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Scholarships for Higher Education
Scholarships in India play a vital role in providing financial support to students pursuing various levels of education. These scholarships are offered by both government and private organizations to encourage academic excellence, assist economically weaker sections, and promote education among underrepresented communities.
How to Apply for Scholarships:
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Government Portals
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in.
- Check eligibility criteria and apply online.
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Private Scholarships
- Visit the respective organizations website.
- Submit required documents like academic records, income proof, and identification.
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Institutional Scholarships
- Apply directly through the institutions admission office or website.
Central Government Scholarships in India
1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Description: The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is the central platform for various government scholarships for students from Class 1 to PhD. It provides access to a wide variety of scholarships by various ministries and departments.
- Eligibility: Varies by scholarship (e.g., merit-based, financial need-based, category-based).
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
2. Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme
- Description: This scholarship is for students from the SC,ST,OBC categories studying at post-matriculation levels.
- Eligibility: Students must belong to SC,ST,OBC categories and be enrolled in recognized post-matriculation courses.
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
3. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
- Description: Financial support for ST students pursuing higher education at the MPhil and PhD levels.
- Eligibility: Students belonging to Scheduled Tribes, with a minimum of 50 percentage marks in their previous education.
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
4. Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship for DNT Students
- Description: Scholarship for students from De-notified Tribes (DNT) for education up to the post-graduate level.
- Eligibility: DNT students who are pursuing post-graduate and technical courses.
- Website: https://www.minorityaffairs.gov.in
5. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
- Description: Aimed at providing financial assistance to meritorious students for pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate studies.
- Eligibility: Students with a score of at least 80 percentage in Class 12 exams, pursuing regular undergraduate courses.
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
6. Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme
- Description: This scholarship is for students whose families belong to economically weaker sections, for professional courses.
- Eligibility: Students who have passed Class 12 with 60 percentage marks and come from economically weaker families.
- Website: https://www.aicte-india.org
7. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme for Minority Students
- Description: A scheme to provide financial assistance to meritorious students belonging to minority communities for professional and technical courses.
- Eligibility: Minority community students with at least 50 percentage marks in the previous exam and family income below a specified limit.
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
8. INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)
- Description: A scholarship to encourage students to pursue higher education in the fields of Science and Technology.
- Eligibility: Students who have secured at least 80 percentage in their Class 12 exams and are pursuing BSc, MSc, or other related courses.
- Website: https://www.inspire-dst.gov.in
9. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
- Description: A national level scholarship for students in Class 10 to pursue higher studies in Science and Social Science.
- Eligibility: Students who have appeared for the Class 10 examination and are studying in any recognized school.
- Website: https://ncert.nic.in
10. UGC Scholarships
- Description: Various scholarships provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to students pursuing higher education, including post-graduate and research programs.
- Eligibility: Varies depending on the program (e.g., for PhD, MPhil, etc.).
- Website: https://www.ugc.ac.in
11. RGNF (Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme) for SC,ST Students
- Description: A fellowship scheme for SC,ST students to pursue MPhil and PhD studies in India.
- Eligibility: SC, ST students who have been admitted to a regular, full-time MPhil or PhD program.
- Website: https://ugc.ac.in
12. Indian Oil Corporation Scholarships
- Description: Scholarships provided by Indian Oil Corporation for students pursuing engineering, medical, and other technical courses.
- Eligibility: Students from Class 12 or those pursuing undergraduate courses in specific fields.
- Website: https://www.iocl.com
13. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Scholarship Scheme
- Description: Scholarships for the children of SSB personnel and children of martyrs for higher education.
- Eligibility: Children of SSB personnel and martyrs who are pursuing professional courses.
- Website: https://ssb.nic.in
14. Tata Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies at Cornell University
- Description: A scholarship for Indian students to study undergraduate courses at Cornell University, USA.
- Eligibility: Students from economically weaker sections with high academic performance.
- Website: https://admissions.cornell.edu
15. KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana)
- Description: A fellowship program for students pursuing research careers in the field of basic sciences.
- Eligibility: Students in Class 11 and 12 who are pursuing science courses.
