Top Scholarships for Engineering Students After Class 12th in India

In India, engineering has long been a popular career choice because it represents creativity, advancement, and the prospect of a secure and fulfilling future. Every year, students finish their 12th grade schooling with aspirations of enrolling in esteemed engineering schools, creating innovative technologies, and advancing the development of the country. However, the high expense of high-quality engineering education frequently hampers the path from ambition to accomplishment. Students and their families, particularly those from lower-income families, may face significant financial hardships due to tuition fees, living expenses, study materials, and other related charges.

 In response to this difficulty, central and state governments, private trusts, non-profit organisations, and corporations, have taken the initiative to provide scholarships designed especially for engineering students. These scholarships are more than just financial aid; they are tools of empowerment that reward academic achievement, open doors to prestigious universities, foster social inclusion, and inspire young people to pursue their goals without compromising. Every scholarship has the power to alter a student’s life, regardless of its basis in social background, financial necessity, or merit.

This article explores the most impactful and accessible scholarships available for engineering students after class 12th in India. It aims to provide a detailed guide to help students and their families navigate the options, understand the eligibility criteria, and make informed decisions in pursuit of a brighter academic future.

Top Scholarships Available for Engineering Students 

To make the process of hunting required scholarships easier, here are the best scholarships students can opt for according to their requirements. In order to avail the following scholarships, one needs to ensure that they are eligible for the scholarship. Given below is the list of scholarships available. 

1. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Scholarships: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offers various scholarships to students pursuing technical education in India. These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to meritorious students and encourage them to pursue technical education. Some of the most popular AICTE scholarships include:

• Pragati scholarship for girl students is an initiative aimed at empowering girl students admitted to the first year of B.Tech or Diploma courses to pursue technical education. The scholarship provides ₹50,000 per annum for each year of study, for a maximum of four years.
• Saksham scholarship for differently abled students is designed to support students with disabilities in their pursuit of a B.Tech or Diploma program. The scheme offers financial support of ₹50,000 per annum for up to four years.
• AICTE Swanath scholarship seeks to help students who have faced major personal losses, such as the loss of parents due to COVID-19, or who are orphans or wards of martyrs. Selected candidates receive ₹50,000 per year for the entire duration of their course.

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. 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.

4. Adani Gyan Jyoti Scholarship: The Adani Gyan Jyoti Scholarship is an initiative by Adani Group aimed at providing financial support and holistic development opportunities to students from economically weaker sections who have excelled academically and intend to pursue courses related to JEE, Law Entrance Exams, CA Foundation, and Economics. 

• This scholarship is specifically designed for first-year students who are domiciles of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh and are beginning their studies in B.Tech.
• Selected students stand a chance to receive an annual scholarship of up to ₹3,50,000, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational journey.

5. Shri Tulsi Tanti Udaan Scholarship Program for Graduate Students: The Shri Tulsi Tanti Udaan Scholarship Program is an initiative by Suzlon Group in memory of Shri Tulsi Tanti, the late founder of Suzlon Group. His life was a testament to his commitment to innovation and progress. He envisioned a future where bright young minds could pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. This scholarship program is a tribute to that vision, offering financial support and fostering an inclusive talent pipeline. 

• Students currently enrolled in the first year of a B.E./B.Tech. degree are eligible to apply. 
• Applicants must have scored at least 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12. Their annual family income must be less than or equal to 6 lakh. 
• The scholarship is open to Indian nationals enrolled in recognised institutions located in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Daman, and Puducherry.
• Selected students will receive up to ₹1,20,000 per year.

6. HOPE Engineering Scholarship by Schaeffler India: Designed to provide financial assistance to engineering female students, they aim to facilitate their pursuit of education. At the heart of its mission lies the ambition to pioneer motion, thereby propelling global advancements in mobility. The company’s endeavors are deeply rooted in fostering positive progress across various sectors, including social and community inclusivity. Key features of this scholarship is given below:

• Open for students from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu only.
• Selected candidates will receive up to ₹75,000 per annum.

7. Ratti Chhatr Scholarship: In order to encourage students from low-income families to pursue higher education, Panasonic Life Solutions India launched the Ratti Chhatr Scholarship. Panasonic is dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and societal development as a socially conscious company. To achieve this goal, the organisation started the Ratti Chhatr Scholarship Program to find and assist gifted young people who could lead the nation in the future. 

• This scholarship offers financial assistance of ₹70,250 per year for four years to students admitted to B.E./B.Tech. courses at any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), helping to cover their tuition fees.
• A limited number of students are selected each year, based on merit and financial need.

8. ​​Nirankari Rajmata Scholarship Scheme: The Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation offers the Nirankari Rajmata Scholarship Scheme to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing technical or professional degrees. The purpose of this award is to help deserving and disadvantaged students. Below are some of this scholarship’s key features:

• Selected candidates will receive a full tuition fee waiver of up to ₹75,000 per annum. The scholarship will be discontinued if the student does not pass the examination or is detained due to low attendance in any year.
• Students should have secured at least 90% marks or above in the Class 12 examination to be eligible for this scholarship.
• The applicant’s annual family income should be less than ₹3,50,000 from all sources.

