Embarking on a college journey is both exhilarating and daunting, especially when financial constraints loom large. Thankfully, in India, a plethora of scholarships for college students are available in 2025. Let’s look into some notable opportunities, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application processes. Secure financial aid for your higher education and reduce tuition costs.
The National Scholarship Portal serves as a unified platform for various scholarship schemes offered by the central and state governments.
- Eligibility: Students from SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and PWD categories with an annual family income not exceeding ₹3.5 lakh. A minimum of 55% marks in the previous examination is required, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates.
- Benefits: Financial assistance varies based on the specific scheme, covering tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other related expenses.
- How to Apply: Visit the National Scholarship Portal, register, and submit the application with the necessary documents before the deadline.
The Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) offers scholarships to help students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursue undergraduate studies.
- Eligibility: First-year undergraduate students who have passed Class 12 with distinction from a recognized Indian board.
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other allowances to ensure students can focus on their studies without financial worries.
- How to Apply: Applications can be submitted online through the FAEA official website. Ensure all required documents are uploaded and keep track of application deadlines.
Aimed at nurturing future leaders, the Reliance Foundation offers scholarships to meritorious students across various disciplines.
- Eligibility: First-year undergraduate students across any stream with a minimum of 60% in Class 12.
- Benefits: Up to 5,000 scholars are selected annually, receiving financial support that covers tuition fees and other academic expenses.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the Reliance Foundation Scholarships portal. The selection process includes an online aptitude test.
This scheme by the Ministry of Education aims to support meritorious students from low-income families.
- Eligibility:Students who have scored above the 80th percentile in Class 12 and are pursuing regular courses. The annual family income should be less than ₹4.5 lakh.
- Benefits: Provides financial assistance of ₹10,000 per annum for the first three years and ₹20,000 per annum for postgraduate studies.
- How to Apply: Applications are accepted through the National Scholarship Portal . Ensure timely submission with all requisite documents.
Apart from national-level scholarships, several state governments offer financial aid to support students pursuing higher education. These state-specific scholarships are designed to benefit students who are residents of a particular state and meet specific academic and financial criteria. Here’s a detailed look at some notable state government scholarships available for college students in India:
This scholarship is awarded to meritorious students from Nagaland who are pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies in recognized institutions.
- Eligibility:
- Must be a permanent resident of Nagaland.
- Students must have secured at least 70% marks (for general category) and 60% marks (for SC/ST category) in their last qualifying examination.
- Family income should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum.
- The applicant must not be availing of any other scholarship.
- Benefits:
- Financial assistance to cover tuition fees, examination fees, and maintenance costs.
- The amount varies based on the course and academic performance.
- How to Apply:
- Applications can be submitted through the Nagaland Scholarship Portal or via the Directorate of Higher Education, Nagaland.
- Required documents include mark sheets, income certificates, domicile proof, and a recommendation from the institution.
This scholarship, offered by the West Bengal Government, supports economically disadvantaged students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.
- Eligibility:
- Must be a resident of West Bengal.
- Minimum 75% marks in the last qualifying examination (for UG courses).
- Family income must be below ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
- Applicable to engineering, medical, general degree, and diploma students.
- Benefits:
- Financial assistance of ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per year, depending on the course.
- Full tuition fee waiver for selected students.
- How to Apply:
- Apply through the West Bengal Scholarship Portal (https://svmcm.wbhed.gov.in).
- Submit academic records, income proof, and bank details.
The Maharashtra Government provides this scholarship for OBC, SBC, and EBC category students pursuing professional and non-professional degree courses.
- Eligibility:
- Must be a resident of Maharashtra.
- Must belong to the OBC, SBC, or EBC category.
- Minimum 60% marks in the previous exam.
- Family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.
- Benefits:
- Covers 100% tuition and exam fees for government colleges.
- Covers 50% of tuition fees for private institutions.
- How to Apply:
- Apply through the Maharashtra Government Scholarship Portal (https://mahadbtmahait.gov.in).
- Submit Aadhaar-linked bank account details, income proof, and educational documents.
The Karnataka Government provides this scholarship to support students from economically weaker sections who wish to pursue higher education.
- Eligibility:
- The student must belong to SC/ST/OBC categories.
- Family income should be below ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
- Must have secured a minimum 75% attendance in the previous academic year.
- Benefits:
- ₹10,000 per year for undergraduate students.
- Hostel fee waiver for eligible students.
- How to Apply:
- Apply through the Karnataka ePASS Portal (https://karepass.cgg.gov.in).
- Provide income certificate, caste certificate, and admission details.
The Tamil Nadu Government offers financial aid to students from economically weaker sections pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
- Eligibility:
- The applicant must be a domicile of Tamil Nadu.
- Should have secured at least 70% in the last qualifying exam.
- Annual family income must be below ₹2 lakh.
- Benefits:
- ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 per year, depending on the course and institution.
- Covers tuition fees and other educational expenses.
- How to Apply:
- Submit applications through the Tamil Nadu State Scholarship Portal (https://escholarship.tn.gov.in).
- Upload necessary documents such as income certificate, educational transcripts, and domicile proof.
- State governments provide financial aid to meritorious and underprivileged students.
- Eligibility criteria often include domicile requirements, minimum academic performance, and income limits.
- Scholarships cover tuition fees, exam fees, and sometimes even living expenses.
- Most applications can be submitted online through respective state scholarship portals.
