Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students for UG Programmes

For Indian students planning to pursue undergraduate degrees in India after Class 12, finding the right scholarship can make higher education more affordable. UG scholarships for Indian students offer financial assistance based on academic performance, family income, social category and other eligibility criteria. Depending on the nature of the scheme, the scholarship may partly reimburse your tuition fees or also your living expenses or even cover other education-related expenses.

Scholarships from government departments, universities and private organisations are available for eligible Indian colleges. Assistance is offered to students of certain communities or financial backgrounds and also to meritorious students under the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme and other schemes. Students should compare eligibility criteria, funding benefits, application requirements and deadlines before choosing a scholarship.

What Expenses Do Fully Funded Scholarships Cover?

The expenses covered by a fully funded scholarship depend on the programme. Tuition fees and living costs form the main part of many funding packages, but accommodation, insurance and travel may also be included.

Indian students researching scholarships should read the award conditions before estimating their total budget. Some government schemes cover tuition fees and provide maintenance allowances, whereas other schemes offer a fixed amount which covers only part of the education costs.

Before submitting an application, review the award's:

• Tuition fees for the full degree.
• Living allowance and accommodation support.
• Travel, insurance and book allowances.
• Exclusions and personal expenses.
• Renewal and academic performance conditions.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students at a Glance

Indian students can explore government-funded programmes and university scholarships for undergraduate study in India. The table below compares selected options by scholarship provider and funding coverage. The following options are relevant to undergraduate study in India, with funding available to eligible students under specific conditions.

Students researching scholarships for undergraduate students should take a careful look at the official scheme guidelines before going ahead and applying. Government scholarships can require admission to a notified, or sometimes empanelled, institution, whereas university awards usually depend on admission, plus a financial assessment and then the exact scholarship on offer.

The options above are meant to help pinpoint scholarships that have solid funding potential. Still, the final amount paid out can vary based on eligibility, the expenses that get approved, and the scheme or university rules that actually apply.

Government-Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for Indian Students

Government-funded scholarships can cover a large share of the cost of a bachelor's degree after Class 12. Their benefits, eligible subjects and selection procedures vary. Students who are looking into scholarships for undergraduate students should check the exact funding amount, the age limits and the academic expectations, and also the application route and the deadline for the intake they plan for.

PM-YASASVI Top Class Education in Colleges for OBC, EBC and DNT Students

Students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC) and De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT) can apply for financial support under the PM-YASASVI Top Class Education scheme. Basically, it covers eligible students who are pursuing higher education at institutions that are listed in the scheme’s approved set, not just any place. Also, admission to a participating institution is crucial because the scholarship is not offered for every college or for each undergraduate course.

Funding coverage: The student will be exempt from paying the tuition fee and also from the non-refundable fees to the extent that they do not exceed the limit prescribed. In addition, the student may also be allowed ₹3,000 per month as pocket money, ₹5,000 annually for purchase of books and stationery, and a single flat grant of up to ₹45,000 for a computer or laptop, provided that the scheme terms and conditions are complied with.

Eligibility: Applicants should be from an eligible OBC, EBC or DNT category. They must have an annual family income of at most ₹2.5 lakh, plus they need to secure admission to a notified institution. Also, the scholarships are based on the number of slots given to each institution, so just fulfilling the basic conditions does not mean you will get selected.

Application process: Students can apply through the National Scholarship Portal. Check the Ministry's official scheme page for the current list of eligible institutions, application instructions and academic-year guidelines. The 2026–27 scheme is listed on the portal, with student applications scheduled to close on 31 October 2026.

Top Class Education for SC Students

The Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students offers assistance to SC students who are pursuing higher education post Class 12 and are eligible. This scholarship is available at institutions which are under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It should definitely be a student's first step to identify the institutions that have been approved for the scholarship, because the scholarship is not applicable to all the colleges in India.

Funding coverage: This scholarship covers tuition and other non-refundable fees as prescribed under the scheme. Additional help is available for academic and living expenses approved in the scheme. For the exact terms and benefits that apply to you, refer to the Ministry's guidelines for the 2026-27 period.

Eligibility: Applicants must belong to the SC category, have an annual family income of ₹8 lakh or less from all sources and admission requirements, and enrol at an empanelled institution. Selection also depends on the scheme's rules and the availability of scholarship slots. The benefits are available to a maximum of two siblings from the same family.

Application process: Students can apply through the National Scholarship Portal. The Ministry has published the 2026–27 scheme guidelines, which include the institution list and detailed eligibility conditions. The portal currently lists 31 October 2026 as the student application deadline for this scheme. Applicants should confirm the latest notice before submitting their forms

National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students

For Scheduled Tribe (ST) students admitted to selected premier institutions in India, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs offers the National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education. The programme covers approved courses at 265 institutions identified by the Ministry, including IITs and AIIMS. Students enrolled at colleges outside the approved list cannot assume they qualify for this award.

Funding coverage: The scholarship pays tuition fees, admission fees and other non-refundable charges under the scheme rules. It also includes a stipend and allowances for books and a computer. The award can continue for the prescribed duration of the eligible course, subject to the scheme's conditions.

Eligibility: Applicants must belong to a Scheduled Tribe community and have an annual family income of no more than ₹6 lakh. Admission to an identified institution and selection under the scheme are also required.

Application process: Check the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' scholarship page for the current institution list and guidelines. The National Scholarship Portal lists the scholarship and its application dates; for the 2026–27 cycle, the displayed student application deadline is 31 October 2026.

Top Class Education Scholarship for Students with Benchmark Disabilities

Students with benchmark disabilities can apply for this central government scholarship if they are pursuing a graduate degree, postgraduate degree or diploma at an institution notified by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). The scheme is limited to approved institutions; studying at any college does not automatically make a student eligible.

