Upakar’s scholarship program is highly competitive, reflecting the high standards it maintains in selecting recipients. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors in the United States who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who were born in India or have at least one parent born in India. A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.6 is required, underscoring the Foundation’s emphasis on academic excellence. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate financial need, with family income thresholds ensuring that the scholarships reach those most in need of assistance.
The scholarship funding structure of the Upakar Indian-American Foundation is tiered and flexible. This demonstrates its understanding of diverse educational pathways and its commitment to supporting students at various stages of their academic careers. It offers scholarships of various categories which include:
- Upakar Indian-American Scholarship – It supports four years of university/college education of academically excellent Indian-origin American students demonstrating a financial need in the United States of America.
- Geeta Rastogi Memorial Scholarship – Established in 2011, it was awarded to students entering a Fine Arts (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) undergraduate program.
- Community College Scholarships – Created in 2013, these scholarships financially support top- performing high school students that have made the decision to attend a two-year community college and then migrate to a four-year degree program.
- Upakar Textbook Scholarship – Since 2017 this scholarship has covered the textbook costs of awardees for the upcoming academic year.
- Ajay Ojha Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is awarded once every 4 years.
- Watumull Scholarships – Starting in 2018, three of these scholarships are awarded every year.
Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025: Eligibility Criteria
To become eligible for the Upakar Indian-American Scholarship, an applicant should meet all the eligibility criteria listed below:
- Either the applicants or at least one of their parents should be born in India.
- They should be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. ‘Green Card’ holder (Permanent Resident).
- Students should be actively seeking enrollment in an undergraduate 4-year degree program at an accredited college/university or a 2 year Community College in the United States for the academic year 2025-26
- Their family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on the IRS form 1040 (line 7) for 2024 should be less than $1,25,000.
- Applicants must have secured a cumulative non-weighted GPA over 3.6 (on a 4.0 scale).
Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025: Required Documents
In order to apply for the Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025, students should keep the following documents handy:
Proof of Citizenship
- Copy of the page reflecting name on United States passport
- Copy of parent’s passport name page
(Note: If this is not available, an explanation email has to be sent to upakarfoundation@hotmail.com with “No parent passport” as the header.)
For applicants born in India:
- Copy of the United States Permanent Resident card (“Green card”)/Copy of their United States passport name page
(Note: Applicants should make sure to black out all passport numbers.)
High School Transcript
- Applicants must provide a transcript from their current high school with the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
- The transcripts must have their name and the name of their high school.
- Applicants must print the ACT or SAT reports that match the superscores entered in the application.
(Note: The applicants who did not appear for these examinations must mention it on the application.)
Letter of Recommendation
- Applicants must submit a Letter of Recommendation by a teacher or an advisor (who is not a relative).
- The Letter of Recommendation must stay confidential. Students should ask their teacher or advisor to email it directly to upakarrecs@gmail.com
(Note: Applicants should not be cc-ed on the email).
Documentation of Financial Information
- Applicants who have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) shall submit all the pages of their student aid report.
- All pages of their Student Aid Report (SAR) if you have filed a Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA, www.fafsa.ed.gov)
- 2024 IRS Form 1040 – federal income tax return
- If applicants or their parents own a business, partnership, investment properties, or a farm, they must also submit all relevant 2024 IRS Schedules C, E, F, and any K-1 forms that are listed on IRS Schedule 1.
- For those who did not file FAFSA or a 2024 tax return, they must provide:
- An explanation of why FAFSA or the 2024 tax return were not filed.
- Their 2023 IRS Form 1040.
- Their 2023 and 2024 W-2 and 1099 forms (these show wages and other income).
- If applicants or their parents own a business, they should include all copies of 2023 IRS Schedules C, E, and any K-1s.
(Note: These documents shall be used to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the Upakar scholarship. An application will be immediately discarded if the final documents are not submitted.)
Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025: Benefits
The Upakar Indian-American Scholarship provides financial support to university/college students for four years. Selected candidates shall receive $10,000 over four years ($2,500 per year) at the university or $2,000 over 2 years at a community college ($1,000 per year) and can receive $5,000 over 2 years ($2,500 per year) at the university.
This scholarship shall be renewed annually only on the fulfillment of the following two conditions:
- Scholars must maintain a predetermined minimum cumulative GPA.
- They must maintain a full-time course load.
The Upakar Indian-American Scholarship Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Indian-American students striving to achieve their educational goals amid financial constraints. Through its sustained efforts, Upakar not only alleviates the economic challenges for higher education but also nurtures the next generation of leaders, professionals, and changemakers within the Indian-American community and beyond. As the Foundation continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its dedication to making college education accessible and attainable for deserving students nationwide.
Also read: The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: Your Gateway to World-Class Education
Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025: FAQs
What is the Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025?
The Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025 provides financial support to academically strong Indian-origin students in the U.S. who demonstrate financial need. It helps fund up to four years of college or university education.
What is the ACT Examination for?
The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the U.S. and Canada. It assesses a student’s readiness for college through English, math, reading, and science sections, and is used for admissions and scholarship decisions.
What is the SAT examination for?
The SAT is another standardized test for college admissions in the U.S. It evaluates a student’s reading, writing, and math skills to measure college preparedness and support admission and scholarship evaluation.
What is the FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the official form used to apply for federal financial aid like grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs in the U.S.
Is the Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025 renewable?
Yes, the scholarship is renewable annually as long as recipients maintain a specified minimum cumulative GPA and a full-time academic load.
What are the benefits of the Upakar Indian-American Scholarship 2025?
Students attending a 4-year university receive $10,000 over four years ($2,500/year), while community college students receive $2,000 over two years ($1,000/year), or $5,000 over 2 years if transferring to a university ($2,500/year).