• By Rawat Admin
• In Academic,
• Posted July 14, 2023
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How to Get a Scholarship in India

The government of India recognizes the significance of scholarships and has taken various initiatives to support and encourage education through scholarship programs. The government focuses on providing scholarships to students from marginalized communities, economically weaker sections, and meritorious students. These efforts aim to address social inequality, uplift underprivileged sections of society, and promote educational empowerment.

The government's focus on scholarships is evident through initiatives like the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which acts as a one-stop platform for various scholarship schemes. The government has also introduced scholarships for specific target groups, such as minority communities, SC/ST/OBC students, and girl students, to promote inclusivity and gender equality.

Additionally, the government collaborates with educational institutions, NGOs, and private organizations to expand the scholarship ecosystem, ensuring that deserving students have access to financial aid for their education.

Overall, the government's focus on scholarships demonstrates its commitment to promoting education, bridging socio-economic gaps, and nurturing a skilled and educated workforce for the country's development.

Bifurcation of Scholarship

In India, scholarships play a crucial role in providing financial support to students who face economic constraints and helping them pursue their education. The scholarship scenario in India is diverse and encompasses both merit-based scholarships and scholarships for the underprivileged.

Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance or performance in competitive exams. These scholarships recognize and reward students who have excelled in their studies or have achieved high ranks in national or state-level examinations. Merit-based scholarships often have stringent eligibility criteria and may require students to maintain a certain level of academic performance to continue receiving the scholarship.

These scholarships aim to encourage and support talented students, providing them with opportunities to pursue higher education without financial constraints. They can help deserving students access quality education, pursue their academic interests, and contribute to their personal and professional growth.

Means-Based Scholarships: Means-based scholarships, also known as need-based scholarships or scholarships for the underprivileged, are designed to assist students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These scholarships take into account the financial condition of the student's family and provide financial support to help them afford their education.

Means-based scholarships aim to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the financial resources available to the student. They help students from low-income families overcome financial barriers and access educational opportunities that would otherwise be difficult for them to afford.

These scholarships consider factors such as family income, social background, and other socioeconomic indicators to determine the eligibility of the students. They are focused on providing equal opportunities for education and enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations.

It is important to note that both merit-based and means-based scholarships contribute significantly to promoting education and empowering students in India. These scholarships are offered by various government bodies, private organizations, universities, and institutions to ensure that talented individuals have access to education and financial support, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds.

List of Merit-Based Scholarships

Here is a list of some popular merit-based scholarships in India along with their eligibility criteria:

• National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) Eligibility: Students studying in Class 10 from recognized schools can apply.
• Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) Eligibility: Students studying in Class 11, 12, or undergraduate courses in Basic Sciences.
• INSPIRE Scholarship Eligibility: Top 1% performers in Class 12 board exams or cleared competitive exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, KVPY.
• Indian Oil Academic Scholarships Eligibility: First-year students in full-time undergraduate engineering, medical, and business administration courses.
• Tata Scholarship for Students from Economically Weaker Sections Eligibility: Economically weaker section students admitted to specific undergraduate programs at Cornell University, USA.
• National Merit Scholarship Scheme Eligibility: High-ranking students in national-level entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET.
• Sitaram Jindal Scholarship Scheme Eligibility: Students pursuing various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including engineering, medical, law, arts, and science.
• Maulana Azad National Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious girl students from minority communities pursuing studies in Class 11, 12, and undergraduate courses.
• Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious students pursuing undergraduate engineering or medical courses.
• Fair and Lovely Foundation Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious girl students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Sarla Devi Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious girl students studying in Class 12 and pursuing undergraduate studies.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious girl students from minority communities pursuing undergraduate studies.
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards Eligibility: Students up to Class 12 can participate in this competition for original technological ideas.
• LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme Eligibility: Meritorious students from economically weaker sections pursuing higher education.
• CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child Eligibility: Single girl child studying in Class 10 from CBSE-affiliated schools.
• Ramanujan Fellowship Eligibility: Highly qualified Indian researchers in the fields of science and engineering.
• Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious students from economically backward families pursuing higher education in West Bengal.
• ONGC Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious SC/ST students pursuing professional courses in engineering, medical, and management.
• Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme Eligibility: Students from Northeastern states pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) Eligibility: Students who have completed or are pursuing BTech, MTech, or MSc in specific disciplines and are interested in pursuing research.

