🎓 Top Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025: The Complete Guide
Are you dreaming of studying in India or abroad but worried about the cost?
Don’t worry!
Scholarships are here to help.
👉In this guide, you will learn about scholarships for Indian students in 2025.
👉 We will tell you about the top scholarships.
👉 You will see the deadlines for each scholarship.
👉 We will show you how much money each one gives.
👉 You will learn who can apply (eligibility).
👉 We will also share easy tips to apply.
Further, we’ll talk about:
✅ Government scholarships in India
✅ Private and company scholarships
✅ Famous international scholarships (like Chevening, Fulbright, Erasmus)
✅ Step-by-step application tips
✅ Mistakes to avoid
So, grab a cup of chai ☕ and let’s start!
🌟 What is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is free money for your studies.
Unlike a loan, you don’t have to pay it back.
Some scholarships give you:
- Full tuition fee
- Living expenses (monthly stipend)
- Travel and health insurance
- Money for books, laptop, or research
Basically, scholarships remove the stress of money so you can focus on your studies.
🏆 Types of Scholarships for Indian Students
There are many kinds of scholarships available in 2025:
- Government of India Scholarships (via NSP portal)
- AICTE Scholarships (for engineering and technical students)
- Private Scholarships (like Tata, Mahindra, Reliance Foundation)
- Company Scholarships (Google, Meta, Microsoft, etc.)
- Foreign Government Scholarships (UK Chevening, US Fulbright, Japan MEXT, Australia Awards)
- University Scholarships (Oxford Rhodes, Cambridge Gates, Erasmus Mundus)
🎯 Best Scholarships in India (2025)
1. NSP Central Sector Scheme (CSSS)
NSP is the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship.
It is a government-funded program under the Ministry of Education.
Every year, around 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded to deserving students across India.
Out of these, 50% are reserved exclusively for girls, ensuring gender inclusivity in education.
The scholarship is disbursed directly into the student’s bank account.
✅ Eligibility Criteria for NSP Central Sector Scheme
To apply for the NSP Central Sector Scheme, students must meet the following conditions:
- Academic Merit: Must have scored 80th percentile or above in Class XII (any recognized board: State, CBSE, or ICSE).
- Course of Study: Must be pursuing a regular UG or PG course in a recognized college or university.
- Income Limit: Annual family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
- Other Conditions: Students availing benefits under other scholarship schemes are not eligible.
💰 Scholarship Amount given by NSP Central Sector Scheme
The amount varies depending on the course and level of study:
- Undergraduate (General courses, Years 1–3): ₹12,000 per year
- Professional/Integrated Courses (Years 4–5): ₹20,000 per year
- Technical Courses (like B.Tech, B.E): ₹12,000 per year
- Postgraduate Courses: ₹20,000 per year
📊 Distribution of Scholarships under NSP
The scholarships are distributed state-wise and board-wise. It is based on the student population in the 18–25 age group.
Special Provision: 3% of scholarships under Union Territories are reserved for students of Ladakh.
📌 How to Apply For NSP
Students can apply only through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) by following these steps:
- Register on NSP with basic details.
- Log in with credentials and select Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship.
- Upload documents (income certificate, caste certificate if applicable, mark sheet, Aadhaar, etc.).
- Submit the application and track the status online.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025
2. AICTE Pragati Scholarship (Girls in Technical Education)
The Pragati Scholarship is a government-backed scheme.
It is launched by AICTE to encourage girls to pursue higher education in technical fields.
Key Features of Pragati Scholarship
Here are the main highlights of the scheme:
- Eligibility:
- Only for girl students.
- Must be admitted in AICTE-approved institutions for diploma or degree courses.
- Family income should be less than ₹8 lakh per year.
- Up to two girls per family can apply.
- Number of Scholarships:
- 5,000 scholarships for degree-level students.
- 5,000 scholarships for diploma-level students.
- Scholarship Amount:
- ₹50,000 per year (for each year of study, up to 4 years for a degree / 3 years for a diploma).
- Covers tuition fees, books, stationery, laptops, or any other academic-related expenses.
Documents Required for Pragati Scholarship
Applicants usually need the following documents at the time of applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Admission letter from the institution
- Proof of tuition fees paid
- Bank passbook (in student’s name)
- Income certificate issued by competent authority
- Category certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply for the Pragati Scholarship?
Applying for the Pragati Scholarship is a completely online process through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Visit scholarships.gov.in.
- Register as a new user.
- Fill out the application form carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Submit the form and keep a copy for reference.
3. AICTE Saksham Scholarship (Students with Disabilities)
The Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a Ministry of Education, Government of India initiative.
It is implemented by AICTE.
It provides financial assistance to students with disabilities who are pursuing a degree or diploma in AICTE-approved technical institutions.
The scholarship helps cover tuition fees and provides an allowance for books, equipment, and other academic needs.
Eligibility Criteria for AICTE Saksham Scholarship
To apply for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:
- Disability: The applicant must have a disability of 40% or more.
- Course: Must be admitted to the first year of a degree/diploma course in an AICTE-approved institution through centralized admission.
- Family Income: The annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8,00,000 per annum.
- Number of Scholarships: Every year, up to 1,000 scholarships are granted (500 for degree students, 500 for diploma students).
