Are you aware that in India, there are scholarships worth thousands of crores available for students who excel academically or need financial support? Many students, despite their capabilities, find themselves unable to pursue higher education due to escalating costs and some find it hard to get scholarship in India. This is why the Indian government and private organizations offer a range of scholarships. These scholarships recognize outstanding students or to assist those in financial need. For instance, the Global Indian International School (GIIS) in Ahmedabad, where my friend studies, offers the 9 GEMS Scholarships model. This program aims to develop students into well-rounded individuals by nurturing their innate strengths and encouraging them to excel in areas beyond academics.
There are some common myths about how to get scholarship in India that can discourage you and I’m writing this article to tell you all you need to know to get a scholarship in India.
How Can a Student Get Scholarship in India?
Securing scholarships is crucial for Indian students seeking financial assistance for their education. There are several, led by the Government of India and private institutions, that play a pivotal role in supporting students across the nation. It caters to both poor and middle-class students based on academic excellence.
While most of these scholarships are accessible to all Indian students, it prioritizes certain categories, including economically disadvantaged families and those belonging to SC/ST categories. So how you as a student get scholarship in India?
To be eligible, you must be an Indian citizen, maintain a minimum 50% score, and preferably have faced study disruptions due to financial constraints in the past 3 years. Your family income should not exceed INR 2.5 lakh per annum.
These scholarships offer a lifeline to students who want to get scholarship in India who excel academically but face financial challenges in pursuing their education, contributing to a brighter future for many. But what are the different programs for students who want to get scholarship in India?
Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in India
There are many programs available for students who want to get scholarship in India.
1. The Swami Dayanand College Scholarship: The Swami Dayanand College Scholarship for Delhi/NCR 2021-22 is designed for students in the Delhi/NCR region who have completed their 12th grade. It aims to support those who are talented but financially constrained, preventing them from pursuing higher education. To be eligible, applicants must have at least 65% in their 12th-grade exams or a minimum of 6.5 CGPA for second-year students.
The scholarship is also open to students holding degrees like B.Tech., MBBS, B.E., B.Pharm, among others who want to get scholarship in India. Selected students will receive up to INR 5,000 per annum. The application process involves filling out an online form with necessary details and documents, or it can be done offline by mailing the required documents. The selection criteria focus on academic merit and financial need.
2. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles: The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles (PMSS CAPF & AR) 2023-24 is designed to support the dependents of martyred or disabled personnel from these forces. If you’re dependent on such personnel, you can apply for this scholarship. It offers INR 2,500 per month for male students and INR 3,000 for female students.
To be eligible, you must be pursuing your first professional degree in fields like Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Veterinary, BBA, BCA, B. Pharma, B.Sc. (Nursing, Agriculture, etc.), MBA, or MCA from a recognized institution. Ensure you have scored at least 60% in your Class 12/diploma/graduation for new applicants, and maintain a minimum of 50% in subsequent academic years for renewal.
The application process is straightforward: register, fill in your details, upload necessary documents, and submit your application by 31st December 2023. Remember, this scholarship is renewable for up to 5 years based on your academic performance.
3. The L&T Build India Scholarship: The L&T Build India Scholarship is designed for final-year students in core Civil and Electrical Engineering, here’s the lowdown. Offered by L&T Construction, an influential Indian conglomerate, this initiative promises a monthly stipend of INR 13,400 plus additional perks. Unfortunately, the deadline has passed.
To qualify, you should be on the brink of completing your B.E./B.Tech. in core Civil or Electrical Engineering, with graduation expected between June and August 2023. Successful candidates will enjoy not only the stipend but also L&T settling tuition and sponsorship fees directly with institutions like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, NITK Surathkal, and NIT Trichy. However, sponsored students must cover hostel accommodation and mess fees.
For a shot at this opportunity, gather your Class 10 and 12 certificates, diploma certificate, B.E./B.Tech. marksheets (up to the previous semester), a valid photo ID, and a photograph. Though the deadline is closed, keep your eyes peeled for future chances. It’s a golden ticket for those venturing into the realms of Civil and Electrical Engineering.
4. The National Scholarship Exam: To secure a scholarship in India through the National Scholarship Exam (NSE) 2022 by the National Institute of Career Education (NICE) Foundation, you, as a student in class 5 to 12 or pursuing a diploma/degree, need to take part in this self-assessment initiative. The NSE serves as a crucial platform not only for identifying and nurturing talent but also for recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses.
Eligibility is straightforward – whether you’re studying in class 5 to 12 under SSC/ICSE/CBSE boards or enrolled in a diploma or degree program, you qualify. The rewards for selected candidates include cash prizes of up to INR 25,000.
For the online application process, click ‘Apply Now,’ navigate to ‘Apply Online NSE-2023,’ provide personal details, and make a payment of INR 400 through various online modes. If you opt for the offline process, download the application form after clicking ‘Apply Now,’ fill in the details, attach a photograph, make a demand draft of INR 400 in favor of “NICE Foundation,” and send the application with relevant documents to the specified address.
This opportunity not only gauges your preparedness for educational challenges but also provides a chance to secure financial support for your studies.
5. Siemens Scholarship Program: If you’re a first-year student at a government engineering college in India, you have the opportunity to apply for the Siemens Scholarship Program. The initiative, geared towards streams like Mechanical/Production, Electrical, Electronics/Instrumentation, and more, aims to support determined students with a commitment to learning.
To be eligible, you must be below 20 years old, scored at least 60% in class 10, 50% in class 12, and a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in class 12 (PCM). Additionally, your family’s annual income should not exceed INR 2 Lakhs.
The benefits include annual disbursement covering tuition fees reimbursement, allowances for books, stationery, hostel, and additional classes. Successful scholars can look forward to placement opportunities in Siemens and leading companies across various sectors like engineering, banking, finance, IT services, infrastructure, automotive, and consumer goods. The Siemens Scholarship Program serves as a stepping stone for those aiming to achieve both personal and professional goals.
How to Get Scholarship in India After 12th?
After acing your 12th-grade exams, you and your folks breathe a sigh of relief. Now, pondering the post-12th journey, questions arise: What’s next? Which path to tread and how to get scholarship in India? The dilemma of choosing between engineering, medicine, or architecture, and the choice of studying in India or abroad looms large. Crucial decisions beckon, but so does the concern of financing your aspirations.
This is where scholarships are important for you as a student. These scholarships are a beacon of hope for those facing financial constraints in pursuing higher education. The increasing cost of college education has become a hurdle, leading to a surge in dropout rates post-class 12. Government data paints a stark picture: over 17% drop out at the secondary level, with 62.9% dropout rate in high school. Lack of funds remains the primary culprit, pushing students away from education.
Central and state governments, along with private organizations, extend a helping hand to both bright minds and underprivileged students. They offer a myriad of scholarships after 12th, making education accessible for all. These opportunities are not confined to school students; they span undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
The government plays a pivotal role, launching various scholarship programs to support meritorious students in their pursuit of higher studies. These schemes are not limited to one level of government; both central and state entities collaborate, ensuring a comprehensive list of opportunities.
Conclusion
Are you looking to get scholarship in India? Whether you excel academically or face financial challenges, numerous opportunities await. The Global Indian International School in Ahmedabad, for instance, offers the 9 GEMS Scholarships model, nurturing well-rounded individuals.
For undergraduates, explore options like the Swami Dayanand College Scholarship, PMSS CAPF & AR, L&T Build India Scholarship, National Scholarship Exam, and Siemens Scholarship Program. These cater to diverse fields, from engineering to career assessments, providing crucial financial support.
Post-12th, the scholarship landscape broadens, addressing dropout rates and financial constraints. Government initiatives at both central and state levels offer a lifeline, ensuring education remains accessible across levels. Seize these opportunities to pave the way for a brighter academic journey and get scholarship in India.