Scholarship for Undergraduate (2026): Eligibility, Amount, How to Apply & Last Date
Indian undergraduate students can secure up to ₹2,00,000 over their degree duration through scholarships like the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2025-26, which awards 5,000 meritorious students annually. Eligibility typically requires enrollment in the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree for 2025-26 and a minimum of 60% in Class 12.
Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2025-26: Application & Mentorship
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2025-26 offers significant financial aid and comprehensive support for students pursuing higher education. This section details the key aspects of this program, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process.
- Scholarship Name: Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2025-26
- Number of Scholarships: 5,000 meritorious students annually
- Scholarship Amount: Up to ₹2,00,000 over degree duration
- Financial Inclusions: Covers tuition fees and academic expenses
- Eligibility – Enrollment: First year of a full-time undergraduate degree (2025-26)
- Eligibility – Academic: Minimum 60% in Class 12
These scholarships aim to support a large number of deserving students financially, ensuring their academic journey is well-funded and accessible from the first year of their undergraduate studies.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Non-Financial Inclusions | Vibrant alumni network, mentorship programs, skill-building sessions, leadership development, career guidance, volunteering, industry connections. |
| Eligibility – Financial | Household income under ₹15 lakh (preference for below ₹2.5 lakh). |
| Eligibility – Other | Indian citizen, must pass mandatory aptitude test. Girls and specially-abled students encouraged. |
| Ineligibility Criteria | Students in 2nd year or higher, distance/online/hybrid/remote courses, 2/6-year degrees, diploma after Class 10, or aptitude test cheating. |
| Application Start Date | August 2025 / September 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | October 7, 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Process | Online via www.scholarships.reliancefoundation.org: eligibility check, application form, document upload, aptitude test. |
| Required Documents | Passport photo, address proof, Class 10/12 marksheets, Bonafide Certificate, Family Income Proof, Official Disability Certificate (if applicable), PAN, Bank details. |
| Aptitude Test Details | Mandatory online test, 60 minutes, 60 MCQs on numerical, logical, analytical, and verbal ability. |
| Selection Process | Merit-cum-means based on academic performance, family income, and aptitude test scores. Preference for income below ₹2.5 lakh. |
| Final Selection Announcement | By January 2026 / Later in 2025 |
| Scholarship Renewal | Yes, for entire course duration, subject to compliance. |
| Contact Information | WhatsApp: 7977 100 100; Phone: (011) 4117 1414; Email: RF.UGScholarships@reliancefoundation.org |
| Fraud Alert | Reliance Foundation and its associated entities never solicit or accept monies for scholarships. Report incidents to local law enforcement and rf.scholarships@reliancefoundation.org. |
This table outlines the detailed eligibility, application steps, selection criteria, and important contact information for the scholarship, emphasizing the comprehensive support beyond financial aid.
Government Schemes for Undergraduates 2026: PM-USP & AIUGSEE
This section covers Central Government schemes for undergraduates in 2026, specifically the PM-USP & AIUGSEE, with key figures and details from the latest verified sources.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | — |
| Administering Ministry | Ministry of Education, Government of India (Department of Higher Education) |
| Objective | Financial support for meritorious students from economically weaker families for higher education |
| Target Students | Meritorious Class 12 pass students (above 80th percentile) pursuing regular UG/PG degree courses |
| Total Scholarships Annually | 82,000 fresh scholarships (41,000 for boys, 41,000 for girls) |
| Application Mode | Online via National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in |
| Application Status (2026-27) | Open |
| Expected Application Start (2026) | June 2026 |
| Eligibility – Class 12 Marks | Above 80th percentile in Class XII or Top 20th Percentile |
| Eligibility – Family Income | Up to ₹4.5 Lakh per annum |
| Scholarship Amount (UG 1st-3rd Year) | ₹12,000 per annum |
| Scholarship Amount (Professional/Technical 4th-5th Year) | ₹20,000 per annum |
| Maximum Duration | Up to 5 years, renewable annually |
| Renewal Criteria | Minimum 50% marks in annual exams and 75% attendance |
| Reservations | SC: 15%, ST: 7.5%, OBC: 27%, PwBD: 5% |
The PM-USP scheme provides substantial financial support and a scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, targeting meritorious students from economically weaker sections. Its structured eligibility and renewal criteria ensure sustained aid for deserving candidates.
