Top 10 Government Scholarships for Students in India in 2025
In India, the importance of education is paramount, and the government has introduced various scholarship programs to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder a student’s academic journey. Scholarships play a crucial role in enabling students to pursue their dreams without worrying about their financial situation. In 2025, several government scholarships continue to provide immense opportunities for students across the country, helping them achieve academic excellence. Whether you're an undergraduate, postgraduate, or even a student pursuing vocational training, there’s a scholarship for you. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 government scholarships for students in India in 2025.
1. Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
The Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is one of the most notable scholarships offered by the Government of India. It aims to support the children of ex-servicemen and widows of defense personnel. This scheme provides financial assistance for students pursuing higher education after completing their Class 12 examinations.
PMSS offers a fixed scholarship amount that covers tuition fees, books, and other academic expenses. The scholarship is available for students enrolled in undergraduate programs in engineering, medical, or general education.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be children of ex-servicemen or widows of defense personnel.
- Must have completed Class 12 and secured admission to a recognized higher education institution.
Amount Offered:
- The scholarship provides financial support that covers tuition and other academic expenses.
How to Apply:
Applications are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), where eligible candidates can submit their applications online.
2. National Scholarship Scheme (NSS)
The National Scholarship Scheme (NSS) is one of India’s largest scholarship programs that caters to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Offered through the National Scholarship Portal, it aims to provide financial assistance to students from Class 1 to Postgraduate (PG) levels. This scholarship covers tuition fees, examination fees, and other academic expenses.
The NSS encompasses various sub-schemes, including those for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and economically weaker sections (EWS).
Eligibility:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must belong to an economically weaker section or a marginalized community (SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
- Must be enrolled in a recognized institution.
Amount Offered:
- The amount varies depending on the level of education, the course, and the category of the student.
3. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students is an initiative to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families. This scheme provides financial assistance to students who are pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in government-recognized institutions. The aim is to encourage talented students to continue their education and reduce dropout rates due to financial barriers.
Eligibility:
- Students who have scored above 80% in Class 12 examinations.
- Must have secured admission to a recognized college or university.
- Family income should be below a certain threshold (Rs. 8 lakh per annum).
Amount Offered:
- Rs. 10,000 per year for undergraduate students.
- Rs. 20,000 per year for postgraduate students.
4. Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC/ST Students
The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme is specifically designed for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories. This scholarship supports students pursuing post-matriculation education (after Class 10) and aims to reduce the dropout rates among these communities.
This scheme helps with tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other expenses, ensuring that students can continue their education without financial hindrances.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must belong to the SC/ST category.
- Must be pursuing post-matriculation education (Class 11, Class 12, undergraduate, or postgraduate).
- Family income must fall below a certain threshold (Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum).
Amount Offered:
- Varies based on the level of study, but it generally covers tuition fees, hostel fees, and other academic expenses.
5. Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Meritorious Students
The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship is a government initiative that aims to reward the academic excellence of students in West Bengal. It is offered to students from the state who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate courses in government-recognized institutions.
This scholarship aims to provide financial support to economically weaker students, encouraging them to pursue their studies and contribute to society’s growth.
Eligibility:
- Students must be residents of West Bengal.
- Must have secured at least 60% marks in Class 12 or graduation, depending on the course level.
- Family income should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum.
Amount Offered:
- Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 per month, depending on the level of study and the course.
6. INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scholarship is a government scheme launched by the Department of Science and Technology. It aims to attract talented students into the field of science and technology. This scholarship is for students who are pursuing undergraduate programs in basic and natural sciences.
Eligibility:
- Students must have secured a top position in Class 12 with a focus on science subjects.
- Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in the field of science, engineering, or technology.
Amount Offered:
- Rs. 80,000 per annum for five years, provided to cover tuition fees and other academic expenses.
7. Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students
The Maulana Azad National Fellowship aims to support students from minority communities (such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains) who wish to pursue higher education in the fields of science, engineering, and social sciences. This fellowship provides financial support for students pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees.
Eligibility:
- Must belong to a minority community.
- Must be pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D. in any field from a recognized institution.
- Family income should be below Rs. 6 lakh per annum.
Amount Offered:
- Rs. 25,000 per month for the first two years.
- Rs. 28,000 per month for the remaining years of the M.Phil/Ph.D. program.
8. Raman Research Fellowship
The Raman Research Fellowship is a scholarship provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to support young scientists and researchers in India who wish to pursue advanced research in science and technology. This fellowship encourages students to undertake research in emerging scientific fields.
Eligibility:
- Indian nationals who have completed their Master’s or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline.
- Must have secured admission to a research institution in India or abroad.
Amount Offered:
- Varies depending on the level and institution, but it generally covers travel expenses, accommodation, and research-related costs.
9. Bihar Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme
The Bihar Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme aims to help students from Bihar who belong to the SC, ST, OBC, and EBC categories. It provides financial assistance for post-matriculation education, encouraging students to pursue higher studies.
Eligibility:
- Students must be residents of Bihar.
- Must belong to the SC/ST/OBC/EBC category.
- Family income must be below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum.
Amount Offered:
- Covers tuition fees, hostel fees, and other academic expenses.
10. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship is one of the most renowned private scholarships, offered to students who have demonstrated academic excellence. It is available to students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in India.
Eligibility:
- Indian nationals with a strong academic record.
- Must have secured admission to a recognized institution.
Amount Offered:
- Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 60,000 per year, depending on the level of study.
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Conclusion
Government scholarships for students in India play a pivotal role in ensuring that talented individuals can pursue their educational aspirations, regardless of financial constraints. These 10 government scholarship programs in 2025 provide significant support to students from various backgrounds, making education more accessible to all. If you’re a student looking for financial aid to fund your education, these scholarships are worth exploring. Be sure to check eligibility requirements and apply early to ensure that you don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities.