The scholarship calendar for Indian college students in 2026 is already active, with application deadlines extending from June to November 2026. These scholarship schemes cover students across undergraduate, postgraduate, engineering, MBA, diploma, SC category, transgender community, defence families, and economically weaker sections.

Each scholarship differs in terms of eligibility conditions, financial support, application procedure, and required documents. Students are advised to shortlist suitable opportunities and complete applications well before the closing dates.

Top Scholarship Deadlines for College Students in India 2026

The following table highlights major scholarship opportunities and application timelines:

Eligibility Criteria for Major Scholarships

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Transgender Scholarship

• Open to students identifying as transgender

• Enrolled in eligible UG/PG programmes

• Minimum 35% marks in Class 10 or 12

• Annual family income up to ₹10 lakh

Eastman Powerup Eduskill Scholarship

• Full-time engineering, MBA/PGDM or diploma students

• Minimum 60% marks or 6.0 CGPA

• Family income up to ₹6 lakh

• Mandatory completion of online certification courses

IET India Scholarship Award

• Open to UG engineering students

• No active backlogs

• Minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA

• No income limit

IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship

• First-year MBA students (2026–28 batch)

• Family income up to ₹6 lakh

• Aadhaar-linked mobile number mandatory

Bharti Airtel Scholarship

• First-year engineering students in top NIRF-ranked institutions

• Family income up to ₹8 lakh

• Other overlapping scholarships may not be permitted

Central Sector Scholarship (CSSS)

• Students ranking above the 80th percentile in Class 12

• Family income up to ₹4.5 lakh

Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme

• Available for wards and widows of eligible CAPF, Police and related personnel

• Minimum 60% qualifying marks

Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students

• Reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates

• Family income below ₹8 lakh

• Admission to notified premier institutions required

Sage IT India Scholarship

• Open across all academic disciplines

• Essay submission required on AI-first professional skills

Scholarship Benefits: Financial Support Available

Students selected under these schemes may receive tuition coverage, living assistance, technology support, and direct financial grants.

Key Benefits Include:

• Ujjivan Scholarship: Up to ₹40,000 one-time support

• Eastman Scholarship: Up to ₹20,000 milestone-based award

• IET India Scholarship: National award up to ₹6 lakh

• IDFC FIRST MBA Scholarship: ₹2 lakh across two years

• uGSOT Scholarship: Up to 100% tuition support

• Bharti Airtel Scholarship: Full course fee, hostel support, and laptop

• CSSS: Up to ₹20,000 annually

• Prime Minister Scholarship: Monthly financial support up to five years

• SC Top Class Education Scheme: Tuition plus academic allowance

• Sage IT Scholarship: ₹50,000 award

Documents Required for Scholarship Applications

Students should prepare the following documents before applying:

• Academic Transcripts

• Passport-size Photographs

• Government Photo ID

• Marksheets and Certificates

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Scholarship Essay

• Recommendation Letters

• Income Certificate

• ITR / Tax Returns

• Bank Statements

• Caste Certificate (if applicable)

• Resume/CV

• Domicile Certificate

• Portfolio (where required)

• Study Plan / Research Proposal for advanced programmes

How to Apply for Scholarships in India 2026

Eligible students can apply through the respective official portals of each scholarship programme.

Before submitting applications:

✔ Verify eligibility requirements
✔ Check deadline carefully
✔ Keep all documents scanned and ready
✔ Review scholarship conditions regarding multiple awards
✔ Submit applications before closing dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Which scholarships have the earliest deadlines?

Applications begin closing from June 30, 2026, starting with the Ujjivan Scholarship.

Are scholarships available for economically weaker students?

Yes. Several schemes such as IDFC FIRST MBA Scholarship, CSSS, and Bharti Airtel Scholarship support students from lower-income backgrounds.

Which scholarship offers the highest financial value?

The Bharti Airtel Scholarship offers one of the most comprehensive packages, including tuition, accommodation support, and a laptop.

Can non-engineering students apply?

Yes. Scholarships such as Sage IT India Scholarship, CSSS, and Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme support multiple disciplines.

Can students receive more than one scholarship?

Some scholarships restrict overlapping financial support. Students must review official rules carefully.

Disclaimer

Scholarship information is compiled from publicly available scholarship announcements and programme details. Candidates should verify eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements from official scholarship portals before applying.