Top 10 Indian Government Scholarships: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply

10 Top Government Scholarships

Table of Contents

The Indian government offers a range of scholarships to support students across various disciplines. Notable among these are the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) for meritorious students, the Maulana Azad National Scholarship (MNNS) for minority students, and the AICTE Pragati Scholarship for girl students in technical education. Here we will look into to top government scholarships in India.

Additionally, the AICTE Saksham Scholarship provides financial assistance to differently-abled students pursuing technical courses, while the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) supports top-tier research scholars in Ph.D. programs. These scholarships are designed to promote inclusivity and excellence in education across the country.

The Indian government plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the country, and its commitment to empowering students is evident through a wide range of schemes and scholarships. 

These initiatives are not just about financial aid; they represent a broader vision of nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and building a strong, educated workforce that can drive the nation’s development.

From British to 78th year of Independence:

The concept of scholarships in India can be traced back to the British colonial period when limited scholarships were offered to students, primarily from elite and affluent backgrounds, to study in the UK. These scholarships were aimed at creating a cadre of educated Indians who could assist in the administration of the colony. However, access to these scholarships was restricted, with only a handful of privileged individuals benefiting from them.

Post-independence, the newly-formed Indian government recognized the need for a more inclusive approach to education. The importance of education for all was highlighted by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who emphasized the need for state intervention in promoting education among marginalized communities. 

This period saw the introduction of several government scholarships aimed at supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other socially and economically weaker sections.

The 1950s and 60s marked a significant expansion of scholarship schemes in India, as the government sought to make education more accessible to all segments of society. The National Scholarship Scheme, introduced in 1961, was one of the earliest nationwide programs aimed at providing financial aid to meritorious students across various educational levels. This scheme set the foundation for future scholarship programs by emphasizing merit-based financial support.

During this period, specific scholarships for SC/ST students were also introduced, recognizing the need for targeted interventions to address historical injustices and social disparities. The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, launched in 1944 and expanded post-independence, became a cornerstone of government efforts to support higher education among these communities.

The 1980s and 90s saw further diversification of scholarships, with the government introducing schemes to promote education among minorities and women. The Maulana Azad National Scholarship for girls from minority communities, launched in the 1990s, was a significant step toward empowering these groups through education.

The 21st century has witnessed a significant transformation in the scope and reach of government scholarships in India. With the advent of technology and the growing recognition of education as a key driver of national development, the government has introduced several innovative scholarship schemes to cater to the diverse needs of students.

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS), launched in 2008, is one of the most prominent modern-day initiatives. It provides financial support to meritorious students from low-income families, helping them pursue higher education across various streams. This scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent deserving students from achieving their academic goals.

The AICTE Pragati and Saksham scholarships, introduced in the 2010s, further exemplify the government’s focus on inclusivity. Pragati supports girl students in technical education, while Saksham aids differently-abled students, ensuring that education is accessible to all.

In recent years, the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF), launched in 2018, has emerged as a flagship program for promoting high-quality research in India. It aims to attract the best talent to doctoral programs in India, thereby fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in the country’s higher education institutions.

The Indian government’s role in education through its various schemes and scholarships is a testament to its commitment to empowering generations. By ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed, these initiatives help in building a more inclusive and progressive society.

Top 10 Government and Semi-Government Scholarships Provided:

1. Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS):

This scholarship is for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are studying further after Class VIII in either government or recognized private institutions. This is one of the top government scholarships.

It includes payment for the entire tuition fee, hostel expenses, and a yearly maintenance allowance.

  • Eligibility: College and University students who have done exceptionally well in their studies (roughly around 20% or higher in 12th grade) and can prove they come from financially struggling families (annual household income less than Rs. 8 lakhs)
  • Benefits: This Scholarship offers an annual amount of 10,000 – 20,000.
  • Interested applicants can visit this link: https://scholarships.gov.in/

2. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS):

This scholarship is for students whose families earn less than Rs. 1.5 Lakh annually. It’s given to students in classes from IX-XII, depending on how they performed in the exams of the previous year. This is one of the top government scholarships. This is one of the top government scholarships.

