Scholarship for girls in India are meant to encourage better education and career opportunities for females who are yet to match their male counterparts on different socio-economic parameters. Still, if given an opportunity, females do not lag behind men either in the professional arena or academics.
Here comes the role of women-specific scholarships that encourages them to counter their financial constraints and pursue academic and career opportunities. Of late, many government and private organisations have been offering females scholarships and grants in different fields like science and research, management, aviation, hospitality and defence, thereby encouraging them to take up more academic opportunities.
So, here is a list of excellent scholarships for girls in India that they can apply for and acquire better education and career opportunities.
List of Scholarship for Girls
| Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Awards |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship | Girl Students studying in 1st year of Technical Courses | Up to INR 50,000 per annum and other benefits |
| Adobe India Women-in-Technology Scholarship | Indian females enrolled in a formal technology program | Fully funded tuition fee |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship | Minorities girl students studying in Classes 9 to 12 | Up to INR 6,000 |
| Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti Scholarship Scheme | Class 12 passed girl student of West Bengal | INR 3000 per month |
| CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child | Class 10 passed (CBSE) single girl child | INR 500 per month |
| DRDO Scholarship Scheme for Girls | 1st year UG and PG courses | Up to INR 1,86,000 per annum |
| Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship | Class 12 passed girl students | INR 2.4 Lakh for 3 years |
| DST Women Scientist Fellowship (WOS-B) | PhD in Basic or Applied Sciences/ MD or equivalent degree | Up to INR 40,000 per month |
| DST Women Scientist Fellowship (WOS-A) | M.Phil/ M.Tech/ M. Pharm/ M.VSc or equivalent degree | INR 55,000 per month + HRA |
| Ericsson Empowering Girl Scholarship Program for Engineering Student | 2nd year engineering students (IT/CS) | INR 75,000 per year |
| Internshala Scholarship | Any girl between the age of 17 to 23 years with a career objective | INR 25,000 |
| Kalpana Chawla Chatravriti Yojana | Class 12 passed girl students | INR 15,000 per year |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | Class 12 passed girl students | Up to INR 1.5 lakh* per year |
| Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship, Kerala | Female students belonging to backward community | INR 125 per month |
| OakNorth STEM Scholarship Program 2022 | Girl students pursuing UG courses in STEM | INR 30,000 (one-time) |
| Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child | Single Girl Child of up to 30 years of age | INR 36,200 per annum for two years |
| SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme | Girls of Class 1 to 10 | INR 5,000 |
| Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship Scheme | Single girl child pursuing PhD in Social Sciences | Up to INR 28,000 |
*Terms and Conditions Apply. Scholarship selection and amount is based on fulfilment of the eligibility criteria and will be at the discretion of Kotak Education Foundation.
Scholarship for Girls – Scholarship Details
The complete details of the scholarships listed in the above-given table are highlighted below:
1. AICTE Pragati Scholarship
Purpose – AICTE Pragati Scholarship for girls is offered to female students studying in the first year of a technical diploma/degree at AICTE-approved institutions. The scholarship scheme aims to empower young girls with knowledge, skills, and self-confidence so that they could contribute to the development process. A total of 5,000 girl students are awarded every year.
Eligibility –
- The applicant must be pursuing a technical degree/diploma course in the first year or second year (through lateral entry only) based on the percentage of marks obtained in the 10+2/equivalent examination
- The applicant mjust have a family income of less than INR 8,00,000 per annum
- Up to two girls per family are eligible for this scholarship
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – November/December
2. Adobe India Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Purpose – This scholarship for girls is a one-time scholarship amount of USD 10,000 that is offered to female students enrolled in an undergraduate or a master’s programmes in the field of Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related technical subject. While applying for Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship, applicants must include their resume, academic records, 3 references, 4 essays and an optional 60-second video describing their dream career with their scholarship application.
Eligibility –
- Full-time undergraduate or master’s student in the current academic year
- Must be pursuing a full-time course at an Indian University or Institute
- Must be enrolled in either a 4-year B.E./B.Tech program or an integrated M.E./M.S./M.Tech. program
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – Between September to November
3. Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship
Purpose – Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship, formerly named Maulana Azad Scholarship, offers a scholarship amount of up to INR 12,000 to minority girl students studying in classes 9 to 12. The scholarship is meant for meritorious students belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities.
Eligibility –
- Only female students belonging to minority communities can apply
- She must have scored a minimum of 50% aggregate in the previous class
- Her annual family income must not exceed INR 2,00,000
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – August, September
4. Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti Scholarship Scheme
Purpose – Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti Scholarship is an initiative by the government of West Bengal to provide scholarships to girls who have recently passed class 12th and are currently involved in the admission process in graduation courses in their nearest college and universities. Apart from the monetary monthly expenses, an annual book grant will also be provided to them with other extracurricular activities.
