This scheme was launched in the late memory of our India’s most respected statesmen and former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This renowned scholarship opens doors to Indian universities for international students and provides them the opportunity to pursue their undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in recognised Indian universities and institutions. This scholarship promotes cultural exchange and strengthens educational ties between India and other nations.
This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarship, including eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, important dates, while featuring the most appropriate response to frequently asked questions.
ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 – An Overview!
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme is designed to support international students. ICCR has allocated 640 scholarship slots in Indian Universities/ Institutes for the academic year 2025-26, which is applicable to students located globally.
Scholarship Name | ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 |
Academic Year | 2025-26 |
Total Scholarship Slots | 640 |
Application Mode | Online |
Official Portal | A2A scholarship portal |
Eligibility |
|
Benefits | Tuition fees, accommodation, and travel expenses |
ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025: Eligible Countries
The ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 is offered to students from 123 countries, thereby being defined as one of the most classically inclusive and internationally recognised scholarship programs. These countries represent Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas, and Oceania, thus ensuring the presence of a diversified group of applicants that will nurture international cooperation in academics. Some of the 123 eligible countries include:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Cook Islands
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Dominican Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Holy See
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lao PDR
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- North Macedonia
- Oman
- Palau
- Palestine
- San Marino
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Reunion Island (France)
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Korea
- Russia
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- St. Vincent & Grenadines
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Turkmenistan
- Timor-Leste
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turkey
- Tuvalu
- UAE
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025: Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply for the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Nationality
- This scholarship is open to international students from different countries.
- Different countries have a certain number of slots reserved for them.
2. Academic Qualifications
- Undergraduate Program: Applicant must have passed Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate/12th standard or equivalent.
- Postgraduate Program: Students should have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject.
- PhD Program: Applicants should have a Master’s degree in the chosen discipline.
3. Age Limit
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate Courses: Applicable to students between 18 years and 40 years old as on July 1, 2025.
- PhD Courses: The upper limit is 50 years.
Also Read: Tata Scholarship for Indian Students at Cornell University: Verify Eligibility, Application Process, Benefits and Other Details
ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 – Required Documents
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Academic Documents
- Proof of Age
- Passport Copy
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Recommendations/Character Certificates
- Proof for English Proficiency
- Additional Documents for Specific Courses
- Medical Insurance
- Equivalence Certificate (if required)
ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025: Application Process
Step 1: Register yourself on the official application portal A2A scholarship portal.
Step 2: Fill in the required information details.
Step 3: Select the university of your choice to take admission.
Step 4: Upload the required documents.
Step 5: Finally submit your application.
ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025: Benefits
The ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship is substantial and covers the following expenses:
- Tuition Fees – 100% of tuition fees for the selected course.
- Accommodation – Accommodation in a hostel provided by the university.
- Travel Expenses – Return economy airfare to the nearest airport and 3rd AC train fare to the place of study if required.
- Medical Insurance – Students must have medical insurance before traveling to India.
- Monthly Stipend – Monthly stipend for living expenses including food and books.
ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 – Important Timeline
Event | Date |
Opening of portal for inviting applications | February 20, 2025 |
Last date to submit application on portal | April 30, 2025 |
Universities to inform admission/rejection decision | May 31, 2025 |
Finalization of scholarship allocation by Indian Missions abroad for offer letters | June 15, 2025 |
Last date for students to confirm/reject scholarship offer | June 22, 2025 |
Second-round scholarship allocation based on acceptances | July 01, 2025 |
Second-round students to confirm acceptances | July 10, 2025 |
The ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in India. By covering all the means of financial assistance, cultural exposure and academic excellence, this scholarship helps students achieve their dreams while enhancing global educational ties. If you are an aspiring student looking for a fully-funded scholarship, apply today and take the first step toward an enriching academic journey in India!
Also Read: Scholarship-Based Admissions for Engineering Students
ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025: FAQs
What is the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 and its main objective?
The ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 is an initiative by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), launched in the memory of India’s former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The scholarship aims to provide opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in recognised Indian universities, promoting cultural exchange and educational diplomacy between India and the world.
How many scholarship slots are available under the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship for the academic year 2025-26?
For the academic year 2025-26, 640 scholarship slots are available for international students across various fields of study in Indian universities and institutions.
Which countries are eligible for the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025?
The scholarship is open to students from 123 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, ensuring a diverse and inclusive group of applicants.
What are the eligibility criteria for applicants seeking the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025?
For Undergraduate & Postgraduate Programs: Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old as of July 1, 2025. For PhD Programs: Applicants must be under 50 years old. Academic qualifications are also required (12th standard for UG and Bachelor's for PG).
What are the benefits provided under the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025?
The scholarship covers 100% tuition fees, hostel accommodation, return airfare, 3rd AC train fare, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
What documents are required to apply for the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025?
Required documents include passport-size photo, academic documents, age proof, passport copy, medical fitness certificate, recommendation letters, English proficiency proof, and insurance details.
What is the application process for the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025?
Applicants must register on the A2A portal, complete the form, select a university, upload documents, and submit before the deadline.
What is the application timeline for the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025?
Opening date: February 20, 2025; Deadline: April 30, 2025; University decisions: May 31, 2025; Scholarship finalisation: June 15, 2025; Offer confirmation: June 22, 2025.
What is the age limit for applicants applying for the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025?
Applicants for UG/PG must be between 18–40 years old, and for PhD programs, up to 50 years old as of July 1, 2025.
What fields of study are eligible for the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025?
Eligible fields include Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Veterinary Science, Nursing, Agriculture, MBA/BBA, MCA/BCA, and other technical/professional courses.
Can any one apply from any other location?
Yes, applications can be submitted online from anywhere in the world via the A2A ICCR Scholarship portal through the Indian embassy.
Is it possible to make changes once I have completed and submitted my application?
No changes are allowed after submission. In case of major discrepancies, contact the Indian Mission for assistance.
Does ICCR scholarship also provide support for medical courses?
No, ICCR does not offer scholarships for courses in the medicine stream.
What happens if someone joins after the last date/deadline of the course?
Joining must happen one or two days before the final date. If not joined by the university deadline, admission will be cancelled.
Can international students take up jobs during their studies in India?
No, ICCR scholars are not allowed to work in India during the scholarship tenure.