How to Get 100% Scholarship for B.Tech Programs – Guide for Financially Weak Students

Priya had always been exceptionally talented in her school, brilliant in academics and extracurricular pursuits both. Her teachers often spoke of her with admiration, and her peers looked up to her, certain that she was destined for something extraordinary. Born in a humble village where her parents worked as daily wage farmers in the fields of landowners, Priya grew up surrounded by hardship. Yet, in the face of every struggle, her parents stood tall, placing Priya and her dreams above all else, even when their finances were tight.

From a young age, Priya carried a deep desire in her heart to uplift her village. She envisioned a future where farming did not require extensive physical labour, presence of easy water flow through sustainable irrigation systems and where children had access to advanced educational resources that she once only dreamed of. Her vision was clear, technology would be the tool to bring this change, and for that, a B.Tech degree was her chosen path.

With determination, Priya prepared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced entirely on her own. She studied extremely hard, balancing her chores and lessons, driven by the hope that one day things would be better for her and for everyone in her village. Her hard work bore fruit when she cracked the exam in her first attempt, earning a coveted seat at IIT Delhi. The moment seemed like a dream to Priya. Her parents wept tears of joy, and the entire village celebrated her success.

But alongside this joy came a shadow, the burden of high tuition fees. Priya knew that no matter how proud her parents were, they would struggle to afford her education. Refusing to let her dreams become their burden, she began exploring scholarships. That’s when she discovered the IIIT-Delhi Merit-cum-Means Scholarship, a program that promised to cover 100% of her fees. With hope in her heart, she applied and she was awarded the scholarship.

The relief was indescribable. Her parents could finally rest easy, and Priya could focus on building her future. It was then that she truly understood the transformative power of scholarships. They were more than just financial support, they were bridges to a better life. This article is dedicated to highlighting such scholarships schemes that open doors for deserving students like Priya, so that no dream remains unfulfilled due to lack of means. 

Understanding Scholarships for B.Tech

B.Tech is a financially demanding course and it often makes it difficult for the financially weak to afford this tuition fee. This is when scholarships come in handy. B.Tech scholarships are basically designed for students pursuing a field in engineering, covering tuition fee and sometimes living expenses. Let’s explore various scholarships that provide 100% coverage of the tuition costs in B.Tech. Before we delve into that, it is essential to understand the types of scholarships available. Given below are the different types of scholarships:

1. Merit-Based: Scholarship that is given on the basis of one’s academic performances is called merit-based scholarship. The person needs to have very good academic performance and it is usually determined with board exam or entrance exam marks. Examples of merit-based scholarship. 
2. Need-Based Scholarships: This kind of scholarship is designed for students belonging to financially disadvantaged backgrounds. To avail for this scholarship the applicant needs to submit a document proving their annual income and financial status.
3. Category-based scholarship: This scholarship is generally for students belonging to a  certain category such as SC, ST, OBC or a minority community. These scholarships aim to promote inclusive education and equal opportunity. 
4. Talent-based scholarship: Granted to students who demonstrate exceptional talent in areas such as sports, arts, music, or other extracurricular activities. With this they aim to foster and acknowledge talents beyond just academics.
5. Institution-Specific Scholarships: Numerous educational institutions provide their own scholarships to support and attract talented students. These scholarships may be awarded based on merit, financial need, or other specific criteria established by the institution.

Eligibility Criteria for Full Scholarships

In B.Tech programs, eligibility for 100% scholarships usually consists of a mix of entrance exam results, financial status, academic achievement, and other need- or merit-based criteria. Although each scholarship provider has different requirements, most schemes share a few common ones:

• Academic excellence: It is typically necessary to have an excellent academic record in both Class 10 and 12, particularly in science and maths. A minimum percentage, frequently greater than 75% or 80%, is required for many scholarships.
• Performance on entrance examinations: Full scholarships are frequently awarded based on high rankings or scores on competitive exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or entrance exams tailored to a given institute.
• Financial need: Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are the target of the majority of full scholarships for B.Tech programs. The annual household income is usually used to assess this, and it may need to fall below a specific threshold (such as 2.5 lakh or 5 lakh annually).
• Reservations based on category: Students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or minority groups are eligible for certain scholarships. Certificates of income and proof of categorisation can be needed.
• Requirements for residency: Some scholarships are restricted to citizens of a specific state or area. For instance, residency credentials are frequently required for state government scholarships.
• Institution-specific regulations: Certain engineering schools or universities have their own scholarship programs with special requirements for eligibility, such admission based on merit quotas or continuous academic achievement over the life of the program.