9. Virtusa Engineering Excellence Scholarship: The Virtusa Engineering Excellence Scholarship, an initiative by the Virtusa Foundation, provides financial assistance to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds who are pursuing higher education. This program aligns with SDG4 and SDG5, emphasising affordable quality education and gender equality.

• Under this scholarship, students enrolled in their 1st or 2nd year of B. Tech programs PAN India or from the 36 colleges, which are part of the Centre of Excellence will receive financial assistance of ₹50,000 to cover their academic expenses.
• Applicants must have achieved a minimum of 70% marks in their 12th grade and the applicant’s annual family income from all sources should be below ₹6,00,000.

10. PHINIA Scholarship Program: The PHINIA Scholarship Program, an initiative by PHINIA, aims to support academically outstanding engineering students by offering financial assistance to help them advance in their education. Key features of this scholarship: 

• Open for female students currently enrolled in their 2nd year and later of B.Tech./ B.E., courses at the GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women (Mysuru).
• 5O% of the annual fee will be covered by this scholarship. 
• Students must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in both Class 12 and the first year/previous year B.Tech/B.E examinations. The students’ combined annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹5 lakh.

More Alternative Scholarships

Here is a list of alternative scholarships for B.Tech students who are unable to secure the primary scholarships given above. 

Scholarship List

Ahimsa Fellowship

JM Sethia Merit Scholarship Scheme

DRDO-ITR Chandipur Junior Research Fellowship & Research Associateship

PKC WEnyan Scholarship Program

Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship

Swami Dayanand Education Foundation Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation Scholarship

DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship Program

Aditya Birla Capital Scholarship

Louis Dreyfus Agri-Scholars Program

L&T Build India Scholarship

KVB Scholarship Program

Reliance Foundation Scholarships

How to apply for engineering scholarships

Applying for engineering scholarships requires a clear understanding of eligibility requirements, application procedures, and documentation. With a growing number of scholarships available through government bodies, private institutions, and corporate foundations, the application process may vary but generally follows a structured approach. Following the correct steps can significantly improve the chances of being selected and securing financial aid for engineering education.

Step 1: Identify suitable scholarships

• Begin by researching scholarships that match the student’s academic profile, financial background, and personal information  (such as gender, disability, or domicile). Focus on scholarships offered by central and state governments, corporate CSR initiatives, private trusts, and academic institutions.

Step 2: Check the eligibility criteria

• Every scholarship has specific eligibility conditions related to academic scores, annual family income, domicile status, and sometimes the institution of enrollment. Carefully review these requirements to ensure the student qualifies before applying.

Step 3: Gather required documents

• Most scholarship applications require a set of documents, including:
• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
• Proof of admission (admission letter or fee receipt)
• Income certificate issued by a competent authority
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Bank account details (student’s or guardian’s)
• Caste certificate or disability certificate, if applicable

Step 4: Register on the scholarship portal

• Many scholarships are hosted on national or state-level portals, such as the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), state education portals, or specific NGO/corporate websites. Students must create an account and fill in their basic details to begin the application.

Step 5: Fill in the application form

• Once registered, proceed to fill in the online scholarship application form. Ensure all details, such as academic history, income level, and personal data, are accurate and match the supporting documents.

Step 6: Upload documents

• Scan and upload the necessary documents in the specified format and size. Double-check the clarity and completeness of each document before submission.

Step 7: Submit the application

• After reviewing the filled form and attached documents, submit the application. Some portals may generate a confirmation slip or application number—keep this safe for future reference.

Step 8: Track application status

• Most scholarship portals allow applicants to monitor the status of their application. Regularly checking the portal ensures any issues or required corrections are addressed in time.

Step 9: Follow up for verification and disbursal

• Scholarship applications often go through a verification process by the institution or authorities. Once verified and approved, the scholarship amount is usually credited directly to the student’s bank account or adjusted against tuition fees.

FAQs

Can a student apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously if they meet the respective eligibility criteria. However, some scholarships prohibit receiving dual benefits, so always review the terms of each program carefully.

Is it mandatory to have admission confirmation before applying for a scholarship?

Yes, most scholarships require proof of admission such as a fee receipt or admission letter. Some conditional scholarships allow pre-admission application but release funds only after admission confirmation.

What should be done if a scholarship portal is not accepting document uploads?

Check for file size and format issues first. If the problem persists, try switching browsers or devices. If unresolved, contact the scholarship provider’s helpdesk or use the grievance mechanism provided on the portal.

Can scholarship applications be edited after submission?

It depends on the scholarship platform. Some allow limited edits within a given time window, while others lock the application post-submission. Review all entries carefully before submitting.

How are scholarship selections made if both merit and income are considered?

Merit-cum-means scholarships use a two-stage evaluation: academic performance is assessed first, followed by consideration of financial need to ensure aid reaches deserving, economically disadvantaged students.