Top 25 Scholarships for Indian Students in 2026

## Why Apply for Scholarships? The cost of higher education in India and abroad has risen significantly. Scholarships not only reduce financial burden but also add prestige to your academic profile. This guide covers 25 scholarships available for Indian students in 2026. ## Government of India Scholarships ### National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes ### Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students - **Eligibility**: Top 1% of Class 12 results in each board - **Award**: INR 10,000 per year for undergraduate studies - **Application**: Through NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) ### Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students - **Eligibility**: SC/ST/OBC students with family income below INR 2.5 lakh - **Award**: Full tuition fee coverage plus maintenance allowance - **Duration**: Entire duration of the course ### AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls - **Eligibility**: Girl students in AICTE-approved institutions - **Award**: INR 50,000 per year - **Number of awards**: 5,000 per year ## International Scholarships for Indian Students ### 1. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship (USA) Fully-funded master's and doctoral fellowships for Indian students to study in the United States. Covers tuition, airfare, living expenses, and health insurance. ### 2. Chevening Scholarships (UK) Fully-funded one-year master's scholarships for outstanding professionals. Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and additional grants. ### 3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany) Various scholarships for German universities covering master's and PhD programs. Includes monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel allowance. ### 4. Erasmus+ (Europe) Joint master's degree programs across multiple European universities with full funding including tuition, living expenses, and travel. ### 5. Australia Awards Fully funded scholarships for study at Australian universities focusing on development priorities. ## Merit-Based Scholarships ### 1. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) For students interested in basic sciences. Provides a monthly stipend up to INR 5,000 and annual contingency grant. ### 2. Tata Scholarships Various scholarships for engineering, medical, and law students across India. ## Application Tips - Start early - many scholarships have deadlines 6-12 months before the course start date - Prepare strong recommendation letters - Write compelling personal statements - Research each scholarship's specific requirements - Apply to multiple scholarships to increase chances ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously? Yes, applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving funding. ### Do scholarships cover living expenses? Some scholarships (like Fulbright and Chevening) cover full living expenses, while others only cover tuition. ### What is the ideal time to start applying? Start researching 12-18 months before your intended start date and begin applications 6-8 months before deadlines.