High school is probably the most exciting phase of one’s life. Those four years take you through an exhilarating rollercoaster ride of friendship, studies, setbacks, reflections, successes, decisions, and equip you to push out of your comfort zone and face the world outside. While this journey can be overwhelming sometimes, it is also the perfect time to explore your interests and decide upon the next course of your life.
Although the word ‘scholarship’ might sound more relatable to college students in the Indian scenario, there are a plethora of scholarship opportunities available at the high school level as well. Most of these scholarships not only provide financial assistance for pursuing higher education but some of these carry prestige with its name and could even serve as a turning point in one’s life.
Here is a handpicked list of scholarship opportunities available for high school students in India:
- KVPY
- SIA Youth Scholarship in Singapore
- A-Star Youth Scholarship in Singapore
- National Talent Search Examination
- HP Udaan Scholarship
- J M Sethia Merit Scholarship Scheme
- LIC HFL Vidyadhan Scholarship
- Bighelp National Merit Scholarship
- INSPIRE
- