Did you know that India offers merit-based and financial-poverty-based student scholarships totaling thousands of crores? Most likely not. There are many bright youngsters who would like to pursue higher education but are unable to do so because of the continuously rising expense of tuition. In reality, a study by the Institute for Policy Research Studies (PRS), New Delhi, found that 77 percent of pupils are enrolled in class 10, but only 52 percent are enrolled in class 11. This shows how frequently kids drop out of classes in grades 10 and 11, making the demand for scholarships in India urgent and persuasive for them.
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Did you know that India awards millions of crores in scholarships to deserving and financially disadvantaged students? Probably not. Numerous intelligent young people who wish to pursue higher education but are unable to do so due to the steadily growing cost of tuition. 77 percent of students are really registered in class 10, according to a survey by the Institute for Policy Research Studies (PRS), New Delhi, whereas just 52 percent are enrolled in class 11. This demonstrates how frequently students fail to complete their coursework in grades 10 and 11, which makes the necessity for scholarships in India urgent and compelling for students.
Myths about scholarships in India
Scholarship-related misperceptions abound. The most widespread misconceptions in India about scholarships include:
- Only students from economically disadvantaged groups or underserved areas of society are eligible for scholarships.
- Scholarships are only available to deserving students.
- Your efforts are not worth the amount of scholarship money a kid receives.
- Applying for a scholarship is a time-consuming process that requires you to adhere to a lot of rules.
- You may only submit one scholarship application.
However, when it comes to reality about scholarships in India, the following facts count –
- In India, there is a wide range of scholarships available to students of every class, caste, religion, category, and gender.
- Scholarships are generally intended to aid in schooling. Thus, a range of scholarships, including those based on merit, means, talent, merit combined with means, sports, etc., are available to accommodate the individual requirements of students.
- Every effort you make to gain simple access to education, no matter how big or tiny, is important.
- Technology has advanced, making the application procedure more convenient and straightforward.
- You can submit as many scholarship applications as you like, but you can only accept one. This requirement for receiving a scholarship may change from one supplier to another.
Merit-based scholarships
What do you mean when you refer to merit-based awards? Merit-based scholarships are a broad category for scholarships that are awarded to students based on their academic achievement. The dilemma that now emerges is how you will choose out these scholarships from among the hundreds of possibilities. Here is a list of a few well-known merit-based scholarships that are offered each year to help you out.
Therefore, if you are a top student in your class and are seeking for a scholarship to support your future studies, this list of merit-based scholarships accessible in India would undoubtedly be of assistance to you.
List of merit-based scholarships in India
| S.No. | Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Application Period* |
| 1. | Swami Dayanand College Scholarship for Delhi/NCR | Class 12th passed students with minimum 85% marks | November to December |
| 2. | Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles | Students willing to pursue a professional program in graduation or postgraduation | August to December |
| 3. | SOF Scholarship of Excellence in English (S.E.E) | Students of class 1 to 10 | July to December |
| 4. | L&T Build India Scholarship | Students for final year BE/BTech degree in Civil/Electrical Engineering | November to December |
| 5. | INSPIRE Scholarship For Higher Education (SHE) | Class 12 passed students pursuing BSc/BS/MS/Int. MSc course | November to December |
| 6. | Siemens Scholarship Program | 1st year govt. college B. Tech students | June to August |
| 7. | Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) | Class 11, 12 (PCM/B), BSc 1st year, Int. MSc 1st year students | June to August |
| 8. | 11th All India Maths Science (AIMS) Talent Examination | Students of class 1 to 10th | July to August |
| 9. | Dhirubhai Ambani Scholarship Programme | Class 12th passed students | June to August |
| 10. | National Scholarship Exam | School students of class 5 to 12 and diploma/degree students | April to September |
| 11. | BTSE Bihar Talent Search Examination | Students of class 7th to 10th | June to August |
| 12. | National Science Concours (NSC) | Students of class 6th to 12th | July to November |
| 13. | J C Bose National Fellowship (Science & Engineering Research Board) | Citizens up to 68 years of age | Always Open |
| 14. | Nagaland State Merit Scholarship | Class 11th to Post Graduate | May to July |
| 15. | JM Sethia Merit Scholarship Scheme | Students enrolled in class 9 to 12, Graduation, Postgraduation | May to July |
