7 Scholarships that will take students from local to global

Fiona Vaz

Education plays a key role in the overall development of an individual. According to the Ministry of Education, “It is the education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society, by providing high-quality education to all, making India a global knowledge superpower.”

Source: Wix

These initiatives offer financial aid and reduce the financial limitations of the students. It assists the financially disadvantaged but meritorious students across various fields of study. These key opportunities drive these young individuals towards becoming leaders for a brighter tomorrow.

Here are the 7 top scholarships and grants:

1. Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)

This scheme provides scholarships for college and university students. The annual target is to provide 82000 scholarships in a year, where 41000 is for boys and 41000 for girls.

• Benefit: Payment of the entire tuition fee, hostel expenditure, and yearly allowance.

• Rate of Scholarship: Rs 12,000/- per annum ( first three years) and Rs 20,000/- per annum (fourth and fifth year).

•  Age: 18-25 years

• Eligibility:

          - Students above the 80th percentile of successful candidates from a recognised Board of Examination in class XII.

          - Not benefiting from any other scholarship.

- Family Income: Rs 4.5 lakh per annum

Closing date of scholarship applications: 31.10.2024

2. Divyangjan Scheme

The scheme recognises and provides quality education among Students with Disabilities (SwDs) to pursue education at the Post Graduate Degree and Diploma levels in any field of choice. The candidate can pursue their discipline in premier educational institutes like IIT, IIM, and NIT. About 160 scholarships are sanctioned annually, with 50% reserved for female candidates. Funded by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

• Benefits:

           - Non-refundable amount of up to Rs 2 Lakh per annum + allowance of Rs 3000/- per month for hostellers and Rs 1500/- per month for day scholars.

           -Special allowances- Rs 2000/- per month.

           -Books and stationery grant- Rs 5000/- per annum.

           -Purchase of computer with accessories- Rs 30000/-

           -Purchase of Aids and Assistive Devices- Rs 30000/-

• Requirements: Aadhar card and Unique Disability Identity (UDID)

• Eligibility: Full-time student studying in class IX or X in a government school, or school recognised by the Central/ State Board of Secondary Education.

Click here for DEPD Guidelines.

Source: Wix

3. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls

The scholarship provides financial assistance to girls who are pursuing technical education. It aims to empower women with the knowledge, skill, and confidence required to prepare for a successful future.

• Benefits: Rs 50,000 per annum for tuition fees.

• Eligibility:

           -Female student admitted to 1st year of diploma/degree programme.

           - Maximum two girl children per family are eligible.

           - Family income should not exceed more than six lakhs per annum.

Last date to apply: 31.10.2024

Click here for Degree Student Guidelines.

Click here for Diploma Student Guidelines.

4. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)

It targets students undertaking a PhD in subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), social sciences, humanities, or law. The scheme has been designed to improve the quality of research in institutions across the country.

• Benefits: Fellowship of up to Rs 10.92 lakh annually for four years

• Eligibility: PhD students enrolled in STEM, arts, and healthcare at PMRF-approved institutions.

Click here for more guidelines and details.

5. MOMA Scholarship

Funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA) of the Government of India, this scholarship is provided to students from different minority communities such as Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsis, and Jains. About 30% of the scholarships are reserved for female candidates.

• Benefits: 30 lakhs Pre-Matric Scholarships, 5 lakhs Post-Matric, and 60,000 Merit-cum-Means Scholarships.

• Eligibility:

          -Students from the six minority groups only.

          - Applicants should have a minimum of 50% marks in the previous final exam.

          - Family annual income should not exceed Rs 1 lakh.

Check out the website for more information.

6. Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)

SHE is associated with the programme “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)”, by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It aims to facilitate students wanting to study basic and natural Science subjects at UG and PG levels.

• Benefits:

-Rs 80,000/- annually, Rs 5000/- per month.

-Summertime Mentorship Grant of Rs 20,000/- annually.

- Supported for five years only.

• Eligibility:

- Students must be pursuing courses in Natural and Basic Science courses in India at UG and Pg levels.

- Students who secured ranks in JEE, and AIPMT (within the top 10000 ranks).

Visit the link to know more.

Read PDF for FAQs. 

7. Reliance Foundation UG Scholarships

It aims to enable students to pursue their academic dreams and contribute towards India’s future socio-economic development.

• Benefits:

-Scholarship of up to 2 lakhs over the degree duration.

- Be part of a vibrant alumni network.

• Eligibility:

- Household income of under Rs 15 lakh.

- First-year students pursuing any UG-level subjects.

- 12th pass with a minimum of 60%.

Click here for more information.