Eligibility –
- Candidates must belong to West Bengal
- The female student must have passed class 10 or equivalent examinations with a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate
- She must also take admission in class XI in the science stream (with at least 3 subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, and Computer Science) in the same year of application
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – September, October
5. CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child
Purpose – CBSE UDAAN is offered to girl students studying in classes 11 and 12. The aid is given as free-of-cost resources through virtual contact classes during weekends and study materials, thereby helping them prepare for engineering entrance tests to get admission to premier engineering colleges of the country.
Under this scheme, virtual contact classes are organised across 60 city centres in the country. Mentoring opportunities are provided to talented students. Motivational sessions are organised with students and parents. Helpline services are made available to clear the doubts of students and monitor their learning progress. 27% of seats are reserved for OBC (NCL), 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST and 3% for PWD.
Eligibility –
- The meritorious girl students should be studying in Class 11 and 12 of the Science stream with PCM as the main subjects
- She must be studying in KVs/ NVs/ government schools of any recognised Board/ CBSE affiliated private schools in India
- She must have scored an overall 70% marks in Class 10 and 80% in Science and Maths
- Her annual family income must not exceed INR 6,00,000
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – October/November
6. DRDO Scholarship Scheme for Girls
Purpose – This scholarship for girls is an initiative by the Defence Research and Development Organization, which offers scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate girl students.
Eligibility –
- First-year girl students of BE/ME, BTech/M Tech, or BSc/MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Engineering, Space Engineering or Rocketry
- A minimum of 60% marks in graduation with a good GATE score
- Must have cleared JEE (Main) with a valid score (For Undergraduate candidates)
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – February, March
7. Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship
Purpose – This scholarship for girls offers a scholarship amount of INR 2,40,000 for three years to class 12 passed girl students to pursue higher education in the field of Science. Under this scholarship scheme, students having rural and economically weak backgrounds are given preference. Students must display an interest in scientific research and be confident of getting admitted into one of the best science colleges in India.
Eligibility – Class 12 passed girl students
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – August
8. DST Women Scientist Fellowship (WOS-B)
Purpose – DST Women Scientist Fellowship (WOS-B) offers a fellowship of up to INR 40,000 to women scientists in the S&T domain, preferably those who are having a career break. This fellowship is meant for those female candidates who do not have regular employment and are ready to explore the possibility of re-entry into the profession.
Eligibility –
- Female candidates with PG degree equivalent to M.Sc in Basic or Applied Sciences/B.Tech/MBBS, M.Phil/M.Tech/M.Pharm/M.VSc., PhD in Basic or Applied Sciences or equivalent qualifications
- The minimum age to apply is 27 years and the maximum is 57 years
- A relaxation of 5 years is given to reserve category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PWD)
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – September
9. DST Women Scientist Fellowship (WOS-A)
Purpose – DST Women Scientist Fellowship (WOS-A) offers a fellowship of INR 55,000 per month to women scientists who are PG degree or PhD degree holders in Basic or Applied Sciences. Candidates who are having a career break and looking for an opportunity to re-enter the profession in the S&T domain are preferred.
Eligibility –
- Women scientists PG degree equivalent to M.Sc in Basic or Applied Sciences/B.Tech/MBBS, M.Phil/M.Tech/M.Pharm/M.VSc., PhD in Basic or Applied Sciences or equivalent qualifications
- The minimum age to apply is 27 years and the maximum is 57 years,
- A relaxation of 5 years is given to reserve category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PWD)
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – Round the year
10. Ericsson Empowering Girl Scholarship Program for Engineering Student
Purpose – Ericsson Empowering Girl Scholarship Program provides financial support to meritorious girl students coming from underprivileged sections of society. Under this scholarship program, girl students pursuing studies in the 2nd year of Engineering (IT/CS) or MBA programs across India will be provided with financial assistance.
Eligibility –
- Applicants must be studying in the 2nd year of the MBA program at reputed colleges in India.
- Applicants must have scored at least 6.5 GPA or equivalent marks in the previous final examination.
- The annual family income of the applicant from all sources must not be more than INR 6 lakhs.
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – October to December
11. Kalpana Chawla Chatravriti Yojana
Purpose – Kalpana Chawla Chatravriti Yojana 2021, Himachal Pradesh is an initiative for meritorious girl students, who have completed Class 12 in any stream. The main objective of this scholarship is to inspire meritorious girls for higher education.
