Scholarship in India: Eligibility, Merit, How to Apply
by Vidya
Don’t let hurdles stand in the way to your success. Know about the different scholarship in India that can give wings to your dream!!
Various schemes are run by the Government that targets to offer as many as over one lakh scholarship in India. Apart from this, there are many private trusts, funds and organizations as well that offers scholarships to the candidates. Through these scholarships, the students can get funding for their higher studies whether it is in the field of academics or art, culture, sports, etc. To guide the applicants through the process of applying and getting the scholarship, this article provides important details related to the scholarship in India.
Table of Contents
Things You Must Know
- There are a large number of national and state bodies, universities and private trusts offering scholarship to the candidates in India.
- The scholarships are not necessarily for economically backward students only. Meritorious students with good financial background can apply too.
- Eligibility for every scholarship can vary and as such the applicants must ensure the same before applying.
- Candidates can apply for the scholarships on different levels- at school level, scholarship after 12th, scholarship after graduation/ post-graduation.
- Some scholarships allow students to apply for other scholarships simultaneously while others don’t.
- The amount of scholarship that the students will get or the duration of it will depend on the trust or organization providing the same.
Who are eligible to avail scholarship in India?
The list of scholarship in India is pretty long and there is no one particular criterion to apply for these scholarships. Different programs have different criteria for applying.
To determine the eligibility, first you need to list the scholarship program you wish to apply for. You can then check the eligibility for the particular program by visiting the concerned website.
Once again, the same scholarship can be given to students of different grade levels. The eligibility for a same scholarship for a student of class 1 will be different from that of class 12.
It is therefore advised that the students carefully check their eligibility before applying for these scholarships.
How to apply for scholarship in India
Based on their inertest and eligibility, students can apply for the various scholarship programs.
The application forms are available for a specified duration and can be filled through online or offline mode, as applicable.
Some scholarships are free of cost while others might require some application fee.
Candidates need to visit the official page of the funding organization to get the details of the application process.
Types of scholarships in India
In India, scholarships are awarded to the candidates on different basis. Based on this, the scholarships are categorized mainly into 7 different types as mentioned below:
- Merit based scholarship
- Means based scholarship
- Merit-cum-means based scholarship
- Talent based scholarship
- Sports based scholarship
- Scholarships for women
- Scholarships for overseas studies
Merit Based Scholarship
- The merit based scholarships are generally offered on the basis of academic performance of the applicants.
- Candidates with top ranking in their school, board, university, etc are most likely to be awarded this scholarship.
- These scholarships might also require more than just academic excellence like clearing certain exams or some recognition in certain field.
- It is suggested that the candidates ensure their CGPA requirements, if any, before applying for the merit based scholarship in India.
| Name of scholarship | When to apply? | Who can apply? |
| National Science Concours (NSC) | July to November | Students from class 6 to 12 |
| SIA Youth Scholarship in Singapore | June to July | Students of class 10 |
| KSCSTE Prathibha Scholarship Programme | December to January | Students who have passed class 12 with Science stream |
| All India Maths Science (AIMS) Talent Examination | July to August | Students from class 1 to 10 |
| SOF Scholarship of Excellence in English (SEE) | July to December | Students from class 1 to 10 |
| Swami Dayanand College Scholarship for Delhi/ NCR | November to December | Students who have passed class 12 with minimum 85% marks |
| Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) | June to August | Students of class 11 & 12 (Science), B.Sc 1st year and Int. M.Sc 1st year students |
| J C Bose National Fellowship (Science & Engineering Research Board) | Always Open | Citizens up to 68 years of age |
| G.P. Birla Education Foundation Scholarship | May to July | Students who have passed class 12 from West Bengal |
| Nagaland State Merit Scholarship | May to July | Students from class 11 to Post Graduation |
| A-STAR India Youth Scholarship | June to July | Class 8th passed students |
| RGIPT M. Tech Fellowship | March to June | B. Tech/BE |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles | August to December | Students who wish to pursue graduation or post-graduation in a professional program |
| Siemens Scholarship Program | June to August | Govt. college B.Tech students in 1st year |
| Bihar Talent Search Exam (BTSE) | June to August | Students from class 7 to 10 |
| JM Sethia Merit Scholarship Scheme | May to July | Students from class 9 to post-graduate candidates |
| L&T Build India Scholarship | November to December | Students in final year of BE/ B.Tech (Civil/ Electrical Engg.) |
| Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship | April to August | Those working in engineering field in public-funded institution |
| J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | December to March | Graduates or final year undergraduates |
| National Scholarship Exam | April to September | Students from class 5 to 12 and diploma/ degree students |
| INSPIRE Scholarship For Higher Education (SHE) | November to December | Students pursuing B.Sc/ BS/ MS/ Int. M.Sc course |
| Bighelp National Merit Scholarship | April to June | Class 10th passed students |
| NBHM Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies in Mathematics | June to July | Mathematics Graduates or students enrolled/ pursuing PG in Mathematics |
| JSPN Scholarship | May to July | Students from class 11 to graduation |
| Dhirubhai Ambani Scholarship Programme | June to August | Class 12th passed students |
Means Based Scholarship
- Means based scholarship are the ones that are offered to the candidates in need more than the ones who deserve.
