Higher education can be expensive, especially for students who come from low or middle-income families. But the good thing is that many governments and private organisations in India and abroad offer scholarships to deserving students — whether it’s due to merit, financial need, or special talent.
Whether you are a school student, college student, or dreaming of studying abroad, this guide will tell you about the top scholarships of 2025. In this, you will get full details: who can apply (eligibility), what the benefits are (benefits), and how to apply (application process).
Why Scholarships Matter
Scholarships hold a lot of meaning as they help students fulfil their educational dreams, especially for those who are financially weak. They not only reduce the financial burden but also help boost students’ confidence, appreciate their hard work, and motivate them towards their goals. Scholarships give talented students a chance to showcase their capabilities without worrying about money, which leads to a better society and future.
Benefits of Scholarships:
- Reduce or completely cover tuition and living expenses.
- Reward talent and academic excellence.
- Encourage students to pursue their dream careers.
- Offer global exposure through international programs.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025
1. National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Yojana is an important scheme run by the Human Resource Development Ministry of the Government of India to retain financially weak but talented students in secondary education. Under this scheme, students studying in class 8 are given a scholarship so that they can continue their studies from class 9 to class 12 without any interruption. Every year, a national-level exam is conducted for this scholarship, which includes the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The main objective of this scheme is to reduce the dropout rate and motivate talented students from rural and urban areas for higher education.
- For: Class 9 to 12 students from economically weaker sections
- Eligibility:
- Class 8 pass with 55% or more
- Annual family income below ₹3.5 lakh
- Benefits: ₹12,000 per annum
- How to Apply: Through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
2. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a prestigious scholarship program started by the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India. It aims to encourage talented students at the school and college level to choose a career in the field of science. Students who have an interest in science and research are selected through the KVPY exam, and they get financial support in the form of a scholarship as well as the opportunity of summer training in research institutions. This scheme promotes curiosity towards science, creative thinking and innovation among the students, so that a strong scientific morale can be developed in the country.
- For: Students interested in basic sciences (Class 11, 12, UG)
- Eligibility: Based on academic performance and an aptitude test
- Benefits: Monthly fellowship and annual contingency grant
- How to Apply: Online at iisc.ac.in
3. Inspire Scholarship by DST
INSPIRE – Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), which is a major component of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research scheme of DST (Department of Science & Technology), encourages students of science subjects towards higher education and research. Under this scheme, about 10,000 meritorious students are given scholarships of ₹ 80,000 per year.
- For: Top 1% students in Class 12 pursuing natural sciences
- Benefits: ₹80,000 per year for 5 years
- Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a B.Sc./M.Sc. program in natural sciences
- How to Apply: Online application link
4. AICTE Pragati and Saksham Scholarships
AICTE’s Pragati and Saksham scholarship schemes provide financial assistance to students enrolled in technical education — especially girls (Pragati) and specially‑abled students (Saksham) — whose family annual income is less than ₹6–8 lakh. Both scholarships provide tuition fee reimbursement (₹30,000 or actual) along with ₹2,000/month contingency (or lump sum ₹50,000/year) for the course duration (up to degree/diploma). The objective of both schemes is to support underrepresented groups in advancing in technical education.
- For:
- Pragati: Girl students in technical education
- Saksham: Students with disabilities
- Benefits: ₹50,000/year for 4 years
- Eligibility: Admission in AICTE-approved colleges
- How to Apply: Via NSP – scholarships.gov.in
5. Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)
Maulana Azad National Fellowship was once a prestigious fellowship that provided integrated five years of financial support to financially disadvantaged students from the minority community for the pursuit of regular, full-time M.Phil. and Ph.D. Along with the monthly stipend, contingency grants and escort allowances were also given.
- For: Minority students pursuing MPhil/PhD
- Benefits: ₹25,000–28,000/month + contingency
- Eligibility: UGC-NET/JRF qualified, income below ₹6 lakh/year
- How to Apply: UGC online portal or NSP
6. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious and fully-funded scholarships offered by the UK government specifically for talented students from Commonwealth countries (like India) who wish to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees, airfare, a monthly stipend, research grants, and other allowances.
Their aim is to provide leadership and development skills to students from developing countries through higher education. Candidates must show academic excellence as well as financial need and the ability to contribute to the development of their country.
- For: PG/PhD aspirants to study in the UK
- Eligibility: Must be an Indian citizen with a strong academic background
- Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, and living expenses
- How to Apply: education.gov.in/scholarships
7. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships is a prestigious and fully funded scholarship offered by the UK government, which gives emerging leaders from around the world the opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowance, visa and other expenses.
To be eligible, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in any field, and apply to three UK universities and receive an unconditional offer from at least one. The selection process includes an online application, assessment, and an interview by the British High Commission. The aim of this scholarship is to empower future global leaders and bring about positive change in their countries.
- For: One-year master’s programs in the UK
- Eligibility: Minimum 2 years of work experience preferred
- Benefits: Tuition fees, airfare, and a monthly stipend
- How to Apply: www.chevening.org
8. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (USA)
Fulbright‑Nehru Master’s Fellowships provide a highly respected and fully-funded opportunity for Indian students to pursue a one or two-year master’s degree program at highly recognised universities in the U.S.
- For: Indian graduates wanting to pursue a master’s in the US
- Benefits: Tuition, living allowance, and travel
- Eligibility: Indian citizen with excellent academics
- How to Apply: www.usief.org.in
9. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is the world’s largest international scholarship-granting organisation, facilitating educational exchanges for students, researchers and academic professionals since it was founded in 1925.
- For: Indian students pursuing PG/research in Germany
- Eligibility: Based on merit; preference for STEM subjects
- Benefits: Full tuition + monthly stipend
- How to Apply: www.daad.in
10. Google Generation Scholarship (APAC)
This prestigious scholarship from Google is exclusively for women from the Asia‑Pacific (APAC) region pursuing full‑time undergraduate (2nd or 3rd year) studies in computer science, computer engineering, or related technical subjects. Selected female students are awarded a one-time scholarship of $2,500 USD (approximately ₹2.08 lakhs), which can be used towards tuition fees, books, academic expenses, etc.
- For: Female UG students in computer science
- Benefits: USD 1,000
- Eligibility: Must be enrolled full-time
- How to Apply: Google Student Programs
How to Apply for Scholarships (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Research Thoroughly
Make a list of scholarships you are eligible for (based on class, course, income, or gender).
Step 2: Gather Documents
Common documents required:
- Academic marksheets
- ID proof (Aadhar)
- Income certificate
- Admission proof
- Bank account details
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
Step 3: Register on Scholarship Portals
Use platforms like:
Step 4: Fill the Application Carefully
Double-check spelling, bank details, and upload clear scanned copies of documents.
Step 5: Track and Follow Up
After applying, regularly log in to check your application status or email notifications.
Bonus Tip: Where to Find Ongoing Scholarships?
Use these reliable platforms to stay updated:
Conclusion
Whether you’re in school, studying in college, or planning to study abroad, scholarships can change your life. You just need to start early, keep your documents organised, and not hesitate to apply. Even if you think you have little chance, apply anyway — many scholarships are missed every year simply because people don’t apply.
Keep checking scholarship portals regularly — your opportunity might just be a click away!
