7 Scholarship Schemes For Meritorious Students Of India

A common misconception surrounding the notion of scholarship is that they are simply designed for needy students. In reality, there are different types of scholarships for different students. The broad categorization of scholarships includes merit-based scholarships, merit-cum-means based scholarships, sports scholarships and talent-based scholarships. The primary objective of the scholarship is that it should reach deserving students. In this article, we will cover seven merit-based scholarships for extremely talented students. 

1. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)

NTSE is a popular examination that many students must have heard about. This national level examination is designed to provide financial support by identifying young talent for their education. The exam is first conducted at the state level which first needs to be qualified before appearing in the national-level examination. Only the students studying in the tenth class can appear for the examination. A reward of up to INR 2,000 in a month can be expected by the student after qualifying for the exam. 

2. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) 

This is a popular scholar scheme amongst science students. The exam is designed for the students studying in 11th class, 12th class, undergraduate or postgraduate level in a science stream. The KVPY exam takes place in two rounds. The first part consists of an aptitude test while the second and the last round consist of an interview. There is the minimum eligibility for appearing in the exam. For instance, the students studying in the 11th and 12th classes who wish to appear for KVPY must have scored at least 75 per cent in maths and science. One can earn up to 7,000 per month after qualifying for this exam. 

3. Aikyashree

This is a merit-based scheme that also takes into consideration the financial aspect and the societal group of the student. Aikyashree is a scheme devised for the minority students of West Bengal to prevent the dropout of students. This welfare scheme ensures that money is not a hurdle in the way of the students who want to study but lacks the necessary financial assistance. 

4. North South Foundation scholarship 

A total of 1,500 students are considered for the scholarship and the eligibility criteria of the exam include students who have qualified for the 12th class examination and are pursuing engineering, medicine or a diploma in engineering. For availing of this scholarship, the student should belong to the top 10 percent of different ranks in their state including class tenth examination, NEET and JEE ranks. Another condition for availing of the scholarship includes that the annual income of the family should be less than a lakh. A student of Telangana whose parents work in a government office can use the IFMIS portal for getting the monthly payslip to show their annual income to avail of this scholarship. Students of other states can look for a similar portal by the state government for grabbing hold of the necessary documents. 

5. Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders 

This scholarship is offered by University Grant Commission to first and second university rank holders at an undergraduate level who are pursuing post-graduate courses. This scholarship aims to encourage the students to pursue postgraduate education by offering financial assistance for their expenses. The scholarship consists of a wide variety of disciplines. The scholarship reward includes an amount of 3,100 INR for two years. 

6. Junior Research Fellowship 

This is another scholarship offered by the University Grant Commission for the students who are pursuing their post-graduation. To become eligible for Junior Research Fellowship, the students need to appear for an examination that consists of two papers. A cut off is set for the students who appear in the examination and only the students who have secured marks equal to or higher than the cutoff are eligible for this scholarship. The score validity of the examination lasts for three years and the examination takes place twice annually.

7. Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship 

This scholarship is meant only for girl students who wish to pursue science at their undergraduate level. The eligibility criteria for this scholarship includes twelfth passed girl students who have opted for BSc either in pure or natural science. In addition to that, the girl student should also have an excellent academic record in the previous exams too. The reward of this scholarship is a sum of INR 2,40,000 for a period of three years.