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.
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:
In 2025, the focus on digital scholarship platforms like the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has made the process easier, transparent, and accessible for all.
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.
Apply online at the official portal: https://svmcm.wbhed.gov.in
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.
Applications are accepted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in
This scheme supports meritorious students from low-income families pursuing higher education in recognized colleges and universities across India.
Apply through the NSP portal or your institution’s scholarship cell.
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.
Apply at https://ksb.gov.in or through the National Scholarship Portal.
Launched by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), these scholarships aim to promote technical education among girls and differently-abled students.
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.
Apply online at https://online-inspire.gov.in
This centrally sponsored scheme supports students from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Class (OBC) communities pursuing post-matric education.
Apply through the National Scholarship Portal or respective state portals.
Offered by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation, this scholarship promotes education among minority community girls.
Apply through the official website: https://www.maef.nic.in
This scheme provides financial aid to economically weaker students from both General and Reserved categories in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and other states.
Apply through the respective State Scholarship Portal.
The Tata Education and Development Trust provides scholarships for Indian students pursuing undergraduate studies at Cornell University, USA.
Students must apply through Cornell’s financial aid system and notify the Tata Trust of their need.
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.