While government scholarship schemes support millions of students, several non-governmental organisations, charitable trusts, corporate foundations and philanthropic institutions also provide financial assistance. These opportunities are commonly searched for as NGO scholarships. They support students studying in schools, colleges, universities, technical institutes or foreign institutions.
Some programmes pay tuition fees, while others provide assistance for books, accommodation, laptops, examination fees, living expenses, mentoring or career development. NGO scholarships are particularly beneficial for students from low-income families who may not qualify for a government scheme or need additional financial support to meet their educational expenses.
NGO scholarships in India 2026 vary in their financial coverage depending on the organisation, target group, and programme level. The table below outlines the key benefits offered under each scholarship.
No, you cannot apply for this scholarship if you are pursuing an MBA or Computer Science Engineering, as these are explicitly excluded. The programme supports Indian passport holders residing in India with confirmed admission to eligible disciplines at top institutions in the UK, Europe, or the USA.
Q3: How do the selection criteria and target academic streams differ between the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships?
Q4: I am a second-year MBBS student. Am I eligible to apply for the Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship?
Q5: What is the difference in financial support between the General and Special categories under the Legrand Empowering Scholarship Programme?
NGO Scholarships 2026 – Overview
NGO scholarships are educational grants or financial assistance programmes funded or implemented by non-governmental organisations, charitable trusts, philanthropic foundations, corporate social responsibility organisations and other not-for-profit institutions.
These scholarships are generally established to improve access to education for students facing financial, social, geographical or personal disadvantages.
Types of NGO Scholarships
| Scholarship category | Basis of selection |
| Merit-based scholarship | Academic performance, entrance examination rank or exceptional achievement |
| Need-based scholarship | Annual family income and financial circumstances |
| Merit-cum-means scholarship | Combination of academic performance and financial need |
| Crisis-based scholarship | Family emergency, death of an earning member, illness or sudden loss of income |
| Gender-based scholarship | Support for girls, women or transgender students |
| Disability scholarship | Support for students with disabilities |
| Course-specific scholarship | Restricted to engineering, medicine, law, science, management or another discipline |
| Community-based scholarship | Support for students from disadvantaged or underrepresented communities |
| Study-abroad scholarship | Financial assistance for postgraduate or research programmes outside India |
| Talent-based scholarship | Sports, arts, leadership, innovation or other demonstrated abilities |
Note – Not every organisation listed as an NGO scholarship provider is legally registered as an NGO. The wider category also includes charitable trusts, family foundations, CSR foundations and philanthropic institutions that provide educational assistance.
Also Read – Mukhya Mantri Jan Kalyan Yojana (MMJKY)
NGO Scholarships 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
The following organisations have been selected on the basis of their reach, programme continuity, diversity of beneficiaries and contribution to education.
Eligibility Criteria of NGO Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria |
| Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) | Class 12 pass OR 1st-year UG student (all disciplines); must belong to SC/ST/OBC/BPL categories. |
| Reliance Foundation Scholarships | UG Applicants – Open to Indian citizens in 1st year of a regular full-time degree. Minimum 60% in Class 12 and a household income below ₹15 lakh, with preference to families earning under ₹2.5 lakh. PG Applicants – Limited to specific streams — CS, AI, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical, Chemical, Renewable Energy, Material Science, and Life Sciences and requires a GATE score of 550–1,000 or a UG CGPA of 7.5 or above. A mandatory aptitude test applies to both; PG applicants additionally need two essays and two reference letters. Note – Distance, online, and part-time students are not eligible. |
| Tata Trusts Scholarships and Education Grants | Indian women graduates with a strong academic record pursuing a full-time Master’s in the USA, the UK, or Europe in fields related to women and children, such as Child Health, Gender Studies, Counselling, Social Work, Public Health, and Education, are eligible. Two years of relevant work experience is preferred, and applicants must demonstrate at least half-funding for tuition and housing. |
| Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship | Students enrolled in the 1st year of B.E./B.Tech., 5-year Integrated M.Tech, MBBS, or 5-year Law (2024–25); passed Class 12 or equivalent in 2022 or later with minimum 70%. Secured admission through a state/national entrance exam or counselling on general/open merit; and gross annual family income not exceeding ₹3,00,000 from all sources. |
| Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship | Meritorious students from financially weaker families.Covers Classes 11–12, ITI, diplomas, general UG, engineering, medical, and PG courses. Special categories for students with disabilities or acute disadvantages. |
| NorthSouth Foundation Scholarship | Students entering professional/technical degrees or diplomas (MBBS, BDS, B.E./B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Sc Ag/Nursing, Integrated B.Ed).Based on academic merit, entrance exam ranks, and financial need. Income Limit: Annual family income generally up to ₹2 lakh. |
| Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme | Open to students who have passed Class 10 (SSC/SSLC/Madhyamik) in 2026 from a participating state, with a minimum score of 65%–90% depending on the state (generally 75%–90% for general category; 60%–75% for students with disabilities). Annual family income from all sources must be below ₹2 lakh for most states, with a higher cap of ₹4 lakh for Goa. Students must be seeking admission to Class 11 at a recognised institution. |
| SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship | Open to Indian nationals across multiple levels — Class 9–12, UG and PG students at top 300 NIRF-ranked institutions or IITs, MBA/PGDM students at IIMs, medical students, and SC/ST students pursuing PG studies abroad at QS/THE top 200 universities. Scored a minimum of 75% marks or 7 CGPA in their previous academic year, with a relaxation of 67.5% or 6.3 CGPA for SC/ST candidates Gross annual family income must not exceed ₹3 lakh for school students (Class 9–12) and ₹6 lakh for all other categories. An SBI bank account is mandatory for shortlisting. |
| Parivartan ECSS Programme | Open to Indian nationals enrolled in Classes 1–12, or pursuing Diploma, ITI, Polytechnic, Undergraduate (general and professional), or Postgraduate (general and professional) courses at recognised institutions. Scored at least 55% in their previous qualifying examination, and the annual family income from all sources must be ₹2.5 lakh or less. |
| K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Scholarships | Indian citizens aged 21–28 holding a first-class degree from a recognised Indian university (final-year students may also apply), pursuing a full-time postgraduate programme at a reputable institution in India or abroad across any discipline — Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Medicine, Business Administration, and Fine Arts. |
| Lila Poonawalla Foundation Scholarships | Indian female students from economically weaker backgrounds (family income ≤ ₹5,00,000) in Pune, Amravati, Wardha, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, pursuing B.E./B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, B.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc., or select PG programmes in Science and Technology. Minimum 70% in Class 10, 12, or graduation required; 60% must be maintained each year for renewal. |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships | Indian nationals residing in India, below 30 years of age as of 31 January 2026, who have graduated (or are in their final year) from an accredited Indian university, and are planning to pursue a full-time Master’s or PhD at a prestigious institution in India or abroad from Fall 2026. University admission is not required when applying. |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Indian passport holders residing in India, born on or after 1 January 1996, with a first-class degree from a recognised Indian university, holding prior admission to a full-time Master’s, MPhil, or PhD at a top university in the USA, UK, or Europe. Minimum 65% for Humanities/Arts/Law; 70% for Sciences. MBA, business, finance, medicine, and most computer science/engineering branches are excluded. |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Nationals and residents of eligible developing countries (including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Egypt, and others) holding a Bachelor’s degree with genuine financial need, entering the first year of a full-time Master’s or PhD programme at a reputable university. Preference is given to applicants under 30 with strong academic records, leadership potential, and relevance to AKDN’s development focus areas. Part-time and short-term courses are not eligible. |
| Legrand Empowering Scholarship Programme | Female students across India admitted to B.Tech., B.E., B.Arch., BBA., B.Com, or BSc in the current academic year, with a family income not exceeding ₹5,00,000 per annum. Under the General Category, applicants must have scored a minimum of 70% in both Class X and XII and receive a 60% annual course fee, up to ₹60,000 per year. Under the Special Category — covering differently-abled girls, LGBTQ+ students, COVID-affected students, single-parent families, and orphans — the minimum academic requirement is 60% in Class 10 and 12 |
| Kotak Education Foundation Scholarships | Kotak Kanya Scholarship is open to girl students across India who have scored a minimum of 75% in Class 12 and secured admission in the first year of a professional UG programme – Engineering, MBBS, Integrated LLB, Design, Architecture, or Integrated BS-MS/BS-Research with an annual family income not exceeding ₹6,00,000. Kotak Junior Scholarship is for students within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) who have scored 85% or above in Class X (SSC/CBSE/ICSE) and secured admission to Class 11 (Arts, Commerce, or Science) at a college within MMR, with an annual parental income not exceeding ₹3,20,000. Children of employees of Kotak Mahindra Group and Kotak Education Foundation are not eligible for either scheme. |
NGO Scholarships 2026 – Benefits
NGO Scholarships 2026: Benefits and Rewards
| Scholarship Name | Benefits & Support |
| Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) | Tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other educational expenses. Renewable based on academic progress and fund availability. |
| Reliance Foundation Scholarships | Undergraduate: Up to ₹2 lakh over the course duration, plus networking and development opportunities. Postgraduate: Up to ₹6 lakh over the course duration, plus mentoring and professional development. |
| Tata Trusts Scholarships and Education Grants | Varies by program; includes means-based education grants, interest-free loan scholarships, medical/healthcare grants, civil aviation grants, and research support. |
| Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship | Financial assistance for the course duration.Non-financial support: English-language training, technical learning, employability training, interview prep, mentoring, and career readiness. |
| Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship | Regular financial scholarship assistance. The exact award amount and academic criteria vary by course, gender, category, and location. |
| North South Foundation Scholarship | Total indicative support over course duration: MBBS (5 years): ₹1.5 lakh UG Engineering/BDS/B.Pharm/B.Sc (4 years): ₹1 lakh Integrated B.A.-B.Ed / B.Sc-B.Ed (4 years): ₹1 lakh Diploma (3 years): ₹45,000 |
| Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme | Initial financial support for Classes 11 and 12.Extended support for undergraduate education for consistent performers.Provides mentoring, career guidance, and life-skills development. |
| SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship | Financial scholarship amounts vary considerably based on the category, specific course, and institution. |
| Parivartan ECSS Programme | Financial assistance up to ₹75,000 depending on the academic category and the depth of the student’s financial need. |
| K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Scholarships | All India Talent Scholarship: ₹10,000 per year for up to 3 years. Postgraduate Scholarship: Interest-free loan scholarships (with higher assistance options for top selected scholars). |
| Lila Poonawalla Foundation Scholarships | Financial tuition assistance. Skill development support including mentoring, counselling, communication training, digital skills, employability training, and leadership development. |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships | Provided as an interest-free scholarship loan (requires repayment based on individual program conditions). |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Up to USD 120,000 covering tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, health allowances, and a one-way travel ticket. |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Covers tuition fees and living costs. Award Structure: 50% grant and 50% loan.Does not cover international travel or family dependents. |
| Legrand Empowering Scholarship Programme | General Category: 60% of annual course fees (up to ₹60,000/year). Special Category: 80% of annual course fees (up to ₹1 lakh/year).Includes industry mentorship, career guidance, and expert interactions. |
NGO Scholarships 2026 – Application Links
Eligible candidates can apply directly through the respective official portals. The table below provides the direct application links for these NGO scholarships in India.
Application Links for NGO Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Application Link |
| Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) | CLICK HERE |
| Reliance Foundation Scholarships | CLICK HERE |
| Tata Trusts Scholarships and Education Grants | CLICK HERE |
| Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship | CLICK HERE |
| Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship | CLICK HERE |
| North South Foundation Scholarship | CLICK HERE |
| Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme | CLICK HERE |
| SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship | CLICK HERE |
| Parivartan ECSS Programme | CLICK HERE |
| K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Scholarships | CLICK HERE |
| Lila Poonawalla Foundation Scholarships | CLICK HERE |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships | CLICK HERE |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | CLICK HERE |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | CLICK HERE |
| Legrand Empowering Scholarship Programme | CLICK HERE |
NGO Scholarships 2026 – Documents Required
Students who are eligible to apply for the NGO scholarships are required to keep the documents listed below handy while filling the NGO scholarship application form –
General List of Documents Required for NGO Scholarships 2026
- Marksheets of Class 10, 12, and latest qualifying examination
- Bonafide student certificate or admission letter from the institution
- Current year fee receipt or fee structure
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photographs
- Annual family income certificate issued by a competent authority
- BPL certificate (if applicable)
- Category Certificates (if applicable)
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
- Disability certificate
- Transgender identity certificate (if applicable)
- Cancelled cheque or passbook copy with account number and IFSC code (if applicable)
- Entrance exam scorecard for JEE/NEET/CLAT or state-level equivalents (if applicable)
- Essay or statement of purpose required by selected programme/course (if applicable)
- Recommendation or reference letter (if applicable)
- Death certificate of parent for crisis-based or defence-category scholarships (if applicable)
Also Read – Central Scholarships
NGO Scholarships 2026 – FAQs
Q1: Can a student apply for the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship to pursue an MBA or a Computer Science engineering program abroad?
Q2: Is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship a fully non-repayable financial grant?
No, this scholarship is not a pure grant; its award structure consists of a 50% grant and a 50% loan system. It is designed as a last-resort funding option for outstanding postgraduate students with genuine financial need. International travel and family-dependent expenses are not covered.
Q3: How do the selection criteria and target academic streams differ between the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships?
The undergraduate scholarship supports up to 5,000 first-year students from any stream on a merit-cum-means basis, while the postgraduate scholarship is highly selective, awarding only 100 scholars strictly on academic merit in science, engineering, and emerging technologies.
Q4: I am a second-year MBBS student. Am I eligible to apply for the Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship?
No, a second-year medical student is not eligible because the FFE Scholarship is strictly reserved for first-year students. To qualify, applicants must be entering their first year of medicine, engineering, or integrated law, have secured admission through national or state exams such as NEET, JEE, or CLAT, and meet the specified family income limit.
Q5: What is the difference in financial support between the General and Special categories under the Legrand Empowering Scholarship Programme?
General Category applicants receive coverage of 60% of their annual course fees, up to ₹60,000 per year, while students from Special Categories — girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities — are entitled to an enhanced benefit of 80%, capped at ₹1 lakh per year.