The Northeastern region of India, including Sikkim, is steadily moving ahead in the field of education, with the help of community-driven initiatives, increasing awareness, and government support. For northeast students, there is a growing ecosystem of educational support: scholarships that reward meritorious students, schemes for uplifting the underrepresented communities, and education loans specially to ease the financial burden on parents.
Whether a student wants to become a teacher, an engineer, a doctor, an entrepreneur or an artist, knowing where to find the right support can make all the difference. This article is going to help you explore matching scholarships and education funding solutions.
Education Funding Solutions after 10th & 12th: An Overview of North-Eastern States and Sikkim
The North Eastern Region (NER) includes the eight States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, and it is the easternmost region of India. About 54 per cent of the population in the region, especially the hilly areas, is tribal and the region is unique because of the fact that it is home to about 135 Scheduled Tribe groups out of a total of around 705 in India as per 2011 census. The North Eastern states of India have made significant efforts in promoting literacy, resulting in the region having a high literacy rate of 78.5%. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 74%, making the North Eastern region a leading hub of literacy in the country.
The North Eastern region of India is home to a number of esteemed Government-run educational institutions, including the following:
- Indian Institute of Management Shillong
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- Rajiv Gandhi University in Arunachal Pradesh
- National Institute of Design Jorhat
- North-East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat
- Assam Agricultural University
- Tezpur University
- Mizoram University
- National Institutes of Technology in Silchar, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Manipur.
These institutions are highly regarded for their academic excellence.
Major Skill Development Institutes in NER include the following:
- Assam Skill University (ASU), Mangaldoi: ASU is the first Govt. Skills University of NER and is currently being set up in a sprawling campus in Mangaldoi, Assam.
- Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati: Offers training and education programs in entrepreneurship, skill development, and small business management.
- North East Skill Centre (NESC): Established under Assam Skill Development Mission jointly with IEE-Singapore, NESC is the one of its high end state-of-the-art Skill Training Centre conducting training in Tourism & Hospitality, Beauty & Wellness and Retail sector.
- North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM), Tezpur: Courses in water management, land management, and environmental science, with a focus on skill development and research.
- National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Guwahati: Offers vocational training programs in various sectors, including electronics, computer hardware, and automobile.
- Medhavi Skills University (MSU), Sikkim: MSU is the first private sector Skills University approved by Govt. of Sikkim.
- Don Bosco Institute of Management (DIM), Guwahati: Courses offered in Management, Hospitality, and Engineering, with a focus on skill development and practical training.
Education Funding Solutions after 10th & 12th for Students in North-Eastern States and Sikkim
There are several education funding solutions including scholarships and education loans for students who have passed Class 10 and 12. On the platform of Buddy4Study, students can explore merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specific programs aimed at students who have passed their Class 10 and 12 Board examinations. Explore the list of scholarships offered by both government and private organisations.
