Bhubaneswar: Scholarships can really be helpful in carrying on with higher studies that usually tend to get expensive with the time. However, among several, government scholarships not only provide financial assistance but are also a safe bet.
Here are some of the scholarships by the Ministry of Education that can help you in your journey of pursuing higher education.
1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students
The above-mentioned scholarship is meant for class XII passed students who are studying in a college or university. The scholarship supports meritorious students who come from economically weaker sections and cannot afford expensive education.
The aspirant must be pursuing a regular full-time course such as engineering and medical and their annual family income shall not exceed Rs 8 lakh from all sources.
Number of scholarships: 82,000 fresh scholarships per annum
Eligibility: Class XII passed students
Awards: Rs 10,000 to 20,000 per annum
Application timeline: Between August and October (tentative)
How To Apply: Online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
2. National Means cum Merit Scholarship
This scholarship too supports meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections of the society. The scholarship is for those students who cannot afford education after class VIII.
The aim of this scholarship is to prevent students from dropping out of schools due to financial reasons. An amount of Rs 12,000 is provided as funds to the students.
Number of scholarships: 1 lakh
Eligibility: The students shall be currently studying in class IX and must have secured at least 55 per cent marks or equivalent in Class VIII examination. Furthermore, to appear for the selection test, they must also secure at least 55 per cent marks or equivalent grade in class VII exam. The annual income of the family must be less than Rs 1.50 lakh from all sources.
Application timeline: Between August and October (tentative)
How To Apply: Online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
3. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
This scholarship is for girl students who are pursuing the first or second (through lateral entry only) year of technical degree/ diploma course on the basis of marks obtained by them in Plus II or equivalent exam can avail benefits under this scheme.
The annual family income must be less than Rs 8 lakh from all sources. Moreover, the scholarship extends to up to two girls per family.
Number of scholarships: 5,000
Eligibility: Girl students studying in the first year of technical courses
Awards: Up to Rs 50,000 per annum and other benefits
Application timeline: Between September and October (tentative)
How To Apply: Online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)