However, the sense of fulfilment was brief. She had to pay an advance fee to be admitted, something her family simply could not afford. Her desire seemed to fade away since she had no savings, no direction, and no idea about financial aid. They postponed her admission. During this trying period, Priyanka discovered a scholarship available to MBBS candidates. She submitted an application, got the help she required, and was eventually allowed to start her medical career. For her, the scholarship wasn’t just financial aid, it was the bridge between a dream and reality.
In this article we will focus on how to obtain an MBBS scholarship following the successful completion of NEET examinations.
Understanding the cost of MBBS education in India
Many students in India aspire to earn an MBBS degree, but the cost of medical school can be prohibitive, particularly for families from lower-income backgrounds. The first step to understanding why scholarships are not only beneficial but frequently necessary is to fully understand how these expenses are structured.
Government vs. private medical college fees
The cost of MBBS education can vary drastically depending on whether a student gets admitted to a government medical college or a private institution. Government medical colleges offer subsidized education, with annual tuition fees typically ranging between ₹400 to ₹20 lakhs annually. These colleges are highly competitive and are primarily accessible to students with top NEET ranks.
Fee structure of the top three government medical colleges in India:
| College Name | Annual Tuition Fee |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi | Up to ₹400 – ₹6000 annually (depending on course). |
| Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh | Up to ₹1000 – ₹9.5 lakh
|
| Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry | Up to ₹5,760 – ₹18,810
annually (depending on course). |
Private medical colleges, on the other hand, charge significantly higher fees, often ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh per year. In some cases, the total cost of an MBBS degree at a private institution can exceed ₹1 crore.
Fee structure of the top three private medical colleges in India.
| College Name | Annual Tuition Fee |
| Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore | Up to ₹300 – ₹2.67 lakh
annually (depending on course). |
| Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal | Up to ₹2.03 lakh – ₹70 lakhs (depending on course). |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai | Up to ₹15,000 – ₹1.35 crore (depending on course). |
Beyond tuition, students must also bear several other costs that are essential for completing their education:
- Hostel and mess fees: These can range from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year, depending on the city and institution.
- Books and study material: Medical textbooks are expensive. On average, students may spend ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 annually.
- Instruments and lab equipment: Essential items like stethoscopes, lab coats, dissection kits, and other medical instruments can cost between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
- Travel and living expenses: Particularly relevant for students studying away from home, these costs can vary but add up over the years.
Why are Scholarships Essential?
It can be very challenging for families in under-represented communities, lower incomes, or belonging to rural areas to finance medical education. Even if the student secures admission to a government college. In these situations, scholarships become a lifeline.
- They bridge the affordability gap and allow deserving students to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial stress.
- Additionally, scholarships save students from taking out high-interest student loans that could take years to pay back after graduation.
- Most significantly, scholarships give students from underprivileged backgrounds equitable access to chances, guaranteeing that hard effort and talent, not financial status, will determine their career.
Types of Scholarships Available After NEET
After clearing NEET, students who wish to pursue MBBS often face significant financial hurdles. Fortunately, various scholarships are available to support them. These scholarships can be broadly categorized into government-funded, private/NGO-sponsored, and institutional scholarships.
- Government-funded scholarships: These scholarships are offered by either the central or state governments. They are designed to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, reserved categories, or specific regions. The funding is public, and the schemes often aim to promote educational equity and increase access to professional courses like MBBS. Application processes for such scholarships are centralized through government portals.
- Private and NGO-sponsored scholarships: These scholarships are provided by private companies, foundations, charitable trusts, or non-governmental organizations. They are often merit-based, need-based, or targeted at specific communities or causes. While not funded by the government, they play a crucial role in supporting students who may not qualify for public schemes but still face financial hardships.
- Institutional scholarships: Institutional scholarships are offered directly by medical colleges or universities. These may include fee waivers, stipends, or financial aid based on academic performance, financial need, or specific service commitments. Such scholarships are available only to students enrolled in the respective institutions and often require maintaining certain academic standards.