Funding coverage: This scholarship covers tuition fees and other non-refundable charges up to ₹ 2 lakh annually, or the actual fee payable, whichever is less. The eligible students will get a monthly maintenance allowance of ₹3,000 if they stay in a hostel and ₹1,500 if they are day scholars. The other benefits consist of a disability support grant of ₹2,000 per month, a books and materials grant of ₹5,000 per year, a computer or laptop grant (one-time) of up to ₹45,000, and a grant for aids and assistive devices of up to₹30,000. It is all subject to the conditions of the scheme.

Eligibility: Applicants must be Indian citizens with a benchmark disability of at least 40%, have an annual family income of no more than ₹8 lakh, and hold a valid disability certificate and UDID details. The scheme excludes distance-learning, part-time and weekend courses. A student cannot receive another scholarship or stipend alongside this award, and the scholarship can be granted only once.

Application process: Apply through the National Scholarship Portal and check the notified-institution list before submitting the application. For the 2026–27 cycle, the portal lists 31 October 2026 as the student application deadline. Keep admission records, income proof, disability documents and UDID details ready, and confirm the latest requirements on the official DEPwD scholarship page.

Undergraduate Scholarships for Indian Students Offered by Private Universities

Private universities across India do offer some financial assistance for students who need help with the costs of their bachelor’s education. In many cases, those undergraduate scholarships for Indian students are granted based on family income, academic standing, or a mix of both. The exact amount you can get, and what it actually covers from tuition, fees, and other expenses, changes from one university to the next, so applicants should read the specific programme conditions before they apply.

If you are looking for places to start, Ashoka University and Azim Premji University are two options that are worth exploring, even if the details can differ. Their financial aid programmes come with different eligibility rules and funding structures, which means the “best fit” depends on your situation.

Ashoka University Undergraduate Scholarships

Ashoka University in Sonipat, Haryana, offers merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to students admitted to its undergraduate programme. Its awards range from partial tuition waivers to support covering tuition, residence and meals. The amount depends on the scholarship category and the student's eligibility, so not all scholarships for undergraduate study at Ashoka provide full funding.

Funding coverage: Need-based scholarships may cover part of the tuition fee or extend to tuition, residence and meals. Selected students can also receive a 100% tuition waiver through merit awards. Ashoka's Special Merit Scholarships target high achievers in examinations such as JEE Main, the IISER Aptitude Test and the CMI entrance examination, as well as eligible Olympiad participants.

Eligibility: Applicants must secure admission to an undergraduate programme at Ashoka University. The university assesses the family's financial position using details such as income, savings, investments and education loans. Specific merit awards have additional requirements. For example, the Special Merit Scholarships are reserved for students planning to pursue a science major and meeting the stated entrance-test or Olympiad criteria.

Application process: Apply for the undergraduate programme first. Students who receive an admission offer can then submit the need-based scholarship form with the required financial documents. Review the separate merit scholarship criteria on the official scholarship page.

Azim Premji University Need-Based Scholarships

Azim Premji University offers need-based financial aid to undergraduate students whose families might find the tuition and other charges hard to manage. If your family income is under ₹10 lakh per year, you can apply for this support. Still, meeting the income condition does not automatically mean you will get an award, because the university checks every application on its own terms. Assistance is also given to only a limited number of students each time. These UG scholarships for Indian students can cover a substantial part of the cost of studying at the university.

Funding coverage: The award can cover tuition and accommodation fees. Food expenses may also be included in exceptional cases. Since the package depends on the financial assessment, students should confirm the amount offered and any expenses they must pay themselves.

Eligibility: Candidates are eligible if the yearly family income does not exceed ₹10 lakh, which is the undergraduate family-income limit. In addition, the university requires details regarding all the income sources of the family members, such as wages, pensions, land, farm, business and investments. It is the committee's job to examine the given details and thereafter take a decision on whether assistance will be offered.

Application process: Select the option requesting scholarship consideration when filling out the university application. If shortlisted for admission, complete the detailed financial-aid form and submit the required evidence. This can include three years of bank statements, income tax returns or an income certificate, and audited profit-and-loss statements for self-employed family members. Late or incomplete submissions are not considered. Apply through the official scholarship page.

Who Can Apply for UG Scholarships for Indian Students?

The requirements for UG scholarships for Indian students depend on the scholarship and the college or university. Students who are thinking of studying in India are advised to look through the below-mentioned criteria first before submitting their applications:

• Class 12 marks or equivalent academic results
• Family income limits and proof of financial need, where applicable
• Caste or disability certificates for category-specific schemes
• Eligible undergraduate courses and participating institutions
• Indian citizenship or state domicile requirements, where applicable
• Admission status and any additional documents required by the scholarship provider
  Do not rely on the general description of a scholarship alone. The detailed guidelines will tell you which conditions apply to your application and what evidence you must provide.

How to Submit a UG Scholarship Application in India

If you're an Indian student wanting to apply for undergraduate scholarship schemes, first you should know the criteria of eligibility as well as the application deadline offered under the scheme. Follow these guidelines to make sure you are not left out of important details:

• Check eligibility and deadlines
• Register on the official portal
• Prepare the required documents
• Complete and submit the form
• Track application verification status

Conclusion

Choosing the right scholarship is not just one thing. It depends on what your course is, your family income, and also which college you are trying to get into. For UG scholarships for Indian students, the eligibility rules are a bit different; the funding limits too, and even the deadlines can change. So, before you decide where to apply, it’s best to look over the official guidelines first. MSM Unify can help you look into universities across India, and also consider which paths make sense for undergraduate admission.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students for UG Programmes: FAQs