Whether you’re a student from a low-income background or a high achiever aiming for academic excellence, there’s a scholarship designed to support your educational journey.In this article, we’ll explore the top scholarships in India 2025, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply online.
Education is one of the strongest foundations of personal and national development. However, the rising cost of higher education in India often makes it difficult for deserving students to pursue their dreams. To address this challenge, the Government of India, along with various state governments, private organizations, and NGOs, offers numerous scholarships for Indian students at the school, college, and university levels.
Whether you’re a student from a low-income background or a high achiever aiming for academic excellence, there’s a scholarship designed to support your educational journey.In this article, we’ll explore the top scholarships in India 2025, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply online.
Why Scholarships Are Important
Scholarships not only provide financial relief but also serve as motivation for students to perform well in academics and co-curricular activities. They play a major role in:
- Encouraging education among economically weaker sections.
- Reducing dropout rates in schools and colleges.
- Promoting higher education in science, technology, and research.
- Empowering girls and students from marginalized communities.
In 2025, the focus on digital scholarship platforms like the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has made the process easier, transparent, and accessible for all.
1. Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship (SVMCM), West Bengal
Overview
The Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships in India for students from West Bengal. It is provided by the Government of West Bengal to assist meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Eligibility
- Must be a resident of West Bengal.
- Must have secured at least 60% marks in the previous qualifying examination.
- Family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
Benefits
- ₹1,000 to ₹8,000 per month depending on the course level.
- Applicable for students pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.
Application
Apply online at the official portal: https://svmcm.wbhed.gov.in
2. National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
Overview
The NMMS Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to prevent dropouts after Class 8 and encourage students to continue secondary education.
Eligibility
- Students studying in Class 8 from government or government-aided schools.
- Annual family income below ₹3.5 lakh.
- Must have scored at least 55% marks in the previous class.
Benefits
- ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month) up to Class 12.
Application
Applications are accepted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in
3. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Overview
This scheme supports meritorious students from low-income families pursuing higher education in recognized colleges and universities across India.
Eligibility
- Students must have scored above the 80th percentile in Class 12 board exams.
- Annual family income must be below ₹4.5 lakh.
Benefits
- ₹10,000 per year for undergraduate courses.
- ₹20,000 per year for postgraduate courses.
Application
Apply through the NSP portal or your institution’s scholarship cell.
4. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for RPF/RPSF and Defence Personnel
Overview
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is aimed at dependent wards and widows of defence personnel, CAPF, and RPF who have sacrificed their lives or served the nation.
Eligibility
- Students must be wards/widows of Defence, CAPF, or RPF personnel.
- Must be pursuing professional or technical degree courses.
Benefits
- ₹30,000 per annum for boys and ₹36,000 per annum for girls.
Application
Apply at https://ksb.gov.in or through the National Scholarship Portal.
5. AICTE Pragati and Saksham Scholarships
Overview
Launched by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), these scholarships aim to promote technical education among girls and differently-abled students.
Pragati Scholarship (for Girls)
- Eligibility: Girl students admitted to AICTE-approved technical institutions.
- Benefits: ₹50,000 per annum for tuition and other expenses.
- Apply at: https://www.aicte-pragati-saksham.gov.in
Saksham Scholarship (for Differently-Abled Students)
- Eligibility: Students with disability of at least 40% pursuing technical education.
- Benefits: ₹50,000 per annum.
6. INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
Overview
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) program is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It encourages students to pursue natural and basic sciences.
Eligibility
- Students in the top 1% of Class 12 merit list or JEE/NEET rank holders.
- Must be pursuing B.Sc., B.S., or integrated M.Sc. courses in science.
Benefits
- ₹80,000 per year for 5 years of higher education.
Application
Apply online at https://online-inspire.gov.in
7. National Scholarship for Post Matric Students (SC/ST/OBC)
Overview
This centrally sponsored scheme supports students from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Class (OBC) communities pursuing post-matric education.
Eligibility
- Belongs to SC/ST/OBC category.
- Family income as per government norms (varies by category).
Benefits
- Tuition fee reimbursement.
- Monthly maintenance allowance.
Application
Apply through the National Scholarship Portal or respective state portals.
8. Maulana Azad National Scholarship for Minority Girls
Overview
Offered by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation, this scholarship promotes education among minority community girls.
Eligibility
- Belong to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, or Parsi communities.
- Studying in Class 9–12 and scored at least 50% in the previous exam.
- Family income below ₹2 lakh per annum.
Benefits
- ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 per annum depending on the level of study.
Application
Apply through the official website: https://www.maef.nic.in
9. Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship for Economically Backward Students
Overview
This scheme provides financial aid to economically weaker students from both General and Reserved categories in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and other states.
Eligibility
- Students from economically weaker backgrounds.
- Family income below ₹1 lakh per year.
Benefits
- Full or partial tuition fee reimbursement.
- Book and exam fee support.
Application
Apply through the respective State Scholarship Portal.
10. Tata Scholarship for Indian Students (Cornell University)
Overview
The Tata Education and Development Trust provides scholarships for Indian students pursuing undergraduate studies at Cornell University, USA.
Eligibility
- Indian citizens admitted to Cornell University.
- Demonstrated financial need.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee and living cost coverage.
Application
Students must apply through Cornell’s financial aid system and notify the Tata Trust of their need.
How to Apply for Scholarships in India
- Visit the Official Portal:
Most scholarships are available on https://scholarships.gov.in or specific state websites. - Register as a New User:
Enter your name, mobile number, and email to create an account. - Complete Your Profile:
Add your academic, personal, and bank details accurately. - Upload Documents:
Attach mark sheets, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and a recent photo. - Submit Application:
Verify all details before final submission. You’ll receive an Application ID for tracking.
Conclusion
Scholarships in India are not just financial assistance — they are opportunities for students to pursue education without barriers. With schemes like SVMCM, NMMS, Pragati, and INSPIRE, lakhs of students are able to chase their dreams each year.Whether you are a school student, a college aspirant, or pursuing technical studies, there’s a scholarship for you. The key is to stay informed, apply on time, and provide accurate documents.Education should never stop due to financial constraints — and with these scholarships, it doesn’t have to.