  • Eligibility: Students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds (annual family income below Rs. 1.5 lakh) studying in classes 9 to 12. Selection is based on both academic merit and financial need.
  • Benefits: Students can get financial support up to Rs. 12,000 per year.
  • Interested applicants can visit this link: https://scholarships.gov.in/ApplicationForm/#/login

3. AICTE Pragati Scheme:

This scholarship is for female students who are studying technical subjects at diploma and undergraduate levels. It offers financial support to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This is one of the top government scholarships.

4. AICTE Saksham Scholarship:

This scholarship is designed for students with disabilities who are studying technical subjects. It offers financial aid to help with tuition fees and other related expenses. This is one of the top government scholarships.

5. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF):

This scholarship is for students undertaking a PhD in fields like science, technology, mathematics (STEM), social sciences, Law, and humanities. It offers a generous scholarship and contingency grant. This is one of the top government scholarships in India.

  • Eligibility: Open to Ph.D. students enrolled in the above-mentioned subjects and fields.
  • Benefits: Provides a fellowship of up to Rs. 10.92 lakhs annually for 4 years. Half of the funding comes from the government, while the rest is sponsored by the industry partner.
  • Interested participants can visit this link: https://www.pmrf.in/ 

6. Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship:

Ministry of Human Resource Development administers Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship which is fully funded by the Government of India. The selected fellow is placed at St. Antony College, University of Oxford London. The status of the candidate would be equivalent to that of a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford.

Duration of the fellowship: The fellowship is tenable for one year in the first instance, which can be extended by one year more on the basis of the performance of the candidate.

  • Eligibility: Candidates should have a uniform academic record with 60% (at least) in Post Graduation and with a PhD degree in the subject field chosen or published works of equivalent merit, that have received outstanding recognition. 

This Fellowship is intended for a young scholar between the ages of 30 and 40 years who has bent to pursuing an academic career and has specialized in one of the following subjects: (1) History, (2) Economics, and (3) Political Science. 

  • Experience: A minimum of three years teaching experience at the Graduate/Postgraduate level after completing PhD as on the date specified in the public notice.
  • Benefits: The candidate is given economy-class air passage (both ways). Only the spouse of the selected candidate is provided Economy Class airfare provided he/she stays in the UK with the scholar for a continuous period of one year. (As the fellowship amount is sufficient for only one person, the candidate will have to meet the expenditure on maintenance of spouse).
  • Interested participants can visit this link: https://www.education.gov.in/ms-agatha-harrison-memorial-fellowship-2017-18

7. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship:

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are designed for highly motivated individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of professional work experience, and are committed to returning and contributing to their communities in India.

These fellowships are awarded for up to two years to pursue a master’s degree at U.S. colleges and universities in the areas of Economics; Environmental Science/Studies; Higher Education Administration; International Affairs; International Legal Studies; Journalism and Mass Communication; Public Administration; Public Health; Urban and Regional Planning; and Women’s Studies/Gender Studies.

  • Eligibility: Indian students must have completed their undergraduate degree from a recognized institution, that is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree such as:
  1. Four-year bachelor’s degree; or
  2. Completed master’s degree, or
  3. Full-time postgraduate diploma ( if UG degree is of less than four years duration)
  4. Applicants who fulfill this basic requirement must verify the eligibility criteria mentioned below:
  1. Academic Qualification: Minimum 55% or higher in an undergraduate degree
  2. Skills: Leadership skills and community service experience.
  3. Professional Experience: Minimum of 3 years full-time (paid) experience in the related field of study.
  4. Language Proficiency: Minimum acceptable IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score.
  5. For the language test waiver, students must contact the USIEF.
  • Benefits: The fellowship will provide J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class air travel from the fellow’s home city to the host institution in the U.S., funding for tuition and fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines.*

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships provide no financial support for dependents.

USIEF funding may not cover all costs and the fellow may need to supplement grant benefits with other resources.

  • Interested applicants can visit this link: Link

8. Dr Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies:

The objective of the scheme is to award interest subsidies to meritorious students belonging to the Other Backward Classes and Economically Backward Classes so as to provide them with better opportunities for higher education abroad and enhance their employability. This is one of the top government scholarships.

This is a Central Sector Scheme to provide interest subsidy to the student belonging to the OBCs and EBCs on the interest payable for the period of the moratorium for the Education Loans for overseas studies to pursue approved courses of studies abroad at Masters, M.Phil., and Ph.D. level.

  • Eligibility: The students should have secured admission in the approved courses at Masters, M.Phil., or Ph.D. levels abroad for the courses:
  1. Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences
  2. Commerce
  3. Pure Sciences
  4. Engineering
  5. Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering
  6. Industrial Environmental Engineering
  7. Nano-Technology
  8. Marine Engineering
  9. Petro-chemical Engineering
  10. Plastic Technology
  11. Cryogenic Engineering
  12. Mechatronics
  13. Automation Robotics including artificial intelligence
  14. Laser Technology
  15. Low Temperature Thermal Dynamics
  16. Optometry
  17. Art Restoration Technology
  18. Dock and Harbour Engineering
  19. Imaging System Technology
  20. Composite Materials Engineering including Decentralized power Distribution (for Solar Heat) system, Energy Storage Engineering, Energy Conservation, and Energy Efficient Habitat.
  21. Packaging Engineering/Technology
  22. Nuclear Engineering
  23. Information Technology including Computer Engineering, Software, Software Quality Assurance, Networking/ConnectivityEngineering, Communication systems under Hazardousor Post Disaster conditions, and Multimedia Communication.
  24. Industrial Safety Engineering
  25. Agriculture &Agrotechnology
  26. Agronomy
  27. Medical
  28. Floriculture & Landscaping
  29. Food Sciences & Technology
  30. Forestry & Natural Resources
  31. Horticulture
  32. Plant Pathology
  33. Energy Studies
  34. Farm Power & Machinery
  35. Veterinary Sciences
  36. Soils & Water Management
  37. Plant Breeding & Genetics
  38. Small-scale Rural Technology
  39. Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences
  40.  MBA
  41. MCA
  42. Any other Subject—-*

Subject may be deleted or added by the Ministry from time to time as situation demands.

  • Benefits: Under the scheme, interest payable by the students availing the education loans of the IBA for the period of moratorium (i.e. course period, plus one year or six months after getting a job, whichever is earlier) as prescribed under the Education Loan Scheme of the IBA, shall be borne by the Government of India. For a student, the eligible loan component shall be the actual loan taken subject to a maximum of ₹ 20,00,000 for the purpose of an Interest subsidy claim.
  • Interested applicants can visit this link: https://canarabankcsis.in/ACSIS/ 

9. National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students:

The National Overseas Scholarship aims to empower low-income students from marginalized communities, including the Scheduled Castes (SC), DE notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. The scholarship supports their pursuit of higher education, such as Master’s degree or Ph.D. courses, by providing opportunities to study abroad, ultimately contributing to their economic and social upliftment.

  • Eligibility: In order to be eligible for the scholarship, at least 60% marks or equivalent grades in the qualifying examination would be required. In the case of Ph. D courses, the qualifying exam would be a Master’s Degree, and for Master’s Degree courses, the qualifying examination would be a Bachelor’s Degree. 

In case a student has completed a Bachelor of Engineering after completing the Diploma (Lateral Entry to 2nd year), the percentage of marks obtained in the Bachelor’s degree will be taken into account. 

For any University, the percentage would be calculated on the basis of the marks obtained by the applicant in various semesters/ terms. Marksheet for all semesters is to be provided. 

Wherein the University provides only the CGPA and not the numerical marks, a formula for conversion of CGPA to numerical marks bearing authentication by the University should invariably be provided. In case marksheets for all semesters/terms are not submitted with the application form the candidature of the applicant will be rejected. 

Likewise, if the formula of conversion of CGPA (wherever applicable) is not submitted by the applicant with his application form, the candidature will be rejected. No representations, in this regard, in either case, will be entertained.

Not more than 35 (Thirty-Five) years, as on the first day of April for the selection year.

Total family income from all sources shall not exceed Rs. 8.00 lakh per annum in the preceding financial year as detailed in para 8 c of these guidelines. The income certificate should be issued by a Revenue Officer, not below the rank of “Tehsildar”. The students will submit the ITR/ITRs of the family members as well.