Scholarship Benefits for AICTE Saksham Scholarship
Students selected under the Saksham Scholarship scheme receive:
- Tuition Fee Reimbursement: Up to ₹30,000 per annum OR actual tuition fee (whichever is lower).
- Incidental Allowance: ₹20,000 per annum for books, stationery, equipment, software, etc.
- Duration: The scholarship is provided for the entire duration of the course (maximum 4 years for degree / 3 years for diploma).
How to Apply for AICTE Saksham Scholarship
The application process is completely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal.
- Register as a new user and fill in the required details.
- Select AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme from the list of available scholarships.
- Upload the required documents:
- Disability certificate issued by a competent authority
- Income certificate
- Admission proof in AICTE-approved institution
- Bank account details of the student
- Passport size photo & signature
- Submit the application online before the deadline.
How Indian Students Can Use Google Scholar for Study Abroad Research Projects
4. PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
The PMSS was launched in 2006.
The scheme was introduced to promote higher technical and professional education in India.
It extends support to the dependent wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen, CAPFs, and Assam Rifles.
Families of State Police Personnel martyred in terror or naxal attacks are also covered under this initiative.
The scheme is administered through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Key Benefits of PM Scholarship Scheme
- Scholarship Amount:
- ₹30,000 per annum for girls (₹3,000 per month)
- ₹36,000 per annum for boys (₹3,600 per month)
- The amount is credited directly into the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- The scholarship continues for the duration of the course (subject to renewal criteria).
Courses Covered under PM Scholarship Scheme
The PM Scholarship Scheme supports professional degree courses recognized by government regulatory bodies such as AICTE, UGC, MCI, BCI, etc.
Some of the eligible courses include:
- Engineering (BE, B.Tech)
- Medical (MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, B.Sc Nursing, etc.)
- MBA, MCA
- B.Ed, B.Pharma, BCA, BBA, and others
Note: The scheme does not cover diploma courses.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Scholarship Scheme
To apply for PMSS, students must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a ward/widow of ex-servicemen, CAPF, Assam Rifles, or State Police Personnel (as applicable).
- Must have secured at least 60% marks in 10+2, diploma, or graduation.
- Should be pursuing a professional degree course in a recognized institution.
- Students studying abroad or through distance learning are not eligible.
How to Apply for PM Scholarship Scheme?
The application process is completely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Steps to Apply:
- Register as a new user on the NSP portal.
- Fill in the required details and upload documents (marksheet, admission proof, service certificate, etc.).
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Track application status regularly on the portal.
Renewal of Scholarship for PM Scholarship Scheme
- Students must secure at least 50% marks in the previous academic year to renew their scholarship.
- Renewal applications must also be submitted on the NSP portal within the given timeframe.
5. Reliance Foundation UG & PG Scholarships
The Reliance Foundation UG & PG Scholarships aim to identify and support meritorious students from all corners of India.
Each year, thousands of students benefit from these programs, receiving mentorship, financial aid, and access to a strong alumni network.
- Undergraduate (UG) Scholarship: Focused on students from underprivileged or economically weaker backgrounds pursuing higher education.
- Postgraduate (PG) Scholarship: Targeted towards India’s brightest minds in the fields of technology, science, engineering, and other key disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria for Reliance Foundation UG & PG Scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarship (UG):
- Open to first-year undergraduate students across all streams.
- Household income criteria may apply (preference for students from low-income families).
- Academic excellence in Class 12 examinations.
Postgraduate Scholarship (PG):
- Open to first-year postgraduate students.
- Fields include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, law, medicine, business, and other professional courses.
- Strong academic record and potential for leadership.
Application Process for Reliance Foundation UG & PG Scholarships
- Online Application: Students need to apply via the official Reliance Foundation Scholarships portal.
- Document Submission: Includes academic transcripts, income certificate (for UG), and personal statement.
- Assessment: May involve aptitude tests, interviews, or essay submissions for shortlisted candidates.
- Final Selection: Based on merit, need, and overall potential.
📜 Eligibility Checklist
Most scholarships ask for:
- 60% or above in exams
- Income certificate (for need-based ones)
- Admission/offer letter (for abroad scholarships)
- Aadhaar-linked bank account
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- LOR (Recommendation Letter)
✍️ How to Write a Good SOP
- Tell your story simply – Who are you? Why this course?
- Show impact – Example of your work/project.
- Connect to India—How will you give back?
- Be specific – Mention professors, labs, or topics.
- Keep it short and clear – Avoid long, complex words.
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing deadline → Set 3 reminders.
- Wrong documents: Double-check before upload.
- Copy-paste SOP → Always write in your own words.
- Believing fake sites → Apply only via official portals.
📝 Application Plan
- Make a list – 2–3 India scholarships + 2–3 Abroad scholarships.
- Collect documents – Transcripts, Aadhaar, bank, income, and SOP.
- Apply early—don’t wait for the last day.
- Practice interviews – Ask teachers/seniors for mock interviews.
✅ Final Words on Top Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025: Complete Guide
Scholarships can change your life.
In 2025, Indian students have tons of opportunities both in India and abroad.
Start with NSP, AICTE, and Reliance Foundation for India.
Remember: apply early, keep documents ready, write your story, and stay confident.
