Scholarships for Minorities – India is home to a diverse set of minority communities. Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi/Zoroastrian, and Jew are recognised minority communities of India. The students from these communities collectively contribute to the intellectual growth leading to development of intellectual capital of India.
Recognizing the significance of promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (GoI) and private organisations offer scholarships in order to support students from minority communities in their academic pursuits.
This article includes a complete list of the 13 major scholarships exclusively meant for minority students in India including their eligibility criteria, awards, application process, and other relevant details.
Scholarships for Minorities – Eligibility, Awards, Application Timeline
NSP Pre Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities 2022-23
NSP Pre Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities is offered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (GOI) for students of class 1-10 belonging to minority communities. It is intended for students pursuing their studies within the Indian territory. This includes government-aided residential schools and private institutions recognised by the administrations of States and Union Territories.
Eligibility:
- Students must belong to a minority community viz. Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi faith.
- Scholarship applicants studying in class 1-10 in government-aided residential schools and private institutions can apply.
- Applicants must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in their previous final year examination.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹1 lakh.
Awards:
| Class | Admission Fees |
| Class 6 to 10 | ₹500 per annum (Hostellers and Day scholars) |
| Class 6 to 10 | ₹350 per month (Hostellers and Day scholars) |
| Class 1 to 5 | ₹100 per month (Day scholars) |
| Class 6 to 10 | ₹600 per month (Hostellers)
₹100 per month (Day scholars) |
Application Timeline: November (Tentative)
Note: Students will receive the scholarship amount for a duration of 10 months during each academic year.
NSP Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities 2022-23
The NSP Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities is offered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (GOI) to financially assist students from minority communities pursuing their studies in class 11 to Ph.D. level. Selected candidates will receive admission/tuition fees and maintenance allowance to pursue their studies in courses of their preferred choice.
Eligibility:
- A student must belong to a minority community from Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Zoroastrian/Parsi faith.
- The applicants should be pursuing their studies in class 11-12, graduation and, post graduation including technical or vocational courses, Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) or Ph.D. level courses/degrees.
- Students must have secured a minimum of 50% or equivalent grades in the previous examination.
- The family annual income of parents should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
Awards:
| Class | Admission and Tuition Fee |
| Class 11 and 12 | ₹7,000 per annum subject to actuals (Both Hosteller & Day scholars) |
| Class 11 and 12 level technical and vocational courses with duration greater than or equal to 1 year | ₹10,000 per annum subject to actuals (Both Hosteller & Day scholars) |
| Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses | ₹3,000 per annum subject to actuals (Both Hosteller & Day scholars) |
| Class | Maintenance Allowance |
| Class 11 and 12 including Technical and Vocational courses | ₹380 per month (Hosteller)
₹230 per month (Day scholars) |
| Undergraduate and Postgraduate level Courses (Except Technical and Professional Courses) | ₹570 per month (Hosteller)
₹300 per month (Day scholars) |
| Master of Philosophy (M. Phil.) and Ph.D. | ₹1200 per month (Hosteller)
₹550 per month (Day scholars) |
Note: Students will receive the scholarship amount for a duration of 10 months during each academic year.
Application Timeline: November (Tentative)
NSP Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses CS (Minorities)
NSP Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses CS (Minorities) is an initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (GOI) to support minority community students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate level technical or professional courses.
Eligibility:
- A student must belong to a minority community from Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi/Zoroastrian faith.
- Applicants must be pursuing a technical or professional course at the undergraduate or postgraduate level from the listed recognised institutions.
- Students must have obtained at least 50% or equivalent marks in the previous final year examination.
- The family annual income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
Awards:
| Particulars | Awards |
| Course fee | ₹20,000 per annum subject to actuals whichever is less (Both Hostellers and Day scholars) |
| Maintenance Allowance | ₹1,000 per month for ten months (Hostellers)
₹500 per month for ten months (Day scholars) |
| Scholarship for Listed Institutes | Reimbursement of full course fee for 85 listed institutes* |
To know the scholarship for recognised listed institutions, please refer to the following hyperlink list of institution
Application Timeline: November (Tentative)
Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Minority Girl Students
Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs (GOI) to assist girl students from minority communities pursuing their studies in class 9 to 12. Under the scheme, selected students will receive the scholarship amount directly in their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Eligibility:
- Only Indian girl students are eligible to apply.
