Major Scholarships for Financially Underprivileged Students
Several active scholarship programs continue to support financially disadvantaged students in India, enabling them to pursue education without financial barriers. Below are some key scholarships currently available:
National Means‑cum‑Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
Provider: Ministry of Education, Government of India
Name: National Means‑cum‑Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
Eligibility:
- Students completing Class 8 in government, aided, or local-body schools
- Annual family income: ≤ ₹3,50,000
- Minimum marks: 40% in SAT/MAT (32% for reserved candidates)
Award: ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000/month) provided from Class 9 to Class 12
Purpose: The scheme is designed to reduce dropout rates after Class 8 and promote continuation of education through Class 12
Swami Dayanand Education Foundation Merit‑cum‑Means Scholarship
Provider: Swami Dayanand Education Foundation (SDEF)
Name: Swami Dayanand Education Foundation Merit‑cum‑Means Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Students pursuing professional undergraduate courses such as Engineering, MBBS, Pharmacy, IT, or Architecture in recognized institutions
- Annual family income: ≤ ₹8,00,000
- Minimum marks: 80% in Class 12 (CBSE) or 70% in other boards; CGPA ≥ 8.0 for second-year applicants
Application window: June – August 31, 2025
Purpose: To support academically meritorious students from economically weaker families in completing professional courses without financial hardship
Merck India Charitable Trust (MICT) Scholarship
Provider: Merck India Charitable Trust
Name: Merck India Charitable Trust (MICT) Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Class 10 passed students with a minimum of 80% marks and a monthly family income below ₹20,000
Award: Up to ₹35,000 per annum until graduation
Application window: Open now – August 25, 2025
Purpose: To support meritorious students from financially weaker families in completing their education through sustained financial assistance until graduation
North South Foundation (NSF) Scholarship
Provider: North South Foundation (India Chapter)
Name: North South Foundation (NSF) Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Class 12 passed students enrolling in engineering, medicine, or 3-year polytechnic courses with an annual family income ≤ ₹90,000
Award: Up to ₹25,000 per annum
Application window: Open now – September 15, 2025
Purpose: To provide financial aid to academically bright but economically disadvantaged students, ensuring they can pursue higher education without financial barriers
Baba Gurbachan Singh Scholarship Scheme
Provider: Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation
Name: Baba Gurbachan Singh Scholarship Scheme
Eligibility:
- First-year degree and diploma students in recognized institutions with an annual family income ≤ ₹3,50,000
Award: Up to 100% tuition fee coverage
Application window: Open now – September 30, 2025
Purpose: To offer tuition fee assistance to deserving first-year students from underprivileged backgrounds, enabling them to access higher education
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Provider: Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India
Name: Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Eligibility: Students from EWS and low-income families with at least 80% in Class 12 and enrolled in recognized undergraduate or postgraduate courses
Award: ₹10,000 per year for UG students; ₹20,000 per year for PG students
Application window: Opens mid-2025; deadline October 31, 2025
Purpose: Support meritorious students from economically weaker sections to continue higher education
HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Programme
Provider: HDFC Bank Parivartan initiative
Name: HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Programme
Eligibility: Students from Class 1 to postgraduate level from low-income families with annual income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh facing financial crisis
Award: ₹30,000 per annum for school and undergraduate levels; ₹50,000 per annum for professional undergraduate courses
Application window: Typically closes July 2025
Purpose: Provide urgent financial support to prevent students from dropping out due to financial hardship
Foundation for Academic Excellence & Access (FAEA) Scholarship
Provider: Foundation for Academic Excellence & Access (FAEA)
Name: Foundation for Academic Excellence & Access (FAEA) Scholarship
Eligibility: First-year undergraduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (SC/ST and general EWS) with strong academic performance
Award: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, books, and travel expenses
Application window: Opens early 2025; deadlines vary by institution
Purpose: Help talented low-income students pursue higher education without financial stress
LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme
Provider: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
Name: LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme
Eligibility: EWS students in Class XII or equivalent with 60–75% marks (varies) from low-income families
Award: Up to ₹40,000 per annum for higher studies
Application window: Mid-2025; exact deadlines vary
Purpose: Assist economically weaker students in pursuing undergraduate or professional courses
Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship
Provider: Tata Capital Pankh initiative
Name: Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship
Eligibility: Students from EWS backgrounds pursuing professional-level courses (engineering, medicine, management) with annual family income ≤ ₹4,00,000
Award: Up to ₹50,000 per annum, merit-cum-means based
Application window: Open until mid-2025 (dates may vary)
Purpose: Provide substantial financial support to economically weaker students in professional education
Required Documents
Applying for scholarships under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category typically requires certain documents to verify eligibility and academic merit. Ensuring these documents are ready in advance can speed up the application process and improve the chances of approval.
- Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority, this document confirms the family’s annual income and is mandatory for most merit-cum-means scholarships.
- Academic Transcripts: Mark sheets and certificates from previous classes or qualifying exams that demonstrate academic performance.
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or any other government-issued ID helps verify the applicant’s identity.
- Domicile Certificate: Some scholarships require proof of residence in a specific state or region.
- Admission Proof: A valid admission letter or fee receipt from the enrolled institution is often necessary to confirm current academic status.
- Passport-size Photograph: A recent photograph of the applicant is usually required for official records.
- Bank Account Details: A copy of the bank passbook or a canceled cheque ensures scholarship funds are transferred directly to the student’s account.
FAQs
Who is eligible for scholarships under the EWS category?
Students from families with an annual income typically below ₹8 lakh are considered for EWS-based scholarships, subject to specific scheme rules.
Do EWS students need a certificate to apply for these scholarships?
Some scholarships require an official EWS certificate, while others only require proof of income such as salary slips or income affidavits.
Can students apply for multiple EWS scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships if they meet the eligibility criteria, but usually cannot receive financial aid from two overlapping schemes.
Do these scholarships cover hostel and book expenses?
Some scholarships such as the FAEA and LIC Golden Jubilee schemes provide comprehensive coverage including tuition, hostel, and learning resources.
What is the selection process for most of these scholarships?
The selection process is generally merit-cum-means based, evaluating both academic performance and financial need.
Are these scholarships renewable each year?
Yes, most scholarships are renewable annually if the student maintains good academic performance and continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
Where can students apply for these scholarships?
Applications are accepted through official portals such as the National Scholarship Portal, foundation websites, or designated online platforms like Buddy4Study.
Are EWS category students eligible for government scholarships only?
No, several private organizations and NGOs also offer EWS scholarships, including Tata Trusts, Reliance Foundation, and Sitaram Jindal Foundation. These are open to meritorious students with financial constraints.
Is there an age limit to apply for EWS scholarships?
Most scholarships for EWS students have an age limit aligned with academic level. For example, undergraduate scholarships may require applicants to be under 25 years. Always check specific scheme guidelines.
Do EWS scholarships support technical and professional courses?
Yes, many EWS scholarships cover technical and professional programs like B.Tech, MBBS, B.Arch, Nursing, and Law, especially through schemes like AICTE-Swanath and NSP Merit-cum-Means scholarships.
Can EWS students from all boards (CBSE, ICSE, State) apply?
Yes, EWS students from any recognized board in India are eligible to apply, provided they meet the income and academic criteria defined by the specific scholarship program.
What documents are commonly required for EWS scholarship applications?
Commonly required documents include income certificate or EWS certificate, mark sheets, identity proof (Aadhaar), bank account details, and admission proof.