Sports scholarships in India have become an important contributing factor in the realm of the cut-throat competitive sports world. It serves as a powerful tool to empower rising sports stars in India. Numerous public and private organisations across India actively contribute to this endeavour by offering a diverse range of scholarships exclusively meant for sportspersons. The scholarships not only include financial aid but also facilitate access to high-quality coaching, training and sports infrastructure, resources etc. to excel at the national and international levels.
The Government of India, with different private organisations and universities, offers a range of scholarships to support young athletes in their careers. According to a report released in 2023, approximately 2,500 athletes received scholarships under the Khelo India Scheme (KIS), with funding exceeding ₹200 crore per annum. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports provide scholarships through initiatives like the Khelo India Scheme, aiming to build a strong sporting culture in the nation.
This initiative offers invaluable support enabling athletes to realise their potential and fulfill their athletic dreams and reach new heights of success. This article offers a comprehensive guidance on sports scholarships in India including their providers, eligibility criteria, benefits and the application links. Whether you are a sportsperson or a parent looking for scholarships to support your sports enthusiast child, this guide will help in navigating the various available opportunities in India.
Sports Scholarships in India: Key Highlights
| Name of Scholarship | Sports Scholarships |
| Year | 2024-25 |
| Beneficiaries | Talented Indian Sportspersons |
| Awards | Cash Prizes, Scholarships, Sports Training/Coaching and Other Benefits |
| Mode of Application | Online and Offline |
Sports Scholarships in India: A Brief Overview!
The sports scholarships for aspiring athletes are provided by several organisations to support their athletic journey. These scholarships provide financial assistance, recognition, and a host of other benefits to support athletes in their pursuit of athletic excellence and personal growth. Beyond financial assistance, these scholarships are also designed to provide coaching and mentorship to athletes.
Sports Scholarships in India: List of Available Scholarships
- DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship for Sportspersons
- Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship
- Sports Global Excellence Scholarship
- ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme
- Jyoti Prakash Scholarship Program for Sportspersons
- Colgate Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship & Mentorship Programme for Sportspersons
Sports Scholarships in India: Details, Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Timeline
1. DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship for Sportspersons
DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship Program 2024-25 aims to support the educational/sports related expenditures of students who belong to marginalised groups. This scholarship is open for the national-level scholarship program, women and transgender students pursuing STEM courses are eligible to apply for this scheme.
Provider: DXC Technology
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicants must be between 13 and 25 years old.
- Applications are open for women who have represented the state/country at the state/national/international level in the last 2/3 years.
- The students pursuing Class 8 to post-graduation courses are eligible.
- Annual family income of the applicants must be less than or equal to ₹5,00,000.
Benefits: The selected candidates will receive ₹1,25,000 (Fixed Amount).
Application Timeline: 06th October 2024
2. Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship
The Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship promotes gender equality and enhances women’s participation in cricket. The scholarship program aims to select and support 10 talented female cricketers each year, offering them valuable assistance in their sporting journey.
Provider: PUSH Sports
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian women cricketers aged between 14 and 25 years are eligible to apply.
- Candidates must be part of the state cricket teams.
Benefits:
Selected candidates will receive a financial grant of ₹1 lakh per annum. They will also get career exposure through domestic and international tours and the opportunity to get trained by the top coaches at PUSH Sports Arena in India.
Duration of the Scholarship: 12 months
Last Date to Apply: Open throughout the year
3. Sports Global Excellence Scholarship
Sports Global Excellence Scholarship is an opportunity for students pursuing undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG)-taught programs at the university. It aims to support high-performing student-athletes willing to combine their high-performance sports with their studies.
Provider: University of Gloucestershire (UOG)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open for an international fee-payer and self-funding for at least 100% of the tuition fee.
- Applicants must be studying on campus a full-time undergraduate degree (minimum 3 years) or postgraduate taught degree (minimum 2 semesters) at the university,
- Students should be able to demonstrate their performance at the required level in the performance sport.
Note:- Students are considered self-funded if they are paying their own tuition fees or receiving financial aid from family or friends to allow them to pay their tuition fees.
Benefits: A tuition fee waiver of up to £7,500 (approximately ₹7,93,322.25).
Application Timeline: Between months of April and May
4. ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme
The ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme initiated by ONGC’s Corporate Sports Division, extends financial support to promising young athletes with exceptional potential in their chosen sports. These scholarships for extracurricular activities are associated with sports and provide financial support to deserving athletes, helping them achieve their dreams.
Provider: Corporate Sports Division of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC)
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicants should be Indian athletes between the ages of 14 and 25. However, for sports categories like Chess, Gymnastics, and Swimming, the minimum age of the applicants will be 10 years.
- The applicants should not have received any other scholarship or stipend from any organisation during the scholarship period. Applicants must provide a written undertaking stating their compliance with this requirement.