- Students from class 9 to 12 belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities can apply.
- Students must have obtained at least 50% marks in the last qualifying exams.
- The family annual income should not exceed ₹2 lakh.
Awards:
The selected candidates will receive a one-time scholarship award of ₹5,000 for class 9 to 10 and ₹6,000 for class 11 to 12.
Application Timeline: November
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minority (100 percent State Sector)-Uttarakhand
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minority (100 percent State Sector) Uttarakhand is offered by Uttarakhand Minorities Commission for class 1 to 10 students belonging to the minority communities. Under this scheme, applicants pursuing their studies in schools of Uttarakhand are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Eligibility:
- Students must be Indian Nationals domiciled in the State of Uttarakhand.
- Applicants must belong to a minority community from Muslim, Christian, Parsi, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain faith.
- Students must be pursuing their studies in class 1 to 10 within the recognised institutions of the State of Uttarakhand.
- Applicants must not be an existing recipient of any other scholarship.
- Students must be enrolled in only one educational institution during an academic session.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹1 lakh.
Awards:
| Class | Scholarship Amount |
| Class 1 to 5 | ₹50 per month (Maximum up to 12 months) |
| Class 6 to 8 | ₹80 per month (Maximum up to 12 months) |
| Class 9 and 10 | ₹120 per month (Maximum up to 12 months) |
Application Timeline: October to November
Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme for Minorities, West Bengal
Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship Scheme for Minorities, West Bengal is provided by the West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation, the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, Government of West Bengal. The scheme is designed to assist students pursuing their studies in class 11 to post graduation level.
Eligibility:
- Indian students domiciled in the State of West Bengal are eligible to apply.
- Students must be pursuing their studies in class 11 to post graduation level.
- Applicants must belong to the minority communities from Buddhist, Christian, Jain Muslim, Parsi, and Sikh faith.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
For Undergraduate Level Scholarship:
- Students must have secured at least 60% marks in the last qualifying examination from West Bengal Board of Secondary Education/West Bengal Council for Higher Secondary Education/Madarsa Education for Higher Secondary level
OR
- Must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in diploma courses from institutes approved by AICTE and affiliated to WBSCTE (in 2nd year Engineering/Technology /Pharmacy courses through lateral entry) or affiliated to State Medical Faculty (in 2nd year Pharmacy course through lateral entry).
For Postgraduate Level Scholarship: Students must have secured a minimum of 53% marks in graduation (honours subject) from any state university (general education)/55% marks in graduate courses from any state university or AICTE approved institutes of West Bengal.
Awards:
| Courses | Monthly Scholarship Amount |
| UG(ARTS) | ₹1,000 |
| UG(Commerce) | ₹1,000 |
| UG(Science) | ₹1,500 |
| UG(Other Professional courses, UGC approved) | ₹1,500 |
| PG(Arts) | ₹2,000 |
| PG(Commerce) | ₹2,000 |
| PG(Science) | ₹2,500 |
| PG(Other UGC Approved Professional Courses) | ₹2,500 |
| NON-NET M.PHIL./NON-NET Ph.D. | ₹5,000 and ₹8,000 respectively |
| HS | ₹1,000 |
| D.El.Ed | ₹1,000 |
| UG (ENGG.), PG (ENGG.) and Other Professional courses (AICTE approved) | ₹5,000 |
| Polytechnic (Diploma Courses) | ₹1,500 |
| UG (Medical degree) and Diploma Courses | ₹5,000 and ₹1,500 Respectively |
Application Timeline: May to June (Tentative)
Pre Matric Scholarship for Minority Students, Uttar Pradesh
Pre Matric Scholarship for Minority Students, Uttar Pradesh is offered by the Minority Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh for students pursuing their studies in class 9 and 10. The primary aim of this scheme is to support underprivileged students to complete their studies at the matriculation level.
