Government Scholarships in India 2025: Category, Steps to Apply, Documents Required, Selection Criteria, Benefits

Applicants for the Pre Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities must be enrolled in a government or private school in India, studying from class 1st to class 10. This includes residential government institutions and accredited private institutions specified and apprised openly by the relevant State Government and Union Territory Administration. 

Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, offered by the Govt of India, is available to provide financial assistance to students with disabilities studying in Class 9 and 10. This scholarship scheme is offered through an online platform known as the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). 

Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities 2025 can be your guiding light in your educational quest. If you wish to benefit from this scholarship, you need to make sure that you meet all the necessary conditions of this scheme. As this scholarship is granted to students who belong to a minority community, you must belong to the minority group. This scholarship is offered to those scholars who are pursuing a post-matric course at a notified institution in India, such as a government or private school. The scholarship amounts are different, and you will be receiving according to your academic qualifications. More to that, you must not be availing of any other scholarship by the government if you wish to avail of the benefits of this particular scholarship scheme.

The Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2023-24 is available for students in classes XI, and XII as well as for students with Bachelors and Master’s Degrees, or diplomas from universities recognized by UGC/AICTE. 

The core objective of INSPIRE scholarship is to inspire young people in the country to pursue science education from an early age by demonstrating the excitement of engaging in creative scientific exploration. By doing this, it hopes to establish the crucial human resource pool of competent workers required to strengthen and increase the Science and Technology infrastructure and research and development capabilities.

Scholarships for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities 2023-24 is a scheme implemented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India. It provides financial support to disabled students are pursuing graduate/postgraduate/diploma level education. 

NSP has been established as a unified portal to encompass a wide array of scholarship schemes offered by both Central and State Governments. The objective of this portal is eliminating redundancy in the processing of scholarship applications and streamlining the system for greater efficiency while ensuring more direct and efficient disbursement of funds to deserving recipients.

Started from the academic year 2014-15, Ishan Uday is a special scholarship scheme for the students of North Eastern Region (NER). Under this scheme, NER students get financial assistance pursue general degree courses, technical and professional programmes, including medical and paramedical courses. A total of 10,000 fresh scholarships are disbursed every year as part of this scholarship programme.

 LIC Scholarship 2025 provides financial aid of up to INR 40,000 annually to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. Administered by the LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation, it supports students pursuing degree, diploma, vocational, and ITI courses. The program includes a General Scholarship and a Special Scholarship for Girl Child to promote education equity. Applicants must have at least 60% marks in their last qualifying exam and a family income not exceeding INR 2.5 lakh. Apply online via the LIC website to access this merit-based scholarship opportunity.

PFMS (Public Finance Management System) is platform that helps track the disbursement of funds under the programs/schemes offered by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Beneficiaries can monitor payment status of all central sector schemes and centrally-sponsored schemes.

The Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship 2023-24, introduced by the University Grants Commission, supports the education of single girl children in India. Explore its objectives, eligibility, application process, and key highlights.

Central Sector Scholarship scheme, initiated by the Department of Higher Education of MHRD, is a centrally-funded merit-cum-means scholarship. It is specifically designed to financially assist College and University students who come from economically underprivileged families.

Pragati Scholarship 2025 is a great initiative for female candidates looking for support to cover their educational expenses. This scholarship was initiated in the year 2014-2015, and to date, thousands of female students have been reaping the benefits of this scheme. Through the medium of this scholarship, you can get up to INR 50,000 which will help you cover the expenses of your education such as stationary, tuition fees, and all other relevant costs. If you want to get your hands on this scholarship scheme, you need to comply with the eligibility standards. Once you meet the eligibility conditions and are eligible, you can fill out the application form providing the crucial documents and info. Check out the eligibility criteria, make sure you are eligible, and apply for the scholarship before the deadline.

The Vidyasaarathi Scholarship program, Protean eGov Technologies Limited, has been launched for students belonging to the underprivileged sections of society. Through this scholarship, students can pursue further studies without worrying about the education expenses. 

The Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students is a programme aimed to financially support meritorious students from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, who wish to continue higher education after Class 12. 

Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme 2025, or MGSS, is an important effort launched by the Embassy of India in Nepal to assist Nepali students pursuing upper secondary education. This initiative offers financial help to meritorious Class XI students enrolled in recognized educational institutions throughout Nepal. The fellowship intends to foster academic performance while also easing financial difficulties for students from economically disadvantaged households. Applicants must meet severe eligibility standards, which include scoring at least 60% in their Class X examinations, having a family income of less than NRs. 2,00,000/- per year, and not getting any other scholarships. With a monthly payment of NRs. 2,000/- for two years, this scholarship allows students to continue their education while also strengthening educational and cultural relations between India and Nepal.

Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PM-USP) is a government initiative aimed at empowering students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh by providing scholarships for higher education. The scheme covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other essential expenses for eligible students pursuing general, professional, or medical courses outside these Union Territories. With 5,000 fresh scholarships awarded annually, it ensures financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds.

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025 aims to provide financial assistance to students from marginalised communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Tribes, and Landless Agricultural Labourers, to pursue higher education abroad. The scheme supports Master’s and Ph.D. programs at top QS-ranked institutions, covering tuition fees, living expenses, medical insurance, and airfare. With 125 scholarships awarded annually, NOS ensures equitable access to world-class education, with a focus on gender equity and merit-based selection. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a family income limit of INR 8.00 lakh per annum.

PG Scholarship for Professional Courses for SC/ST candidates 2025 is designed to provide financial assistance to students from marginalised communities pursuing postgraduate studies in professional disciplines such as Engineering, Technology, Management, and Pharmacy. The scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers, enabling students to focus on their education without worrying about tuition or living expenses. This initiative promotes social equity by ensuring access to quality education for SC/ST students at recognised universities and institutions. The scholarship covers significant academic costs, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in high-demand industries. It also fosters a more inclusive academic environment, helping to bridge the gap in higher education opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. With a tenure of up to two years, the scholarship ensures that students are supported throughout their postgraduate studies, preparing them for competitive careers and long-term success.

The Indian government launched the Prime Minister Research Fellowship 2025 to enhance the quality of research in higher education institutions. The initiative aims to attract outstanding talent by providing attractive fellowships for research scholars. PMRF encompasses students from prestigious institutions such as IITs, IISCRs, the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, and selected central universities/NITs offering science or technology degrees.

Lakshadweep Scholarship Scheme 2025 is a great initiative proposed by The Department of Education subject to the Ministry of Human Resource Development. This scholarship aims to support the students of Lakshadweep in pursuing their education. The main motive for launching this scheme was to ensure that meritorious candidates could get their hands on quality education. With that said; students who struggle with their studies due to financial constraints can finally get a chance to work on their abilities. This scholarship strives to fulfil the lack of financial resources in a student's life. If you are interested in getting enrolled for this scholarship and moving on with your studies, keep reading. Below you will get all the necessary details including eligibility, important dates, required documents, the application process and much more.

The National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST (Scheduled Tribe) Students is a government initiative aimed at promoting higher education among ST students. The fellowship provides financial assistance to help students pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies at recognized institutions across India. The scholarship scheme covers tuition fees, books, and living expenses, ensuring that ST students have equal access to educational opportunities. This initiative is designed to empower marginalized communities, reduce educational disparities, and foster overall social and economic development by encouraging ST students to excel in academics and contribute to society’s progress.

The AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme 2025 provides aid and inspiration to orphans and wards of parents who died as a result of COVID-19, as well as children of Armed Forces and Central Paramilitary Forces who were killed in the pursuit of education (Shaheed). This is an effort to provide each such youngster with the opportunity to continue additional studies and prepare for a successful future by learning in AICTE-accredited institutions and classes.

The British Council has announced the GREAT Scholarships 2025, allowing Indian students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK across many professions. The GREAT Scholarships 2025, launched in collaboration with the UK government's GREAT Britain campaign, will provide up to 26 scholarships in India from UK universities across a wide range of fields. Notably, each scholarship covers at least GBP 10,000 in tuition costs for a variety of one-year taught postgraduate courses in the academic year 2025. The initiative encourages talented individuals from India to enhance their skills, gain global perspectives, and contribute to both Indian and international societies.

The UGC Emeritus Fellowship 2025 is a distinguished initiative launched by India's University Grants Commission (UGC) to provide elderly professors and researchers with the option to continue their academic careers beyond retirement. This fellowship is offered to highly experienced and recognised researchers from all fields, allowing them to pursue advanced research and teaching without regard for position or compensation. The initiative fosters elderly academicians' contributions to knowledge advancement and academic growth in Indian universities. Eligible candidates must be retired academic members from reputable institutions with a distinguished research record. Applications for the UGC Emeritus Fellowship 2025 may be filed online via the UGC site.

