Many UP students wonder whether receiving benefits under UP Scholarship and DigiShakti simultaneously is allowed. The short answer is yes — you can and should apply for both if you are eligible. These are two completely separate schemes with different objectives, different portals, and different eligibility criteria. Getting a free device under DigiShakti does not disqualify you from UP Scholarship financial assistance, and receiving scholarship money does not affect your DigiShakti device eligibility. This guide explains both schemes in full, compares them side by side, and tells you exactly how to claim both benefits together.
Key Takeaways
- UP Scholarship and DigiShakti are two separate, independent schemes
- Students can receive benefits from both schemes simultaneously
- UP Scholarship provides financial assistance — DigiShakti provides a free device
- Each scheme has its own portal, application process, and eligibility criteria
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS students in UP institutions may qualify for both
What Is UP Scholarship?
UP Scholarship is a financial assistance programme run by the Uttar Pradesh government to help students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and minority communities continue their education. The scheme has two tracks — pre-matric (for Class 9 and 10 students) and post-matric (for Class 11, 12, undergraduate, and postgraduate students).
The scholarship amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Amounts vary based on course level, category, and whether the student is a day scholar or hosteller. Applications open annually on the scholarship portal, and the entire process — from application to disbursement — happens online.
What Is DigiShakti?
DigiShakti is the UP government’s free tablet and smartphone distribution scheme for students across the state. It operates under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme and is managed by UPDESCO through the DigiShakti portal at digishakti.up.gov.in. Over one crore students are targeted for free devices across Class 10, Class 12, undergraduate, ITI, and polytechnic programmes.
Unlike UP Scholarship, DigiShakti does not provide money. It provides a physical device — a tablet or smartphone — free of cost. Registration is through the college, and students complete eKYC via MeriPehchaan portal. There is no income criteria for DigiShakti — all eligible enrolled students qualify.
UP Scholarship vs DigiShakti — Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | UP Scholarship | DigiShakti |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Benefit | Financial — cash transferred to bank account | Physical — free tablet or smartphone |
| Eligibility Category | SC/ST/OBC/EWS/minority students | All enrolled UP students in eligible courses |
| Income Criteria | Yes — family income limit applies | No — no income criteria |
| Merit Requirement | No — based on category and enrollment | No — based on enrollment only |
| Application Portal | scholarship.up.gov.in | digishakti.up.gov.in |
| Application Method | Student applies directly online | College uploads data — student completes eKYC |
| Benefit Delivery | DBT to student bank account | Physical device at college distribution event |
| Can Both Be Claimed? | ✅ Yes — they are independent schemes | |
| Implementing Department | Social Welfare, Minority Welfare departments | UPDESCO under IT and Electronics |
Can You Get Both — The Clear Answer
Yes. A student who meets the eligibility criteria for both UP Scholarship and DigiShakti can claim both benefits. There is no rule, clause, or official notification that prevents a student from receiving UP Scholarship financial assistance and a DigiShakti free device at the same time.
This is because the two schemes serve entirely different purposes. UP Scholarship addresses financial barriers to education — it helps students pay fees, buy books, and cover living costs. DigiShakti addresses the digital access barrier — it puts a device in the student’s hands so they can access online education. These are complementary goals, not competing ones. Consequently, the government designed them as independent programmes with no overlap restrictions.
Who Is Most Likely to Qualify for Both?
Students most likely to qualify for both schemes are those who meet all of the following criteria.
- Enrolled in a government or government-aided UP institution
- Studying Class 11/12, undergraduate, ITI, or polytechnic
- Belong to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or minority category
- Family income within the UP Scholarship income limit
- Have a valid Aadhaar card with linked mobile number
- College has registered with UPDESCO for DigiShakti
If you meet all these criteria, you should apply for UP Scholarship on the scholarship portal and complete DigiShakti eKYC on the DigiShakti portal at the same time. There is no reason to wait for one to process before applying for the other.
How to Apply for Both — Step by Step
For DigiShakti
- Confirm your college is registered with UPDESCO
- Ensure your college has uploaded your data to digishakti.up.gov.in
- Visit digishakti.up.gov.in and click “e-KYC through MeriPehchaan Portal”
- Select your university and college, enter enrollment number
- Complete Aadhaar OTP verification
- Track your device status in Student Corner
For detailed steps, read the DigiShakti eKYC guide.
For UP Scholarship
- Visit scholarship.up.gov.in
- Register as a new student with your Aadhaar and mobile number
- Fill the application form with academic and personal details
- Upload required documents — Aadhaar, category certificate, income certificate, fee receipt
- Submit before the application deadline
- Your school or college will verify and forward the application
Frequently Asked Questions — UP Scholarship and DigiShakti
Will receiving DigiShakti device affect my UP Scholarship amount?
No. The DigiShakti device is not cash income and does not affect your UP Scholarship eligibility or amount. The two schemes are managed by separate departments with no financial crossover.
Do I need to mention DigiShakti in my UP Scholarship application?
No. The UP Scholarship application form does not ask about DigiShakti or other device schemes. Fill the scholarship form based on your academic and financial details only.
Is there an income limit for DigiShakti?
No. DigiShakti does not have an income eligibility limit. All enrolled students in qualifying courses at eligible UP institutions can receive a device, regardless of family income. This is unlike UP Scholarship which requires meeting an income ceiling.
What documents are needed for UP Scholarship?
Required documents include Aadhaar card, category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC), income certificate, fee receipt from your institution, bank account details, and recent passport photograph. Upload clear scans on the scholarship portal.
Can general category students get UP Scholarship?
The main UP Scholarship is targeted at SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and minority students. General category students may be eligible for specific state merit scholarships. Check scholarship.up.gov.in for all available scholarship types and their eligibility criteria.
When does the UP Scholarship application window open in 2026?
UP Scholarship applications typically open between July and October each academic year. The exact dates are announced on the official scholarship portal. Apply as early as possible — late applications are often not considered even if submitted before the hard deadline.
Summary: UP Scholarship and DigiShakti are completely independent schemes that can be claimed together. UP Scholarship provides financial assistance for SC/ST/OBC/EWS students. DigiShakti provides a free device for all eligible enrolled students. If you meet both eligibility criteria, apply for both right now — there is no conflict, no restriction, and no reason to wait. Start DigiShakti eKYC at DigiShakti.net and UP Scholarship at scholarship.up.gov.in.