Applying for University Scholarships 2026: NSP & Vidya Lakshmi Portals
Applying for university scholarships in 2026 involves navigating the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and the Vidya Lakshmi Portal. The NSP 2026-27 mandates a One-Time Registration (OTR) system, generating a lifelong 14-digit ID, crucial for all future applications.
- OTR Step 1: Visit scholarships.gov.in, click ‘Apply for OTR’.
- OTR Step 2: Enter Aadhaar number and OTP from linked mobile.
- OTR Step 3: Perform eKYC via Face Authentication using required apps.
- OTR Step 4: Receive your lifelong 14-digit OTR ID via SMS.
- Application Step 1: Log in to NSP with OTR ID and password.
- Application Step 2: Select ‘Fresh’ or ‘Renewal’ scholarship type.
The initial OTR process establishes a secure, permanent identity for all future scholarship for undergraduate applications, followed by logging in to begin the specific scheme application.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Step 3 | Fill academic details (Institute, Class, Marks) and family income. |
| Application Step 4 | Select eligible scholarship scheme (e.g., Post-Matric, NMMS). |
| Application Step 5 | Upload required documents and click ‘Final Submit’. |
These final steps involve providing academic and financial information, selecting the appropriate scheme, and submitting all necessary documents.
For Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensure your bank account is Aadhaar-linked. Confirm readiness using the ‘Check Bank Seeding Status’ tool on the NSP homepage before final submission.
The Vidya Lakshmi Portal allows students to register online, search for educational scholarships, and apply to multiple banks for educational loans.
| Event | Estimated / Actual Dates |
|---|---|
| OTR Registration | Open All Year |
| Fresh Scheme Applications Open | July 2026 (Expected) |
| Last Date for Fresh Applications | 31 October 2026 (Standard) |
| Institute Verification Deadline | 15 November 2026 |
Key dates for NSP 2026-27 include year-round OTR registration, with fresh applications expected to open in July and close by October 31st.
| Document Type | Details / Prescribed Format |
|---|---|
| Income Certificate | Issued by Tehsildar (Current Financial Year) |
| Caste/Category Certificate | Mandatory for SC/ST/OBC/Minority schemes |
| Previous Class Marksheet | Self-attested or Attested copy |
| Bonafide Certificate | Issued by your Current School/College |
| Bank Passbook | Must be seeded with Aadhaar (DBT active) |
Essential documents for NSP applications include current income and caste certificates, previous marksheets, a bonafide certificate, and an Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook.
| Resource Name | Official Link |
|---|---|
| NSP Official Portal | scholarships.gov.in |
| NSP OTR App (Google Play) | Download App |
| Check Application Status | Track Status Here |
Official resources for NSP include the main portal, the OTR app for Google Play, and a tool to check application status.
Merit, Minority & Science Scholarships 2026: Sir C V Raman & MOMA
This section details key scholarship opportunities for 2025-2026, including the MOMA Scholarships for minority communities and the Sir C.V. Raman Scholarship for science students. These programs offer vital financial support.
- Scholarship Name: MOMA Scholarships 2025-26
- Provider: Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA), Government of India
- Target Communities: Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jains, and Parsis
- Female Reservation: 30% of scholarships are reserved for female students
- Application Process: Online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Undergraduate Schemes: Post-Matric Scholarship, Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
| Scheme | Eligibility Criteria | Rewards (UG and PG) |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship | Enrolled Class 11 to PhD; Min 50% marks previous exam; Family income ≤ ₹2,00,000 p.a. | ₹3,000 p.a.; Hostellers ₹570/month; Day scholars ₹300/month |
| Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Pursuing professional/technical UG/PG; Min 50% marks previous exam; Family income ≤ ₹2,50,000 p.a.; Academic excellence & financial need. Full course fee reimbursement for 85 premier institutions. | ₹20,000 p.a.; Hostellers ₹1,000/month; Day scholars ₹500/month |
These MOMA scholarships provide substantial financial aid, with varying annual family income limits and reward structures tailored for both general post-matric and professional/technical undergraduate courses.
