Pursuing higher education can be financially challenging for many students in India. Recognizing this, the Indian government offers a variety of scholarships to support meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. These scholarships aim to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations. Below is a comprehensive guide to some of the most prominent government scholarships available for Indian students.
1. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
Objective: To provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections, encouraging them to continue their education at the secondary stage and reduce dropout rates.
Eligibility:
- Students must be studying in Class 8 in government, local body, or government-aided schools.
- They should have secured at least 55% marks in Class 7 (relaxation of 5% for SC/ST students).
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹3.5 lakh.
Benefits:
- Selected students receive a scholarship amount of ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month) from Class 9 to Class 12.
Application Process:
- Interested students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
Selection Process:
- Candidates are selected based on their performance in the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) conducted by the respective state governments.
2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Objective: To provide financial assistance to meritorious students from low-income families to meet a part of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies.
Eligibility:
- Students who have scored above the 80th percentile in the relevant stream in Class 12 of the respective examination boards.
- They must be pursuing regular degree courses (not correspondence or distance mode) in recognized colleges or universities in India.
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
Benefits:
- ₹10,000 per annum for the first three years of undergraduate studies.
- ₹20,000 per annum for postgraduate studies.
- For professional courses, ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th years.
Application Process:
- Applications are to be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Renewal:
- Scholarships are renewed annually, subject to the student securing at least 50% marks in the previous examination and maintaining 75% attendance.
3. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
Objective: To provide assistance to girl students pursuing technical education, thereby promoting women’s participation in technical fields.
Eligibility:
- Female students admitted to the first year of a technical diploma/degree course in an AICTE-approved institution.
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.Ministry of Education
- Only two girls per family are eligible.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee reimbursement of ₹30,000 or actual, whichever is less.
- ₹2,000 per month for 10 months as incidental charges each year.
Application Process:
- Eligible candidates can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Selection Process:
- Selection is based on merit in the qualifying examination.
4. Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Objective: To support students with disabilities in pursuing post-secondary education.
Eligibility:
- Students with a disability of 40% or more, certified by a competent authority.
- They must be studying in Class 11 and above.
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
Benefits:
- Maintenance allowance ranging from ₹160 to ₹750 per month, depending on the level of study.
- Reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable fees.
- Book allowance and disability allowance ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 annually, depending on the type of disability.
Application Process:
- Applications can be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Renewal:
- The scholarship is renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance.Ministry of Education
5. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
Objective: To encourage ST students to pursue higher education by providing financial assistance for MPhil and PhD courses.
Eligibility:
- ST students who have passed post-graduation and are admitted or registered for regular full-time MPhil/PhD programs in recognized institutions.
- There is no income ceiling for eligibility.
Benefits:
- Fellowship amount similar to UGC fellowships: ₹25,000 per month for the initial two years (JRF) and ₹28,000 per month for the remaining tenure (SRF).
- Contingency grant, HRA, and escorts/reader assistance for physically handicapped and blind students as per UGC norms.
Application Process:
- Eligible candidates can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Selection Process:
- Selection is based on merit and the number of slots available.
Conclusion
The Indian government offers a plethora of scholarships aimed at supporting students from various backgrounds and disciplines. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also motivate students to excel academically. It is imperative for students and their guardians to stay informed about these opportunities
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