Eligibility criteria for MBBS scholarships
To ensure that scholarships reach the most deserving candidates, various criteria are applied by scholarship providers. These generally revolve around academic merit, financial background, social category, and sometimes, post-education service commitments. Understanding these criteria is essential before applying.
| Criteria Type | Details |
| Academic performance and NEET rank | NEET rank/percentile is a core requirement for most medical scholarships.
Some scholarships also consider Class 12 marks for shortlisting |
| Family income limits | Typically for families earning between ₹1 lakh to ₹8 lakh per annum.
Requires submission of valid income certificate. |
| Category-based eligibility | Reserved for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Minority categories in many schemes.
Proof required (e.g., caste or minority certificate). |
| Bond/service terms (if applicable) | Some scholarships require post-MBBS service in rural/public health sectors.
Breach of bond may lead to repayment or legal consequences. |
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships
Finding the right scholarship after NEET can significantly ease the financial burden of MBBS education. However, navigating the process requires knowing where to look, what to prepare, and how to apply effectively. Here’s a detailed guide to help with each step.
STEP 1: Navigating through scholarship portals
One of the most efficient ways to search for MBBS scholarships is through online scholarship portals maintained by the central government, state governments, or private organizations. These portals list various scholarship schemes, eligibility details, and allow for direct application.
National Scholarship Portal (NSP): The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a one-stop platform for central and state government scholarships. NEET-qualified students can find multiple schemes based on category, income, or merit. Applications, document uploads, and tracking are all done online.
State-specific portals: Most states operate their own scholarship systems, such as:
| Portal Name | States Covered |
| ePASS | Telangana, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh |
| E-Kalyan Scholarship | Jharkhand, Bihar |
| MahaDBT Scholarship | Maharashtra |
| Oasis | West Bengal |
Private scholarship aggregators: Several online platforms compile and regularly update lists of verified private and NGO-sponsored scholarships for students pursuing MBBS. These portals serve as central hubs where applicants can explore multiple opportunities, check eligibility criteria, and apply with ease. One of the most credible and widely used platforms is Buddy4Study, which partners with various organizations to provide access to scholarships tailored for economically disadvantaged and meritorious students. It offers filters based on education level, category, income, and course, making it especially helpful for NEET-qualified medical aspirants.
Institutional financial aid offices: Once admitted, students should also explore scholarships offered by their respective medical colleges. Many government and private institutions have internal financial aid programs, ranging from merit-based fee waivers to need-based assistance. These scholarships may be funded by alumni, government endowments, or organizations.
- Students are advised to visit the student welfare or finance office at the time of admission to inquire about available schemes.
- Application for such institutional aid is usually done offline or via the university’s internal portal and may require additional documentation, such as admission confirmation and NEET scorecard.
STEP 2: Preparing essential documents
Every scholarship, whether from a government, private, or institutional source requires a specific set of documents for verification. Having these documents ready in advance ensures a smooth and timely application process. Commonly required documents include:
- NEET Scorecard
- Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets
- Income Certificate (issued by competent authority)
- Caste/Community/EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile/Residence Certificate
- Admission Letter from Medical College
- Bank Passbook Copy (student’s account)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Aadhar Card or any other ID proof
STEP 3: Applying through official portals
Once eligible scholarships are identified and documents are ready, the next crucial step is the application process itself. Each platform has its own procedure. For example, here’s how to apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
Step 1: Applicants first have to visit the official website of the National Scholarship Portal. (https://scholarships.gov.in/)
Step 2: Proceed to click on the “Apply For One-Time Registration (OTR)” section located in the top left corner of the homepage.
Step 3: On clicking that button, the following page will appear. Ensure that you are in the “Register” section of the page.
Step 4: At the bottom of the page, you will see two boxes under the “I Agree To The Following” section. You need to agree to the guidelines in order to move forward; click “Next”.
Step 5: A page will appear, here you register yourself by entering the correct mobile number and OTP. Then click on “Verify”.
Step 6: After registering your phone number, you will need to do an eKYC verification.
Step 7: On completing the KYC verification, you will receive an OTR that can be used for the scholarship applications.
