🎓 Top Scholarships Indian Students Can Apply for in 2025 (India & Abroad) - Your Complete Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, Deadlines & How to Apply

A good scholarship can transform your future—and eliminate the burden of student loans. Whether you're planning to study in India or abroad, this detailed guide covers the top scholarships available to Indian students in 2025. Each scholarship includes eligibility criteria, benefits, universities that consider it, deadlines, and the application process to help you make the right move at the right time.

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National Scholarships (2025)

1. National Means Cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

This scholarship is provided by the Indian government to promote education among students from economically weaker sections.

• Eligibility: Students studying in Class 8 in government schools with parental income below ₹3.5 LPA.

• Benefit: ₹12,000 per year from Class 9 to 12.

• Deadline: August–October 2025 (differs by state).

• Application Process: Apply via the National Scholarship Portal and appear for the state-level exam.

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2. INSPIRE Scholarship (DST - Govt. of India)

For students inclined towards science and research, INSPIRE encourages top performers to pursue careers in natural sciences.

• Eligibility: Top 1% scorers in Class 12 boards pursuing B.Sc. in Natural/Basic Sciences.

• Benefit: ₹80,000 per year.

• Deadline: November 2025.

• Application: Register online via the INSPIRE Portal.

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3. AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarships

Run by AICTE for technical education students to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities.

• Pragati: For girls in technical diploma/degree courses.

• Saksham: For differently-abled students.

• Benefit: ₹50,000 per year.

• Deadline: December 2025.

• Apply via: AICTE Pragati/Saksham Portal

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4. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students

These are state/central government scholarships for underprivileged caste groups.

• Eligibility: SC/ST/OBC students with qualifying income brackets.

• Benefit: Tuition, hostel fee, and maintenance allowances.

• Deadline: August–October 2025.

• Apply via: NSP portal or state portals.

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International Scholarships (2025–26)

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (USA)

One of the most prestigious scholarships for Indian professionals planning to pursue a Master’s degree in the US.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens with at least 3 years of work experience and a Bachelor’s degree.

• Benefit: Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.

• Universities: Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, Yale, etc.

• Deadline: July 15, 2025.

• Apply at: USIEF Website

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2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

A fully-funded scholarship offered by the UK government for future leaders from across the globe.

• Eligibility: At least two years of work experience and an undergraduate degree.

• Benefit: Full tuition fee, monthly stipend, travel costs, and visa.

• Universities: Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Warwick, etc.

• Deadline: November 7, 2025.

• Apply via: www.chevening.org

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3. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this supports students from developing Commonwealth nations.

• Eligibility: Indian PG aspirants with strong academics and financial need.

• Benefit: Covers tuition, airfare, and stipend.

• Deadline: October 2025.

• Apply through: MHRD India Portal

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4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Germany offers numerous fully-funded master's and PhD scholarships through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

• Eligibility: Indian graduates applying for a PG course in Germany.

• Benefit: Tuition fee waiver, travel allowance, and monthly stipend.

• Deadline: August to October 2025 (program-specific).

• Apply via: DAAD India Website

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5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

This prestigious EU program offers fully-funded master's programs across multiple European countries.

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders with strong academic records.

• Benefit: Full tuition, travel, insurance, and living allowance.

• Deadline: December 2025 – March 2026.

• How to Apply: Choose program from EMJMD Catalogue and apply online.

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6. Australia Awards Scholarships

A fully funded scholarship by the Australian Government to support development through education.

• Eligibility: Indian students applying for postgraduate programs.

• Benefit: Covers tuition, airfare, living costs, and health insurance.

• Deadline: April 30, 2025.

• Apply via: www.dfat.gov.au

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7. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

A private Indian foundation supporting creative and non-STEM programs abroad.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens applying for PG studies in arts, design, humanities, etc.

• Benefit: Up to $100,000 USD for tuition and living.

• Deadline: March 2025.

• Website: inlaksfoundation.org

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8. Tata Scholarship (Cornell University, USA)

This scholarship enables talented Indian undergraduates to study at Cornell University.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens accepted into UG programs at Cornell.

• Benefit: Full tuition and financial need covered.

• Deadline: Apply for Cornell admission by Jan 2, 2025.

• How to Apply: Via Cornell’s financial aid forms (CSS Profile).

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9. Rhodes Scholarships (Oxford University, UK)

One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world for academic and leadership excellence.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens under 25, with a Bachelor's degree.

• Benefit: All academic fees, living expenses, and airfare.

• Deadline: August–September 2025.

• Website: rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

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10. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

Funded by the Japanese government for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research courses.

• Eligibility: Indian nationals with strong academic records.

• Benefit: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend.

• Deadline: May–June 2025.

• Apply via: studyinjapan.go.jp

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Bonus Tips for Applicants

• Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously to increase chances.

• Start writing SOPs and gathering Letters of Recommendation in advance.

• Use only official websites or embassy portals for accurate info.

• Mark deadlines in your calendar and double-check requirements.

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Planning your higher education in 2025 doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right scholarship, you can pursue world-class education in India or abroad. Be thorough, apply early, and stay updated.

For more such scholarship alerts and application help, bookmark StudentPatrika.com