Sunday, 18 January 2026

For a True Learner- money is not a barrier: Large numbers of Scholarship

In a major boost to higher education and research, several government-funded, UGC-supported, and private foundation scholarships are currently available for Indian students from Class 10 onwards, including PhD scholars. These schemes aim to promote merit, inclusivity, regional balance (especially North East India), and research excellence.

Below is an updated and comprehensive list, including INSPIRE PhD, Ishan Uday, Azim Premji Foundation scholarships, and many more, along with eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Government & UGC Scholarships

1. INSPIRE Fellowship for PhD (DST)

Level: PhD (Science & Technology)
Eligibility:

  • First-rank holders at UG/PG level OR INSPIRE Scholar at UG/PG
  • Age limit: 27 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Women)
  • Enrollment in a recognized PhD program in basic or applied sciences

Fellowship Amount:

  • ₹31,000 per month (first 2 years – JRF)
  • ₹35,000 per month (remaining years – SRF)
  • Annual contingency grant

Application Procedure:

  • Apply online through the DST–INSPIRE portal
  • Selection based on academic merit and research proposal

2. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region

Level: Undergraduate
Eligibility:

  • Domicile of North Eastern states
  • Passed Class 12 from a recognized board
  • Family income below ₹4.5 lakh per annum
  • Admission in a recognized UG program

Scholarship Amount: ₹5,400–₹7,800 per month

Application Procedure:

  • Online application through National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
  • Verification by institution and state authorities

3. Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child

Level: Postgraduate
Eligibility:

  • Single girl child in a family
  • Admission in first year of PG course
  • Age limit: up to 30 years

Scholarship Amount: ₹36,200 per year

Application Procedure:

  • Apply online through NSP
  • Subject to UGC guidelines

4. National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe Students

Level: MPhil / PhD
Eligibility:

  • SC/ST category
  • Family income below ₹8 lakh
  • Enrollment in full-time MPhil/PhD

Fellowship Amount:

  • As per UGC JRF/SRF rates
  • Contingency and HRA included

Application Procedure:

  • Online application via NSP
  • Selection through merit and eligibility verification

Private & Foundation Scholarships

5. Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate & Diploma courses
Eligibility:

  • Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Admission in recognized colleges/universities
  • Priority to rural and government institution students

Scholarship Benefits:

  • Tuition fee and academic support
  • Mentorship and academic monitoring

Application Procedure:

  • Apply through partner institutions or foundation-linked portals
  • Selection based on need and merit

6. Tata Trusts Scholarships

Level: UG, PG & Professional courses
Eligibility:

  • Indian nationals with strong academic record
  • Family income criteria as specified per scheme

Benefits:

  • Partial to full financial support
  • Special focus on higher education and research

Application Procedure:

  • Apply through Tata Trusts official portals or partner institutes

7. Reliance Foundation Scholarships

Level: UG & PG (Merit-cum-Means)
Eligibility:

  • High academic achievers
  • Family income below prescribed limit

Benefits:

  • Tuition support
  • Leadership development programs

Application Procedure:

  • Online application through Reliance Foundation portal

School-Level & Early Stage Scholarships

8. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

Level: Class 9–12
Eligibility:

  • Passed Class 8
  • Family income below ₹3.5 lakh
  • Minimum qualifying marks as per norms

Amount: ₹12,000 per year

Application Procedure:

  • State-level examination
  • Application through State Education Department

9. Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships

Level: Class 9 onwards
Eligibility:

  • SC/ST/OBC/Minority students
  • Income limits vary by category

Benefits:

  • Maintenance allowance
  • Fee reimbursement

Application Procedure:

  • Apply through NSP
  • Annual renewal required

Documents Commonly Required

  • Academic mark sheets
  • Income certificate
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Aadhaar card
  • Bank account details
  • Admission proof / Bonafide certificate

Conclusion

With opportunities ranging from school education to doctoral research, these scholarships ensure that financial hardship does not hinder academic excellence. Special schemes like INSPIRE PhD encourage scientific research, while Ishan Uday supports students from the North East, and foundations like the Azim Premji Foundation strengthen access to higher education for the underprivileged.

Students and parents are advised to regularly check official portals, adhere to deadlines, and apply carefully to maximize their chances of success.

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