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Top Government Scholarships in India

January 9, 2025

Higher education in India can be a financial challenge for many students. To bridge this gap, the government offers numerous scholarships to support academic aspirations. This guide highlights the top 20 highest-paid government scholarships in India for higher education, including their amounts, application process, and eligibility criteria. Read on to discover how you can fund your education with these prestigious scholarships.

Top 20 Highest-Paid Government Scholarships in India

1. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)

  • Award Amount: Rs. 70,000 - Rs. 80,000 per month + research grants

  • Eligibility: PhD students in IITs, IISc, and other premier institutes

2. UGC NET JRF Fellowship

  • Award Amount: Rs. 31,000 per month + contingency allowance

  • Eligibility: Postgraduate students who qualify the UGC NET exam

3. Inspire Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)

  • Award Amount: Rs.80,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Science stream students in the top 1% of Class 12 results

4. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students

  • Award Amount: Up to Rs.2.5 lakh annually

  • Eligibility: ST students pursuing professional courses

5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls

  • Award Amount: Rs.50,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Female students in technical diploma/degree course

6. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students

  • Award Amount: Rs. 20,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Class 12 toppers with family income below Rs. 8 lakh

7. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students

  • Award Amount: Full tuition fees + maintenance allowance

  • Eligibility: SC/ST students with income below Rs.2.5 lakh

8. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses

  • Award Amount: Rs. 20,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Students with family income under Rs.2.5 lakh

9. PM Scholarship Scheme for CAPF & Assam Rifles

  • Award Amount: Rs.30,000 - Rs. 36,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Children of CAPF personnel

10. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

  • Award Amount: Rs.12,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Class 8 students with income below Rs.1.5 lakh

11. Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities

  • Award Amount: Up to Rs.1,000 per month

  • Eligibility: Minority students with family income below Rs.1 lakh

12. Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities

  • Award Amount: Up to Rs. 10,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Minority students from low-income families

13. National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities

  • Award Amount: Rs.50,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Students with 40% or more disability

14. Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students

  • Award Amount: Rs. 31,000 per month

  • Eligibility: Postgraduate minority students pursuing MPhil/PhD

15. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)

  • Award Amount: Rs.60,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Students interested in research and science

16. Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes

  • Award Amount: Full fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance

  • Eligibility: EBC students with income below Rs.1 lakh

17. Ishan Uday Scholarship for North Eastern Region

  • Award Amount: Rs.60,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Students from the North Eastern region

18. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships

  • Award Amount: Rs.12,000 per month

  • Eligibility: Doctoral students in India

19. Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

  • Award Amount: Up to Rs. 80,000 annually

  • Eligibility: Economically backward students in West Bengal

20. Eklavya Scholarship

  • Award Amount: Rs. 50,000 annually

  • Eligibility: SC/ST postgraduate students in Maharashtra

Government scholarships in India are a boon for students seeking financial assistance for higher education. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide additional allowances, ensuring holistic support. By applying through the respective portals and meeting eligibility criteria, students can access these opportunities to achieve their academic goals. Start your journey today and unlock your potential with these top scholarships!