Number of Scholarships: 250
Benefits:
Sub Junior Level –
International Level – ₹20,000
National Level – ₹15,000
Junior Level –
International Level – ₹25,000
National Level – ₹20,000
Senior Level –
International Level – ₹30,000
National Level – ₹25,000
Other Facilities:
- Selected sportspersons for the scholarship will have the opportunity to represent the ONGC team in various national competitions.
- They will receive financial support for travel expenses and participation costs.
- Additionally, they will be provided with ONGC-branded playing kits to wear during their competition appearances.
- The scholarship holders will have the option to avail an individual health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh exclusively for themselves.
- Moreover, the individuals are responsible for obtaining their own health insurance coverage, with ONGC reimbursing premiums of up to ₹7,000.
Duration of the Scholarship: The scholarship will be provided for a period of one year.
Application Timeline: March
5. Jyoti Prakash Scholarship Program for Sportspersons
Jyoti Prakash Scholarship Program for Sportspersons is one of the scholarships for aspiring athletes. It is a program meant to support the students who have represented in state, national and international sports competitions. It provides financial support and covers educational and sports expenses for the students pursuing studies in Class 9 to 12, graduation, or post-graduation courses.
Provider: Buddy4study India Foundation
Eligibility Criteria:
- To be eligible for the scholarship, a sportsperson must have participated at the state, national, or international level in the last 3 years.
- The applicants must be an Indian citizen in the age group of 14 to 25 years as on the given date.
- They must be involved in sports like chess, cricket, golf, tennis, boxing, football, table tennis, badminton, etc. to become eligible for the scholarship.
- The annual family income of the applicant must not exceed ₹6 lakh per annum.
(Note: Kindly check the complete list of eligible sports mentioned before the FAQ section.
Children of Buddy4Study employees are not eligible for the scholarship.)
Benefits:
The scholarship provides an amount ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹24,000 to the selected candidates.
Application Timeline: December
6. Colgate Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship & Mentorship Programme for Sportsperson
The Colgate Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship & Mentorship Programme for Sportsperson is an initiative to support the athletes in India by providing scholarships and mentorships. The objective of the program is to provide the necessary support to deserving candidates to pursue their academic and sports journey.
Provider: Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited
Eligibility Criteria:
- The candidates must have participated at the state/national level in their respective areas of sports in the last 3 years.
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
- The candidates applying for this scholarship must be aged between 9 and 20 years as of the given date.
- The annual family income of the applicants must not exceed ₹5 lakh.
- They should be affiliated with a sports coach or a recognised sports academy or federation.
- Also, they must be playing individual sports like martial arts, chess, swimming, badminton, running, weightlifting, gymnastics and others.
Benefits:
The selected candidates will receive financial support of ₹75,000 per annum for 3 consecutive years. They will also receive mentorship support from the scholarship provider.
Application Timeline: September
Sports Scholarships in India – Application Links
| Name of Scholarship | Application Link |
| DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship for Sportspersons | https://www.buddy4study.com/page/dxc-progressing-minds-scholarship |
| Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship | https://pushsports.in/anjum-chopra-scholarship-by-push-sports/ |
| Sports Global Excellence Scholarship | https://www.glos.ac.uk/ |
| ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme | https://ongcindia.com/web/eng/sports-scholarship |
| Jyoti Prakash Scholarship Program for Sportspersons | https://www.buddy4study.com/scholarship/jyoti-prakash-scholarship-and-mentorship-program-for-sportspersons |
| Colgate Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship & Mentorship Programme for Sportsperson | https://www.buddy4study.com/page/keep-india-smiling-foundational-scholarship-mentorship-programme-for-sportsperson |
Also Read: NHPC Sports Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria, Rewards and More
Sports Scholarships in India – FAQs
What is the last date to apply for the DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship Program?
The applicants must apply for the DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship Program before October 6, 2024.
What are the benefits of the Colgate Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship & Mentorship Programme for Sportspersons?
The scholarship is funded by Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited. It offers financial assistance, guidance, and mentorship to help students pursue their sporting aspirations while continuing their education.
What is the last date to apply for Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship 2024?
The applicants can apply throughout the year to avail the benefits available under the Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship.
Can a male sportsperson apply for the Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship?
No, the Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship is available for female sportspersons only.
What is a sports quota?
A sports quota or reservation is a policy framework. It is implemented by the educational institutions, government organisations, and sometimes private companies to provide special consideration or preferential treatment to individuals with exceptional sporting talent. It allows sportspersons to secure admission or employment opportunities based on their achievements in sports.
What is PUSH Sports?
The PUSH Sports is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to advancing the development of women’s and girls’ cricket in India. Their mission is to foster equal opportunities and representation of females in all facets of the sport, promoting gender inclusivity and empowerment.