College tuition is generally high-priced; however, many students use funds by scholarships for college to pay for their education. Most colleges and universities offer scholarships to students every year through a variety of ways, including Merit, Income, Community, and Course-based.
This detailed guide has information on the following topics:
- Government scholarships for students
- 12th Grade Government Scholarships
- State & Automatic Scholarships
- Course Type Scholarships (Engineering, MBA, GEO, Medical, Science)
- Application Process for the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Top Private Scholarships
Table of Contents
- Government Scholarships for Students in India
- Scholarship for 12th Passed Students by the Government
- Scholarships for College & Undergraduate Students
- Course-Wise Scholarships in India
- Scholarships for Engineering Students
- MBA Scholarships
- Scholarships for Medical, Science & Commerce Students
- Post Matric Scholarship & State Scholarship Schemes
- Merit-Based & Minority Scholarships
- How to Apply for Scholarships in India (National Scholarship Portal – NSP Guide)
- Popular Private & Foundation Scholarships in India
- FAQs – Scholarships for College Students
- Conclusion
1. Government Scholarships for Students in India
For Indian students seeking to pay for their higher education, the best and most reliable source of funding is government-funded scholarships. The purpose of these scholarships is to help those who come from an economically disadvantaged background and/or those who distinguish themselves through excellent academic performance.
The most common types of Governmental scholarships available today are:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- Category-based scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)
These types of scholarships will greatly benefit students entering college who need financial assistance to complete their education.
2. Scholarship for 12th Passed Students by the Government
There are numerous government scholarships available for students who complete their 12th grade and wish to pursue higher education after high school graduation. Some of the most common scholarships are:
- Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) - This scholarship is available to the top 20% of students graduating from their 12th-grade class and will provide the student with ₹10,000/year for undergraduate studies and ₹20,000/year for postgraduate studies.
- INSPIRE Scholarship (Science Students) - This scholarship provides ₹80,000/year and is especially beneficial to students who are studying for either a BSc or an Integrated MSc degree.
These are ideal scholarships for undergraduate students starting college.
3. Scholarships for College & Undergraduate Students
A wide variety of college scholarships are offered to undergraduate students in all fields of study in India, including courses such as BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, etc.
To qualify for these scholarships, you will need to meet specific eligibility criteria, which typically include:
- Family income limits
- Your academic performance
- The course and institution through which you are pursuing your degree.
Scholarships will pay for tuition, hostel fees, and materials for study.
4. Course-Wise Scholarships in India
Scholarships for Engineering Students
- AICTE Pragati Scholarship (for girls)
- AICTE Saksham Scholarship
- Merit and state-level engineering scholarships
MBA Scholarships
- Merit-based MBA scholarships
- Institute-level fee waivers
- Private foundation scholarships
Scholarships for Medical, Science & Commerce Students
- INSPIRE Scholarship (Science)
- Minority scholarships
- Merit scholarships
Detailed guides for each course can be created as supporting blogs linking from this pillar page.
5. Post Matric Scholarship & State Scholarship Schemes
Scholarship After a Degree
- The scholarship for every degree course offered by the Indian Government is important in India.
- This type of scholarship is available to SC, ST, and OBC Students.
The government will contribute towards the course fees and provide an allowance for living expenses.
State-Sponsored Scholarships
- States can create their own scholarships for all types of students.
- For example:
- Maharashtra has a Post Matric scholarship and a Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship.
- Uttar Pradesh has a Dashmottar Scholarship.
- Tamil Nadu has a Backwards Class and the (MBC) scholarships available for First-Time College Students.
- In Karnataka, you can apply for either the SSP or Vidyasiri Scholarships.
- Scholarships can be applied for online through the filtered state scholarship portals or through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
6. Merit-Based & Minority Scholarships
Merit Scholarships
Awarded to students with excellent academic performance.
Minority Scholarships
Support students from minority communities, including Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi.
These scholarships encourage inclusive education.
7. How to Apply for Scholarships in India (NSP Guide)
Students typically apply for government funding or scholarships directly from the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The following steps are a comprehensive overview of the NSP process:
- Visit NSP
- Sign up for NSP using Aadhaar
- Enter all necessary information into the NSP Application Form.
- Upload required documentation (Aadhaar, Income Certificate, Caste Certificate [if required], Bank Details)
- Submit application; follow up on status.
8. Popular Private & Foundation Scholarships in India
Private organisations also provide free scholarships for students:
- FAEA Scholarship
- Reliance Foundation Scholarship
- Jindal Scholarship
- Colgate Scholarship
- Pragati Scholarship
These scholarships are competitive and usually have their own portals.
9. FAQs – Scholarships for College Students
Q1. Who can apply for government scholarships in India?
Students from Class 12, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels can apply.Q2. Can students apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but usually only one scholarship is awarded at a time.Q3. Are scholarships free for students?
Yes, most government scholarships for students are completely free.Q4. What is the National Scholarship Portal?
NSP is the official platform for applying to central and many state government scholarships in India.Q5. How do I apply for scholarships online?
Most scholarships can be applied for online via the National Scholarship Portal or official state/college websites.Q6. What documents are required to apply for scholarships in India?
Commonly required documents include an income certificate, caste/category certificate (if applicable), academic mark sheets, an Aadhaar card, bank account details, and a valid ID proof.Q7. Is there an income limit for government scholarships in India?
Yes, most government scholarships have an income limit, which varies based on the scholarship scheme, category, and level of education.Q8. Can private college students apply for government scholarships?
Yes, students studying in recognised private colleges and universities are eligible to apply for many government scholarships, subject to scheme guidelines.Q9. When is the best time to apply for scholarships in India?
The best time to apply is soon after the official notification is released, usually between July and December, to avoid missing deadlines.Q10. How can students check the status of their scholarship application?
Students can check their scholarship application status online through the National Scholarship Portal or the respective state scholarship website using their application ID.
Conclusion
There are many scholarships for college students in India; these include government, State Government, course-specific, as well as Private Scholarships. These Education Scholarships play an important role in reducing the financial burden of Higher Education and providing Quality Learning Opportunities. Students will have the best opportunity to obtain Financial Aid for College by reviewing the eligibility criteria for Scholarships, submitting their Applications early, and providing accurate Documentation with their Applications.
Make sure to bookmark this page and check back frequently for any updates on scholarship application deadlines 2026, the most recently added Scholarships Available for Students in India, as well as college scholarship application submission dates. Doing so will help ensure that you do not miss an opportunity to help support your college education.