  • Benefits: 
  1. Annual Maintenance Allowance:15400 US Dollars (9900 Great Britain Pounds).
  2. Contingency Allowance: 1500 US Dollars (1100 Great Britain Pounds)
  3. Tuition Fees Actual as charges 
  4. Visa Fees Actual visa fees in Indian Rupees
  5. Medical Insurance Premium Actual as charged
  6. Incidental Journey Allowance &Equipment Allowance 20 US Dollars for each or its equivalent in Indian Rupees
  7. Air Passage: 
  1. The awardees shall be allowed to purchase air tickets (from the nearest Airport to their Hometown in India to the nearest place to the educational institution and back to India) from the three authorized travel agents viz. Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL), Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) with the condition that the ticket purchased must be of economy class/shortest route on the date of booking. 
  2. The choice of the travel agent for booking of the ticket is left open to the awardees. No Booking charges/excess baggage/cancellation charges & other add-ons will be reimbursed to awardees.
  3. The awardees will claim reimbursement of airfare from their respective Indian Mission abroad after joining the University and providing a joining report from the university. 
  4. The conditions will be effective from 1st Jan 2022. 
  5. Return tickets will be booked by Indian Mission abroad as per clause 11 (iii).

10. Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships:

The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship gives current India-based PhD students the chance to complete a six-to-nine-month placement at an American university.

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are part of the Fulbright Program, a scheme established in 1946 to improve study links and mutual understanding between the USA and the rest of the world. It is now one of the biggest international exchange programs in the world, with organizations in over 150 different countries.

The Indian branch of the Fulbright Program is administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). They offer a number of scholarships for Indian postgraduates (including the Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowship). This page focuses on the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship, named after Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister.

  • Eligibility: Applications are invited in the following fields only: 
  1. Agricultural Sciences; 
  2. Anthropology; 
  3. Bioengineering; 
  4. Chemistry; 
  5. Computer Science (including, but not limited to, cyber security, digital economy, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analytics); 
  6. Earth Sciences; 
  7. Economics; 
  8. Education Policy and Planning; 
  9. Energy Studies; 
  10. History; 
  11. Language/Literature/Linguistics; 
  12. Materials Science (with emphasis on environmental applications); 
  13. Mathematical Sciences; 
  14. Neurosciences; 
  15. Performing Arts; 
  16. Physics; 
  17. Political Science (including, but not limited to, International Security and Strategic Studies); 
  18. Psychology; 
  19. Public Health (including, but not limited to, pandemic preparedness and comprehensive surveillance (genomic surveillance, sewage surveillance, zero-surveillance)); 
  20. Public Policy; 
  21. Sociology; 
  22. Urban and Regional Planning (with emphasis on smart cities and waste management); 
  23. Visual Arts; and Women’s and Gender Studies.
  • The applicant should have done reasonable study pertaining to their research objectives, especially in the identification of resources in India and the U.S. Applicant must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2023. On the online application form, one of the recommendation letters must be from the Ph.D. supervisor that comments on the applicant’s research, and need for the fellowship, and must indicate the Ph.D. registration date and topic;
  • This grant is intended for Ph.D. students to conduct research essential to their dissertations/thesis. Therefore, the expected Ph.D. thesis submission date should at least be three months after the Fulbright-Nehru grant end date. For example, if May 2026 is the grant end date, the applicant cannot submit their thesis before August 2026. Please indicate the Ph.D. registration date and the expected Ph.D. thesis submission date in the Applicant Annexure.
  • If the applicant is employed, they must follow the instructions carefully regarding the employer’s endorsement. If applicable, please obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period; and
  • The applicant must upload a copy of the original published/presented paper or extracts from the Master’/M.Phil. thesis on the online application form (not exceeding 20 pages).

Note: These fellowships are for pre-doctoral level research. Applicants with Ph.D. degrees or those at the final stage of Ph.D. thesis submission will not be considered.

  • Benefits: The fellowships provide J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, an Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, round-trip economy class air travel, applicable allowances, and modest affiliation fees, if any. No allowances are provided for dependents. The grant is not sufficient to support family members.
  • Interested applicants can visit this link: Link

Recent News