The scholarship calendar for Indian college students in 2026 is already active, with deadlines running from June through November. Key closing dates include June 30, 2026 for the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Transgender Scholarship, July 4, 2026 for Eastman Powerup Eduskill, July 5, 2026 for the IET India Scholarship Award, and July 8, 2026 for the IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship.
The top 10 scholarships for college students in India 2026 span corporate, merit-based, need-based, and government-funded categories, covering engineering, MBA, undergraduate, postgraduate, SC, transgender, and defence-family students. Each scholarship differs in eligibility, benefits, required documents, and application process, making it essential to shortlist and apply before deadlines close.
Eligible students can easily apply for the scholarship for college students in India through their respective official pages. The table below lists the application links for all college students’ scholarships in India:
2. Are there scholarships available for students from low-income families?
The Bharti Airtel Scholarship offers the most comprehensive coverage: 100% annual course fees for up to five years, hostel and mess expenses, and a free laptop in the first year. The IET India Scholarship’s national-level winner also receives ₹6,00,000 as a one-time award.
5. Can a student hold multiple scholarships simultaneously?
Scholarships for College Students in India 2026 – Important Dates
The table below enlists the application timeline for the top 10 scholarships for college students in 2026 –
Scholarships for College Students in India 2026 – Application Dates
| Scholarship | Application Deadline |
| Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Transgender Scholarship 2026-27 | June 30, 2026 |
| Eastman Powerup Eduskill Scholarship 2026-27 | July 4, 2026 |
| IET India Scholarship Award 2026 | July 5, 2026 |
| IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship 2026-28 | July 8, 2026 |
| uGSOT Scholarship Program 2026 | July 10, 2026 |
| Bharti Airtel Scholarship 2026-27 | July 31, 2026 |
| Central Sector Scholarship for College and University Students | To be announced |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students 2026-27 | October 31, 2026 |
| Sage IT India Scholarship 2026 | November 15, 2026 |
Scholarships for College Students in India 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Each scholarship program is governed by distinct eligibility criteria. It is imperative that prospective applicants thoroughly review these requirements prior to submitting an application to ensure full compliance. The eligibility criteria for each respective scheme are detailed in the table below.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for College Students in India 2026
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria |
| Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Transgender Scholarship Program 2026-27 | Must identify as transgender and be studying in India. Enrolled in a regular UG, PG, or eligible program at a recognised institution/open school. Minimum 35% marks in Class 10 or 12. Must have an annual family income of ₹10,00,000. Children of Ujjivan SFB or Buddy4Study employees are ineligible. |
| Eastman Powerup Eduskill Scholarship Program 2026-27 | Full-time student at a recognised Indian government or private institution. Pursuing B.Tech (3rd/4th year, incl. lateral entry), M.Tech (2nd year), MBA/PGDM (Sales/Marketing), or 3rd-year Polytechnic Diploma. Eligible branches include Electrical, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering. Minimum 60% marks or 6.0 CGPA from Class 10/12 onwards. No active academic backlogs or disciplinary issues. Annual parental income up to ₹6,0,000. Must complete mandatory online certification courses (Coursera/Udemy). |
| IET India Scholarship Award 2026 | Enrolled in any year of a full-time UG engineering program at an AICTE or UGC-recognized institution (all branches eligible). Cleared all credit courses in a single attempt with no active backlogs. Minimum 60% marks or 6.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale.No family-income ceiling. |
| IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship 2026-28 | Indian nationals residing in India belonging to the 2026-28 MBA batch. Enrolled in the 1st year of a 2-year full-time MBA or equivalent at an officially listed eligible institution. Gross annual family income up to ₹6,00,000. Must have a valid mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card. Distance learning, online, and part-time students are excluded. |
| uGSOT Scholarship Program 2026 | Passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026 with PCM or PCMB combinations. Minimum 50% marks secured in Class 12.Must be under 20 years of age at the time of admission. Seeking a B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science with emerging specialisations such as GenAI, ML, Quantum Computing, Full Stack. |
| Bharti Airtel Scholarship 2026-27 | Indian citizens and residents entering the 1st year of a UG engineering or 5-year integrated tech program. Must be admitted to a top 50 NIRF-ranked engineering institution in approved tech branches (e.g., CS, IT, AI/ML, Data Science, Robotics, AR/VR, Aerospace). Combined annual parental/guardian income up to ₹8,00,000. Cannot be a recipient of any other scholarship for the same academic expenses. |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students (CSSS) | Passed Class 12 and rank above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the respective board stream. Pursuing a regular degree program at a recognised college/university.Gross annual family income up to ₹4,50,000. Must not be receiving any other scholarship or fee reimbursement. Diploma, distance-learning, or correspondence students are ineligible. |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme 2026 | Wards and widows of deceased, disabled, retired, or serving personnel of CAPFs, Assam Rifles, State/UT Police, RPF, and RPSF (below officer rank). Minimum 60% marks in Class 12, diploma, or graduation. Must be joining the 1st year of approved professional technical streams (Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA, etc.). |
| Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students 2026-27 | Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category and have completed Class 12 with $ 60% marks. Secured a full-time UG or PG seat at a premier notified institution (IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, NLUs, etc.). Annual family income below ₹8,00,000. Restricted to a maximum of two children per family. |
| Sage IT India Scholarship 2026 | Enrolled at a recognised college or university in India across any academic discipline. Aged between 17 and 30 years. Must submit an original, individual, unpublished analytical essay (1,000 to 1,500 words) on the theme: “Skills and attitudes needed to succeed in an AI-first professional environment.” |
Also Read – NSP Registration Guidelines 2026
Scholarships for College Students in India 2026 – Benefits
Upon successful selection, students applying to these college scholarship programs will be eligible for the scholarship benefits outlined below.
