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Need-Based Scholarships in India

January 17, 2025

Need-Based Scholarships in India for Economically Weaker Sections

Introduction

Need-based scholarships in India play a transformative role in supporting economically weaker sections, ensuring that financial challenges do not hinder deserving students from pursuing their education. These scholarships are a lifeline for aspiring individuals who lack the means but have immense potential to excel academically and professionally. By bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, these initiatives contribute to nation-building, reducing economic disparities, and fostering inclusive growth. This guide presents a curated list of the top need-based scholarships in India, their eligibility criteria, and financial benefits, helping individuals find the right programme to fulfil their educational dreams.

Top 15 Need-Based Scholarships in India for Economically Weaker Sections

  1. Post-Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Class Students

    Eligibility: Students belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) with an annual family income below Rs 1,00,000.
    Amount: Tuition fee reimbursement and maintenance allowance of up to Rs 1,200 monthly.

  2. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)

    Eligibility: Class IX students with a minimum of 55 percent in the previous exam and family income below Rs 1,50,000 annually.
    Amount: Rs 12,000 annually.

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

    Eligibility: Students in the top 20 percent of Class XII exam merit list with family income below Rs 8,00,000 annually.
    Amount: Rs 10,000 annually for undergraduate studies and Rs 20,000 annually for postgraduate studies.

  4. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls

    Eligibility: Female students enrolled in technical courses with a family income below Rs 8,00,000 annually.
    Amount: Rs 50,000 annually for up to four years.

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

    Eligibility: EWS students in higher education with an annual family income below Rs 1,00,000.
    Amount: Full tuition reimbursement and a maintenance stipend.

  6. Eklavya Scholarship

    Eligibility: Graduates from Maharashtra with a minimum of 60 percent marks and annual family income below Rs 75,000.
    Amount: Rs 5,000 annually.

  7. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship Scheme

    Eligibility: Students from EWS pursuing school, undergraduate, or postgraduate education with specific merit criteria.
    Amount: Rs 500 to Rs 3,200 monthly.

  8. ONGC Scholarship for Economically Backward General Category Students

    Eligibility: Students pursuing professional courses with an annual family income below Rs 2,00,000.
    Amount: Rs 48,000 annually.

  9. Vidya Samunnathi Scholarship

    Eligibility: Students from Kerala belonging to economically backward forward communities.
    Amount: Rs 6,000 to Rs 50,000 annually based on the course level.

  10. Pre-Matric Scholarship for EWS Students

    Eligibility: School students from Classes I to X with family income below Rs 1,00,000 annually.
    Amount: Tuition fee reimbursement and a maintenance allowance of Rs 1,000 annually.

  11. Indira Gandhi Utkrisht Chatravriti Yojana

    Eligibility: Meritorious students from Himachal Pradesh in higher secondary education.
    Amount: Rs 10,000 annually.

  12. Fair and Lovely Foundation Scholarship

    Eligibility: Female students from EWS pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate education.
    Amount: Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 annually.

  13. Maulana Azad Education Foundation Scholarship

    Eligibility: Minority girl students with an annual family income below Rs 1,00,000.
    Amount: Rs 12,000 annually.

  14. Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship

    Eligibility: EWS students pursuing professional courses with an annual family income below Rs 4,00,000.
    Amount: Up to Rs 50,000 annually.

  15. LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme

    Eligibility: Economically backward students in Class XII or equivalent with family income below Rs 2,00,000 annually.
    Amount: Rs 20,000 annually.

Conclusion

Need-based scholarships are a cornerstone of social upliftment, ensuring that students from economically weaker sections are not deprived of quality education due to financial constraints. These scholarships help unlock potential, creating opportunities for personal growth and contributing to a more equitable society. By investing in education through such initiatives, India is paving the way for an empowered and skilled population, ready to take on the challenges of the future. Whether you aspire to pursue higher education or technical courses, these scholarships can be your pathway to success.