Top B.Tech 100% Scholarship Schemes 

Several reputed organizations, government bodies, and institutions offer 100% scholarships to support financially weak but meritorious students pursuing B.Tech. These schemes often cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes additional academic costs. Some of the most well-known full scholarship programs include:

1. TFWS (Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme): The Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme (TFWS) is an initiative of the government designed to provide financial assistance to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who want to pursue B.Tech degrees at AICTE-approved institutions. The system is designed to encourage talent and ensure that financial constraints do not prevent students from receiving a high-quality education. The key aspects of the TFWS are as follows:

• Eligibility criteria: Students with a family income of up to ₹8 lakh annually from all sources are eligible for the TFWS. This waiver is accessible to students pursuing B.Tech and other technical degrees at government and private AICTE authorized institutions.
• Tuition fee waiver: Students who qualify for TFWS receive a 100% tuition fee waiver for the duration of the B.Tech program, considerably reducing their financial burden.
• Seat reservation: 5% of the total seats in each B.Tech course are reserved under the TFWS, providing an opportunity for meritorious students from low-income families to gain access to quality education.

2. Bharti Airtel Scholarship Program: The goal of the Bharti Airtel Foundation is to help worthy students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, especially girls to become future leaders in technology. In order to do this, a merit-cum-means scholarship program has been created for students participating in undergraduate (UG) technology-based engineering courses and five-year integrated programs at the top 50 NIRF Engineering institutes. 

• Scholarship covers 100% of annual fees as per the fee structure of the respective institute.
• Scholarships are for the full duration of the U.G courses including integrated courses for up to 5 years (subject to meeting the renewal criteria).
• Once the Bharti Scholars graduate and are subsequently gainfully employed, they will undertake to voluntarily extend financial support to at least one student at a school or college level at any point of time, to the extent they can.

3. North South Foundation (NSF) Scholarship: The North South Foundation provides 100% scholarships to academically bright and financially challenged students pursuing professional courses including B.Tech, across India. This scholarship is funded by donations from Indian-origin individuals residing in the U.S. and aims to reduce financial hurdles in higher education.

• Eligibility criteria: Applicants must have secured top ranks in state or national-level entrance examinations (such as JEE) and be enrolled in a government or government-aided engineering college. Annual family income should be less than ₹1 lakh.
• Coverage: The selected candidates will receive up to ₹30,000 per annum.
• Application process: Students must submit an online application, academic records, income certificate, and a recommendation letter. An interview is conducted as part of the final selection.

4. Aspire Scholarship Program: Aspire Scholarship Program is a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiative of SWAYAM Charitable Trust that aims to provide financial support to underprivileged students pursuing B.Tech. courses at 11 prestigious engineering institutions across India. Under this scholarship program, students enrolling in the first-year of B.Tech. courses at selected institutions will be provided with scholarships to cover their academic expenses such as tuition fees, hostel fees, food, and related expenses. Key details: 

• A total of 28 beneficiaries will be awarded scholarships based on the actual fee structure. 
• The scholarship fund will be provided for academic expenses such as tuition fees, hostel fees, food, and related expenses. 
• The duration of the scholarship will be 4 years subject to meeting the specified criteria for yearly renewal.

5. IIIT-Delhi B.Tech Scholarships: Scholarships for B.Tech students are offered by the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) is a g, with an emphasis on inclusion, financial need, and merit. These scholarships are intended to encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds and honour outstanding academic achievement. Important aspects of the B.Tech scholarships offered by IIIT-Delhi:

• Chairman’s scholarship: Subject to maintaining academic standing, students who receive a JEE Main rank below 1000 are granted a 100% tuition fee free for the four years of their B.Tech program.
• Income-linked fee waiver scheme: Delhi students who belong to below poverty line category are eligible for a 100% tuition fee waiver under the income-linked fee waiver scheme.
• Fast retailing sponsorship program: The Fast Retailing Sponsorship Program provides internship and placement possibilities at Fast Retailing Japan in addition to 100% tuition and housing fee reimbursement.

