Looking to study in India or abroad but worried about IELTS, GRE, or other standardized exams? Good news: many scholarships for college students now do not require IELTS/GRE, especially in 2025–26. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate courses in India or master’s programs in the U.S., there are test-optional scholarships you can still apply for.
Let’s explore the top Indian UG scholarships and international scholarships without IELTS/GRE requirements to help you unlock your higher education goals—test-free!
🇮🇳 Part 1: Indian Scholarships That Don’t Require Any Exam Score
These scholarships are based on merit, income level, or category, not on entrance test scores like JEE, NEET, or CUET.
🎓 1. Reliance Foundation UG Scholarships
- Eligibility:
- 1st-year UG students in any discipline (STEM preferred)
- Minimum 60% in Class 12
- No entrance exam or IELTS/GRE required
- Award: Up to ₹2 lakh/year
- Deadline: September 2025 (expected)
- Apply At: scholarships.reliancefoundation.org
📚 2. FAEA Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Class 12 pass / 1st-year UG student from disadvantaged backgrounds
- No exam required
- Award: Tuition + hostel + other allowances
- Deadline: 30 June 2025
- Apply At: faeaindia.org
🏛️ 3. National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – Post-Matric Scheme
- Eligibility:
- SC/ST/OBC/Minority students in UG/PG
- Family income below prescribed limits
- Award: Tuition + maintenance allowance
- No test score required
- Apply At: scholarships.gov.in
🌟 4. Aikyashree (West Bengal Minority Scholarship)
- Eligibility:
- Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist students in UG/PG
- Min 50% marks, income below ₹2.5 lakh
- Award: ₹12,000–₹30,000/year
- No entrance exam or interview needed
- Apply At: wbmdfcscholarship.org
🎯 5. MahaDBT (Maharashtra Government Scholarship)
- Eligibility:
- Reserved category students in UG/PG
- Studying in Maharashtra
- Award: ₹8,000–₹60,000/year
- No JEE/MHT-CET required
- Apply At: mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
🌎 Part 2: Study Abroad Scholarships Without IELTS/GRE (2025–26)
Thanks to test-optional policies post-COVID, many top U.S. universities and global programs now waive IELTS/GRE for Indian students.
🇺🇸 6. MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Indian students applying to U.S. or Canadian universities
- STEM and business programs preferred
- No IELTS/GRE required (if university waives it)
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Apply At: mpowerfinancing.com
🧠 7. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Eligibility:
- Indian students applying for U.S. master’s programs
- No GRE needed for select programs
- TOEFL required but IELTS waived
- Award: Full tuition, airfare, stipend
- Apply At: usief.org.in
- Deadline: May 2025 (closed for 2025–26; apply next year)
🧬 8. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Indian students applying to PG programs at the University of Cambridge
- No GRE/GMAT/IELTS required for select departments
- Award: Full tuition + living expenses
- Apply At: gatescambridge.org
🎓 9. Clark University Presidential Scholarships (USA)
- Eligibility:
- Indian students applying for UG programs
- IELTS/GRE waived for applicants from English-medium background
- Award: $15,000–$25,000/year
- Apply At: clarku.edu
💡 10. University of the People (UoPeople) – Tuition-Free UG/PG
- Eligibility: Global students including Indians
- Fully online degree with U.S. accreditation
- No IELTS/GRE required
- Award: Tuition-free; minimal admin fees
- Apply At: uopeople.edu
🎯 Bonus: U.S. Colleges Waiving IELTS/GRE in 2025–26
Top U.S. universities now accept:
- Duolingo / TOEFL Home Edition / Medium of Instruction Letter
- No GRE for most master’s in data science, business, and computer science at:
- University of Arizona
- Northeastern University
- Purdue Global
- New York Institute of Technology
- Illinois Tech
🔖 Key Takeaways
- Indian scholarships for UG students don’t need entrance exam scores
- Many U.S. and global scholarships accept applications without IELTS/GRE
- Use Duolingo or MOI letters if IELTS isn’t possible
- Always confirm test waivers on the university/program page
📌 Documents Checklist
- Marksheet (Class 10, 12, UG/PG)
- Passport or Aadhaar
- Bonafide certificate from college
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose (for abroad)
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
- No IELTS/GRE declaration (if accepted)
✅ Final Thoughts
With rising tuition and expensive exams, these scholarships for college students without IELTS or GRE offer a practical path forward. Whether you’re studying in India or aiming for the U.S., you can skip the stress of tests and focus on building a strong application based on academics, purpose, and merit.
Start applying early in the 2025–26 session, as deadlines close fast!
