Student Scholarships in India: How to Get Financial Aid for School and College

When it comes to student scholarships, financial awards given to students based on merit, need, or other criteria to help cover education costs. Also known as educational grants, they’re one of the most practical ways Indian families reduce the cost of school, coaching, and college without taking on debt. Not every scholarship is the same—some reward top grades, others support students from low-income homes, and a few even target specific subjects like chemistry or engineering.

You’ll find two main types of merit-based scholarships, awards given to students who perform exceptionally well in exams or academics, and need-based scholarships, funds given to students who demonstrate financial hardship. Most government and private programs in India use one or both of these. For example, if you score above 90% in your board exams, you might qualify for a merit scholarship from your state. If your family income is under ₹2.5 lakh a year, you could get help through central schemes like the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students. Many students combine both to cover full tuition, books, and even living costs.

These scholarships aren’t just for college. You can get them for JEE and NEET coaching, CBSE exam prep, vocational training, and even online courses. Some coaching centers like Aakash offer fee waivers to top performers in their internal tests. Others, like the National Scholarship Portal, list hundreds of opportunities from state governments, NGOs, and corporations—all searchable by class, subject, and income. The key is knowing where to look and applying early. Most deadlines fall between April and July, right after board results come out.

Don’t assume scholarships are only for toppers. Many programs target girls, students from rural areas, children of government employees, or those studying science subjects. Chemistry students, for instance, often get special support because of the high demand for STEM talent in India. Even if you’re not the top ranker, you might still qualify if you’ve shown consistent improvement or faced real financial hardship.

What gets overlooked is how scholarships connect to bigger goals. A single award can change your path—letting you skip a part-time job, focus on JEE prep, or choose a better coaching institute. It’s not just money. It’s opportunity. And the more you know about the system, the more you can unlock.

Below, you’ll find real guides on how to apply, which exams give you the best shot, how to prove financial need, and which scholarships actually pay out. No fluff. Just what works for Indian students right now.