6. OP Jindal Engineering and Management Scholarships (OPJEMS): The OP Jindal Engineering and Management Scholarships is offered to students at select premier engineering institutions in India to reward academic excellence and support future industry leaders. While OPJEMS typically provides partial scholarships, in select cases, 100% tuition fees are covered for top-performing students.

• Eligibility criteria: B.Tech students who are the first three toppers from each year of the following engineering streams: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering, are eligible for this scholarship.  
• Coverage: For the top rankers, the scholarship will cover  ₹80,000 annually for the remaining duration of the B.Tech program.
• Institutions covered: Scholarships are offered in collaboration with IITs, NITs, and top engineering colleges including BITS Pilani, VIT, and others.

7. VIT B.Tech Scholarship: With special programs that entirely waive tuition costs for top-ranked applicants and worthy students from rural areas, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) provides merit-based and need-based scholarships for B.Tech students. The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage fair access to high-quality technical education and to honour academic achievement. Key features of VIT B.Tech scholarships:

• VITEEE top rankers: Students who place 1–10 on the VITEEE list are exempt from tuition fees for four years.
• Board toppers: Students who place first in their class 12 on reputable state or central boards are eligible for full tuition reimbursement for the duration of the B.Tech program.
• STARS scheme: 100% tuition, hostel, mess, and medical expenses are covered for kids attending rural government schools from households making less than ₹1.5 lakh per year.

8. Amity University Scholarship: Amity University offers a range of 100% tuition fee scholarships for B.Tech aspirants, designed to promote academic excellence, competitive achievement, and athletic distinction. These scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and aim to make high-quality education accessible to deserving students. The key categories of Amity’s 100% scholarships are as follows:

• Class XII merit-based scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who have secured 95% aggregate and above in Class XII board examinations (CBSE/ISC) with PCM or PCB. It provides a 100% tuition fee waiver for the duration of the B.Tech program. 
• JEE Main-based scholarship: Students achieving 97%-100% in the JEE Main examination are eligible for this scholarship. It covers 100% of the tuition fees for the entire B.Tech course. 

9. Sharda University B.Tech Scholarship: Sharda University offers a variety of scholarships to B.Tech students, focusing on merit, financial need, and inclusivity. These scholarships aim to support students from different backgrounds and recognize outstanding academic performance. Key features of the B.Tech scholarships offered by Sharda University:

• Merit-based academic scholarships: Students with 95% and above (CBSE/ICSE) and 98% and above (State Boards) in Class 12, are eligible for a 100% tuition fee waiver for the entire B.Tech program, subject to maintaining academic standards.
• JEE main rank-based scholarships: Students who secure a JEE Main rank under 25,000 are awarded a 100% tuition fee waiver for the full duration of the B.Tech course.

How to Apply for B.Tech Scholarships

Applying for B.Tech scholarships that offer 100% fee coverage requires careful attention to eligibility criteria, timely documentation, and proactive follow-ups. Each scholarship may have a different process, but the steps below outline a general pathway that can be adapted based on the scholarship’s specific requirements:

1. Identify appropriate scholarships: Students should begin by investigating scholarships available from government agencies, private institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and universities. It is critical to shortlist those that match one’s academic record, entrance exam scores, income level, category, and intended institute of study.

2. Check the official eligibility guidelines: Each scholarship has its own eligibility rules. Some may be solely merit-based, while others prioritise financial necessity or community background. Before proceeding, carefully examine your eligibility in terms of financial limitations, qualifying tests, residence status, and academic achievements.

3. Prepare required documents: Most scholarship applications require a set of key documents that validate the student’s claims. These generally include:

• Class 10 and 12 marksheets
• JEE Main/Advanced scorecard
• Income certificate issued by a competent authority
• Caste or minority certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile certificate (for state-specific schemes)
• Admission confirmation or allotment letter from the B.Tech institution
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Bank account details for direct benefit transfer

4. Register and apply online: Many scholarships offer online application portals. Government initiatives like TFWS and Telangana ePASS require students to register on centralised state websites, but institutional scholarships are typically available through the university’s own website. Before submitting the application, fill it out completely, upload the required papers, and double-check all of the information.

