About Merit-Based Scholarships in India 2026-27
The Merit-Based Scholarships in India 2026-27 is provided by DST, AICTE, State Governments, Private Foundations to support meritorious students | all streams students.
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Application Status: Open for 2026-27. Last date: Varies by scheme, October to December 2026. Apply at scholarships.gov.in / online-inspire.gov.in
Scholarship Amount Breakdown
| Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| INSPIRE SHE (DST) | ₹80,000/year | Top 1% Class 12 + BSc Natural Sciences |
| KVPY (Discontinued, now INSPIRE) | Previously ₹80,000/year | Now merged with INSPIRE |
| AICTE Pragati (Girls Merit) | ₹50,000/year | AICTE institute + income below ₹8L |
| Central Sector Scholarship (Class 12 Merit) | ₹12,000/year UG | Top 80th+ percentile in board |
| Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY-like programs) | Varies | DST/DBT/DST funded |
Documents Required
- 📄 Aadhaar Card
- 📄 Class 12 marksheet (high percentage required)
- 📄 Entrance exam scorecard (JEE/NEET rank for some)
- 📄 Admission proof at recognised institute
- 📄 Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
- 📄 Income certificate (for means-tested merit scholarships)
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Income certificate must be of the current financial year. Bank account must be Aadhaar-linked for DBT to work.
How to Apply | Step by Step
1
Check eligibility for specific merit scholarship schemes
2
Register on the respective scholarship portal (NSP, INSPIRE, state portals)
3
Fill application with academic achievements
4
Upload required documents
5
Submit before deadline
6
Selection committee reviews merit criteria
7
Scholarship amount credited annually after verification
FAQs | Merit-Based Scholarships in India 2026-27
What are the top merit scholarships in India for engineering students?+
Top merit scholarships for engineering students: AICTE Pragati (₹50K/year, for girls at AICTE colleges), Central Sector Scholarship (₹12,000/year for top 80th percentile board students in UG), IIT/NIT Merit-cum-Means scholarship (full tuition waiver + ₹1,000/month for income below ₹4.5L), and INSPIRE for science students.
What is the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme?+
Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) is for students who score above 80th percentile in Class 12 state board exams and pursue UG/PG programs in regular colleges (not distance education). Amount: ₹12,000/year for UG and ₹20,000/year for PG. Apply via NSP. No income limit.
Is there a merit scholarship for IIT students?+
IIT students from economically weaker backgrounds get Merit-cum-Means (MCM) scholarship, full tuition fee waiver + ₹1,000/month for family income below ₹4.5 lakh. There are also institute-specific merit scholarships, alumni-funded prizes, and INSPIRE scholarship for students who had top 1% board marks.