Introduction
Education in India has become more expensive with time, but scholarships continue to bridge the gap for deserving students. Whether you are a school student, college aspirant, or pursuing higher studies abroad, several Indian scholarships in 2025 can help you achieve your dreams without financial stress.
This guide covers the top scholarships in India 2025, their eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application process — so you can apply confidently and on time.
1. Government Scholarships in India 2025
The Indian government offers a variety of scholarships for students belonging to different categories — including merit-based, need-based, and minority-focused schemes. Here are some of the top ones:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Funding / Amount | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) | Students of Class 8 from government schools with family income below ₹3.5 lakh/year | ₹12,000 per annum | Apply through your state’s official education portal or NSP (National Scholarship Portal) |
| Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC | Students from SC, ST, or OBC categories pursuing post-matric studies | ₹2,000–₹15,000 per year depending on the course | Apply on scholarships.gov.in |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) | Students scoring above 80% in Class 12 and studying in recognized colleges | ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year | Apply via NSP |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship (for Girls) | Female students in AICTE-approved technical courses | ₹50,000 per annum | Apply on aicte-india.org |
| Maulana Azad National Scholarship (MANF) | Minority students pursuing higher studies | ₹25,000 per month (fellowship) | Apply on NSP or UGC portal |
2. State Government Scholarships
Many state governments in India also offer scholarships to support local students.
Here are some examples:
| State | Scholarship Name | Amount | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 | mahadbtmahait.gov.in |
| West Bengal | Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | ₹12,000 – ₹60,000 | svmcm.wbhed.gov.in |
| Tamil Nadu | BC/MBC/DNC Scholarship | ₹2,000 – ₹7,500 | tn.gov.in/scholarships |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP Scholarship (Pre-Matric & Post-Matric) | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 | scholarship.up.gov.in |
| Kerala | DCE Kerala Scholarships | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 | dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in |
3. Private & NGO Scholarships 2025
Apart from government schemes, several private organizations and NGOs provide scholarships to help bright students from underprivileged backgrounds.
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Eligibility | Funding / Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Scholarship | Tata Trusts | Students with strong academics from low-income families | Full or partial tuition support |
| Aditya Birla Scholarship | Aditya Birla Group | Students in IITs, IIMs, BITS Pilani, and top law colleges | ₹1,80,000 per year |
| Reliance Foundation Scholarship | Reliance Foundation | UG & PG students in India | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 per year |
| HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship | HDFC Bank | Students facing sudden financial hardship | ₹10,000 – ₹75,000 |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship | Inlaks Foundation | Indian students pursuing higher education abroad | Up to USD 100,000 |
4. Eligibility Criteria (General Guidelines)
While each scholarship has its own eligibility rules, here are some common requirements most applicants must meet:
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Must be an Indian citizen.
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Should have good academic performance.
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Annual family income should generally be below ₹2 – ₹8 lakh, depending on the scheme.
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Students must be enrolled in recognized institutions.
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Some scholarships are limited to specific genders, communities, or states.
5. How to Apply for Scholarships in 2025
Most scholarships in India can be applied online through official portals like:
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National Scholarship Portal (NSP): www.scholarships.gov.in
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State Scholarship Portals – Visit your state’s education department website.
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University/College Websites – Some universities have their own internal application process.
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Private Organization Websites – For corporate or NGO-based scholarships.
Documents usually required:
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Aadhaar Card or valid ID proof
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Income certificate
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Academic mark sheets
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Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
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Bank account details
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Recent passport-size photograph
6. Important Tips for Applicants
✅ Apply before the deadline — most portals close by December or January.
✅ Double-check eligibility and attach all required documents.
✅ Keep a copy of the application receipt or acknowledgement number.
✅ Beware of fake scholarship links — always apply through official websites only.
✅ Track your application status regularly on the portal.
Conclusion
Indian Scholarships 2025 offer an excellent chance for students to pursue their education without financial constraints. With dozens of central, state, and private opportunities available, every deserving student can find support.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t wait — apply now and take one step closer to achieving your academic goals