While government schemes cover many students, private scholarships for college students in India are becoming increasingly vital. These scholarships are funded by corporate foundations, trusts, and private donors, offering financial aid, mentorship, internships, and career support.
Whether you’re pursuing engineering, medicine, commerce, law, or humanities—these private scholarships in 2025–26 can help fund your dream education.
Here’s a complete list of top private scholarships for Indian college students, updated with eligibility, award amounts, and how to apply.
🏦 1. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligibility:
- 1st-year UG students in any stream
- Top 10,000 rank in entrance OR 80%+ in Class 12
- Award: ₹2–₹4 lakh over duration of course
- Includes: Tuition, device support, soft skills, mentorship
- Apply At: scholarships.reliancefoundation.org
- Deadline: September 2025 (expected)
This is one of the highest-paying private scholarships for college students in India, especially in tech and science.
🧠 2. Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- UG/PG students in professional courses
- Family income ≤ ₹4 lakh/year
- Award: Up to 80% of total fees or ₹12,000–₹50,000/year
- Apply At: buddy4study.com
- Deadline: August 2025 (expected)
Covers a wide range of students—engineering, nursing, law, arts, and commerce.
📚 3. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- UG/PG students with ≥65% marks (girls: 60%)
- Income limit: ₹2.5 lakh/year (urban), ₹2 lakh/year (rural)
- Award: ₹500–₹3,200/month
- How to Apply: sitaramjindalfoundation.org
- Deadline: Open year-round (offline application)
Known for its easy application process and regular disbursement to thousands of students.
👨⚕️ 4. HDFC Bank Parivartan ECS Scholarship
- Eligibility: UG/PG students in any field with 70%+ marks
- Income Limit: ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Award: ₹35,000–₹75,000/year
- Apply At: buddy4study.com
- Deadline: Opens mid-2025
Includes merit-cum-means and special needs categories under its umbrella.
👩💻 5. Kotak Kanya Scholarship (for Girls)
- Eligibility:
- Girl students admitted to professional UG courses (engineering, law, finance, medicine)
- ≥85% in Class 12, Income ≤ ₹6 lakh/year
- Award: Up to ₹1.5 lakh/year
- Apply At: buddy4study.com
- Deadline: July–August 2025 (expected)
One of the top private scholarships for girl college students pursuing high-skill careers.
🏛️ 6. Aditya Birla Scholarship
- Eligibility: 1st-year students at IITs, IIMs, XLRI, BITS Pilani, top law colleges
- Award: ₹1.8 lakh/year
- Selection: Academic merit + interview
- Apply At: adityabirlascholars.net
- Deadline: August 2025
One of the most prestigious private scholarships in India, aimed at top talent.
📖 7. Vidyasaarathi Scholarship (NSDL e-Gov)
- Eligibility: UG/PG students in approved Indian institutions
- Award: ₹5,000–₹50,000 depending on course
- Sponsors Include: JSW Foundation, TransUnion, ACC Trust
- Apply At: vidyasaarathi.co.in
- Deadline: Varies by scheme – check portal frequently
This platform pools multiple private scholarships for college students, based on income and merit.
🎓 8. Loreal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Girl students with ≥85% in Class 12
- Pursuing UG degree in science/medicine/engineering
- Family income ≤ ₹6 lakh/year
- Award: Up to ₹2.5 lakh
- Apply At: foryoungwomeninscience.com
- Deadline: August–September 2025
Encourages more women in STEM fields—ideal for science-loving college girls.
📘 9. Pragati Scholarship by AICTE (Girl Students)
- Eligibility:
- Girl students admitted to AICTE-approved diploma/degree courses
- Family income ≤ ₹8 lakh/year
- Award: ₹50,000/year
- Apply At: aicte-pragati-saksham-gov.in
- Deadline: October 2025
Though funded by AICTE, this acts like a private scholarship in execution, promoting women in technical education.
📜 10. TALLENTEX Scholarship (Allen Career Institute)
- Eligibility:
- Students preparing for JEE/NEET enrolled in college coaching
- Merit based on online exam performance
- Award: Cash prizes + 90% fee waivers + recognition
- Apply At: tallentex.com
- Deadline: October 2025
Perfect for students entering college via competitive exams like JEE/NEET.
✅ Final Thoughts
These private scholarships for college students in India aren’t just financial aid—they’re opportunities for growth, mentorship, and placement support.
Apply early, review eligibility carefully, and check portals regularly for live links. Scholarships like Reliance, HDFC, and Tata Capital can fund a large chunk of your education in 2025–26.