Eligibility –
- The girl student must be a domicile of Himachal Pradesh
- She must have completed Class 12 in any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce) from the HP Board of School Education
- She must have taken admission as a regular student in post 10+2 courses (academic, professional, technical) at a government-aided or recognised private institution
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – August to December
12. Kotak Kanya Scholarship
Purpose – Kotak Kanya scholarship for girls offers financial assistance to students who have
Eligibility –
- Open for girl students across India
- Students who have secured admission to first-year graduation programmes from institutes of repute (NAAC accredited/NIRF ranked) for professional academic pursuits such as professional graduate courses like Engineering, MBBS, Architecture, Design, integrated LLB, etc.
- Scored 85% or more marks or equivalent CGPA in standard 12th board examinations
- Applicant’s annual family income must be INR 3,20,000 or less
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – August to January
13. Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship, Kerala
Purpose – Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship offers financial assistance to girl students of Kerala belonging to the backward community and BPL families. The scholarship is meant for girl students studying in HSC/VHSC/undergraduate courses to help them pursue education.
Eligibility –
- The female student must be studying in the first year of HSC/ VHSC or an undergraduate course in Govt./Aided Arts and Science college
- She must belong to BPL family and backward community
- The annual income of the family should be less than INR 8,00,000 per annum
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – July/August
14. OakNorth STEM Scholarship Program 2022
Purpose – OakNorth STEM Scholarship Program 2022 offers financial assistance to girl students of Haryana who have passed Class 12 and are pursuing graduation (any year) in STEM-related subjects at government colleges/universities. The selected candidates will be provided with a scholarship of INR 30,000 to continue their education.
Eligibility –
- Open for girl students who are domiciles of Haryana
- The girl applicant must be pursuing graduation (any year) in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects at government universities/colleges
- The applicant must have secured aggregate marks secured by candidates in Class 12 (or equivalent) examination must be 60% or above
- Students studying in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of STEM courses must score at least 60% in the previous class/semester
- The annual family income of the applicant must be less than INR 6,00,000
NOTE:
Students already receiving scholarships from other sources are not eligible
Applicants studying in private colleges are not eligible
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – February
15. Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
Purpose – Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child offers a monthly scholarship amount of INR 3,100 to girl students who are the only child of their parents to pursue postgraduate studies in non-professional courses. Under this scholarship for girls, twin daughters or fraternal daughters may apply.
Eligibility –
- Any single girl child who happens to be an only child and has taken admission to regular classes is applicable
- The applicant must be studying full-time 1st year Master’s degree course from any recognised university
- The maximum age limit for applying for the scholarship is 30 years
- Female students planning to study PG courses in distance mode must not apply
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – March
16. SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme
Purpose – SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme offers a scholarship amount of INR 5000 annually to girl students of classes 1 to 10. Under this scholarship scheme, 300 scholarships are disbursed among female candidates who belong to financially deprived sections of society.
Eligibility –
- Girl students must be studying from classes 1 to 10
- She must have scored at least 60% marks in the previous class
- Her family income must not exceed INR 15,000 per month
Application Mode – By post
Application Period – October
17. Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship Scheme
Purpose – This scholarship for girls is offered to students who are meritorious in their studies and are pursuing a PhD in Social Sciences. It is offered by the University Grant Commission (UGC) to encourage the higher education of a single child that comes under the Swami Vivekananda scholarship schemes.
Eligibility –
- Girls who are the only child in their family and are pursuing PhD in Social Sciences in Universities / Colleges / Institutes
- Twin daughters / fraternal daughters can also apply
Application Mode – Online
Application Period – January
Also Visit – List of Pre Matric Scholarship for Girl Students
Scholarship for Girls – FAQs
Who qualifies for the Pragati scholarship?
The Pragati scholarship is applicable for female students who are pursuing their 1st year of Degree/Diploma course in any of the AICTE approved institutions of the respective year through the Centralised Admission Process of the State/Central Government.
How many girls receive the Pragati scholarship?
A total of 5,000 girl students are awarded this scholarship every year. A maximum of 2 girl students per family are eligible to receive this scholarship.
Who can apply for the Single girl child scholarship?
As the name suggests, this scholarship is offered to the single girl child from each family. Any female student who does not have any brother or has a twin sister is also eligible for this scholarship scheme. Added to it, only those girl students who are up to 30 years of age at the time of admission in the first year of their postgraduation course can apply for the single girl child scholarship.
Who can avail of the Indira Gandhi scholarship?
Girl students who are studying in the universities/colleges/institutions recognised by UGC, State/Central Government or are institutes of national importance can apply for the Indira Gandhi scholarship.