Step 8: After registering yourself on NSP, applicants first have to visit the official website of the National Scholarship Portal.
Step 9: Navigate to the top left corner of the page and click on the “Apply For Scholarship” button.
Step 10: The following picture will display, fill in the required details and click “Login”.
Step 11: After, navigate to the “Apply for Scholarship” section and click on it.
Step 12: An application page will open, there you must fill all the required details, along with the required documents.
Step 13: After completing the application, submit the request. Ensure you double check the submitted details to avoid mistakes.
Note: The steps for state-specific portals like ePASS, E-Kalyan, MahaDBT, and Oasis may vary slightly. Applicants are advised to visit the official portal of their respective state and follow the specific application instructions mentioned there.
Top Scholarships for MBBS Aspirants After NEET
Several government bodies, private institutions, and non-profit organizations offer scholarships to support NEET-qualified students pursuing MBBS. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both, and are awarded based on merit, financial need, or specific community criteria.
Top Scholarships for MBBS Aspirants :
| Scheme name | Type | Award details |
| AIIMS Delhi Scholarships | Institutional | Monthly stipends or tuition reimbursement; book grant; hostel and mess fee subsidies based on financial need. |
| CMC, Vellore Minority Network Category Scholarships | Institutional | Partial or full tuition fee waiver, hostel support, other subsidies; admission preference; 2-year service bond in mission hospitals. |
| University of Queensland Medical Endowment Scholarship | Institutional | AUD 5,000 (approx. ₹4,26,840) for one year for MD program students facing financial hardship. |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College Students | Government | ₹12,000/year (UG), ₹20,000/year (PG); professional course students get ₹20,000/year in 4th & 5th years. |
| Financial Assistance for Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers | Government | ₹25,000/year for MBBS and other professional courses. |
| Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship | Private | ₹2,40,000 total (₹80,000/year for 3 years) for MBBS, B.Tech, or B.Sc in Pure Sciences. |
| Swami Dayanand Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Private | Up to ₹50,000/year or ₹2,00,000 total for undergraduate studies including MBBS. |
| Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship | Private | Up to ₹50,000/year or ₹2,00,000 total for female students in STEM, including MBBS. |
| GSK Scholars Programme | Private | ₹1,00,000/year for up to 4.5 years for first-year MBBS students in government medical colleges. |
| Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation Scholarship | Private | 100% reimbursement of tuition fees and other educational expenses as per college fee structure. |
FAQs
What types of scholarships are available after qualifying NEET for MBBS studies?
- Scholarships after NEET generally fall into three categories:
- Merit-based scholarships: Awarded to students with top NEET scores and academic records.
- Need-based scholarships: For students from economically weaker sections, regardless of academic performance.
- Special category scholarships: Targeted at minorities, women, SC/ST/OBC, or region-specific candidates .
What is the role of income criteria in MBBS scholarship eligibility?
- Income is a critical determinant in need-based scholarships. Typically:
- General scholarships have a maximum family income ceiling (Example: ₹8 lakh per annum for the Central Sector Scholarship)
- Minority or SC/ST scholarships require income below ₹2.5–₹6 lakh per annum
- Some schemes, like AIIMS Delhi’s aid, evaluate income after admission for reimbursement.
Are there any service bonds or conditions attached to MBBS scholarships?
- Yes, certain scholarships have post-education obligations, especially those aimed at underserved areas. For example:
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore offers aid with a service bond requiring graduates to work in mission hospitals.
- State government schemes may require students to work in rural primary health centers for 1–5 years after graduation.
- Failure to meet these obligations can lead to a requirement to repay the scholarship amount with penalty.
What documents are required to apply for MBBS scholarships post-NEET?
Typical documents include:
- NEET scorecard and admit card
- Admission proof (college ID or fee receipt)
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets
- Income certificate issued by a competent authority
- Caste/minority/disability certificate (if applicable)
- Bank passbook copy linked to student’s name
- Aadhaar card and passport-size photographs
When is the best time to apply for MBBS scholarships after NEET?
- The ideal time is immediately after securing MBBS admission. Most scholarship portals open between July and October each year.