National-Level Scholarships for Students of North-Eastern States and Sikkim
- National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies 2024-25
- AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme 2024-25
- AICTE-Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2024-25
- AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls 2024-25
- AICTE – Swanath Scholarship Scheme (Technical Diploma/Degree) 2024-25
- NSP Scholarships for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities 2024-25
- NSP Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2024-25
- NSP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students 2024-25
- National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students (NFST) 2024-25
- Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Wards of States/UTs Police Personnel 2024-25
- Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme For Ministry of Railways 2024-25
- NSP Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students 2024-25
- NSP Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Post-Matric 2024-25
- PM Yasasvi Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in College for OBC, EBC and DNT Students, 2024-25
- PM Yasasvi Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in Schools for OBC, EBC and DNT Students 2024-25
- Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles 2024-25
- NEC Merit Scholarship for Students of NER 2024-25
- Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for NER 2024-25
Education Funding Solutions after 10th & 12th: State-Level Scholarships for Students of North-Eastern States and Sikkim
Sikkim
- PM Yasasvi Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC, and DNT Students, Sikkim 2024
- Post-Matric Scholarship to SC Students, Sikkim 2024
Arunachal Pradesh
- Umbrella Scheme for Education of ST Children Post-Matric Scholarship, Arunachal Pradesh 2024-25
- State Stipend Scheme, Arunachal Pradesh 2024
Assam
- Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students, Assam 2024-25
- Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students, Assam 2024-25
- Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students, Assam 2024-25
Manipur
- Centrally Sponsored Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students, Manipur 2024-25
- PM Yasasvi Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students, Manipur 2024-25
- Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students, Manipur 2024
- Merit Scholarship Scheme for Class 10 and 12 Students, Manipur 2024
Meghalaya
- Award for Meritorious Tribal Students HSSLC Science, Meghalaya 2024
- Umbrella Scheme Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students, Meghalaya 2024
- Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students, Meghalaya 2024-25
Mizoram
- Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students, Mizoram 2024
- Mizoram Research Fellowship (MRF) 2024 -25
- Post-Matric Merit Scholarship (PMMS), Mizoram 2024-25
Nagaland
- Nagaland State Merit Scholarship 2024-25
- Nagaland State Research Scholarship 2024-25
- State Technical Scholarship for ST Students, Nagaland 2024
- State Agriculture Scholarship for B.Sc. & M.Sc. Agriculture, Nagaland 2025
Tripura
- Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students, Tripura 2024-25
- Dr Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes (EBC), Tripura 2024-25
- Umbrella Scheme Post-Matric Scholarships for ST Students, Tripura 2024-25
Education Funding Solutions after 10th & 12th: Government Education Loan Programmes for Students of North-Eastern States and Sikkim
- NSFDC Education Loan Scheme for SC Students
- Indian Bank Education Loan (IBA)
- CGFSEL Education Loan Scheme
- Cent Vidyarthi Education Loan Scheme
- Assam Abhinandan Education Loan Subsidy Scheme
Education Funding Solutions after 10th & 12th: Education Funding Solution on Buddy4Study Platform
Buddy4Study Scholarship Support Program 2025-26
Buddy4Study Scholarship Support Program 2025-26 is the initiative of Buddy4Study to assist academically outstanding students from across India by providing them with early access to scholarship opportunities for their higher education after the 10th and 12th. This program is specifically designed to support students pursuing higher education, and it focuses on three key categories:
- Students who have completed Class 10/Class 12
- Students currently pursuing their studies in Class 11/12
- First-year students enrolled in a 3-year or 4-year undergraduate course
Selected candidates will be given priority consideration for scholarships, streamlined access to financial assistance, and full or partial waivers for admission fees at top educational institutions across India.
Application Link – Buddy4Study Scholarship Support Programme 2025-26
TOEFL Global Scholar Challenge 2025-26 – 2nd Edition
The TOEFL Global Scholar Challenge 2025-26 – 2nd Edition is an online quiz competition organised by TOEFL to assist Indian students aiming to study abroad. Participants have the chance to win exciting prizes worth ₹1,30,000, along with TOEFL test fee vouchers worth ₹500 and TOEFL official preparation materials valued at ₹7,500, absolutely free.
Here’s what’s in store for you:
- Quick and simple registration for the competition
- 30-minute online multiple-choice quiz that evaluates your awareness of studying abroad, English proficiency, and general knowledge about global education.
- Rewarding winners with prizes totalling ₹1,30,000 to help turn their study abroad aspirations into reality.
Application Link – TOEFL Global Scholar Challenge 2025-26 – 2nd Edition
Education Funding Solutions after 10th & 12th: Additional Resources
Apart from scholarships and loans, Buddy4Study also provides:
Career Guidance:
Get expert advice on choosing the right career path based on your interests and skills.
Stream Selector Test – https://www.buddy4study.com/stream-selector
Psychometric Test – https://www.buddy4study.com/psychometric-test
Buddy4Study’s Online Degree Scholarship Support Programme
You can apply to India’s leading UGC-approved universities through Buddy4Study’s Online Degree Scholarship Support Programme and receive up to 15% off on your first-semester fee. This programme is designed to assist students who are willing to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate online courses at over 100 NAAC A+ accredited and NIRF-ranked universities in India. Scholarships are available for a diverse range of online courses, including MBA, MCA, MA, M.Com., M.Sc., BA, BCA, BBA, B.Com., and B.Com. (Honours) across 250+ specialisations. In addition, students will benefit from expert counselling to help them select the best course and university tailored to their needs and preferences.