Chatravriti Scholarship Yojana 2025 allows dependent scholars to complete their studies without stressing about financial hurdles. Launched by the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, this scholarship scheme intends to provide quality education opportunities through financial support to widows or wards of central armed forces struggling with their financial condition. Lakhs of students have transformed their lives and attained their educational aspirations with the help of this scholarship scheme. All the dependent children, if they satisfy the eligibility standards, can apply for this scholarship scheme and gain monetary assistance to complete their educational quest. If you wish to apply for this scholarship, you will need to go through the eligibility criteria to see if you meet the eligibility conditions.

The aim of the Samaj Kalyan Vibhag Scholarship 2025 is to provide financial aid to students belonging to different categories based on merit. The Department of Social Welfare takes this initiative to provide complete entire accessibility to education, particularly among students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and economically weaker sections. In India, state governments provide scholarships under a program of the Department of Social Welfare covering tuition, maintenance allowances, and other expenses associated with education. Such scholarships are open to students of schools, colleges, and universities falling under the specified age group. To apply, a candidate has to register themselves on the respective official state scholarship portals. Normally, the applicant has to meet the specified conditions including family income limits, marks, and categories.

MEXT scholarship, also known as Monbukagakusho, sought to foster a healthy relationship between Japan and other countries, particularly economically disadvantaged ones. This Japanese government-sponsored plan provides students with an exclusive opportunity to pursue higher education at Japan's best institutions and colleges. Meritorious students dreaming of enrolling in the world's best colleges frequently encounter a common roadblock: insufficient financial support; MEXT serves as the messiah for such students. MEXT offers seven scholarships: Young Leader, Undergraduate, Research, College of Technology, Special Training, Teacher Training, and Japanese Studies. If you want to pursue your ambition of attending a top institution in Japan, you need first learn about the many sorts, importance, application procedure, and eligibility so that you can make an informed selection.

The Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships 2025 offer Indian scholars the opportunity to conduct part of their PhD research in the United States. Awarded by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), these fellowships provide funding for 6 to 9 months, covering tuition, fees, a living stipend, round-trip airfare, and other research-related expenses. The program supports advanced research in diverse fields such as science, technology, humanities, and social sciences. Fellows gain access to world-class academic resources, professional networks, and collaboration with American scholars, enhancing their research expertise. If you are an Indian doctoral student seeking to expand your research opportunities, this fellowship is an excellent chance to engage with the global academic community. This guide covers eligibility criteria, the application process, and key benefits.

The Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship 2025 is a renowned, merit-based fellowship given annually to an Indian scholar.  The Government of India funds this fellowship, which allows the recipient to study or do research at St. Antony's College in Oxford as a Junior Research Fellow.  The fellowship is intended to foster specialization in Modern Indian Studies within the fields of History, Political Science, and Economics. You must have a steady academic record of at least 60% in your post-graduate studies, as well as a PhD in your chosen area or published works of comparable merit that have earned considerable attention.

Commonwealth Scholarships 2025 intends to support scholars who possess the ability and potential to make a positive impact on the global stage. This scholarship is the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth. Each year, around 700 scholars receive the opportunity to complete their further education at the reputable universities of the UK. To date, a lot of scholars have benefited from this opportunity and accomplished their education. If you believe that you have the potential to influence the global stage in a positive way, you can apply for this scholarship scheme. However, this program intends to back up those students who do not possess the financial resources to afford their educational expenses in the UK. Therefore, if you meet such criteria, only then you will be able to apply for this scholarship.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 is intended for international students aspiring to pursue undergraduate, master's, or doctoral programs in India. It is offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), under the Ministry of External Affairs. The scholarship comprises tuition fees, airfare on a return ticket, AC train fare, and INR 5 lakh medical insurance cover. Applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency and academic excellence. The age limit is 18 to 40 years for UG/PG and up to 50 years for Ph.D. programs. Students can apply online through the ICCR A2A portal to five universities of their choice in India. The scheme aims at promoting international cultural exchange and thus provides access to the best educational institutions in India, excluding the areas of medicine and law.

Labour Card Scholarship 2025 is a government-funded scheme by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to support the education of children from unorganised sector workers. It benefits students from Class 1 to professional courses, offering financial aid ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 25,000. The scholarship covers children of Beedi, Mine (IOMC, LSDM), and Cine workers. Applications are accepted online through the National Scholarship Portal. This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage higher education by providing financial stability. Additional state-level benefits, such as healthcare and maternity support, are also available to eligible families.