Top 10 Scholarships for Indian Students 2025
Higher education can open doors to global opportunities—but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, a wide range of scholarships for Indian students are available in 2025, helping to reduce financial barriers and promote merit.
At Untold You, we bring you the Top 10 Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025—whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies in India or abroad.
1. National Means Cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
Level: Class 9–12
Provider: Ministry of Education, India
This central government scholarship aims to encourage economically disadvantaged students to continue secondary education.
Eligibility: Class 8 students with family income < ₹1.5 lakh/year
Amount: ₹12,000/year till Class 12
2. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
Level: Class 11 to B.Sc.
Provider: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Designed to promote research careers in basic sciences, KVPY provides monthly stipends and grants.
Eligibility: Class 11–B.Sc. students interested in science
Amount: ₹5,000–₹7,000/month + contingency grants
3. INSPIRE Scholarship
Level: UG Science Courses
Provider: Department of Science & Technology, India
This scholarship encourages bright students to pursue natural and basic sciences.
Eligibility: Top 1% scorers in Class 12 boards or JEE/NEET rankers
Amount: ₹80,000/year
4. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
Level: Technical Diploma/Degree
Provider: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Pragati encourages girl students to pursue technical education.
Eligibility: Female students in AICTE-approved courses
Amount: ₹50,000/year + tuition assistance
5. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
Level: Postgraduate (USA)
Provider: USIEF
One of the most prestigious scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA in fields like public administration, education, and public health.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of work experience
Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, living expenses
6. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Level: PG/PhD
Provider: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
These are perfect for Indian students aspiring to study in Germany at top public universities.
Eligibility: Graduates with academic excellence
Benefits: Tuition-free education, monthly stipend, travel & health cover
7. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Level: Master’s Degree
Provider: UK Government
Offered to future leaders and change-makers in various fields to study in the UK.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, leadership experience
Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, and monthly stipen
8. Charpak Scholarship (France)
Level: UG/PG
Provider: Embassy of France in India
For Indian students pursuing higher education in France.
Eligibility: Strong academic background
Benefits: Tuition waiver, visa fee exemption, stipend
9. Tata Scholarship – Cornell University
Level: Undergraduate
Provider: Tata Education and Development Trust
For Indian students accepted into Cornell University, especially in engineering, science, and liberal arts.
Eligibility: Need-based students accepted into Cornell
Benefits: Covers full tuition for four years
10. ONGC Scholarship for Meritorious Students
Level: UG/PG in Engineering, MBBS, MBA
Provider: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Designed to support economically backward students in professional studies.
Eligibility: Family income < ₹2 lakh/year
Amount: ₹48,000/year
Tips to Apply for Scholarships Successfully
- Start Early – Deadlines can be months in advance.
- Tailor Your Application – Customize your SOP and recommendations for each scholarship.
- Maintain Records – Keep all certificates, marksheets, and ID proofs handy.
- Focus on Academics + Extra Activities – Holistic achievements count.
- Use Official Portals – Apply only through trusted sources or directly from scholarship sites.
Final Words from Untold You
Scholarships are not just financial support—they’re recognition of your potential. Whether you dream of studying at an IIT or a foreign university, one of these top scholarships can help you get there.
Explore more educational guides, scholarship prep tips, and student resources at Untold You—where your future begins.