Scholarships for College Students in India – Rewards and Benefits
| Scholarship Name | Benefits of the Scholarship |
| Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Transgender Scholarship Program 2026-27 | A one-time scholarship of up to ₹40,000 can be used for tuition fees, admission charges, examination fees, books, and verified learning materials. |
| Eastman Powerup Eduskill Scholarship Program 2026-27 | Up to ₹20,000 total, distributed across 4 course milestones Course 1 Completion: ₹2,000 Course 2 Completion: ₹4,000 Course 3 Completion: ₹6,000 Course 4 Completion: ₹8,000 |
| IET India Scholarship Award 2026 | Regional Level Awards: Winner receives ₹1,00,000; Runner-up receives ₹75,000 (plus certificate, trophy, and membership) National Level Awards: Winner receives ₹6,00,000; 1st Runner-up receives ₹3,0,0,000; 2nd Runner-up receives ₹2,00,000. |
| IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship 2026-28 | Total scholarship of ₹2,00,000 distributed across two years
|
| uGSOT Scholarship Program 2026 | Covers up to 100% of the tuition fee based on profile evaluation, board marks, and uGNET test performance. Special scholarship categories include: Merit-Based, Girls in Tech, Need-Based, Tech Innovators, and Defence. Concessions on the uGNET application fee based on financial/academic standings. |
| Bharti Airtel Scholarship 2026-27 | 100% coverage of the annual course fee for the entire program duration (up to 5 years). Covers campus hostel and mess expenses (or verified external PG/hostel charges). Provides a free laptop during the first year of studies. |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students (CSSS) | ₹12,000 per year during the first 3 years of graduation. ₹20,000 per year during the 4th and 5th years of integrated/professional programs. ₹20,000 per year for postgraduate studies. |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme 2026 | Male Scholars: ₹2,500 per month. Female Scholars: ₹3,000 per month. Paid for up to 5 years depending on the duration of the approved technical course. |
| Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students 2026-27 | Full tuition fees and non-refundable charges covered (capped at ₹2,00,000/year for private institutions). Academic Allowance: ₹86,000 in the 1st year and ₹41,000 in subsequent years (for books, living costs, stationery, and a computer). |
| Sage IT India Scholarship 2026 | A one-time scholarship award of ₹50,000 paid directly to the winner’s university or college. |
Scholarships for College Students in India 2026 – How to Apply?
Application Links for Scholarships for College Students in India
| Scholarship Name | Application Link |
| Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Transgender Scholarship Program 2026-27 | CLICK HERE |
| Eastman Powerup Eduskill Scholarship Program 2026-27 | CLICK HERE |
| IET India Scholarship Award 2026 | CLICK HERE |
| IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship 2026-28 | CLICK HERE |
| uGSOT Scholarship Program 2026 | CLICK HERE |
| Bharti Airtel Scholarship 2026-27 | CLICK HERE |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students (CSSS) | CLICK HERE |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme | CLICK HERE |
| Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students | CLICK HERE |
| Sage IT India Scholarship | CLICK HERE |
Scholarships for College Students in India 2026 – Required Documents
Students who are eligible to apply for the scholarships for college students in India 2026 are required to keep the documents listed below handy while filling the college scholarship application form –
List of Documents Required for Scholarships for College Students in India 2026
- Academic Transcripts
- Photo ID/Passport
- Passport-size Photographs
- Marksheets/Grade Reports
- Standardised Test Scores (SAT, ACT, etc.)
- Degree / Diploma Certificates
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Personal / Scholarship Essay
- Letters of Recommendation (2–3)
- Income Certificate
- ITR /Tax Returns
- Bank Statements
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Student Resume/CV
- Extracurricular Achievement Certificates
- Portfolio/Writing Sample (if required)
- Migration Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile/Residence Certificate
- Study Plan (PG applicants)
- Research Proposal (PhD applicants)
Also Read – NSP Centrally-Funded Scholarships Schemes
Scholarships for College Students in India 2026 – FAQs
1. Which scholarships for college students in India have the earliest deadlines in 2026?
The earliest deadlines fall in July: the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Transgender Scholarship closes on June 30, followed by Eastman Powerup Eduskill (July 4), IET India Scholarship Award (July 5), IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship (July 8), and uGSOT Scholarship (July 10). Students should prioritise these immediately.
2. Are there scholarships available for students from low-income families?
Yes. Several scholarships specifically target students from economically weaker backgrounds, including the IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship (family income up to ₹6,00,000), Bharti Airtel Scholarship (up to ₹8,00,000), and the Central Sector Scheme (up to ₹4,50,000 annual family income).
3. Which scholarship offers the highest financial benefit?
4. Can students from non-engineering backgrounds apply for these scholarships?
Yes, the Sage IT India Scholarship is open to students across all academic disciplines, while the CSSS and Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme cover a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes beyond engineering.
5. Can a student hold multiple scholarships simultaneously?
Generally, no. The Bharti Airtel Scholarship and CSSS explicitly prohibit recipients from holding any other scholarship covering the same academic expenses. Students should carefully review each scheme’s terms before applying to multiple programmes.