Scholarships in India are a boon for students constantly looking for financial aid to support their education. Several factors affect the educational landscape in India. These factors include the availability of educational resources, affordability, and a child’s willingness to continue education. However, the child’s willingness to continue education often depends on the financial conditions of the family. Many-a-times, a child may wish to continue education but has to drop out of school due to financial constraints. It shatters their dreams and lands them into some odd jobs to support their families. Moreover, financial constraints may lead to an increase in the number of child labour. Children who drop out of school often work as child labourers to support their families. Also, the minimum wages they receive are very less in comparison to the work they do.
Scholarships in India act as financial assistance for students whose parents cannot afford their educational expenses. Different types of scholarships may serve different purposes. On one hand, some scholarships offer tuition fees waivers while on the other hand, some help with the daily education expenditure. For instance, the Auro Scholar micro-scholarships program helps students get micro-scholarships of up to ₹1000 per month. Students can take online quizzes to get micro-scholarship and use them to fulfil their small educational needs. They can buy books, notebooks, bags and other stationery items with the scholarship amount.
In our blog onScholarships in India: Top 7 Scholarships to Choose From and Top 5 Scholarships for Indian Students, we mentioned some popular scholarships available in India. Read further to discover some more scholarship options to consider.
Scholarships in India: More Option to Discover
1. NEC Merit Scholarship
The NEC Merit Scholarships in India provides financial assistance to students from the North-East region of the country. Students pursuing any Diploma, Degree, Postgraduate, M.Phil, or Ph.D programme at any recognized Indian educational institution can apply for this scholarship. The applicants can receive a stipend of up to INR 30,000 per annum under this scholarship program. The eligibility criteria state that the applicant:
- Is a permanent resident of any of the North-Eastern States
- Get admission in any Diploma, Degree, Postgraduate, M.Phil, or PhD programme
- Scores a minimum of 60% marks in Senior Secondary from a recognized State/Central Board
- Have passed a Degree level examination from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate
- Also holds a PG Degree from a recognized University with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks
2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships offers financial assistance to students for pursuing higher education. Students belonging to economically backward sections of society can apply for this scholarship. The Department of Higher Education introduced these scholarships in India so that students from weaker sections can pursue higher education. Another benefit of this scholarship is that students can apply for a renewal to avail the benefits for up to 5 years. The eligibility criteria for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships in India are as follows:
- Applicant must be between 18 to 25 years of age
- The applicant must have completed education up to Senior Secondary
- Candidate must be in the top 20 percentile in relevant class 12 stream
- The applicant must be pursuing a regular college
- Also, the annual family income of the applicant must be less than 8 lakh per annum
3. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
The National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education is an initiative to help ST students pursue professional courses. Students can pursue Graduate, Post Graduate, M.Phil, or PhD level courses with the help of these scholarships in India. This program offers both scholarships and fellowships. The applicants can choose either of them as per their preference and course choice.
The eligibility criteria for Fellowship requires that:
- The applicant must have passed the Post Graduation examinations
- They must take admission or register for a regular full-time M.Phil or PhD degree programme in an institution recognized by UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act/ICAR
- Also, the applicant must fulfil the UGC/ICAR norms for qualifying
The eligibility criteria for Scholarships states that:
- The applicant must take admission in the institution identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- And the annual income of the applicant must be less than INR 6 Lakh
4. Aam Admi Bima Yojana Scholarships for Andhra Pradesh
The Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY) Scholarship is a scheme under the Government of India Group Insurance in Andhra Pradesh. The Department of Financial Services runs this scheme to provide social security to rural landless farmers. The AABY Scholarship provides insurance coverage to the Head of the family to cover the family expenses after their demise. The benefits are available in case of permanent disability or death of the earning member of the family. Additionally, a maximum of 2 children studying in class from 9th to 12th can avail the benefits of the scholarships in India. Each child gets INR 100 as an annual scholarship benefit. The eligibility criteria for the Aam Admi Bima Yojana Scholarships in India is as follows:
- The applicant must be above 18 years of age
- Applicant must be less than 59 years of age
- The applicant must fall under the category of Below Poverty Line
- Also, the students must be studying in classes 9 to 12
5. Merit cum Merit Scholarships for Professional and Technical Courses
The Merit cum Merit Scholarships for Professional and Technical Courses is an initiative to uplift minority students. It supports students pursuing technical or professional courses at the Undergraduate or Postgraduate levels. Also, these scholarships in India aim to provide suitable financial assistance to meritorious students from underprivileged communities. The benefits of this scholarship program include an annual course fee of INR 20,000 or actual, whichever is less. Also, hostellers get a maintenance allowance of INR 1,000 while day scholars get INR 500 per 10 months annually. In order to be eligible for these scholarships in India, an applicant must:
- Belong to any of the minority communities
- Pursue a technical or professional course from a recognized institution at the UG or PG level
- Have a score of at least 50% marks or equivalent in the previous final examinations
- Possess an annual family income less than INR 2.50 Lakh, including all sources
- Also have secured at least 50% in class 12 or Graduation, or get admission through a competitive entrance examination
