Top 50 Scholarships for Indian Students 2026 – Complete List with Eligibility

Introduction

Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. This comprehensive list covers the top 50 scholarships available for Indian students pursuing education in India and abroad for 2026.

Government Scholarships in India

1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships

• Pre-Matric Scholarship: For students in Class 1-10 from minority communities
• Post-Matric Scholarship: For students pursuing Class 11 to PhD
• Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Based on merit and family income
• Eligibility: Indian nationality, family income criteria
• Amount: Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 25,000 per year
• Website: scholarships.gov.in

2. INSPIRE Scholarship (DST)

• For: Science students pursuing BSc/BS/Int. MSc
• Eligibility: Top 1% in Class 12 boards or rank in KVPY/JEE/NEET
• Amount: Rs. 80,000 per year (Rs. 60,000 scholarship + Rs. 20,000 mentorship)
• Duration: 5 years

3. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls

• For: Girl students in AICTE-approved technical institutions
• Amount: Rs. 50,000 per year
• Eligibility: Family income less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum
• Seats: Up to 5,000 girls per year

4. AICTE Saksham Scholarship

• For: Differently-abled students in technical education
• Amount: Rs. 50,000 per year
• Eligibility: At least 40% disability

5. Prime Ministers Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS)

• For: Students from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
• Amount: Tuition fee + Rs. 1 lakh per year maintenance
• Eligibility: Domicile of J&K/Ladakh

State Government Scholarships

6-15. State-wise Post-Matric Scholarships

• Maharashtra: Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC/SC/ST
• Karnataka: Post-Matric Scholarship for Backward Classes
• Tamil Nadu: BC/MBC Scholarship
• Kerala: E-grantz Scholarship
• Andhra Pradesh: Jagananna Vidya Deevena
• Telangana: Fee Reimbursement Scheme
• Gujarat: Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana
• Madhya Pradesh: Gaon Ki Beti Yojana
• Rajasthan: Chief Ministers Higher Education Scholarship
• West Bengal: Kanyashree Prakalpa

Scholarships for Study Abroad

16. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship

• For: Masters and PhD students going to USA
• Coverage: Fully funded – tuition, living, travel, health insurance
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Fields: All except medicine and law

17. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

• For: Masters students in UK universities
• Coverage: Fully funded – tuition, living, travel
• Eligibility: 2+ years work experience
• Deadline: Usually November

18. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

• For: Masters and PhD in Germany
• Amount: EUR 934/month for Masters, EUR 1,200/month for PhD
• Additional: Travel allowance, health insurance

19. Erasmus Mundus (Europe)

• For: Joint Masters programs in EU countries
• Coverage: Full tuition + EUR 1,400/month living
• Duration: 1-2 years

20. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

• For: Masters and PhD at UK universities
• Coverage: Fully funded
• Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries

21. Australia Awards Scholarship

• For: Masters and PhD in Australian universities
• Coverage: Full tuition, travel, living allowance
• Duration: 2-4 years

22. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

• For: PhD and Masters at University of Cambridge
• Coverage: Full cost of study
• Eligibility: Outstanding academics and leadership

23. Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford)

• For: Postgraduate study at Oxford University
• Coverage: Fully funded
• Selection: Highly competitive – academic excellence + leadership

Private and Corporate Scholarships

24. Tata Scholarship (Cornell University)

• For: Indian students for undergraduate at Cornell
• Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses
• Eligibility: Financial need-based

25. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship

• For: Postgraduate studies in India and abroad
• Amount: Up to Rs. 20 lakh (interest-free loan + grant)
• Fields: Science, Technology, Management, Social Sciences

26. JN Tata Endowment Scholarship

• For: Higher studies abroad
• Amount: Rs. 10 lakh as loan scholarship
• Eligibility: Graduate degree from recognized Indian university

27. Inlaks Scholarship

• For: Postgraduate studies in Europe and USA
• Coverage: Tuition up to $100,000 + living expenses
• Age limit: Under 30 years

28. KC Mahindra Scholarship

• For: Postgraduate studies abroad
• Amount: Rs. 8 lakh as interest-free loan
• Fields: Various disciplines

29. Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship

• For: Masters in Education
• Coverage: Tuition and living expenses
• Commitment: Work in education sector for 3 years

30. Reliance Foundation Scholarship

• For: Undergraduate students in various disciplines
• Amount: Rs. 2-6 lakh per year
• Fields: Engineering, Medicine, Law, Management

University-Specific Scholarships

31-40. Top University Scholarships

• IIT Scholarships: Institute Free Studentship, SC/ST Scholarship
• BITS Merit Scholarship: Based on BITSAT rank
• VIT University: Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
• Manipal University: Dr. TMA Pai Scholarship
• Amity University: Merit Scholarship
• SRM University: Founders Scholarship
• Ashoka University: Need-based Financial Aid
• IIIT Hyderabad: Merit Scholarship
• ISB: Need-based Scholarship
• IIM: Fee Waiver Program

How to Apply

General Tips

1. Start early – most deadlines are 6-12 months before course starts
2. Prepare documents: transcripts, recommendations, essays
3. Write compelling personal statements
4. Apply to multiple scholarships to increase chances
5. Track deadlines carefully
6. Follow up on applications

Common Documents Required

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (2-3)
• Statement of Purpose / Personal Essay
• Resume/CV
• Income certificate
• Caste certificate (for reserved category)
• Passport-size photographs
• ID proof

Note: Scholarship details and amounts may change. Always verify from official sources before applying.