As the 2025 academic session progresses, numerous scholarship opportunities have been launched across India to empower girls through education. While significant strides have been made in recent years, many female students continue to face financial and social challenges that hinder their access to higher education. In response, various government agencies, private organizations, and non-profit foundations have introduced targeted scholarship programs to bridge this gap.
These scholarships cater to a wide spectrum of academic levels and fields, including science, technology, management, humanities, and vocational education, ensuring that girls from diverse backgrounds receive the support they need to achieve their academic ambitions. Whether it’s a student aspiring to become an engineer, scientist, doctor, or legal professional, these initiatives are designed to make quality education more accessible. The following article provides a comprehensive overview of the key scholarships available for girls in 2025, outlining their eligibility requirements, financial benefits, and important details.
No. While several scholarships support STEM education, many also cover fields like arts, commerce, law, humanities, architecture, and vocational courses.
List of Scholarships for Girls and Women in India
Given below is a list of top scholarships available for girls in India:
| Scholarship Name | Description |
| Pragati Scholarship | The Pragati Scholarship is a flagship initiative of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aimed at promoting technical education among meritorious girl students. Every year, 5,000 scholarships are awarded to female students who are enrolled in the first or second year (via lateral entry) of diploma or degree courses in AICTE-approved institutions. The objective is to empower women by helping them acquire technical skills and become self-reliant. |
| CBSE UDAAN | CBSE UDAAN is a central government project launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is focused on increasing the participation of girls in premier engineering colleges across the country. The program provides free online and offline academic support in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics to Class 11 and 12 girls studying in government schools. It also includes a mentoring system, performance tracking, and special remedial classes. |
| Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship | The Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship is a UGC-funded initiative designed to encourage higher education among girls who are the only child of their parents. It aims to compensate for the direct costs of postgraduate education for such students. By providing financial support to single girl children, the scheme promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment through education. Only those enrolled in a regular full-time PG program are eligible. |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship | Initially launched as the Maulana Azad Scholarship, this scheme was renamed to honor the freedom fighter Begum Hazrat Mahal. The scholarship is managed by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation and is meant exclusively for girl students from minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi) studying in Classes 9 to 12. It helps cover academic expenses like tuition fees, books, and stationery. |
| SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme | The SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme is organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) to support young girls from financially weaker families. It is offered to female students from Class 1 to 10 who have shown academic promise. The one-time financial grant helps reduce the risk of school dropouts and supports continued education, especially for students with a strong academic background but limited financial means. |
| Women Scientists Scheme | Administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Women Scientists Scheme aims to bring qualified but unemployed women scientists and technologists back into active research roles. It provides financial support to women with qualifications such as PhD, M.Sc., MBBS, B.Tech., etc., who wish to pursue research in frontier areas of science and engineering. This is part of a broader effort to enhance gender diversity in scientific research. |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | A corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by the Kotak Mahindra Group and Kotak Education Foundation, this scholarship is intended for academically outstanding girl students from underprivileged backgrounds. It supports girls who wish to pursue professional graduation courses such as engineering, medicine, law, architecture, and design from recognized institutions in India. The scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers and promote career-oriented education for girls. |
| L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship | This initiative by L’Oréal India is aimed at promoting scientific education among girls across India. The scholarship supports meritorious female students who have completed Class 12 in the science stream and are pursuing or planning to pursue higher education in scientific fields. The program supports both undergraduate and postgraduate education, helping girls take a confident step into research, healthcare, engineering, and other science-based careers. |
| Santoor Women’s Scholarship | Sponsored by Wipro Consumer Care and Wipro Cares, the Santoor Women’s Scholarship is intended for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. It supports students who have completed Class 12 from a government school or junior college and are enrolling in a full-time graduate course. The scholarship aims to help girls from rural or low-income communities access quality higher education. |
| Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship | This initiative by Dr. Reddy’s Foundation is focused on empowering academically promising female students from economically weaker sections. The scholarship supports girls pursuing undergraduate degrees in Natural or Pure Sciences (B.Sc.), B.Tech., or MBBS at specific reputed institutions. The objective is to foster female participation in scientific research and technical careers by easing their financial burdens. |
| Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship | This state-level initiative by the Government of Kerala is meant for girl students from the Muslim Nadar community who are in their first year of higher secondary or undergraduate studies. It is targeted specifically at those from economically weaker sections studying in government or aided institutions. Although the financial support is modest, it serves as a recognition and motivator for continuing education. |
| Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship | A major CSR initiative from Infosys Foundation, this scholarship supports female students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) undergraduate degrees at top NIRF-ranked institutions. The program covers tuition, living costs, and other academic expenses for the duration of the course. It is aimed at encouraging more girls to enter high-demand STEM careers and bridge the gender gap in technical education. |
| Clinic Plus Scholarship | The Clinic Plus Scholarship is a private initiative supporting girls in Classes 5 to 12, especially in Karnataka. The scholarship not only focuses on academic performance but also encourages participation in extracurricular activities. It is designed to help young girls from economically challenged backgrounds stay in school and complete their secondary education. |
| Internshala Career Scholarship for Girls | A unique annual scholarship offered by Internshala, this award is given to one girl with a strong career goal, regardless of the field she wants to pursue. The selection is based on a clear statement of purpose, financial need, and past achievements. The award encourages girls to break stereotypes and follow ambitious career paths. |
| Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program | A social initiative by Group Legrand India, this scholarship supports meritorious and financially disadvantaged girls, including those who are differently-abled, COVID-affected, LGBTQ+, or orphans. It provides financial support to help them pursue professional degrees such as engineering or architecture. Preference is given to students who have faced personal or economic hardships. |
Scholarships for Girls and Women Awards
The scholarship award amount for each scholarship provided above is given below:
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount |
| Pragati Scholarship | ₹50,000 per annum |
| CBSE UDAAN | Free study materials, pre-loaded tablet, academic mentoring and virtual classes |
| Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship | ₹36,200 per annum (for 2 years) |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship | ₹10,000–₹12,000 per annum (in two instalments) |
| SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme | One-time ₹5,000 |
| Women Scientists Scheme | Up to ₹50,000 per annum |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | ₹1.5 lakh per year |
| L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship | UG: ₹62,500; PG/PhD: ₹1,00,000 |
| Santoor Women’s Scholarship | ₹24,000 per annum |
| Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship | ₹80,000 per annum for 3 years |
| Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship | ₹125 per annum |
| Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship | ₹1,00,000 per annum |
| Clinic Plus Scholarship | ₹20,000 per annum |
| Internshala Career Scholarship for Girls | ₹25,000 (one-time) |
| Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program | ₹60,000 per year |
Scholarships for Girls and Women in India Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for each scholarship is given below:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria |
| Pragati Scholarship |
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| CBSE UDAAN |
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| Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship |
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| Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship |
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| SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme |
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| Women Scientists Scheme |
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| Kotak Kanya Scholarship |
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| L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship |
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| Santoor Women’s Scholarship |
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| Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship |
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| Muslim Nadar Girls Scholarship |
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| Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship |
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| Clinic Plus Scholarship |
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| Internshala Career Scholarship for Girls |
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| Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program |
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Scholarships for Girls and Women in India – FAQs
What types of scholarships are available for girls in India in 2025?
There are merit-based, need-based, course-specific, and region-specific scholarships available for girl students. These scholarships are offered by central and state governments, corporate foundations, NGOs, and educational institutions.
Who can apply for these scholarships?
Eligibility varies for each scholarship. Generally, girl students from Class 1 to postgraduate levels, especially those from economically weaker or underrepresented communities, are eligible if they meet specific academic or income criteria.
Are these scholarships available only for science or technical courses?
Do these scholarships cover tuition fees only?
Many scholarships cover not just tuition fees but also offer support for living expenses, books, transportation, and other academic-related costs.
When do applications typically open and close for these scholarships?
Application timelines vary by scholarship. Most open between May and September. Students are advised to regularly check official portals to stay updated on deadlines and requirements.