Scholarships for Indian Students – Complete Guide 2025
Scholarships for Indian Students
Scholarships reduce education costs. Indian students get scholarships from the government, private organizations, universities, and international bodies. These awards depend on merit, need, category, or field of study.
| Type | Example | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | INSPIRE, KVPY | Academic performance |
| Need-based | NSP Post-Matric | Annual family income below ₹2.5 Lakh |
| Category-based | SC/ST/OBC Scholarships | Caste certificate, income proof |
| International | Chevening, Fulbright | Indian citizenship + language tests |
Top Government Scholarship Schemes for Students in India
Looking for government scholarships to fund your education? Here’s a quick guide to popular scholarship schemes offered by the central government, state governments, and minority welfare departments. Most of these are available on the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Central Government Scholarship Schemes
- NSP Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships
For students from SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories. Available for school and college-level education. - AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarships
Pragati is for girl students, and Saksham is for students with disabilities pursuing technical education. - INSPIRE Scholarship
For top-performing science students (top 1%) at the Class 12 level who plan to pursue careers in science and research.
State Government Scholarships
- Rajarshi Shahu Scholarship – Maharashtra
For students belonging to OBC, SEBC, and VJNT communities. - Swami Vivekananda Scholarship – West Bengal
For meritorious students who score 60% or more in their previous exams.
Scholarships for Minority Students
- Maulana Azad National Fellowship
For students from minority communities pursuing higher studies. - Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship
For meritorious girls from minority backgrounds studying in Classes 9 to 12.
1. What are the top central government scholarship schemes for students in India?
The top central government scholarships include the NSP Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS students, AICTE Pragati for girl students, AICTE Saksham for students with disabilities, and the INSPIRE Scholarship for top-performing science students.
2. Who can apply for the AICTE Pragati and Saksham Scholarships?
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is for girl students pursuing technical education, while the Saksham Scholarship is meant for differently-abled students enrolled in technical courses.
3. What is the INSPIRE Scholarship, and who is eligible for it?
The INSPIRE Scholarship is awarded to students who rank in the top 1% of their Class 12 board exams and plan to pursue careers in science and research.
4. Which state government scholarships are popular in India?
Popular state scholarships include the Rajarshi Shahu Scholarship (Maharashtra) for OBC, SEBC, and VJNT students, and the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship (West Bengal) for students scoring 60% or more in their last exam.
5. Are there scholarships available for students from minority communities in India?
Yes, students from minority communities can apply for the Maulana Azad National Fellowship for higher studies and the Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship, which supports girls studying in Classes 9 to 12.
How to Apply for a Scholarship in India
Applying for a scholarship in India is now easier with most applications available online. Each scholarship has its own portal, but here are the most commonly used ones:
Popular Scholarship Portals
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – For central and some state-level schemes
- AICTE Official Website – For technical education scholarships like Pragati and Saksham
- State Government Portals – Each state has its own scholarship website (e.g., Maharashtra DBT, West Bengal Oasis)
Documents You’ll Need
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Previous Year’s Mark Sheets
- Bank Account Details (must be linked with Aadhaar)
Pro Tip: Use the same mobile number and email ID across all portals. It helps you track applications and receive updates easily.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
Looking to study overseas without breaking the bank? Indian students have access to a range of fully-funded and partially-funded international scholarships that can help cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
| Scholarship | Destination Country | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening | United Kingdom | Full tuition, airfare, and living allowance |
| Fulbright-Nehru | United States | Tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses |
| DAAD | Germany | Tuition and monthly stipend |
| Erasmus Mundus | Multiple EU Countries | Joint degree with full financial support |
| Inlaks Scholarship | USA / UK | Up to $100,000 for select programs |
Types of Scholarships & Criteria
Scholarships reduce education costs. Indian students get scholarships from the government, private organizations, universities, and international bodies. These awards depend on merit, need, category, or field of study.
| Type | Example | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | INSPIRE, KVPY | Academic performance |
| Need-based | NSP Post-Matric | Annual family income below ₹2.5 Lakh |
| Category-based | SC/ST/OBC Scholarships | Caste certificate, income proof |
| International | Chevening, Fulbright | Indian citizenship + language tests |
1. What are the top international scholarships for Indian students in 2025?
Some of the most popular scholarships include Chevening (UK), Fulbright-Nehru (USA), DAAD (Germany), Erasmus Mundus (EU countries), and the Inlaks Scholarship for selected programs in the US or UK.
2. What expenses do these international scholarships usually cover?
Most of these scholarships cover full or partial tuition fees, travel costs like airfare, and living allowances. For example, Chevening and Fulbright-Nehru provide complete funding including tuition and living expenses.
3. What are the different types of scholarships available for Indian students?
Scholarships are generally categorized as merit-based, need-based, category-based (like SC/ST/OBC), and international. Each has its own set of eligibility criteria such as academic performance, financial background, or citizenship.
