Top Scholarships in India After 12th : Looking for the best scholarships after 12th in India? Whether you’re from the science, commerce, or arts stream, numerous government and private scholarships can help you pursue higher education without financial burden. In this article, we list the top scholarships in India after 12th grade, along with eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
🎓 Why Apply for Scholarships After 12th?
After completing Class 12, college fees, coaching, and living expenses can be a burden for many students. Scholarships offer financial support, recognition, and access to better educational resources — especially for meritorious and economically weaker students.
📋 List of Top Scholarships in India After 12th
1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships
Offered by: Government of India
Eligibility: Varies by scheme (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/General)
Benefits: Full/partial tuition fee, maintenance allowance
Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
2. INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)
Offered by: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Eligibility: Top 1% in Class 12, pursuing Natural Sciences
Benefits: ₹80,000 per year
Apply at: online-inspire.gov.in
3. KVPY Fellowship (Now merged into INSPIRE)
Offered by: IISc Bangalore
Eligibility: Science stream students (now covered under INSPIRE)
Benefits: Stipend + Contingency Grant
4. AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarships
Pragati: For girl students
Saksham: For differently-abled students
Eligibility: Admitted in technical courses via AICTE-approved institutions
Benefits: ₹50,000 per year
Apply at: aicte-india.org
5. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility: Class 12 passed with good academic record and low family income
Benefits: ₹500 to ₹2,000 per month
Apply at: sjfoundation.org
6. Aditya Birla Scholarship
Eligibility: Students entering premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, and law colleges
Benefits: Partial tuition coverage
Selection: Based on merit and personal interviews
7. HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship
Eligibility: Students facing personal or financial crisis
Benefits: Up to ₹75,000 per year
Apply at: hdfcbank.com
8. Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Scholarship
Eligibility: Engineering and Medical students with high merit and low income
Benefits: Tuition and academic expense coverage
Apply at: ffe.org
9. College-Specific Entrance Scholarships
Institutes like Ashoka University, Shiv Nadar University, and OP Jindal University offer generous scholarships based on entrance exams or 12th results.
📌 How to Apply for Scholarships After 12th
Identify scholarships that match your stream and financial background.
Collect required documents – 12th marksheet, income certificate, ID proof, etc.
Apply online on the official portals.
Track deadlines – most applications open between May and August every year.
🧠 Tips to Increase Your Chances
Maintain high academic performance.
Apply to multiple scholarships.
Write a compelling personal statement or essay, if required.
Keep documents scanned and ready.
Check for renewal terms if the scholarship is multi-year.
🔚 Final Words
India offers a wide range of scholarships after 12th to help bright students overcome financial barriers. From government scholarships to private trust funds, the right opportunity can make a huge difference in your academic journey. Apply early, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to seek help in the application process.
🔍 FAQs on Scholarships After 12th
Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes, unless explicitly restricted, you can apply to multiple schemes.
Q: Are there scholarships for arts and commerce students?
Absolutely! Many schemes like NSP, Sitaram Jindal, and HDFC Crisis scholarships apply to all streams.
Q: Is there a scholarship for studying abroad after 12th?
Yes! Scholarships like the Inlaks Foundation and university-specific ones support Indian students going abroad.