| 16. | JSPN Scholarship | Class 11th to graduation | May to July |
| 17. | SIA Youth Scholarship in Singapore | Class 10th passed students | June to July |
| 18. | A-STAR India Youth Scholarship | Class 8th passed students | June to July |
| 19. | NBHM Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies in Mathematics | Graduates in Mathematics or students enrolled/pursuing PG in Mathematics | June to July |
| 20. | J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | Graduates/final year undergraduates | December to March |
| 21. | G.P. Birla Education Foundation Scholarship | Class 12th pass students from West Bengal | May to July |
| 22. | Bighelp National Merit Scholarship | Class 10th passed students | April to June |
| 23. | RGIPT M. Tech Fellowship | B. Tech/BE | March to June |
| 24. | KSCSTE Prathibha Scholarship Programme | Class 12th passed students (Science) | December to January |
| 25. | Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship | Professionals working in the Engineering profession in public-funded institutions | April to August |
Means-based scholarships
Means-based scholarships are another big category of scholarships that are awarded to students after taking their financial need into account. Yes, there are scholarships in India designed exclusively for students from lower socioeconomic strata. The yearly family income of the family is the main criteria that decides whether a student is qualified for such scholarships.
Check out the list of the most well-known means-based scholarships below. You can learn about the scholarships on our list that will meet your financial needs while pursuing your education.
List of means-based scholarships in India
| S.No. | Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Application Period* |
| 1. | Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities | Students of class 1st to 10th | August to September |
| 2. | Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities | Students of Class 11th to PhD | August to September |
| 3. | HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship | Students of class 6 to 12 / undergraduates/ postgraduates | June to August |
| 4. | Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Pre-Matric | Students of class 1st to 10th | August to October |
| 5. | Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Post-Matric | Class 11th to post-graduation including diploma | August to October |
| 6. | Dr. Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes (EBC), Tripura | Class 11th to post-graduation | November to January |
| 7. | National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students | SC, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans | April to May |
| 8. | AMP Higher Education Scholarship Fund | Muslim students pursuing graduation | May to July |
| 9. | SHDF Scholarships | Students pursuing diploma, degree or postgraduate degree | June to August |
| 10. | INSEAD Deepak & Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarships | MBA applicants | June to August |
| 11. | IDFC First MBA Scholarship | 1st year MBA Students (India) | July |
| 12. | The G.S.B Scholarship | Students from class 5 to graduate level | July to October |
| 13. | Azim Premji University Undergraduate Scholarship | Bachelor’s degree applicants | March to April |
| 14. | Nurturing Talent Programme | Class 5th passed students | February to April |
| 15. | Joining Hands Higher Education Scholarship Program | Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants | March to April |
| 16. | Padala Charitable Trust Scholarship | Class 11th, 12th, diploma and graduate students | March to May |
| 17. | Kind Circle Meritorious Scholarship | Students studying in Class 9 to 12, Graduation or Vocational programs (all years) | January to March |
| 18. | Jauhar National Fellowship | Muslim minority students (UG and PG) | September to November |
| 19. | Harvard Need Blind Scholarship | Undergraduates of Harvard University | December to February |
| 20. | AICTE-Saksham Scholarship Scheme | Differently-abled students | October to December |
| 21. | Loan for Professional/Educational/Training Courses to Disabled Persons | Candidates with 40% or more disability | Runs all through the year |
| 22. | Dr. Radha Krishnan Scholarship, HP Board of School Education | Class 10th/12th passed students | December to January |
| 23. | Medley Pharma Scholarship | Class 10th passed onwards | October to December |
| 24. | Sindhutai Sapakal Scheme for Educating Orphans and Children with Special Needs | Class 1st to post-graduation | October to December |
| 25. | Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship | Class 11th to post-graduation | Runs all through the year |
Merit-cum-means based scholarships
A scholarship that considers the student’s financial need in addition to their academic ability is referred to as a merit-cum-means scholarship. When do these scholarships go into effect each year? To whom are these scholarships open? What courses are covered by these scholarships? Find the answers to all of these questions in the list of the most well-known merit-based scholarships offered in India that is provided below.