- Website: https://www.kvpy.iisc.ernet.in
State and Union Territory (UT)-Wise Scholarships in India
1. Andhra Pradesh
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Jagananna Vidya Deevena Scheme
- Eligibility: Economically weaker UG,PG students.
- Website: https://jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in
2. Arunachal Pradesh
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Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships for ST Students
- Eligibility: ST students from Classes 9-12 and higher education.
- Website: https://scholarship.arunachal.gov.in
3. Assam
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Post-Matric Scholarships for SC,ST,OBC,Minorities
- Eligibility: Reserved category students pursuing higher education.
- Website: https://directorateofhighereducation.assam.gov.in
4. Bihar
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC,ST,OBC Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students from Bihar.
- Website: https://pmsonline.bih.nic.in
5. Chandigarh (UT)
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC,ST,OBC Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students.
- Website: https://chdeducation.gov.in
6. Chhattisgarh
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC,ST,OBC Students
- Eligibility: Students from reserved categories.
- Website: https://schoolscholarship.cg.nic.in
7. Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu (UT)
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Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
- Eligibility: ST students from the UT.
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
8. Delhi (NCT)
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Delhi Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
- Eligibility: Economically weaker students pursuing UG, PG courses.
- Website: https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in
9. Goa
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Dhirubhai Ambani Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Meritorious Class 12 students.
- Website: https://www.reliancefoundation.org
10. Gujarat
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Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana (MYSY)
- Eligibility: UG students scoring 80 percentage in Class 12.
- Website: https://mysy.guj.nic.in
11. Haryana
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Haryana Post-Matric Scholarship
- Eligibility: SC, ST, OBC students.
- Website: https://harchhatravratti.highereduhry.ac.in
12. Himachal Pradesh
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Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship for SC, ST, OBC Students
- Eligibility: Meritorious students from reserved categories.
- Website: https://hpepass.cgg.gov.in
13. Jammu and Kashmir (UT)
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Post-Matric Scholarships for Minority Communities
- Eligibility: Minority students.
- Website: https://jk.gov.in
14. Jharkhand
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E-Kalyan Jharkhand Scholarship
- Eligibility: SC, ST, OBC students pursuing post-matric education.
- Website: https://ekalyan.cgg.gov.in
15. Karnataka
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Vidya Siri Scholarship
- Eligibility: Economically weaker students pursuing higher education.
- Website: https://ssp.karnataka.gov.in
16. Kerala
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Post-Matric Scholarships for Minority Students
- Eligibility: Minority students from Kerala.
- Website: https://www.dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in
17. Ladakh (UT)
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Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
- Eligibility: ST students from Ladakh.
- Website: https://ladakh.nic.in
18. Lakshadweep (UT)
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Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
- Eligibility: ST students from Lakshadweep.
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
19. Madhya Pradesh
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Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana (MMVY)
- Eligibility: Meritorious UG students.
- Website: https://scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in
20. Maharashtra
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC, ST, OBC Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students in Maharashtra.
- Website: https://mahadbtmahait.gov.in
21. Manipur
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Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for SC, ST, OBC Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students.
- Website: https://manipur.gov.in
22. Meghalaya
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Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
- Eligibility: ST students from Meghalaya.
- Website: https://megeducation.gov.in
23. Mizoram
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC, ST Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students.
- Website: https://socialwelfare.mizoram.gov.in
24. Nagaland
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Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
- Eligibility: ST students from Nagaland.
- Website:http://https://highereducation.nagaland.gov.in
25. Odisha
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Medhabruti Scholarship Scheme
- Eligibility: Meritorious students pursuing UG, PG courses.
- Website: https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in
26. Puducherry (UT)
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Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
- Eligibility: Financially weaker students pursuing UG, PG courses.
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
27. Punjab
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Ashirwad Scholarship Scheme
- Eligibility: SC, ST, OBC students in Punjab.
- Website: https://punjabscholarships.gov.in
28. Rajasthan
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC, ST, OBC Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students.
- Website: https://www.sje.rajasthan.gov.in
29. Sikkim
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC, ST, OBC Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students from Sikkim.
- Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
30. Tamil Nadu
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SC, ST, BC, MBC, DNC Scholarships
- Eligibility: Reserved category students in Tamil Nadu.
- Website: https://escholarship.tn.gov.in
31. Telangana
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Post-Matric Scholarships for SC, ST, BC, EBC Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students in Telangana.
- Website: https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
32. Tripura
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC, ST Students
- Eligibility: SC, ST students in Tripura.
- Website: https://highereducation.tripura.gov.in
33. Uttar Pradesh
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UP Scholarship for Minority Students
- Eligibility: Minority students from UP.
- Website: https://scholarship.up.gov.in
34. Uttarakhand
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Post-Matric Scholarship for SC, ST, OBC Students
- Eligibility: Reserved category students from Uttarakhand.
- Website: https://escholarship.uk.gov.in
35. West Bengal
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Kanyashree Prakalpa
- Eligibility: Girls from financially weaker sections.
- Website: https://wbkanyashree.gov.in
Private Scholarships in India
1. Reliance Foundation Scholarships
- Description: Provides financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education.
- Eligibility: UG and PG students from economically weaker sections, with a good academic record.
- Website: https://www.reliancefoundation.org
2. Aditya Birla Capital Scholarship
- Description: Provides financial assistance to meritorious students for pursuing higher education in any field.
- Eligibility: Students who have completed Class 12 and are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
- Website: https://www.adityabirla.com
3. Shiksha Scholarships
- Description: A private scholarship initiative for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate education.
- Eligibility: Merit-based scholarships for students pursuing courses in any stream.
- Website: https://www.shiksha.com
4. LOreal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship
- Description: A scholarship program for young women pursuing undergraduate studies in science.
- Eligibility: Female students who have completed their Class 12 with a strong focus on science.
- Website: https://www.loreal.in
5. TATA Scholarship for Higher Studies
- Description: The TATA Group offers various scholarships for higher studies, including postgraduate education.
- Eligibility: Students from economically weaker backgrounds pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
- Website: https://www.tatatrusts.org
6. Google India Scholarship Program
- Description: Google offers scholarships to deserving students pursuing computer science and technology-related courses.
- Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying computer science or related fields.
- Website: https://www.google.com/edu/scholarships
7. Flipkart Foundation Scholarship
- Description: A scholarship for students from underprivileged backgrounds pursuing higher education.
- Eligibility: Students with strong academic records but facing financial constraints.
- Website: https://www.flipkart.com
8. Hero Group Scholarship
- Description: The Hero Group offers scholarships for students pursuing engineering, medical, and other technical courses.
- Eligibility: Students with excellent academic performance, especially in technical fields.
- Website: https://www.herogroup.com
9. Vahani Scholarship
- Description: Provides financial assistance to deserving students for studying abroad.
- Eligibility: Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with strong academic records.
- Website: https://www.vahanischolarship.org
10. BHEL Scholarship Scheme
- Description: Offers scholarships to students pursuing engineering and technical courses.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in recognized engineering institutions in India.
- Website: https://www.bhel.com
11. Aakash Institute Scholarship
- Description: Scholarships for students pursuing coaching for medical and engineering entrance exams (JEE, NEET).
- Eligibility: Students appearing for entrance exams like JEE and NEET.
- Website: https://www.aakash.ac.in
12. The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
- Description: A merit-based scholarship for students pursuing higher education (postgraduate level) in fields such as engineering, management, and applied sciences.
- Eligibility: Indian nationals who are enrolled in postgraduate programs at top universities abroad.
- Website: https://www.nse.org.in
13. Indian Oil Corporation Scholarships
- Description: Indian Oil offers scholarships to students pursuing engineering, medical, and other technical courses.
- Eligibility: Students who have passed Class 12 and are pursuing undergraduate technical or medical courses.
- Website: https://www.iocl.com
14. Vidyasaarathi Scholarship
- Description: A platform offering a wide range of scholarships from private organizations for students across various courses.
- Eligibility: Based on specific eligibility criteria set by the individual organizations offering the scholarships.
