College education can be expensive—but the good news is, scholarships for college students in 2025–26 are more accessible than ever. From government-funded aid to private foundation grants and international fellowships, students across India and abroad have access to programs that cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more.
Whether you’re a first-year student or midway through your undergraduate journey, this updated list of top scholarships for college students will help you cut down costs and focus on your studies.
🎓 Top Scholarships for Indian College Students – 2025–26
1. Central Sector Scholarship (CSSS) – National Scholarship Portal
- Who Can Apply: Class 12 toppers from economically weaker families (income below ₹4.5 lakh/year)
- Award: ₹12,000–₹20,000 per year
- Last Date to Apply: Expected by 31st October 2025
- Covers: Tuition fees, incidental expenses
- Where to Apply: scholarships.gov.in
2. AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarships
- Pragati: For girl students in technical education
- Saksham: For differently-abled students
- Award Amount: ₹50,000 per year
- Deadline: Likely 31st October 2025
- Eligibility: Students pursuing diploma or degree in AICTE-approved colleges
- Where to Apply: aicte-india.org
3. INSPIRE Scholarship – Department of Science & Technology
- Who Can Apply: Students who scored in the top 1% in Class 12 board exams or secured top 10,000 ranks in NEET/JEE
- Award: ₹80,000 per year
- Applicable For: BSc, BS-MS, or integrated MSc students in Natural and Basic Sciences
- Deadline: Expected by 31st October 2025
- Website: online-inspire.gov.in
4. Aditya Birla Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students from top institutions like IITs, BITS Pilani, IIMs, etc.
- Award: Up to ₹1,80,000 annually
- Selection: Based on academic merit and interviews
- Where to Apply: adityabirlascholars.net
5. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian UG students in STEM fields with academic excellence
- Award: ₹2–4 lakh per year
- Features: Covers tuition fees, learning grants, mentorship, and development programs
- Deadline: Expected to reopen by August 2025
- Apply at: scholarships.reliancefoundation.org
🌍 Top International Scholarships for Indian College Students
6. Gates Scholarship (USA)
- Offered By: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Coverage: 100% of tuition, accommodation, books, and living costs
- Eligibility: High-achieving low-income students
- Apply at: www.thegatesscholarship.org
7. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Who Can Apply: UG/PG students from developing countries, including India
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, full tuition, health insurance, and travel
- Apply via: Participating German universities
- Website: daad.de
8. Rhodes Scholarship (UK)
- Target: Indian students applying for postgraduate programs at Oxford University
- Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, airfare
- Deadline: July–August 2025 (varies by region)
- Apply at: www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
9. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship – Stanford University (USA)
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, and stipend for PG programs
- Eligibility: High-achieving students with leadership skills
- Deadline: October 2025
- Website: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
10. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship (UK)
- Eligibility: Students from low- and middle-income countries (including India)
- Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, research costs
- Application Window: September to November 2025
- Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
📌 Quick Tips to Win Scholarships in 2025–26
- Apply early: Most deadlines fall between July and November 2025
- Tailor your SOP/essays: Highlight impact, need, and career vision
- Look beyond popular names: Smaller or niche scholarships often have less competition
- Keep documents ready: Aadhaar, income certificate, mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), etc.
