If you’re currently pursuing a degree and worried about how to fund your education, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are scholarships for college students in India designed to ease the financial burden and support you throughout your academic journey.
From government-backed initiatives to private foundation programs, here’s a complete list of the top 10 scholarships for college students in India for the 2025–26 academic year—including eligibility, benefits, and deadlines. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, books, and sometimes even travel.
🎓 1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students (CSSS)
- Eligibility: 80%+ marks in Class 12 from a recognized board; family income ≤ ₹4.5 lakh/year
- Applicable For: General/Reserved category UG students in any stream
- Award Amount: ₹12,000 per year for undergraduates
- Renewable: Yes, up to PG level (₹20,000/year)
- Apply At: scholarships.gov.in
- Deadline (Expected): 31 October 2025
This scholarship for college students is disbursed through the National Scholarship Portal and supports meritorious students from low-income families.
👩💻 2. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
- Eligibility: Female students enrolled in AICTE-approved diploma/degree courses
- Family Income Limit: ₹8 lakh/year
- Award: ₹50,000 per year
- Renewable: Yes, for the full duration of the course
- Apply At: aicte-pragati-saksham-gov.in
- Deadline: October 2025
This scheme empowers girl students to pursue technical education without financial barriers.
♿ 3. AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Differently-Abled Students
- Eligibility: Students with disabilities admitted to technical courses
- Disability Criteria: 40% or more
- Award: ₹50,000 per year
- Apply At: Same as Pragati (above)
- Deadline: October 2025
One of the few dedicated scholarships for college students with disabilities in India.
🔬 4. INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
- Eligibility: Top 1% of Class 12 board; pursuing UG in Natural or Basic Sciences
- Award: ₹80,000 per year
- Tenure: 5 years (up to Master’s level)
- Apply At: online-inspire.gov.in
- Deadline: Expected in October 2025
This DST-run scholarship aims to nurture young scientific talent in India.
🏛️ 5. FAEA Scholarship (Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access)
- Eligibility: Class 12 passed or 1st-year UG students from SC/ST/OBC/BPL/general (merit)
- Fields Covered: Arts, Science, Commerce, Technical & Professional courses
- Award: Tuition + hostel + books + travel
- Total Awards: 50 students/year
- Apply At: faeaindia.org
- Deadline: 30 June 2025
A powerful support system for marginalized yet meritorious students.
💼 6. Aditya Birla Scholarship
- Eligibility: First-year students of IITs, BITS Pilani, IIMs, and top law colleges
- Award: Up to ₹1.8 lakh per annum
- Selection: Academic record + personal interview
- Apply At: adityabirlascholars.net
- Deadline: August 2025 (expected)
Perfect for students in India’s elite institutions.
👩🔬 7. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligibility: UG students in science, engineering, medicine, or tech fields
- Award: ₹2–4 lakh/year
- Additional Support: Mentorship, soft-skills training
- Apply At: scholarships.reliancefoundation.org
- Deadline: Likely September 2025
One of the most generous scholarships for college students in STEM.
🧠 8. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students from Class 11 to postgraduation
- Award Range: ₹500 to ₹3,200/month depending on course
- Family Income: ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year (girls); ≤ ₹2 lakh/year (boys)
- Apply At: sjfoundation.org
- Deadline: Open year-round
Ideal for students from humble backgrounds across India.
📚 9. Vidyasaarathi Scholarship
- Eligibility: UG/PG/diploma students from recognized institutions
- Award: Varies by provider (₹5,000–₹50,000)
- Apply At: vidyasaarathi.co.in
- Deadline: Varies by sponsor
Corporate-backed support through NSDL’s Vidyasaarathi platform.
💡 10. HDFC Bank Parivartan ECS Scholarship
- Eligibility: College students with annual family income < ₹2.5 lakh
- Award: ₹35,000–₹75,000/year
- Apply At: buddy4study.com
- Deadline: Reopens mid-2025
Designed for high-potential but financially challenged students.
✅ Final Thoughts
These top 10 scholarships for college students in 2025–26 offer not just financial support but also recognition, mentorship, and long-term benefits. If you’re a college student in India, don’t miss out—apply early and carefully track the requirements for each.
