Here’s a list of some of the most prominent scholarships for Indian school students, along with the relevant website links to apply or get more details.

10 Best Scholarships for School Students
10 Best Scholarships for School Students

10 Best Scholarships for School Students

1. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

The NMMS scheme is designed to support meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds by offering financial assistance from Class 9 until they complete Class 12.

  • Eligibility: Class 8 students with a family income below INR 1.5 lakhs and a minimum score of 55% (50% for SC/ST) in Class 7.
  • Scholarship Amount: INR 12,000 per year.
  • Website: National Scholarship Portal

2. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the KVPY scholarship aims to encourage students with a passion for science and research.

  • Eligibility: Class 11 and 12 students in the science stream or those pursuing an undergraduate science degree.
  • Scholarship Amount: INR 5,000 per month during undergraduate studies, with an additional annual contingency grant.
  • Website: KVPY Official Website

3. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)

NTSE is a well-known scholarship exam for Class 10 students. It aims to identify and nurture students with high intellect and academic talent.

  • Eligibility: Class 10 students from recognized schools across India.
  • Scholarship Amount: INR 1,250 per month for Classes 11 and 12; INR 2,000 per month for higher studies.
  • Website: NTSE Official Website

4. INSPIRE Scholarship

The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scholarship, provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aims to motivate students to take up higher education in basic and natural sciences.

  • Eligibility: Top 1% of Class 12 board exam scorers or students who qualify for competitive exams like JEE or NEET and opt for a science degree.
  • Scholarship Amount: INR 80,000 per year.
  • Website: INSPIRE Official Website

5. Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) Scholarship

FAEA provides financial support to socially and economically disadvantaged students who have completed their Class 12 exams and want to pursue undergraduate studies.

  • Eligibility: Class 12 pass students from SC/ST/OBC or other marginalized sections.
  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition and other educational expenses.
  • Website: FAEA Official Website

6. Siksha Abhiyan Scholarship

This initiative by the Modi Foundation provides scholarships to meritorious students from Classes 8 to 12, helping them continue their education.

  • Eligibility: Students from Classes 8 to 12 across India.
  • Scholarship Amount: Up to INR 50,000 depending on the exam rank.
  • Website: Siksha Abhiyan Scholarship

7. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship

This scholarship supports economically weaker sections of students who are pursuing Classes 11 and 12.

8. Swami Vivekananda Scholarship

Aimed at students from financially weak backgrounds in West Bengal, the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship provides assistance to students from Class 11 onwards.

  • Eligibility: Class 11 and 12 students with a minimum score of 75% in their previous examination and a family income of less than INR 2.5 lakhs per annum.
  • Scholarship Amount: INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 per month.
  • Website: Swami Vivekananda Scholarship

9. HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship Support

This scholarship is offered by HDFC Bank to students who are going through financial or personal crises, helping them continue their education.

  • Eligibility: Class 6 to 12 students, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students facing an emergency financial crisis.
  • Scholarship Amount: Up to INR 10,000 for school students.
  • Website: HDFC Scholarship

10. Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for Minority Students

The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, offers scholarships for students from minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains) from Class 1 onwards to Class 12.

  • Eligibility: Pre-matric (Class 1 to 10) and post-matric (Class 11 to 12) students with family incomes below INR 2 lakhs (pre-matric) or INR 2.5 lakhs (post-matric).
  • Scholarship Amount: Up to INR 10,000 per year.
  • Website: National Scholarship Portal

Image Source