Updated on October 23, 2025

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Feeling Lost About Scholarships? You’re Not Alone.

Pooja, a 19-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh, just passed her 12th with good marks. She dreams of becoming a teacher, but her father, a small shop owner, worries about college fees. Pooja has heard that there are free scholarships available, but she doesn’t know where to start or whom to ask. She feels lost.

If you’re like confused about scholarships (छात्रवृत्ति) after 12th, this guide is just for you.

We’ll walk you through the top 15 scholarships that can help you study further without worrying about money. You’ll learn who can apply, how to apply, and how much money you can get.

Let’s get started!

Read More: Government Schemes for Women Entrepreneurs

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Why Scholarships Matter After 12th

Many students in India give up on their dreams because of a lack of money. But what if we told you that the government and private companies want to support students like you?

Scholarships give you free money for college, and you don’t need to return it.

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Top 15 Scholarships After 12th With Simple Details

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefits	Where to Apply
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)	SC/ST/OBC/Minority, Low-income	₹10,000–₹30,000/year	scholarships.gov.in
UP Scholarship	UP students, low-income	₹12,000–₹20,000/year	scholarship.up.gov.in
PM Modi Scholarship	Children of ex-servicemen/police	₹20,000–₹25,000/year	ksb.gov.in
Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship	60%+ marks, low-income	₹500–₹2,000/month	sitaramjindalfoundation.org
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls	Girls in technical courses	₹50,000/year	aicte-india.org
LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship	Families with income < ₹2 lakh	₹10,000/year	licindia.in
INSPIRE Scholarship	85%+ in 12th Science	₹80,000/year	online-inspire.gov.in
KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana)	Science students, high marks	₹5,000–₹7,000/month	kvpy.iisc.ac.in
ONGC Scholarship for SC/ST Students	SC/ST with 60%+ marks	₹48,000/year	ongcindia.com
College-Specific Scholarships (DU/BHU etc.)	College students, merit/need-based	₹5,000–₹50,000 varies	Respective college websites
Tata Trust Scholarships	Low-income students	₹20,000–₹60,000/year	tatatrusts.org
Foundation for Excellence (FFE)	Engineering/Medical aspirants	Full tuition fee	ffe.org
Maulana Azad Scholarship (for Girls)	Minority girls, 12th pass	₹12,000	scholarships.gov.in
Post Matric Scholarship for OBC/SC/ST	Reserved category students	₹1,000–₹10,000/year	State government portals
Vidya Lakshmi Portal	Any student needing financial help	Loans + some scholarships	vidyalakshmi.co.in

1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships

• Eligibility:
  Students from SC, ST, OBC, Minority communities or financially weaker sections.
  Family income should be within the specified limit (usually less than ₹2.5 lakh/year). Available for students across India enrolled in post-12th courses.
• Benefits:
  ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year, depending on the course and category. Some schemes also cover maintenance allowance and book costs.
• Application Process:
  1. Go to scholarships.gov.in and register.
  2. Complete the profile with academic, personal, and bank details.
  3. Select the appropriate scholarship (e.g., Post-Matric Scholarship, Merit-cum-Means).
  4. Upload scanned documents: Aadhaar, caste certificate, income certificate, 12th marksheet, and bank passbook.
  5. Submit and track status online.
• Tips:
  Always apply before the deadline (usually August–October each year). Keep your bank details correct to avoid payment delays.

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2. UP Scholarship (उत्तर प्रदेश छात्रवृत्ति)

• Eligibility:
  Students who are permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh, studying in recognized post-12th courses (graduation, diploma, etc.). Family income should be less than ₹2 lakh/year for OBC, SC/ST, and minority students.
• Benefits:
  ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 annually, depending on the course and category. Covers tuition fees and maintenance allowance.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit scholarship.up.gov.in.
  2. Register as a new user, then log in and fill out the form.
  3. Submit details of income, bank account, caste certificate, and educational records.
  4. After online submission, take a printout and submit it to your college/institute for verification.
• Tips:
  Keep a copy of the application and confirmation slip. This scholarship is highly used, so apply early to avoid website slowdowns.

Read More: APAAR ID Complete Guide: Everything You Need to Know (Updated 2025)

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3. PM Modi Scholarship Scheme (प्रधानमंत्री छात्रवृत्ति योजना)

• Eligibility:
  Children of ex-servicemen, police personnel, and paramilitary forces who have passed the 12th with at least 60% marks. Family income should meet the scheme norms.
• Benefits:
  ₹25,000 for girls and ₹20,000 for boys annually for higher education.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit ksb.gov.in.
  2. Register under the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS).
  3. Upload documents like the marksheet, the service certificate of a parent, and bank details.
  4. Submit the form and wait for approval.
• Tips:
  Keep checking the portal for scheme announcements. This is available mainly for technical/professional courses.