Eligibility:
- Indian citizens with a domicile of Uttar Pradesh can apply.
- Applicants must belong to the minority communities from Buddhist, Christian, Jain Muslim, Parsi, and Sikh faith.
- Students must be pursuing their studies in class 9 and 10.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹1 lakh.
Awards: Selected candidates will receive variable scholarship awards.
Application Timeline: July to October (Tentative)
Post Matric Intermediate Scholarship for Minority Students, Uttar Pradesh
Post Matric Intermediate Scholarship for Minority Students in Uttar Pradesh is offered by the Minority Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh for students pursuing their studies in class 11 and 12.
Eligibility:
- Indian students with a domicile of Uttar Pradesh are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must belong to the minority communities from Buddhist, Christian, Jain Muslim, Parsi, and Sikh faith.
- Students pursuing their studies in class 11 and 12 can apply.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹2 lakh.
Awards: Selected candidates will receive variable awards.
Application Timeline: July to December (Tentative)
Post Matric (Other Than Intermediate) Scholarship for Minorities, Uttar Pradesh
The Social Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh has initiated Post Matric (Other Than Intermediate) Scholarship for minority communities in Uttar Pradesh. Under this scholarship the State Government provides financial aid to students pursuing graduation, post graduation, or higher level studies.
Eligibility:
- Students must be Indian citizens with a domicile of Uttar Pradesh.
- Applicants must be pursuing their studies in graduation, post graduation, Ph.D. or higher level.
- Applicants must belong to the minority communities from Buddhist, Christian, Jain Muslim, Parsi, and Sikh faith.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹2 lakh.
Awards: The selected students will receive variable awards.
Application Timeline: July to December (Tentative)
Chief Minister’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Minorities, Telangana
The Minority Development Department, Government of Telangana provides the Chief Minister’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme for minority communities of the state. Under this scheme, students receive financial assistance to pursue graduation/postgraduation/doctoral studies abroad.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must belong to the minority communities from Buddhist, Christian, Jain Muslim, Parsi and Sikh faith.
- Students must be under the age of 30 years.
- The applicant must have secured at least 60% marks in their foundation degree like:
- Engineering
- Management
- Pure Sciences
- Agriculture Sciences
- Medicine and Nursing
- Social Sciences
- Humanities (Post Graduation Courses)
- Students must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in post graduation course such as:
- Engineering
- Management
- Pure Sciences
- Agriculture Sciences
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Humanities (For Ph.D. Courses)
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹2 lakh.
Awards:
- Instalment I: Up to ₹5 lakh will be imbursed to the students upon presenting the landing permit/I-94 Card (Immigration Card).
- Instalment II: Up to ₹5 lakh will be imbursed to the students based on their 1st semester performance.
- An amount of ₹10 lakh is sanctioned to cover the living expenses and fees of course for an individual. This is allocated to the selected students by the selection committee. Furthermore, the awardees can use the sanctioned amount to get a visa from the respective embassy.
- Education Loan: The educational loan of ₹5 lakh will be imbursed to the awardees from any nationalised bank at the prevailing rate of interest.
- Earning from Research/Teaching Assistantship: The selected students are allowed to supplement their prescribed allowances by undertaking a research/teaching assistantship.
Application Timeline: June to July (Tentative)
Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities of Karnataka
Post Matric Scholarship for Minority Communities Karnataka is offered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of Karnataka to the students from minority communities pursuing their studies in class 11 to PhD level. Under this scheme, meritorious students belonging to the economically weaker sections(EWS) will receive financial assistance in the form of admission fees, tuition fees, and maintenance allowance.
Eligibility:
- Indian students belonging to the minority communities from Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain and Zoroastrian/Parsi in Karnataka can apply.
- Students must be studying in class 11 and 12, or pursuing graduation, post graduation, Master of Philosophy or PhD degree/technical/vocational courses.
