With higher education becoming increasingly expensive, many students seek financial aid to complete their postgraduate (PG) degrees. Fortunately, there are numerous government and private sector initiatives offering PG scholarships India for deserving candidates in 2025. These scholarships aim to support students academically and financially across various fields, including science, arts, commerce, engineering, law, and management.
Whether you’re pursuing an M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., M.Tech., MBA, or any other postgraduate course, this guide highlights the top scholarships currently available and explains how to apply for them.
Why PG Scholarships Matter in 2025
The cost of PG education can range anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per year depending on the course and institution. For students from economically weaker backgrounds or rural areas, such costs may be prohibitive. That’s where PG scholarships India become crucial:
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Financial assistance for tuition, hostel, books, and travel
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Encouragement for academic excellence
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Promotion of inclusive education for marginalized sections
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Support for research and innovation
Many scholarships also offer mentoring, internships, and direct placement support.
Government Scholarships for PG Students
Here are some of the most trusted and popular government-funded scholarships:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders | Top 1st or 2nd rank holders in UG, under 30 years | ₹3,100 per month for 2 years |
| AICTE PG Scholarship | GATE/GPAT qualified students pursuing AICTE-approved PG | ₹12,400 per month |
| National Fellowship for SC/ST | PG students belonging to SC/ST category | Full tuition + contingency + stipend |
| PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child | Single girl child enrolled in PG | ₹36,200 per year |
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) | Minority community PG students with low income | ₹25,000/month + contingency |
These scholarships can be applied via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or relevant ministry websites.
Private and NGO-Based Scholarships
Several corporate houses and NGOs also offer PG-level scholarships in India:
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Tata Trusts Scholarships – For PG courses in social work, education, and science.
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Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship – Supports international PG studies in top institutions.
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Aditya Birla Scholarship – For management and law students in top-tier colleges.
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Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship – Based on both merit and family income.
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ONGC Scholarship – For SC/ST/OBC students in PG Engineering or Geosciences.
Each of these scholarships has a unique application process and eligibility requirement. Always read the official guidelines before applying.
Eligibility and Application Guidelines
While each scheme has its own rules, here are common eligibility criteria for most PG scholarships India:
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Must be an Indian citizen
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Admitted to a full-time PG course in a recognized institution
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UG degree from a recognized university
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Specific percentage or rank (varies per scholarship)
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Annual family income usually below ₹6 lakh
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Not already receiving any other scholarship from the government
Application steps typically include:
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Register on the official portal (NSP or individual sites)
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Fill in the scholarship application form with personal and academic details
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Upload required documents like income certificate, caste certificate, and marksheets
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Submit before the deadline and keep a printout for reference
Key Documents Required
Make sure to arrange the following documents before applying:
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Passport-size photo
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Aadhaar Card
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Bank passbook
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UG degree certificate
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Income certificate
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Category certificate (if applicable)
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Admission proof to the PG program
Pro Tips for a Successful Application
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Apply early to avoid last-minute technical errors.
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Make sure your bank account is active and linked to your Aadhaar.
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Review each scholarship’s renewal conditions.
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Contact your college’s scholarship cell for additional local/state schemes.
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Keep track of emails or SMS from the authorities for verification steps.
FAQs
What is the best PG scholarship for science students in India?
The AICTE PG Scholarship is ideal for M.Tech and M.Sc. students who have qualified GATE or GPAT.
Are PG scholarships available for private college students?
Yes, many scholarships are open to students from private institutions, especially if the college is UGC or AICTE approved.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
You can apply for multiple scholarships, but most will allow you to receive only one government-funded scheme at a time.
Is there any PG scholarship for MBA students?
Yes, private scholarships like Aditya Birla and Tata Trusts support MBA candidates in reputed institutions.
How do I check my scholarship application status?
You can track your status on the National Scholarship Portal using your login ID and application number.
Click here to know more.