- Website: https://www.vidyasaarathi.co.in
15. Swarna Jayanti Fellowships
- Description: Offered by the Indian government with funding from private organizations, this fellowship supports outstanding researchers.
- Eligibility: Researchers who are working on innovative and impactful projects in the field of science and technology.
- Website: https://www.dst.gov.in
16. Upto 100% Tuition Fee Discount from Private Universities
- Description: Many private universities in India, such as Amity University, Shiv Nadar University, and Manipal University, offer tuition fee discounts or full scholarships based on merit, sports achievements, and financial need.
- Eligibility: Based on academic performance, sports achievements, and other criteria set by the university.
- Websites:
Scholarships by NGOs
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Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students pursuing professional courses like engineering or medicine.
- Benefits: Covers full tuition fees.
- Website: https://www.ffe.org
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Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students from low-income families pursuing PG studies.
- Benefits: Tuition fees and living expenses.
- Website: https://www.akdn.org
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Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: PG students in India or abroad.
- Benefits: Interest-free loans up to Rs. 20,00,000.
- Website: https://www.narotamsekhsaria.org
Study Abroad Scholarships:
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Importance: Fully funded, prestigious UK government scholarship offering complete financial support for a masters degree in the UK.
- Eligibility: At least two years of work experience, strong academic background, leadership potential.
- Website: Chevening
2. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)
- Importance: Highly prestigious fellowship sponsored by the U.S. government for Indian students pursuing graduate or post-graduate studies in the U.S.
- Eligibility: Strong academic record, professional experience, clear research or study objectives.
- Website: USIEF
3. Rhodes Scholarships (UK)
- Importance: One of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, offering complete funding for students to study at the University of Oxford.
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements, leadership potential, community engagement.
- Website: http://Rhodes House Oxford
4. Inlaks Scholarships (Global)
- Importance: Prestigious scholarship for Indian students to study at top universities abroad in various fields such as humanities, business, or arts.
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievements, strong extracurricular background, leadership potential.
- Website: Inlaks Foundation
5. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
- Importance: Provides full funding for Indian students pursuing masters degrees at top European universities, and the program involves multiple institutions across Europe.
- Eligibility: High academic standards and strong motivation for European-based joint degrees.
- Website: Erasmus Mundus
6. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Importance: One of the best scholarships for Indian students who want to pursue a masters or PhD in Germany. The DAAD also funds research programs.
- Eligibility: Academic excellence, relevant field of study, and strong potential for research work.
- Website: DAAD India
7. The Tata Scholarship for Cornell University (USA)
- Importance: A unique scholarship for Indian students studying at Cornell University in the U.S. It covers full tuition and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Indian students admitted to Cornell University, demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential.
- Website: http://Cornell University
8. The Australian Awards Scholarships (Australia)
- Importance: A major scholarship program funded by the Australian government that covers full tuition, living expenses, and airfare for Indian students to study in Australia.
- Eligibility: Strong academic and professional background, leadership potential, and alignment with Indias development priorities.
- Website: Australian Government Scholarships
9. The New Zealand Development Scholarships (New Zealand)
- Importance: Offered by the New Zealand government to students from developing countries, including India, for postgraduate studies.
- Eligibility: Indian students from sectors that align with New Zealands development cooperation priorities.
- Website: http://New Zealand Scholarships
10. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (USA)
- Importance: A fully funded fellowship for Indian students pursuing an MBA at Stanford University.
- Eligibility: Strong academic background, leadership potential, and professional experience.
- Website: Stanford GSB
Tips for Securing Scholarships
- Research Early: Begin searching for scholarships during your final year of school or early in college.
- Prepare Documentation: Keep academic records, income proof, and identification documents ready.
- Write a Strong Application: Include a well-crafted statement of purpose or essay if required.
- Meet Deadlines: Submit applications well before the due date.
- Explore Multiple Options: Apply for scholarships from different sources to increase your chances.
Scholarships in India provide invaluable support for students pursuing their dreams. Whether offered by the government or private organizations, these opportunities reduce financial burdens and promote access to quality education.