These scholarships have specific eligibility criteria that may include academic performance, competitive exam scores, financial background, and other requirements. It is advisable to visit the respective scholarship websites or contact the scholarship authorities for detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines.

 Also read:   Why English Is Important For Students In India

Mean-Based Scholarships

Here is a list of means-based scholarships in India for underprivileged individuals along with their eligibility criteria:

• Pre-Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students Eligibility: Students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC) studying in Class 9 and 10.
• Post-Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students Eligibility: Students belonging to SC, ST, or OBC communities pursuing higher education at the post-matriculation level.
• Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students Eligibility: Students belonging to minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis) pursuing MPhil or Ph.D.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Minority Girls Eligibility: Meritorious girl students from minority communities pursuing higher education.
• National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities Eligibility: Students with disabilities pursuing MPhil or Ph.D.
• Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for College and University Students Eligibility: Students from economically weaker sections pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles Eligibility: Dependent wards and widows of CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel pursuing professional courses.
• Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child Eligibility: Single girl child from economically weaker families pursuing postgraduate non-professional courses.
• Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious students from economically backward families pursuing higher education in West Bengal.
• AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls Eligibility: Girl students from economically weaker sections pursuing technical education at the diploma or degree level.
• Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Eligibility: Students with disabilities pursuing higher education at the post-matriculation level.
• Sitaram Jindal Scholarship Scheme Eligibility: Students from economically weaker sections pursuing various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBC Students Eligibility: Students belonging to Economically Backward Classes (EBC) pursuing higher education.
• Chief Minister's Higher Education Scholarship Scheme Eligibility: Meritorious students from economically weaker sections pursuing higher education in specific states.
• LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme Eligibility: Meritorious students from economically weaker sections pursuing higher education.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarships for Minorities Girls Eligibility: Meritorious girl students from minority communities pursuing higher education.
• Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme Eligibility: Students from Northeastern states pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students Eligibility: Students from economically weaker sections pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• National Overseas Scholarship for Scheduled Castes Eligibility: Students belonging to Scheduled Castes pursuing higher education abroad.
• Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship Eligibility: Meritorious students from economically weaker sections pursuing undergraduate engineering or medical courses.

Please note that the eligibility criteria mentioned above are general guidelines and may vary depending on specific scholarship programs. It is advisable to visit the respective scholarship websites or contact the scholarship authorities for detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines.

How to get a scholarship?

The basic procedure for applying for a scholarship in India typically involves the following steps:

• Research and Identify Scholarships: Research and identify scholarships that you are eligible for based on your academic qualifications, financial background, and other criteria. Look for scholarships offered by the government, private organizations, universities, and other institutions.
• Check Eligibility Criteria: Review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure that you meet the requirements. Check factors such as academic performance, income criteria, category-specific criteria (if applicable), and any other specified criteria.
• Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents required for the scholarship application. Common documents may include academic transcripts, identity proof, income certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), recommendation letters, and passport-sized photographs. Read the scholarship guidelines to know the specific document requirements.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Obtain the scholarship application form, either from the scholarship provider's website or through other means specified by them. Fill out the application form accurately and provide all the necessary information.
• Attach Supporting Documents: Attach the required supporting documents along with the application form. Make sure to include certified copies of the documents if required. Ensure that you follow the instructions regarding document format, size, and any additional requirements.
• Write a Statement of Purpose/Essay (if applicable): Some scholarships may require you to write a statement of purpose or an essay expressing your educational goals, achievements, and why you deserve the scholarship. Follow the provided guidelines and write a compelling essay that showcases your strengths and aspirations.
• Review and Submit the Application: Thoroughly review the completed application form and attached documents for any errors or missing information. Make sure you have followed all the instructions provided. Submit the application form along with the supporting documents through the specified mode, such as online submission, postal mail, or hand delivery.
• Track Application and Follow-Up: Keep track of your application status by regularly checking the scholarship provider's website or contacting the scholarship authority. If there are any updates or additional requirements, respond promptly and provide the necessary information.
• Prepare for Interviews (if applicable): Some scholarships may involve an interview process. If you are shortlisted for an interview, prepare well by researching about the scholarship program, practicing common interview questions, and showcasing your skills, achievements, and aspirations.

It's important to note that the specific application process and requirements may vary for each scholarship. It is recommended to visit the official website of the scholarship provider and carefully follow the instructions mentioned in their application guidelines for accurate and up-to-date information on how to apply.