- These scholarships might be offered without requiring a good CGPA but the awardees need to obtain and maintain a good academic performance after they achieve the scholarship.
- Different means based scholarships are awarded on different basis like economic background, minority status, physical disability, etc.
- One should make sure that they are applying for the scholarship only after they meet the specific eligibility for the same.
| Name of scholarship | When to apply? | Who can apply? |
| Dr. Radha Krishnan Scholarship, HP Board of School Education | December to January | Class 10th and 12th passed students |
| Kind Circle Meritorious Scholarship | January to March | Students from class 9 to Graduation or Vocational programs |
| Azim Premji University Undergraduate Scholarship | March to April | Applicant with a bachelor’s degree |
| National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students | April to May | SC, De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers and Traditional Artisans |
| IDFC First MBA Scholarship | July | Students of MBA 1st year |
| Padala Charitable Trust Scholarship | March to May | Students from class 11 to diploma/ graduation |
| Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship | Always Open | Students from class 11 to post-graduation |
| AICTE-Saksham Scholarship Scheme | October to December | Differently-abled students |
| AMP Higher Education Scholarship Fund | May to July | Muslim students pursuing graduation |
| Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/ Cine/ IOMC/ LSDM Workers – Post-Matric | August to October | Students from class 11 to diploma/ post-graduation |
| INSEAD Deepak & Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarships | June to August | Students of MBA |
| The G.S.B Scholarship | July to October | Students from class 5 to graduation |
| Loan for Professional/ Educational/ Training Courses to Disabled Persons | Always Open | Applicants with 40% or more disability |
| HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship | June to August | Students from class 6 postgraduates |
| SHDF Scholarships | June to August | Students pursuing diploma, degree or postgraduate degree |
| Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/ Cine/ IOMC/ LSDM Workers – Pre-Matric | August to October | Students of class 1 to 10 |
| Jauhar National Fellowship | September to November | Muslim minority graduates and postgraduates |
| Joining Hands Higher Education Scholarship Program | March to April
|
Applicants with UG and PG degree |
| Medley Pharma Scholarship | October to December | Students from class 11 onwards |
| Nurturing Talent Programme | February to April | Class 5th passed students |
| Dr. Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes (EBC), Tripura | November to January | Students from class 11 to post-graduation |
| Sindhutai Sapakal Scheme for Educating Orphans and Children with Special Needs | October to December | Students from class 1 to post-graduation |
| Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities | August to September | Students from class 1 to 10 |
| Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities | August to September | Students from class 11 to PhD |
| Harvard Need Blind Scholarship | December to February | Undergraduate students of Harvard University |
Merit-cum-Means Based Scholarship
- A scholarship given on the basis of merit and means combined is the merit-cum-means based scholarship.
- It implies that the scholarship is given to those who are in need of it (mostly financially) and deserve it as well.
- Scholarship sponsored by the Govt. and given on state-level are generally only for the candidates belonging to minority community.
- A minimum CGPA and a minimum family income are prescribed by the concerned organizations providing the scholarship which must be met by the applying candidates.
| Name of scholarship | When to apply? | Who can apply? |
| Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation Scholarships | September to December | Students pursuing MBBS, BE/ B.Tech, MBA, B.Sc (Agriculture/ Nursing) |
| Ryan Merit cum Means Scholarship | April to June | Students from class 8 to 12 |
| Nurture Merit cum Means Scholarship | June to December | Students pursuing graduation |
| Nirmaan Scholarship and Mentorship Program (NSMP) | May to July | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship Programme | July to January | Students from class 11 onwards |
| IndusInd Foundation Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | July to September | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities (West Bengal) | December to January | Students from class 11 onwards |
| Early Success Merit cum Means Scholarship | May to July | Students from class 6 to class 12 |
| LIC HFL Vidhyadhan Scholarship | November to December | Students from class 8 to post-graduation |
| North South Foundation (NSF) Scholarship | July to September | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses CS (Minorities) | August to September | Students pursuing professional and technical course |
| Vidyadhan Scholarship Program | May to July | Class 10th passed students |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | August to October | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| National Means Cum Merit Scholarship | August to October | Students of class 9 |
| South Indian Bank (SIB) Scholarship Scheme | September to October | Undergraduate applicants from economically backward families of Kerala |
| Schindler Igniting Minds Scholarship Program | January to March | Students pursuing diploma after passing 10th or 12th |
| Shubh Aarambh Scholarship | May to August | Class 12th passed students |
| Inspire Merit cum Means Scholarship | March to June | Students pursuing graduation |
| DAIICT Admission Cum Scholarship | April to July | Students of class 12 (passed or appearing) |
| KEI High school Scholarship Program | January to March | Students of class 9 |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | November to December | Students pursuing vocational or undergraduate courses |
| Foundation for Excellence Scholarship | October to December | Students pursuing MBBS, B.E/ B.Tech |
| Baba Gurbachan Singh Scholarship Scheme | July to September | Students in degree/ diploma courses (1st year) |
| SRM University Socio-Economic Scholarships | March to June | Students applying for an undergraduate course in SRM University |
| Nirankari Rajmata Scholarship Scheme | July to September | Class 12th passed and graduate students |
Talent Based Scholarship
- Not interested in academics but want to do something out-of-the-box!! The talent based scholarship is just the right one for you.