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4. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship

• Eligibility:
  Students with at least 60% marks (55% for girls), belonging to economically weaker sections (family income < ₹2.5 lakh/year).
• Benefits:
  ₹500 to ₹2,000 per month based on course level. Scholarships continue as long as academic performance is good.
• Application Process:
  1. Download the application form from sitaramjindalfoundation.org.
  2. Fill and attach the required documents: income certificate, marksheet, and recommendation letter.
  3. Send by post to the Foundation’s address.
• Tips:
  No online submission – all forms must be sent physically. Keep copies for your reference.

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5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls

• Eligibility:
  Girl students taking admission in technical diploma/degree courses approved by AICTE. Family income should be less than ₹8 lakh/year.
• Benefits:
  ₹50,000 per year for tuition fees, equipment, and books, for the entire course duration.
• Application Process:
  1. Register at aicte-india.org.
  2. Go to “Schemes” > “Student Development Schemes” > “Pragati Scholarship”.
  3. Fill the form, upload documents like income certificate, Aadhaar and admission proof.
• Tips:
  This is only for AICTE-approved colleges. Apply immediately after securing admission.

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6. LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship

• Eligibility:
  Students with 60% marks in the 12th standard. Family income must be less than ₹2 lakh/year.
• Benefits:
  ₹10,000 per year for the entire duration of the course.
• Application Process:
  1. Apply via licindia.in under the Golden Jubilee Scholarship section.
  2. Fill in academic, personal, and income details. Upload necessary documents.
  3. Submit and check your email for updates.
• Tips:
  Open during the October–December period. Make sure your email and contact details are accurate.

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7. INSPIRE Scholarship

• Eligibility:
  Students who scored top 1% in the 12th class (Science stream) and are pursuing B.Sc., B.S., or integrated M.Sc. courses.
• Benefits:
  ₹80,000 annually for up to 5 years.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit online-inspire.gov.in.
  2. Register and fill out the application form.
  3. Upload your 12th marksheet, identity proof, and admission proof.
• Tips:
  Strong science aptitude is needed. Keep your marksheets and college ID handy.

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8. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)

• Eligibility:
  Science stream students aiming for research careers, scoring 75 %+ in 10th and 12th.
• Benefits:
  ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per month + annual grants.
• Application Process:
  1. Apply at kvpy.iisc.ac.in.
  2. Appear for an aptitude test and interview.
  3. Based on selection, a scholarship is awarded.
• Tips:
  Requires a competitive exam. Start early preparation.

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9. ONGC Scholarship for SC/ST Students

• Eligibility:
  SC/ST students in engineering, MBBS, MBA, or general courses with 60 %+ marks.
• Benefits:
  ₹48,000 per year throughout the course.
• Application Process:
  1. Download the form from ongcindia.com.
  2. Submit with the required documents by post.
• Tips:
  Keep your caste certificate, income proof ready. Selection based on merit.

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10. College-Specific Scholarships

• Eligibility:
  Merit or need-based, depending on the college (e.g., Delhi University, BHU, Jamia).
• Benefits:
  ₹5,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the scheme.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit your college’s website or office for details.
  2. Apply as per the college’s guidelines.
• Tips:
  These are limited, apply early during college admissions.

11. Tata Trust Scholarships

• Eligibility:
  Students from economically weaker backgrounds are pursuing higher education in fields like engineering, medicine, law, and other professional courses. Family income criteria vary by scholarship, typically less than ₹3 lakh/year.
• Benefits:
  Financial assistance ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹60,000, depending on course and need. Some scholarships cover full or partial tuition fees.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit tatatrusts.org.
  2. Go to the “Our Work” section, click on “Education” → “Scholarships”.
  3. Check for open applications, eligibility criteria, and download the form.
  4. Fill in all details, attach scanned copies of marksheets, income proof, and submit online (or as instructed).
• Tips:
  Watch for application dates – they differ for each course. This is a prestigious private scholarship, so submit a complete, error-free form.

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12. Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship

• Eligibility:
  Students pursuing professional degree courses (engineering, medical, pharmacy) from recognized institutions. Must have scored 70%+ in 12th. Family income must be below ₹3 lakh/year.
• Benefits:
  Covers full tuition fees for the entire course duration.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit ffe.org.
  2. Register and complete the online application form.
  3. Upload documents: admission letter, marksheets, income certificate, and identity proof.
  4. Shortlisted candidates are contacted for further verification.
• Tips:
  Focuses on merit + financial need. Engineering and medical aspirants can benefit significantly from this.