4. Who is eligible for need-based scholarships?
Students whose annual family income is typically below ₹2.5 lakh are eligible for need-based scholarships like the NSP Post-Matric Scholarship.
5. Do I need to take English language tests for international scholarships?
Yes, most international scholarships like Chevening and Fulbright require proof of English proficiency, usually through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, along with Indian citizenship.
Category-Based Scholarships for Indian Students
There are several scholarships in India specifically designed to support students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and minority communities. These category-based scholarships aim to make quality education accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
| Scholarship | Target Group | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST | SC/ST Students | Fully funded by the government; covers tuition and other education costs |
| Top Class Education Scheme | SC/ST Students | For high-performing students in premier Indian institutions |
| Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Minority Communities | Based on academic merit and financial need |
| Maulana Azad Fellowship | Minority Communities | Supports higher education for students from minority backgrounds |
| AISEE | Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | For NEET/JEE qualifiers with income-based eligibility |
Private and NGO Scholarships for Indian Students
Apart from government support, many private companies and NGOs also offer scholarships to Indian students based on merit, gender, or financial need. These programs are a great way to ease the burden of educational expenses.
| Scholarship | Provider | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Aditya Birla Scholarship | Aditya Birla Group | For students at IITs, IIMs, and BITS Pilani with strong academic records |
| HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship | HDFC Bank | For students facing sudden financial emergencies |
| Tata Trusts Scholarship | Tata Group | Supports students pursuing professional courses |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | Kotak Education Foundation | Specifically for girls in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Maths) |
NGO-Based Scholarship Support
Several NGOs also step in to assist students from underprivileged backgrounds:
| NGO | Focus Area | Support Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Buddy4Study | Scholarship Matching | Connects students with suitable scholarship opportunities |
| Foundation for Excellence (FFE) | Professional Education | Funds students in technical/professional fields with financial need |
Next up: Tips on how to apply and increase your chances of getting these scholarships.
Popular Field-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students
If you're pursuing a particular academic field, there are several scholarships tailored just for that. These help support students in engineering, medicine, law, science, and the arts.
| Field | Popular Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Engineering | AICTE Pragati, ONGC Scholarship, VIT Scholarship, SNL Bearings Ltd. |
| Medical | All India Pre-Medical Scholarship Test |
| Law | IDIA Scholarship, Aditya Birla Law Scholarship |
| Arts | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship |
| Science | INSPIRE, JBNSTS, Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) |
Coming up: How to stay on top of deadlines and boost your chances of getting selected.
How to Track Scholarship Deadlines and Results
Most scholarships follow a fixed yearly schedule, so staying updated is key. The best way to keep track is by checking official websites regularly or signing up on trusted scholarship portals like:
- Buddy4Study
- ScholarshipArena
- CollegeDunia Scholarships
These platforms send alerts, deadline reminders, and even offer application guidance.
Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Selected
- Apply early – Don’t wait till the last minute.
- Make sure your documents are clear and complete – Double-check everything before uploading.
- Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Especially for international or merit-based scholarships.
- Keep an eye on your application status – Regular tracking helps you catch any issues early.
Want help crafting a killer SOP or organizing your scholarship calendar? Just let me know!
1. Are there scholarships for specific academic fields in India?
Yes, many scholarships are designed for particular fields like engineering, medicine, law, arts, and science. For example, AICTE Pragati is for engineering students, while KVPY supports science students.
2. Which scholarships are available for engineering students in India?
Engineering students can apply for scholarships like AICTE Pragati (for girls), ONGC Scholarship, VIT Scholarship, and the SNL Bearings Ltd. Scholarship.
3. How can students keep track of scholarship deadlines?
Students should regularly check official scholarship websites or register on portals like Buddy4Study, ScholarshipArena, or CollegeDunia Scholarships. These sites provide alerts and reminders for upcoming deadlines.
4. What are some tips to increase your chances of getting a scholarship?
Apply as early as possible, upload all required documents clearly, write a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP), and monitor your application status frequently.
5. Are there medical and law scholarships available for Indian students?
Yes. Medical aspirants can apply for the All India Pre-Medical Scholarship Test, while law students have options like the IDIA Scholarship and the Aditya Birla Law Scholarship.
Useful Scholarship Articles to Explore
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Swami Vivekananda Scholarship 2025 – Apply Online, Eligibility & Benefits
Perfect for students from West Bengal; this article covers eligibility, how to apply, and scholarship benefits. -
Digital Gujarat Scholarship 2025 – Apply Online & Eligibility Details
A great resource for students in Gujarat, especially for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories. -
NSP Scholarship 2025 – Registration & Portal Info
Covers the National Scholarship Portal, which lists central and state government scholarships for all categories. -
MPTAAS Scholarship 2025 – Registration, Login & Last Date
Useful for SC/ST students in Madhya Pradesh, with details on how to register and key deadlines.