- Scholarship Name: Sir C.V. Raman Scholarship 2025
- Provider: Government of Karnataka
- Target Group: Meritorious students pursuing a science stream in degree courses
- Award Amount: ₹5,000 per annum
- Application Deadline: 15 July 2025
- Application Process: Online (Click ‘Apply Now’ button and register)
| Eligibility Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | Undergraduate science students, first-year B.Sc. student |
| Subjects | Studying at least two basic science subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology, botany, and zoology |
| Marks (General) | Secured 65% marks in the previous examination |
| Marks (SC & ST) | Secured 60% marks in the previous examination |
| Attempt | Passed the previous examination on the first attempt |
| Continuation | Must maintain 60% marks in all semesters to continue receiving the scholarship |
| Selection Criteria | Academic performance and verification of eligibility and documents |
The Sir C.V. Raman scholarship for undergraduate science students emphasizes academic merit, requiring consistent performance and specific subject enrollment for initial eligibility and continued support.
Scholarship Application Deadlines 2026: Key Dates & Verification
Prospective students should note that general scholarship application deadlines for 2026 commence in October 2025 and extend through Spring 2026. This section details key dates and application windows for various programs.
| Month (2026) | Key Deadlines | Scholarship Examples | Award Range | Target Audience | Official Resource |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February | Feb 15; Feb 26; Feb 28 | IU Unified; Scholarship America TX; BigFuture List | $1,000–$20,000 | Undergrad/Grad | iu.edu |
| March | Mar 5 | Gilman International | $5,000–$15,000 | Study Abroad/Grad | gilmanscholarship.org |
| April | Apr 1 | Arizona First-Year; UNC Charlotte | $2,500–$10,000 | Freshmen | financialaid.arizona.edu |
| July–Sept | Sept 15; Sept 30 | FAFSA Fall; Coca-Cola Scholars | Full Tuition–$20,000 | All Levels | studentaid.gov |
| Oct–Dec | Rolling | OSU ScholarDollars; Local Community | $1,000–$8,000 | Continuing | scholarships.oregonstate.edu |
This table highlights significant scholarship deadlines for undergraduate students across various months in 2026, offering examples, award ranges, and target audiences to guide application planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical academic requirements to be eligible for undergraduate scholarships in India for the 2026 academic year?
Most scholarships require a minimum aggregate score of 60-75% in your Class 12 board examinations. Some merit-based scholarships may look for even higher percentages, often above 85-90%.
Besides academic merit, what other common criteria do scholarship providers consider for undergraduate students in 2026?
Many scholarships also consider financial need, often requiring proof of family income below a certain threshold (e.g., ₹2.5 – ₹8 Lakhs per annum). Participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and specific demographic criteria (like gender, state of domicile, or minority status) are also frequently considered.
What is the typical scholarship amount an undergraduate student can expect to receive in India, and what does it usually cover?
Scholarship amounts vary widely, ranging from ₹10,000 for partial tuition support to ₹2-5 Lakhs annually for comprehensive scholarships. These funds can cover tuition fees, hostel charges, study materials, and sometimes even a living stipend.
When is the best time to start looking and applying for undergraduate scholarships for the 2026 academic year in India?
It’s advisable to start researching scholarships in late 2025, typically from October to December, as many applications open around January to March 2026. Some state or university-specific scholarships might have earlier or later deadlines.
Are there specific types of documents I should prepare in advance for undergraduate scholarship applications in 2026?
Yes, commonly required documents include academic transcripts (Class 10 & 12 mark sheets), income certificates, proof of identity and address, caste certificates (if applicable), and letters of recommendation. It’s also wise to have a well-drafted personal statement or essay ready.
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