List of merit-cum-means based scholarships in India
| S.No. | Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Application Period* |
| 1. | LIC HFL Vidhyadhan Scholarship | Students of Class 8 to postgraduation | November to December |
| 2. | Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses CS (Minorities) | Students pursuing Professional and technical course | August to September |
| 3. | Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship Programme | Meritorious and deserving students | July to January |
| 4. | North South Foundation (NSF) Scholarship | Class 12th passed students | July to September |
| 5. | Nirankari Rajmata Scholarship Scheme | Class 12th passed and graduate students | July to September |
| 6. | IndusInd Foundation Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Class 12th passed students | July to September |
| 7. | Baba Gurbachan Singh Scholarship Scheme | 1st year degree/diploma students | July to September |
| 8. | Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | Class 12th passed students | August to October |
| 9. | Nurture Merit cum Means Scholarship | Students pursuing graduation | June to December |
| 10. | Vidyadhan Scholarship Program | Class 10th passed students | May to July |
| 11. | Shubh Aarambh Scholarship | Class 12th passed students | May to August |
| 12. | LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | Class 12th passed students pursuing UG/Vocational courses | November to December |
| 13. | Nirmaan Scholarship and Mentorship Program (NSMP) | Students who’ve passed class 12th | May to July |
| 14. | Early Success Merit cum Means Scholarship | Students studying in class 6 to class 12 | May to July |
| 15. | DAIICT Admission Cum Scholarship | Class 12th passed or appearing students | April to July |
| 16. | Ryan Merit cum Means Scholarship | Students studying in Class 8 to 12 | April to June |
| 17. | SRM University Socio-Economic Scholarships | Students applying for an undergraduate course in SRM University | March to June |
| 18. | Inspire Merit cum Means Scholarship | Students pursuing graduation | March to June |
| 19. | National Means Cum Merit Scholarship | Class 9th students | August to October |
| 20. | Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities (West Bengal) | Class 11 onwards students | December to January |
| 21. | KEI High school Scholarship Program | Students studying in class 9 | January to March |
| 22. | Schindler Igniting Minds Scholarship Program | Class 10th/12th passed students pursuing diploma courses | January to March |
| 23. | Foundation for Excellence Scholarship | Students enrolling in BE/B.Tech and MBBS degree program | October to December |
| 24. | Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation Scholarships | MBBS, B.E/B.Tech, B.Sc(Agri/Nursing) MBA Students | September to December |
| 25. | South Indian Bank (SIB) Scholarship Scheme | Undergraduates belonging to economically backward families of Kerala | September to October |
Talent-based scholarships
Are you a fan of dancing, art, or music? Are you trying to find specialised scholarships to pay for your studies in a talent-based field? If so, there are a number of talent-based scholarships available in India that will likely offer you the boost you need to realise your professional goals. You can choose talent-based scholarships if you wish to pursue a career as an artist, musician, or dancer.
Find out which of the scholarships in India based on talent you may apply for from the list below. It lists the names of several well-known scholarships awarded on the basis of talent.
