Types of Scholarships Programmes in India 2026
Scholarship programmes in India are categorized by financial need, academic merit, talent, community, sports and international opportunities. Each aims to support students and enhance access to quality education. Here is the list of types of scholarships programmes in India.
Need Based Scholarship Programmes
Need based scholarship programmes are designed to support students from economically weaker backgrounds who face financial barriers in pursuing education. These scholarships are awarded primarily based on family income and financial need, ensuring that deserving students can continue their studies without monetary constraints.
Merit Based Scholarship Programmes
Merit-Based scholarship programmes reward students with outstanding academic performance, talent or achievements. These scholarships are granted purely on merit, such as exam scores or rankings to encourage excellence and recognise high-performing students.
Merit Cum Means Scholarship Programmes
Merit cum means scholarship programmes support students who demonstrate strong academic merit but also come from financially weaker backgrounds. Selection is based on both academic performance and family income, ensuring that talented students are not deprived of education due to financial limitations.
Sports Scholarship Programmes
Sports scholarship programmes are offered to students who excel in sports at district, state, national or international levels. These scholarships aim to promote athletic talent by supporting education alongside sports training and competitive participation.
Minority Scholarship Programmes
International Scholarship Programmes
International scholarship programmes help students pursue education abroad or support international students studying in India. These scholarships are usually based on merit, need, or bilateral agreements and aim to encourage global academic exposure and cultural exchange.
Girls Scholarship Programmes
Girls scholarship programmes in India aim to promote female education by providing financial assistance based on merit, need, or category, helping girls continue school, higher education, and technical studies without financial barriers.
Types of Scholarships Programmes in India 2026 – Scholarship Lists
Scholarships in India are offered by central government, state governments, private organizations, public organizations and various government bodies and departments. Below are the top-rated schemes categorized by type.
Need Based Scholarship Programmes
| Scholarships | Link |
| AICTE – Swanath Scholarship Scheme for Students | Click Here |
| Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana | Click Here |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students (Technical Diploma) | Click Here |
Merit Based Scholarship Programmes
| Scholarships | Link |
| PMSS for Wards of States/UTs Police Personnel | Click Here |
| PMSS for Wards and Widows of CAPFs and Assam Rifles | Click Here |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Ministry of Railways | Click Here |
Merit Cum Means Scholarship Programmes
| Scholarships | Link |
| National Means Cum Merit Scholarship | Click Here |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students | Click Here |
| Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Click Here |
Sports Scholarship Programmes
| Scholarships | Link |
| ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme | Click Here |
| AAI Sports Scholarship Scheme | Click Here |
| Sports Global Excellence Scholarship | Click Here |
Minority Scholarship Programmes
| Scholarships | Link |
| NSP Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities | Click Here |
| Chief Minister’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Minorities Telangana | Click Here |
| State Minority Scholarship for Pursuing Higher Professional Education Scholarship (Part I) | Click Here |
International Scholarship Programmes
| Scholarships | Link |
| Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Program | Click Here |
| Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship | Click Here |
| Imperial College London Widening Participation Postgraduate Scholarship | Click Here |
Girls Scholarship Programmes
| Scholarships | Link |
| Shri Tulsi Tanti Scholarship Program | Click Here |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | Click Here |
| Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan | Click Here |
Documents Required for Scholarships Programmes in India 2026
To apply for scholarship programmes in India, students are generally required to submit the following documents. The exact requirements may vary depending on the scheme and awarding authority:
- Application form (online or offline, as applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card / Voter ID / Passport)
- Proof of admission (Admission letter, fee receipt or bonafide certificate from the institution)
- Academic mark sheets (previous qualifying examination certificates)
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate / Minority certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile / Residence certificate (for state-specific scholarships)
- Bank account details (student’s name-linked bank account and IFSC code)
- Disability certificate (for scholarships meant for students with disabilities, if applicable)
- Sports achievement certificates (for sports scholarship programmes)
FAQs
How can I apply for government scholarships in India?
Are there scholarships specifically for girls in India?
Yes, there are scholarships specifically for girls in India. The Shri Tulsi Tanti Scholarship Program, Kotak Kanya Scholarship and Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan are some of the girls scholarships which support female students in pursuing higher and professional education.
Who can apply for sports scholarships in India?
Sports scholarships are offered to students excelling at district, state, national, or international levels. They provide financial aid for education while encouraging training, competition, and sports career development.
What documents are required for scholarship applications in India?
Commonly required documents include mark sheets, proof of admission, income certificate, caste/minority certificate (if applicable), identity proof, and sometimes a statement of purpose or recommendation letters.
Which scholarships are available for minority students in India?
Students belonging to minority communities can apply for schemes like NSP Post-Matric Scholarships, Chief Minister Overseas Scholarship and many others to support higher education and reduce financial barriers.