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13. Maulana Azad National Scholarship (for Girls)

• Eligibility:
  Minority girls (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) who have passed the 12th with at least 55% marks. Family income must be below ₹1 lakh/year.
• Benefits:
  One-time grant of ₹12,000 for higher studies.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit scholarships.gov.in.
  2. Register under the Maulana Azad Education Foundation schemes.
  3. Fill in details, upload Aadhaar, marksheets, and income proof.
  4. Submit online.
• Tips:
  Only for minority girls. Helps with initial college expenses. Make sure documents are attested.

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14. Post Matric Scholarship for OBC/SC/ST Students

• Eligibility:
  Students from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) studying post-12th in recognized institutions. Family income limits vary:
  • SC/ST: less than ₹2.5 lakh/year
  • OBC: less than ₹1.5 lakh/year
• Benefits:
  ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 per year. Covers tuition fees, maintenance, and exam fees.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit your State Government’s scholarship portal (e.g., scholarship.up.gov.in for Uttar Pradesh).
  2. Register with basic and academic details.
  3. Upload income, caste certificate, Aadhaar, and bank passbook.
  4. Submit online and verify with your institution.
• Tips:
  Available every year. Students must renew annually with updated academic records.

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15. Vidya Lakshmi Portal (Education Loans & Scholarships)

• Eligibility:
  Any Indian student needing education loan support or looking for scholarship opportunities.
• Benefits:
  • Access to education loans from multiple banks.
  • Some government scholarships are linked.
• Application Process:
  1. Go to vidyalakshmi.co.in.
  2. Register and complete the Common Education Loan Application Form (CELAF).
  3. Choose banks and apply for a loan or linked scholarships.
  4. Track status via the portal.
• Tips:
  Useful for students not get scholarships but need financial help. It’s a central portal for loan comparison and application.

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Latest Official Update on Each Scholarship 2025-2026

• National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – Applications for the academic year 2025-26 are open; the last date for most central schemes is 31 October 2025.
• UP Scholarship – Online registration for 2025-26 began on 2 July 2025; the last date to apply is 30 October 2025, with document verification due by early November.
• PM Modi Scholarship – The 2025-26 application window is expected to open in October 2025.
• Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship – Applications for 2025 are open; the last date ranges from 31 October to 31 December 2025, depending on the category.
• AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls – Applications for 2025-26 are live; the last date to apply is 31 October 2025; benefit amount ₹50,000 per year.
• LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship – Applications open with a last date of 6 October 2025; eligibility limit raised to family income up to ₹4.5 lakh per year.
• INSPIRE Scholarship – Selected candidates were asked to upload supporting documents by 10 June 2025; INSPIRE-MANAK nominations open till 30 September 2025.
• KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) – Programme merged with the INSPIRE Scholarship; new applications expected around July 2025.
• ONGC Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/EWS Students – Applications for the 2025 round are ongoing; benefits remain at ₹48,000 per year for eligible professional-course students.
• Tata Trusts Scholarships – Education Grant 2025-26 program open for Indian college students; Lady Meherbai D Tata Scholarship for 2025-26 also announced.
• Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship – Application portal expected to reopen for 2025-26; supports full tuition for engineering and medical students.
• Maulana Azad Scholarship (for Girls) – Applications under review; tentative last date around 30 September 2025; pending fellowship payments cleared mid-2025.
• Post Matric Scholarship for OBC/SC/ST Students – Applications for 2025-26 are active on state portals; most states have deadlines between 30 September and 31 October 2025; maintenance allowance up to ₹425 per month in Maharashtra.
• Vidya Lakshmi Portal – Portal live for 2025-26 academic year; multiple banks offering integrated education-loan and scholarship options with simplified login and e-KYC.

Final Takeaway for Students

Now that you know about these 15 scholarships, here’s how you can take the next steps:

• Make a list of 2–3 scholarships you are eligible for.
• Gather your documents early: Aadhaar, marksheets, income certificate, caste certificate (if needed), and bank details.
• Apply on time – most portals open between July to October.
• Avoid agents – always use official websites.

These scholarships can ease your financial burden and help you focus on your studies, whether you’re pursuing engineering, medical, arts, or any professional field.

📩 If you notice any incorrect data in this guide or wish to share additional information, please write to us at info@indiansouls.in.