- Candidates with interest in creative field like in dance, drama, writing, animating, music, etc can apply for this scholarship.
- Those with strong interest (preferably that can be demonstrated through work sample, portfolios, etc) in these fields are encouraged to apply for the talent based scholarship.
- Competitions pertaining to the field might be conducted for selecting the applicants for the scholarship.
| Name of scholarship | When to apply? | Who can apply? |
| Comix Competition (International) | December to January | Comic creators |
| Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship | February to March | Artists b/w age 21 to 35 years |
| Kalakriti Fellowship | Always Open | Artists b/w age 21 to 40 years |
| Inlaks Fellowships for Indian Classical Music | September to October | Young vocal musicians |
| Mani Mann Fellowship | Always Open | Musicians of age 25 to 40 years |
| FICA Emerging Artist Award | July to August | Artists b/w age 18 to 35 years |
| National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement | June to August | Students b/w age 5 to 18 years |
| Young Artistes Scholarship | September to November | Artists b/w age 18 to 25 years |
| The Hindu Playwright Award | March to May | Playwrights above the age of 18 years |
| New India Foundation Fellowships | April to June | Scholars and writers |
| Madhobi Chatterji Memorial Fellowship | Always Open | Indian Classical Music or Dance artists |
| Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme | November to January | Students b/w age 10 to14 years |
| GEMS Genius Scholarship | July to August | School students |
| Toto Music Award | June to August | Applicants under the age of 30 years |
| Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar | June to August | Indian authors of age up to 35 years |
Sports Based Scholarship
- Another category of scholarship awarded in India is the sports based scholarship. As the name suggests, this scholarship is offered to the students on the basis of their performance in field of sports.
- The main aim of this scholarship is to encourage the players to make a future in sports.
- Players who are best in their sports of choice, especially ones recommended by their coaches are most likely to get this scholarship.
- Athletes from school to professional level are eligible to apply for the different sports based scholarship.
| Name of scholarship | When to apply? | Who can apply? |
| MKG Chess Scholarship | June to July | Girl chess player below the age of 18 years |
| AAI Sports Scholarship Scheme in India | December to February | Players above 14 years who represent India in Sub-Junior/ Junior/ Senior National Championships, All India Inter University Tournaments, National School Games |
| University of Sussex Sports Scholarships Scheme (UK) | August to October | Performing athletes pursuing Master’s degree |
| Symbiosis Society Foundation Sports Scholarships | June to July | Sportsperson enrolling or studying at Symbiosis International University |
| ASA International Scholarship (Australia) | November to December | Students willing to study in Australia |
Scholarships for Women
- To promote higher education of a girl child, various scholarships are granted by government as well as private trusts.
- These scholarships can be given to the candidates on the basis of means, merit, talent or others.
- Given they meet the specified eligibility criteria, the female candidates can apply for the different scholarship programs.
| Name of scholarship | When to apply? | Who can apply? |
| Marubeni India Meritorious Scholarship | November to January | Students in graduation 1st year |
| Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti Scholarship (JBNSTS), West Bengal | May to July | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship | June to July | Students with a pass in class 12 in Science stream |
| AICTE-Scholarship Scheme to Girl Child (SSGC) under Pragati | October to December | Students enrolling in 1st year of technical courses |
| Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Girl Students | January to February | Undergraduate applicants |
| Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarships | January to March | Students from class to postgraduate programme |
| Women as Cyber Leaders Scholarship (UK) | May to June | Applicants with M.Sc degree |
| UGAM – Legrand Scholarship Program | June to July | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme for Minorities Girls | July to September | Minorities students from class 9 to 12 |
| SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme (GCSS) | June to October | Students from class 1 to 10 |
| Prabha Dutt Fellowship | Always Open | Journalists b/w age 25 to 40 years |
| International Women Forum Fellows Program | April to June | Emerging leaders with minimum 10 years of experience |
| Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship, Kerala | July to August | 1st year students of HSC, VHSC or undergraduate course |
| Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child | February to March | Single girl child of the family up to 30 years of age |
| Scholarship for Women: Professional MBA Facility Management | December to January | Any female candidates |
| Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship | February to April | Women graduates |
| Women Scientists Scheme-C (WOS-C) | November to January | Women scientists above 27 years of age |
| Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship | July to August | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation Nursing Scholarship Programme | March to May | Girls hoping to pursue B.Sc (Basic Nursing) |
| Kalpana Chawla Memorial Award | March to May | Students of class 12th |
| MKG Chess Scholarship | June to July | Chess player below the age of 18 years |
| Facebook Grace Hopper Scholarship | May to June | Applicants pursuing a CS degree program |
| Said Business School Scholarships for Women (UK) | April to June | Applicants pursuing M.Sc. in Major Programme Management |
| Santoor Women’s Scholarship | July to August | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| Tata Housing Scholarships for Meritorious Girl Students | January to March | Students in the 2nd year of BE/ B.Tech/ B.Arch degree |
| Smt. Geeta Lochan Girl Child Scholarship Programme | May to June | Candidate of Arunachal University of Studies |
Scholarships for Overseas Studies
- A large number of students in India dream of studying in the top international colleges.
- Since the cost of overseas studies is pretty high, there are different universities that offer scholarship to those applying for admission.
- These scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic performance of the applicants.
- Scholarship of some universities covers expenses other than tuition while others don’t. Candidates need to check the details carefully before applying.
- Apart from the universities, there are independent bodies as well that supports overseas education of the aspirants.
| Name of scholarship | When to apply? | Who can apply? |
| UCC Ireland Meritorious Scholarship for Indian Students | March to June | Students with a pass in class 12 or graduation degree |
| University of Strathclyde-Scotland Welcomes India Big Data Scholarship (Scotland) | May to July | Graduate applicants |
| Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship (UK) | July to September | Applicants with Master’s degree |
| Deakin India Merit Scholarship | June to December | Applicants in undergraduate & postgraduate program |
| Manju Mehrotra Scholarship (UK) | March to June | Applicants with Master’s degree |
| IHS Holland Scholarship (Netherlands) | March to May | Applicants with Bachelor’s or Master’s degree |
| The Rhodes Scholarships, University of Oxford (UK) | April to July | Graduate applicants (passed or in final year) |
| Mexican Government Scholarships for International Students (Mexico) | July to September | Graduate, postgraduate and PhD applicants |
| University of Strathclyde-Faculty of Science Undergraduate Elite Scholarships (Scotland) | July to September | Students with a pass in class 12 |
| Amity Global Institute Merit Scholarship, Singapore | June to August | Students with a pass in class 12 or graduation degree |
| Newcastle University Business School Scholarships | June to August | Students applying for masters degree |
| University of Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships (UK) | April to June | Applicants with bachelor’s degree |
| ITC Foundation Scholarship Programme (Netherlands) | February to April | Applicants with master’s degree |
| Bath Spa University Meritorious Scholarship (UK) | June to August | Graduate and postgraduate applicants |
| University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship | July to October | Undergraduate applicants |
| Nanyang Technological University NIE PhD Scholarship (Singapore) | April to July | PhD applicants |
| Regent’s University India Postgraduate Taught Masters Scholarship (UK) | March to June | Applicants with Master’s degree |
| University of Strathclyde-Faculty of Science Research Elite Scholarships (Scotland) | July to September | Postgraduate applicants |
| Scholarships to study online at University of South Wales | June to January | Students with a pass in class 12 or graduation degree |
| The University of Lincoln India Scholarship (UK) | March to June | Postgraduate applicants |
| Alliance MBS Masters Scholarship (UK) | June to August | Postgraduate applicants |
| Academia Higher Education College Meritorious Scholarship (Slovenia, EU) | June to August | Students applying for courses in Business, Engineering and Media Production |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (US) | April to June | MBA applicants |
| University of Strathclyde-Faculty of Science Postgraduate Elite Scholarships (Scotland) | July to September | Graduate applicants |
| Carnegie Mellon University Academic Merit Scholarships, Australia | March to June | Graduate applicants |
Summary
The main aim behind the scholarships program is to decrease the drop-out rates among the students when it comes to higher education. Every year, a large number of students apply for scholarship in India and fulfill their dreams of further studies. Before applying for a scholarship, it is important that the candidates know every little detail related to it like eligibility criteria, application process, time to apply, etc. This article intends to provide the interested candidates genuine information related to the various scholarship programs.