- Applicants must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in their last examination.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
Awards: Students will receive a scholarship amount of up to ₹10,000 per annum.
Note – For detailed information about the scholarship amount please click here.
Application Timeline: February to March (Tentative)
Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities, Karnataka
Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities, Karnataka is offered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of Karnataka to the students pursuing professional and technical courses nationwide. Under the scheme, only two children from a family are eligible to avail the scholarship benefits.
Eligibility:
- Students must belong to the minority communities from Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist and Parsi/Zoroastrian faith residing in Karnataka.
- Applicants must be pursuing professional or technical courses in India.
- Students must have obtained at least 50% marks in their final examination.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
Awards:
The selected students will receive a maintenance allowance and course fee of ₹10,000 (Hosteller) and ₹5,000 (Day scholars) for 10 months.
Application Timeline: February to March (Tentative)
Minority Scholarship, Maharashtra 2022-23
Minority Scholarship Maharashtra is offered by the Minority Development Department, Government of Maharashtra for the students who have secured admission in the specified medical courses. Under this scheme 30% of seats are reserved for girl students only.
Eligibility:
- Indian citizens with a domicile of Maharashtra are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must belong to the minority communities from Muslim, Buddhism, Christian, Jain, Sikh, Parsi, and Jews faith.
- Applicants must have secured admission in MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BPTH, BOTH, BASLP, BP&O, BSc Nursing, MSc Nursing, BPMT, Ophthalmic Assistant, Optometry, PB BSc Nursing before applying for scholarship.
- Students must be pursuing courses affiliated to Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik.
- It is mandatory to secure admission through CET/competitive exam/HSC marks.
- The family annual income must not exceed ₹8 lakh.
Awards: The selected students will receive a scholarship amount up to ₹25,000 or total annual course fee (whichever is less).
Application Timeline: January (Tentative)
Scholarship for Minorities in India 2023 – Application Link
Students can apply online for the scholarship for minorities through the official websites.
Kindly refer to the table provided below to find the link for application of scholarships.
| Scholarship | Website URL |
| Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minority Communities | scholarships.gov.in |
| Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minority Communities | scholarships.gov.in |
| NSP Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses for Minorities | scholarships.gov.in |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Minority Girl Students | scholarships.gov.in |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minority (100 percent State Sector), Uttarakhand | scholarships.gov.in |
| Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship Scheme for Minorities, West Bengal | wbmdfc.org/Home/scholarship |
| Pre Matric Scholarship for Minority Students, Uttar Pradesh | scholarship.up.gov.in |
| Post Matric Intermediate Scholarship for Minority Students | scholarship.up.gov.in |
| Post Matric (Other Than Intermediate) Scholarship for Minorities, Uttar Pradesh | scholarship.up.gov.in |
| Chief Minister’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Minorities, Telangana | telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in/OverseasLinks.do |
| Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities of Karnataka | dom.karnataka.gov.in |
| Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities, Karnataka | dom.karnataka.gov.in |
| Minority Scholarship, Maharashtra | mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in/Home/Index |
Scholarships for Minority in India 2023 – FAQs
How can a student from a minority community receive scholarships in India?
Students from a minority community need to visit the official website of scholarship providers to apply for scholarships meant for the minorities. It is advisable for them to visit the official websites. The address of their websites are as follows: scholarships.gov.in, dom.karnataka.gov.in, mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in, scholarship.up.gov.in
Is there any need to submit a caste certificate to apply for the scholarship for minorities in India?
Yes, it is mandatory for students to submit their caste certificate in order to apply for scholarship meant for minority communities in India.
Can a student from minority communities get a scholarship in the State of Uttarakhand?
Yes, students from Uttarakhand can apply for Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minority (100 percent State Sector) Uttarakhand scheme.
Which communities come under the recognised minority groups in India?
Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians and Parsis come under the recognised categories of minority communities in India.
Can day scholars from a minority community apply for scholarships meant for minorities in India?
Yes, day scholars from the minority community can also apply for the scholarships listed under the articles for minority categories.