5. Submit applications by deadlines: Each scholarship has a deadline, which is commonly associated with academic admission cycles. Missing a deadline might lead to the loss of an important opportunity. Students are recommended to keep a calendar of important dates and submit applications as soon as feasible.

6. Monitor application status and verification: Many scholarships are verified after submission, either digitally or physically at authorised centres. Students should monitor the status of their applications on a frequent basis and answer quickly to any questions or requests for document re-submissions.

7. Renewal requirements: Scholarships that cover the whole course of a B.Tech program may contain annual or semester-specific renewal requirements. These may include maintaining a minimum GPA, submitting academic progress reports, or giving current income certificates.

Alternate Options to 100% Scholarship Schemes

For students who do not secure a full scholarship for B.Tech, several partial funding options and alternative financial support mechanisms exist. These can significantly reduce the overall cost of education and still enable access to quality engineering education. Below are real scholarship programs and support schemes that act as strong alternatives to 100% scholarships:

Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students (AICTE)

Provider: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

Amount: ₹50,000 per year

Eligibility:

• For girls pursuing B.Tech or technical degrees in AICTE-approved institutions.
• Annual family income should be below ₹8 lakh.
• Two girls per family can apply.

Why it’s a top choice: Directly supports girl students and covers tuition, books, and other essentials without any payback requirement.

ONGC Scholarship for OBC/SC/ST Students:

Provider: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)

Amount: ₹48,000 per annum

Eligibility:

• Open to SC, ST, and OBC students.
• Must be pursuing a professional course like B.Tech.
• Family income should be less than ₹2 lakh (SC/ST) or ₹1 lakh (OBC).
• Minimum 60% in Class 12.

Why it’s a top choice: Consistently supports students from marginalized communities with no repayment and easy renewal based on academic performance.

Foundation for Excellence Scholarship

Provider: Foundation for Excellence 

Amount: ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 per year

Eligibility:

• Students from low-income families (income less than ₹3 lakh per year).
• Must be admitted to premier institutions like IITs, NITs, IIITs, etc.
• Selection based on academic merit and financial background.

Why it’s a top choice: Targets high-potential students from poor backgrounds and provides substantial aid for top engineering colleges.

Post Matric Scholarships for Minorities 

Provider: Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India

Amount:

• Up to ₹10,000 annually for tuition.
• ₹1,200/month for hostellers as maintenance allowance.

Eligibility:

• Belongs to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, or Parsi communities.
• Family income below ₹2 lakh/year.
• Minimum 50% marks in previous exam.

Why it’s a top choice: Offers both tuition and living support, reaching a large base of minority students across India.

Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme (CSIS)

Provider: Ministry of Education, Government of India

Benefit: Full interest subsidy on education loans during course duration + 1-year moratorium

Eligibility:

• Family income less than ₹4.5 lakh/year.
• Must have taken a loan from a scheduled bank under the Model Education Loan Scheme.

Why it’s a top choice: Removes the burden of interest entirely during the study period, making education loans much more accessible and less risky for poor families.

FAQs

Can we get 100% scholarship for B.Tech in a private institution?

Yes, several private institutions like Ashoka University, SRM University, Lovely Professional University, Amity University, and Sharda University offer 100% scholarships based on merit or financial need.

Does scholarship only cover tuition fees or other costs as well?

Some scholarships cover only tuition, while others include additional expenses such as books, accommodation, meals, and travel allowances.

How can I increase chances of scholarship acceptance?

Score well in board and entrance exams, apply early to multiple scholarships, showcase extracurricular achievements, and maintain timely communication with scholarship providers.

Do I need to maintain academic performance to retain the scholarship?

Yes, most scholarships require students to maintain a minimum CGPA, avoid backlogs, adhere to discipline, and actively participate in academic engagements.

What private scholarships offer 100% tuition coverage?

Top private scholarships offering full tuition include: Reliance Foundation Scholarship, Aditya Birla Scholarship, Google Women Techmakers Scholarship, Tata Trusts Scholarships, and IDFC FIRST Bank Scholarship (partial or full support).