List of talent-based scholarships in India
| S.No. | Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Application Period* |
| 1. | GEMS Genius Scholarship | School students | July to August |
| 2. | Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme | Students in the age group of 10-14 years | November to January |
| 3. | Toto Music Award | Young and talented applicants under 30 years of age | June to August |
| 4. | National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement | Students between 5 to 18 years of age | June to August |
| 5. | Kalakriti Fellowship | Young artists of age 25 to 40 years | Runs all through the year |
| 6. | Madhobi Chatterji Memorial Fellowship | Young artists from any genre of Indian Classical Music or Dance | Runs all through the year |
| 7. | Mani Mann Fellowship | Young musicians of 25 to 40 years | Runs all through the year |
| 8. | Young Artistes Scholarship | Young artists between 18 and 25 years of age | September to November |
| 9. | Inlaks Fellowships for Indian Classical Music | Young vocal musicians | September to October |
| 10. | Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship | 21 years to 35 years artists. | February to March |
| 11. | Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar | Young Indian authors of age 35 years or below | June to August |
| 12. | FICA Emerging Artist Award | Young artists (age 18 to 35 years) | July to August |
| 13. | New India Foundation Fellowships 2018 | Scholars and writers | April to June |
| 14. | Comix competition (International) | Comic creators | December to January |
| 15. | The Hindu Playwright Award | Playwrights above the age of 18 years | March to May |
Sports-based scholarships
Which sport is your favourite? Cricket? Football? Basketball? maybe chess? No matter the sport you select, have you ever considered being awarded a scholarship for your contributions to these sports? Maybe not. However, there are many scholarship options in India given by prominent sports institutes and other private companies if you want to make your contributions to sport stand out.
Find out from the list below which prestigious sports-based scholarships are available in India and succeed in your chosen career.
List of sports-based scholarships in India
| S.No. | Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Application Period* |
| 1. | AAI Sports Scholarship Scheme in India | Players above 14 years who represent India in Sub-Junior / Junior / Senior National Championships, All India Inter University Tournaments, National School Games | December to February |
| 2. | GEMS Genius Scholarship | School students | July to August |
| 3. | MKG Chess Scholarship | Girl chess player below the age of 18 years | June to July |
| 4. | University of Sussex Sports Scholarships Scheme (UK) | Master’s degree applicants (performing athletes) | August to October |
| 5. | ASA International Scholarship (Australia) | Students willing to study in Australia | November to December |
| 6. | Symbiosis Society Foundation Sports Scholarships | Sportsperson enrolling/studying at Symbiosis International University | June to July |
Scholarships in India – for women
Numerous scholarships for women are also being granted in India by the government and private organisations to support and empower girls and women in the field of education and to guarantee that no girl drops out of formal education. These awards are given to the girls based on their academic ability or/and financial necessity.
Here is a carefully compiled list of scholarships just for you females to further your studies. I really hope that these scholarships will serve as a bridge for you to pursue your goals.
List of scholarships in India for women
| S.No. | Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Application Period* |
| 1. | Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship | Class 12th passed girls | July to August |
| 2. | Santoor Women’s Scholarship | Class 12th passed girls | July to August |
| 3. | Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme for Minorities Girls | Minorities’ girl students studying in Class 9th to 12th | July to September |
| 4. | Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child | Single girl child of the family up to 30 years of age | February to March |
| 5. | Women Scientists Scheme-C (WOS-C) | Women scientists above 27 years of age | November to January |
| 6. | SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme (G.C.S.S) | Girls of class 1 to 10 | June to October |
| 7. | L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship | Class 12th passed girls (Science) | June to July |
| 8. | UGAM – Legrand Scholarship Program | Class 12th passed girls | June to July |
| 9. | AICTE-Scholarship Scheme to Girl Child (SSGC) under Pragati | Girl students entering into the first year of technical courses | October to December |
| 10. | Marubeni India Meritorious Scholarship | Class 12 pass-outs pursuing the 1st year of graduation | November to January |
| 11. | Smt. Geeta Lochan Girl Child Scholarship Programme | Girl candidate of Arunachal University of Studies | May to June |
| 12. | Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation Nursing Scholarship Programme | Girls who want to pursue B.Sc. (Basic Nursing) | March to May |
| 13. | Prabha Dutt Fellowship | Women journalists of the age group 25 to 40 years | Runs all through the year |
| 14. | Kalpana Chawla Memorial Award | Girl students appearing in class 12th | March to May |
| 15. | Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship | Women graduates | February to April |
| 16. | Tata Housing Scholarships for Meritorious Girl Students | Girl students in the 2nd year of BE/B.Tech/B.Arch | January to March |
| 17. | Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship, Kerala | 1st year girl students of HSC/ VHSC/ undergraduate course | July to August |
| 18. | Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti Scholarship (JBNSTS), West Bengal | Class 12th passed girls | May to July |
| 19. | Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Girl Students | Undergraduate girl students | January to February |
| 20. | Women as Cyber Leaders Scholarship (UK) | MSc degree applicants (Female) | May to June |
| 21. | Facebook Grace Hopper Scholarship | Women pursuing a CS degree program | May to June |
| 22. | Said Business School Scholarships for Women (UK) | Women pursuing M.Sc. in Major Programme Management | April to June |
| 23. | International Women Forum Fellows Program | Emerging women leaders having at least 10 years of experience | April to June |
| 24. | Scholarship for Women: Professional MBA Facility Management | Female candidates | December to January |
| 25. | Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarships | Class 12 (studying or passed), graduate and postgraduate female applicants | January to March |
| 26. | MKG Chess Scholarship | Girl chess player below the age of 18 years | June to July |
Scholarships in India – for overseas studies
Consider going to the US or the UK to study abroad. How will you handle the money for international education? Most of you may search for scholarships in India to study abroad, while others of you may rely on the availability of educational loans. Yes, in order to promote cross-cultural learning throughout the world, some foreign colleges provide scholarship options for Indian students.
