In India we have lot of students, offers a large number of scholarships to support education across all levels, from KG to PG and for researches. Scholarships in India are funded by government organizations, private organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions. They help reduce the financial pressure and burden on students and promote equal access and valuable education to every student.
Types of scholarships in INDIA
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance, talent, or excellence in a specific field.
Examples:
- INSPIRE Scholarship (offered by the Department of Science and Technology): For students pursuing natural and basic sciences.
- KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana): For students interested in research careers in basic sciences.
- CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme: For single girl children with outstanding academic records.
2. Need-Based (Means-Based) Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to support students from economically weaker sections of society, irrespective of their academic performance.
Examples:
- NSP Post-Matric Scholarship (for SC/ST/OBC/Minority students): Provided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship: For students from low-income families.
- EWS Scholarship: For students from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) of society.
3. Talent-Based Scholarships
These are offered to students with exceptional abilities in fields like sports, music, dance, arts, or other extracurricular areas.
Examples:
- National Talent Search Examination (NTSE): Conducted by NCERT for students with high intellectual and academic abilities.
- Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (by CCRT): For students with artistic talent in traditional forms of music, dance, or craft.
- Sports Authority of India (SAI) Scholarships: For athletes and sports students.
4. Category-Specific Scholarships
These are aimed at supporting students belonging to specific communities or categories such as SC/ST, OBC, minorities, and differently-abled students.
Examples:
- Maulana Azad National Fellowship: For minority students pursuing higher education.
- Post-Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students: Provided by both central and state governments.
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities: For differently-abled students in classes 9 and 10.
5. Gender-Based Scholarships
Specially designed to empower and encourage education among girls and women.
Examples:
- CBSE Udaan Scheme: For girls pursuing engineering preparation.
- Pragati Scholarship Scheme (by AICTE): For girl students pursuing technical education.
- Savitribai Phule Scholarship: For girl students in Maharashtra.
6. Institutional Scholarships
Many universities and colleges offer scholarships to students enrolled in their programs based on merit or financial need.
Examples:
- IITs and NITs: Provide various scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Ashoka University/OP Jindal University Scholarships: Based on merit and financial background.
- Scholarships by Amity, SRM, VIT, and other private universities.
7. International Scholarships for Indian Students
These scholarships support Indian students to study abroad and are either government-sponsored or offered by foreign institutions.
Examples:
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
- Rhodes Scholarship (for Oxford University)
How to Apply for Scholarships in India
Most government scholarships are available on:
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in
- State government education portals
Private and international scholarships usually have their own dedicated websites for application and updates.
