UGC Introduces Aadhaar-Based Payment System for Scholarships & Fellowships, Deadline Announced
In a major reform aimed at ensuring transparency and efficiency, the University Grants Commission has officially introduced the Aadhaar-Based Payment (ABP) system for the disbursement of fellowships and scholarships. This move will streamline the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism and eliminate delays and discrepancies in payments.
The decision, effective from April 2026, mandates that all scholarship and fellowship payments under UGC schemes will now be processed exclusively through Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts.
📢 What is the UGC ABP System
The Aadhaar-Based Payment (ABP) system is a government-backed payment mechanism where funds are transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts linked with their Aadhaar number.
- Ensures direct transfer without intermediaries
- Reduces chances of fraud and duplication
- Improves speed and transparency in disbursement
Under this system, UGC will route all payments through the Scholarship and Fellowship Management Portal (SFMP) using Aadhaar authentication.
⚠️ Mandatory Requirement for Students
UGC has made it compulsory for all beneficiaries to complete Aadhaar seeding:
- Link Aadhaar with bank account
- Update Aadhaar details on SFMP portal
- Ensure correct bank account information
Without Aadhaar linkage, no scholarship or fellowship amount will be credited.
📅 Important Deadlines You Must Know
- Last Date for Aadhaar Linking (SFMP): 15 April 2026
- Verification Deadline by Nodal Officers: 20 April 2026
Students and institutions are advised to complete the process well before deadlines to avoid payment delays.
🏫 Instructions for Universities & Institutions
UGC has directed all institutions and nodal officers to:
- Verify Aadhaar seeding details of students
- Approve beneficiary records on SFMP
- Ensure compliance within the given timeline
Failure to complete verification may result in delay or rejection of payments.
💡 Why This Move is Important
This reform is part of the government’s larger push towards digital governance and DBT efficiency:
- Eliminates duplicate or fake beneficiaries
- Ensures funds reach the right student
- Speeds up scholarship release process
- Enhances accountability
📊 Impact on Students
Students receiving UGC fellowships like:
- JRF / SRF
- PG Scholarships
- Research Fellowships
will now receive payments only through ABP. This means:
- Faster credit of funds
- Reduced dependency on manual processing
- Increased reliability in payments
❗ What Happens If You Don’t Link Aadhaar
If a student fails to complete Aadhaar linking:
- Payment will not be processed
- Scholarship/fellowship may be delayed
- Risk of disqualification from timely benefits
📌 Final Advisory
All students, researchers, and institutions should treat this as high priority and complete the Aadhaar seeding process immediately.
For any queries, UGC has provided support via official communication channels.
❓ FAQs
Q1. What is ABP system by UGC
It is Aadhaar-based payment system for scholarships and fellowships
Q2. Is Aadhaar linking mandatory
Yes it is compulsory for receiving payments
Q3. What is last date for Aadhaar linking
15 April 2026
Q4. What is SFMP
Scholarship and Fellowship Management Portal
Q5. What happens if not linked
Payment will not be credited
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