In addition, you are available for any scholarship possibilities offered by the governments of India and other nations. The scholarships listed below can help you pursue your ideal academic career abroad without facing any financial limitations.
List of scholarships in India for overseas studies
| S.No. | Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Application Period* |
| 1. | Alliance MBS Masters Scholarship (UK) | Postgraduate applicants | June to August |
| 2. | Bath Spa University Meritorious Scholarship (UK) | Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants | June to August |
| 3. | Amity Global Institute Merit Scholarship, Singapore | Class 12 passed, graduates | June to August |
| 4. | Newcastle University Business School Scholarships | Students entering Masters courses | from June to August |
| 5. | University of Strathclyde-Faculty of Science Research Elite Scholarships (Scotland) | Postgraduates | July to September |
| 6. | University of Strathclyde-Faculty of Science Postgraduate Elite Scholarships (Scotland) | Graduates | July to September |
| 7. | University of Strathclyde-Faculty of Science Undergraduate Elite Scholarships (Scotland) | Class 12th passed students | July to September |
| 8. | University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship | Undergraduate | July to October |
| 9. | Mexican Government Scholarships for International Students (Mexico) | Graduates, Post Graduates, PhD | July to September |
| 10. | Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship (UK) | Master’s degree applicants | July to September |
| 11. | Scholarships to study online at University of South Wales | Class 12th passed and graduates | June to January |
| 12. | Deakin India Merit Scholarship | Undergraduate & postgraduate program applicants | June to December |
| 13. | Nanyang Technological University NIE PhD Scholarship (Singapore) | PhD applicants | April to July |
| 14. | The Rhodes Scholarships, University of Oxford (UK) | Graduates or final year students | April to July |
| 15. | Academia Higher Education College Meritorious Scholarship (Slovenia, EU) | Students applying for courses in Business, Engineering and Media Production | June to August |
| 16. | University of Strathclyde-Scotland Welcomes India Big Data Scholarship (Scotland) | Graduates | May to July |
| 17. | University of Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships (UK) | Bachelor’s degree applicants | April to June |
| 18. | Regent’s University India Postgraduate Taught Masters Scholarship (UK) | Master’s degree applicants | March to June |
| 19. | The University of Lincoln India Scholarship (UK) | Postgraduate applicants | March to June |
| 20. | Carnegie Mellon University Academic Merit Scholarships, Australia | Graduates | March to June |
| 21. | UCC Ireland Meritorious Scholarship for Indian Students | Students passed class 12 or graduation/graduates | March to June |
| 22. | Manju Mehrotra Scholarship (UK) | Master’s degree applicants | March to June |
| 23. | Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (US) | MBA applicants | April to June |
| 24. | ITC Foundation Scholarship Programme (Netherlands) | Master’s degree applicants | February to April |
| 25. | IHS Holland Scholarship (Netherlands) | Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree applicants | March to May |
*The application period is provisional and subject to change at the sole discretion of the organisation responsible for awarding the scholarships.
