SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27 – Overview
The table below comprises the key highlights of the SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27.
SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27 – Key Highlights
| Parameters | Details |
| Provider | Swami Dayanand Education Foundation (SDEF) |
| Closing date | November 30, 2026 |
| Application process | Online through the Buddy4Study portal |
| Scholarship amount | Up to INR 50,000 per academic year |
| Duration | Up to four academic years |
| Scholarship type | Merit-cum-means-based |
SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27 – Important Dates
Here are the important dates associated with the SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27.
- Application start date: October 12, 2026
- Application deadline: November 30, 2026
Applicants are advised to complete the application process before the deadline and ensure that all the required information and supporting documents are submitted correctly.
SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27 – Eligibility Criteria
Here are the eligibility criteria for students applying for the SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27.
- Applicants must be taking admission to the first year of a full-time professional undergraduate degree programme in India for the academic year 2026-27.
- Must have secured at least 80% marks, or an equivalent CGPA, in Class 12, unless a different course- or category-specific threshold applies.
- The total annual family income from all sources must not exceed INR 12,00,000.
- Applicants must be pursuing one of the following professional undergraduate programmes:
- Engineering and Technology: B.Tech./B.E.
- Medicine: MBBS
- Dentistry: BDS
- Architecture: B.Arch.
- Applicants must fulfil the applicable course-wise and category-wise ranking or percentage requirements specified in the selection criteria table below.
Category-wise Ranking and Selection Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the applicable rank or percentage requirement for their course and category, as specified below.
| Exam / Course | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
| JEE Advanced (IIT students only) | Up to 10,000 | Up to 4,500 | Up to 2,300 | Up to 1,100 | Up to 1,700 |
| JEE Main (NIT and other government institutes) | Up to 10,000 | Up to 4,000 | Up to 2,200 | Up to 1,000 | Up to 1,600 |
| NEET (MBBS) | Up to 20,000 | Up to 20,000 | Up to 30,000 | Up to 40,000 | Up to 23,000 |
| BDS | 60% | 55% | 50% | 50% | 60% |
| B.Arch. | 60% | 55% | 50% | 50% | 60% |
- Applicants who have taken a drop or gap year after Class 12 are not eligible for the scholarship.
- JEE Advanced criteria apply to students admitted to IITs.
- JEE Main criteria apply to students admitted to NITs and other government institutes through JEE Main.
- For MBBS, the applicable NEET rank requirement varies by category.
- For BDS and B.Arch., eligibility is assessed using the category-wise percentage thresholds specified in the table.
- Students from agricultural families may apply by providing details of their agricultural land holdings, along with the relevant supporting documents.
- Preference may be considered for first-generation college students and academically meritorious female students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This preference does not replace the core eligibility requirements.
SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27 – Benefits
Selected scholars will receive financial assistance of up to INR 50,000 per academic year towards approved educational expenses. The total scholarship support may extend up to INR 2,00,000 across four academic years, helping eligible students manage their higher education expenses.
Scholarship benefits at a glance:
| Particulars | Details |
| Annual scholarship amount | Up to INR 50,000 |
| Maximum duration | Four academic years |
| Maximum total support | Up to INR 2,00,000 |
| Purpose | Approved educational expenses |
Note: The scholarship may be renewed for up to four academic years, subject to annual review, continued eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.
How to Apply for the SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27?
Students can follow the step-by-step process given below to apply for the SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27:
Step 2: Scroll down and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Step 3: Log in to Buddy4Study using your registered ID. If you are not registered, create an account using your email address, mobile number or Gmail account.
Step 4: You will be redirected to the application form page for the SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27.
Step 5: Click on the ‘Start Application’ button to begin the process.
Step 6: Fill in the required details in the online application form.
Step 7: Upload the relevant documents as specified in the application form.
Step 8: Accept the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and click on ‘Preview’ to review your application.
Step 9: Check all the details carefully and click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the application process.
Applicants should ensure that the information provided in the application form matches the details mentioned in their supporting documents.
SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27 – Documents Required
Applicants must keep the following documents ready before filling out the online application form:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 12 marksheet
- Relevant entrance examination scorecard or result letter, wherever applicable
- Admission letter issued by the college or institute
- College ID card
- Latest college fee receipt
- Family income proof
- Utility bill, such as an electricity, water or gas bill
- Proof of residence
- Three photographs of the applicant’s residence, including inside and outside views, as requested in the application
- Agricultural land documents, if applicable
- Education loan documents, if applicable
- Income Tax Return (ITR), salary slip or salary certificate, pension proof, or other financial documents, if applicable or requested by SDEF
Submitting complete and valid documents is essential for the verification of the scholarship application.
Note: Every applicant must download the SDEF Scholar Pledge Form, print and complete it, obtain the physical signatures of the applicant and parent/guardian, and upload a clear scanned copy of the signed form. Click here to download the SDEF Scholar Pledge
SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27 – Contact Details
Applicants can contact the Swami Dayanand Education Foundation for assistance regarding the scholarship programme.
| Particulars | Details |
| scholarships@swamidayanand.org | |
| Phone | +91-120-4146823 |
Applicants are advised to contact the scholarship support team for any queries regarding eligibility, required documents, or the application process.
FAQs
Who can apply for the SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27?
Students taking admission to the first year of a full-time professional undergraduate programme in India for the academic year 2026-27 can apply, provided they meet the applicable academic, family income and course- or category-specific selection criteria.
Is there any income limit to apply for this scholarship?
Yes. The total annual family income of the applicant from all sources must not exceed INR 12,00,000.
What is the scholarship amount offered under the SDEF India Scholarship Program 2026-27?
Selected scholars may receive financial assistance of up to INR 50,000 per academic year, with total support of up to INR 2,00,000 over four academic years, subject to renewal conditions.
Can students from agricultural families apply?
Yes. Students from agricultural families may apply by providing the applicable details of their agricultural land holdings and the relevant supporting documents.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. The scholarship may be renewed for up to four academic years, subject to annual review, continued eligibility, and satisfactory academic progress.