Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India · All India
| Scheme Name | Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) |
| Provided By | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India |
| Eligibility Summary | Graduation (UG), Post-Graduation (PG), Professional Courses · No income limit |
About the Program
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides elite Indian athletes with up to ₹50,000 per month in out-of-pocket allowances along with fully funded international coaching to win Olympic medals.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹6.0 Lakh+
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides an Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA) of ₹50,000 per month (₹6,00,000 annually) for Core Group athletes and ₹25,000 per month (₹3,00,000 annually) for Development Group athletes. This allowance is credited monthly to the athletes' accounts. In addition to the OPA, the scheme fully funds customized training plans, including international coaching, foreign training camps, sports science support, sports gear, and travel for Olympic selection trials. Athletes also receive a daily USD 25 out-of-pocket allowance while training or competing abroad.
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Monthly stipend of ₹50,000 (Core) or ₹25,000 (Development)
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Fully funds international coaching, foreign training camps, sports science support, sports gear, and travel for Olympic selection trials.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Graduation (UG), Post-Graduation (PG), Professional Courses |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, All, Sports |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Aadhaar Card
- ✓NSRS Registration Details
- ✓International/National Tournament Result Sheets
- ✓Ranking Certificates from National Sports Federations (NSFs)
- ✓Physiological & Fitness Audit Profiles
Selection Process
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The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is not an academic scholarship and does not have minimum academic marks requirements
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Instead, it is an elite athlete support scheme
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Candidates are selected by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
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The selection process is proactive and based on identifying athletes with the potential to win Olympic medals
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Key criteria include physiological assessment, consistent international rankings, past performance in national/international competitions, and expert recommendations from coaches and sports federations
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Athletes are categorized into two groups:the Core Group (immediate medal contenders) and the Development Group (long-term prospects for future Olympic cycles)
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The scheme prioritizes certain disciplines such as Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Hockey, Shooting, and Wrestling
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Athletes identified by the Department of Sports are invited by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) secretariat to submit a detailed proposal outlining their training and competition plans.
Renewal Policy
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Continuation in the TOPS scheme is subject to rigorous and regular evaluation
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The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) conducts quarterly reviews of athletes' performance and progress
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Renewal of support depends on maintaining elite fitness levels, consistent sports rankings, and compliance with coach recommendations
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Athletes can be added or dropped from the scheme based on these evaluations
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The core group list is reviewed every six months to ensure selection is based on sustained performance.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Athlete Identification
The Department of Sports, through the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), proactively identifies athletes who demonstrate potential to win medals at the Olympics and other major international events. This is based on their physiological assessment, international rankings, performance consistency, and recommendations from experts and federations.
- 2NSRS Registration
Athletes are encouraged to register their profile on the National Sports Repository System (NSRS).
- 3Invitation to Apply
Identified athletes receive an invitation from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) secretariat to apply for TOPS assistance.
- 4Proposal Submission
Invited athletes are required to fill out a detailed application form, explaining their training and competition plans and the specific support they require.
- 5Review and Approval
The submitted proposals are reviewed and assessed by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).
- 6Induction
Upon final approval, the athlete receives a TOPS induction letter, and the monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA) is credited. Tracking Status: Information on status tracking for individual applications is typically managed through the NSDF secretariat or the MOC, and athletes would be notified directly. General scheme updates are available on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports website.
Common Questions (FAQs)
How do I apply directly to the TOPS scheme?
There is no general direct online application form for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme. Athletes are primarily monitored, scouted, and selected proactively by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) based on their national and international performances and medal-winning potential. Once identified, athletes receive an invitation to submit their detailed proposals.
What is the difference between Core and Development groups in TOPS?
The TOPS scheme categorizes athletes into two main groups: the Core Group and the Development Group. The Core Group comprises athletes who are immediate medal contenders for upcoming Olympic cycles, receiving an Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA) of ₹50,000 per month. The Development Group consists of long-term prospects identified as potential medal winners for future Olympic Games, and they receive an OPA of ₹25,000 per month. Both groups receive comprehensive support for training and competition expenses.
Does the TOPS scheme cover training and competition abroad?
Yes, the TOPS scheme provides comprehensive financial support for training and competition abroad. It covers 100% of foreign training, coaching fees, sports kit, travel expenses under approved customized plans, and provides a daily USD 25 out-of-pocket allowance while the athlete is overseas.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India website before final submission.