Application Link: https://www.buddy4study.com/page/online-degree-scholarship-support-programme
Internships and Fellowships
Explore internship and fellowship opportunities that complement your academic growth.
How to Register and Apply on Buddy4Study?
To get started on your educational journey, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Register on Buddy4Study
- Create an account: Visit the Buddy4Study website and click on the “Sign Up” option.
- Enter your details: Provide basic details such as your name, email address, phone number, and educational background.
Step 2: Explore Available Scholarships and Programs
- Once registered, you can search for available scholarships based on your qualifications, field of study, and location.
- Use filters like Class 10th/12th, state-specific scholarships, and more to find the most relevant opportunities.
Step 3: Apply for Scholarships and Loans
- After selecting the scholarships, carefully read the eligibility criteria and gather the required documents.
- Submit your online application directly through the platform. Most scholarships and programs allow you to track your application status in real-time.
Step 4: Staying Updated
- Keep an eye on the notifications and deadlines for various scholarships and funding programs.
- Buddy4Study will also send you reminders for upcoming deadlines and new opportunities.
Registration Link – https://www.buddy4study.com/register
Also Read: Assam Scholarship 2025 – Complete List, Eligibility, Awards
Tripura Scholarships – Complete List, Eligibility, Key Dates
Education Funding Solutions after 10th & 12th for Students in North-Eastern States and Sikkim: FAQs
What makes the North Eastern region of India a leader in literacy?
With a literacy rate of 78.5%, higher than the national average, the region's educational success is attributed to strong community participation, targeted government schemes, and increasing awareness toward education.
What kind of scholarships are available to students from North-East India and Sikkim?
Students can apply for scholarships like Ishan Uday, NEC Merit Scholarship, and several post-matric schemes available on Buddy4Study and the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
What are some top institutions offering higher education in North-Eastern Regions (NER) of India?
Top institutions include IIT Guwahati, IIM Shillong, NITs across NE states, Tezpur University, and Mizoram University—recognized for academic excellence and high national rankings.
Are there specialised skill development centres in the North-East?
Yes, centres like Assam Skill University, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, and Medhavi Skills University provide vocational and entrepreneurship-focused training programs.
How can students from economically weaker sections avail educational loans in the North-East?
Students can access government-supported loan schemes such as NSFDC, CGFSEL, and state initiatives like the Assam Abhinandan Scheme that offer subsidised or interest-free loans.
What is the Buddy4Study Scholarship Support Program 2025-26?
The program is a national initiative offering early access to scholarships, admission fee waivers, and priority selection for academically strong students pursuing post-10th or 12th education.
What are the main education funding options available to students of the North-Eastern States in India?
Students can apply for government (State/Central) scholarships, education loans, private/NGO scholarships, institutional fee waivers, and Buddy4Study-based support programs.
When should I apply for the scholarships meant for the students of North-Eastern States?
Most scholarship applications are open from May to September each year. It’s advisable to apply early to avoid missing deadlines.
What are the documents required for these scholarships?
Key documents include Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, domicile certificate, income certificate, admission letter, bank account details, passport-size photo, and caste certificate (if applicable).
Can students pursuing studies outside the north-eastern regions apply for these scholarships?
Yes, central scholarships like Ishan Uday are open to domiciled students from North-Eastern states even if they are studying outside the region.
What is the Ishan Uday scholarship, and who is the provider?
The Ishan Uday is a UGC-funded scholarship scheme specifically for students from the North-Eastern Region, including Sikkim, to promote higher education participation.
Is there any opportunity for students wanting to study abroad?
Yes. Programs like the TOEFL Global Scholar Challenge 2025–26 offer Indian students prizes, fee waivers, and preparation support to pursue education internationally.