Government scholarships are here for the rescue!

The Gross Enrollment Ratio, as per AISHE, in Higher education in India is about 25%. Of these, less than 11% happen in postgraduate courses. Many students in India opt-out of pursuing higher education due to financial distress. In order to encourage students crippled due to lack of funds, these government scholarships are offered by various departments of GoI.

Some of these scholarships are means-based while others are based on merit.

Merit cum means scholarship for professional and technical courses CS (Minorities)

Eligibility: 

• At least 50 per cent marks or equivalent grade attained in the previous examination

• The annual income of the family must be below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum inclusive of all sources.

This government scholarship aims to fund the education of the selected minority community students at UG/PG level. Students pursuing a professional or technical UG/PG course are eligible for this scholarship. Provided by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, it waivers the course fee and maintenance allowance of the student. The tentative application time is between August and November.

Where to Apply: National Scholarship Portal

Post-matric scholarships scheme for minorities

Eligibility:

• The student must be from a minority community.

• Only for students of class 11-Ph.D

• At least 50 per cent marks in the previous examination

• Annual family income must be below 2 lakh per annum

Also provided by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI, this government scholarship can be availed by minority students. It covers the admission fee, tuition fee, as well as the maintenance allowance of the student. Application time is between August and November.

Where to Apply: National Scholarship Portal

Postgraduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for single girl child

Eligibility: 

• Only girl child below 30 years of age

• Must be pursuing a regular full-time master’s degree at any recognized university.

A female-centric government scholarship, it is provided by the University Grants Commission.  It provides the student with Rs 36,200 per annum for a period of 2 years. Applicants can register between December and January.

Where to apply: National Scholarship Portal

Postgraduate merit scholarship for university rank holders:

Eligibility:

• University 1st or 2nd rank holders at UG level

• Below 30 years of age

• Graduates from a specialized discipline

This government scholarship is offered to propel academic high achievers in graduation towards post-graduation. Students who avail this scholarship are awarded Rs 3,100 per month for a period of two years. Students must have also obtained a minimum of 60 per cent marks in graduation. The application is open between December and January.

Where to apply: National Scholarship Portal

Postgraduate scholarship for professional courses for SC/ST:

Eligibility:

• SC/ST students in 1st year of PG course

• The course must be approved by regulatory bodies

Under this scheme, students are awarded up to Rs 7,800 per month. This is aimed towards uplifting students from the SC/ST categories. This scholarship has 1,000 slots and is provided by UGC. It only takes into consideration courses approved by MCI, PCI, RCI, NCTE, NCTIS, BCI, ICAR, AICTE, INC and FRDAI. Application time is between December and January.

Where to apply: National Scholarship Portal

AICTE PG (GATE/GPAT) scholarship:

Eligibility:

• Must have qualified GATE/GPA

• Must be enrolled in 1st year of M. E./ M. Arch./M. Pharma

This is one of the government scholarships provided by AICTE with an aim to encourage technical education in India. It supports students enrolled in technical PG courses by providing them with Rs 12,400 per month. Students can apply for it between July and September.

Where to apply: Official portal of AICTE

A number of other student development schemes and scholarships are offered by the Government of India. These schemes and scholarships aimed at inspiring more and more students to enrol in higher education.

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