-matric (for Class 11 and above, including undergraduate and postgraduate students).
The scholarship amount varies based on course level and category. Additionally, students must be enrolled in a recognised UP institution and meet the income criteria specified by the government. Applications open annually on the scholarship portal.
How to apply: Visit scholarship.up.gov.in. Register as a new student, fill the application form, upload required documents, and submit before the deadline. Your school or college must verify the application.
3. Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana — Free Competitive Exam Coaching
The Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana is a game-changing scheme for students aspiring to clear competitive exams. It provides free coaching for IAS, IPS, PCS, NDA, CDS, NEET, JEE, and other major examinations. The scheme is designed specifically for students who cannot afford private coaching institutes.
Coaching is provided through district-level Abhyudaya centres and online platforms. Moreover, the scheme invites serving IAS and IPS officers as mentors, giving students access to guidance from actual civil service toppers. This is available to all UP students regardless of category.
How to apply: Visit abhyuday.up.gov.in. Register with your academic details and choose your target exam. Offline coaching is available at district headquarters across UP.
4. Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana — Free Scooty for Girl Students
The Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana provides free scooties to meritorious girl students who score high marks in Class 12 board examinations in Uttar Pradesh. The scheme targets girls who face transportation barriers to continuing higher education after school.
In 2026, approximately 50,000 girls are set to benefit from this scheme with a government budget of ₹400 crore approved. Consequently, this scheme has significant scale and represents a serious commitment to female education in the state.
How to apply: Applications are processed through schools and district education offices after Class 12 board results. Eligible girls are identified based on merit list. Watch for official announcements after board results.
5. Kanya Sumangala Yojana — Financial Support for Girls
Kanya Sumangala Yojana provides financial support to girls at six key life and educational milestones — from birth through graduation. The scheme targets families with annual income below ₹3 lakh. For students, the most relevant instalments are those tied to Class 6 enrollment, Class 9 enrollment, Class 10/12 passing, and graduation enrollment.
The total benefit per girl under this scheme is ₹25,000 paid across the six milestones. Additionally, the scheme aims to reduce girl child dropout rates by incentivising continued education at each level.
How to apply: Apply at mksy.up.gov.in. Upload required documents including Aadhaar, income certificate, and enrollment proof. Applications can also be submitted through Anganwadi centres.
Can Students Apply for Multiple Schemes Together?
Yes — and this is one of the most important points in this guide. Most UP government schemes are not mutually exclusive. A student can simultaneously benefit from DigiShakti (free device), UP Scholarship (financial aid), and Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana (free coaching) if they meet the individual eligibility criteria for each.
Therefore, do not wait to apply for one scheme before starting another. Apply for all schemes you are eligible for at the same time. Each has its own portal, its own deadline, and its own verification process. Missing a deadline for one does not affect the others.
Frequently Asked Questions — Best UP Government Schemes 2026
Can I get both UP Scholarship and DigiShakti benefits?
Yes. UP Scholarship provides financial assistance and DigiShakti provides a free device. These are separate schemes with separate eligibility criteria. Meeting the requirements for both and applying through both portals is perfectly valid.
Is Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana available in all UP districts?
The scheme has centres at district headquarters across Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, online coaching is available through the Abhyudaya portal for students who cannot reach the physical centres. Coverage has expanded significantly since the scheme’s launch.
What is the income limit for UP Scholarship?
Income limits vary by category and scholarship type. For post-matric scholarships, the general limit is ₹2.5 lakh annual family income for SC/ST students and ₹2 lakh for OBC students. Check the official scholarship portal for current income criteria as these may be revised annually.
Is DigiShakti available for students in private colleges?
DigiShakti primarily covers students in government and government-aided institutions. Private unaided colleges are generally not covered. Check with your institution whether it is registered with UPDESCO for the scheme.
Where can I find all UP government schemes in one place?
The UP government’s official portal at up.gov.in lists active schemes. For DigiShakti specifically, visit digishakti.up.gov.in. For scholarships, visit scholarship.up.gov.in. Each scheme has its own dedicated portal with application instructions.
Are these schemes available in 2026 or have they ended?
All schemes listed in this article are active in 2026. DigiShakti distribution is ongoing. UP Scholarship applications open annually. Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana coaching continues. Verify the latest announcements on each scheme’s official portal before applying.
Summary: UP students in 2026 have access to a powerful set of government schemes — free devices via DigiShakti, financial aid via UP Scholarship, free competitive coaching via Abhyudaya Yojana, and more. Most of these can be claimed together. Start with DigiShakti — complete your eKYC at digishakti.up.gov.in — then work through the others based on your eligibility.
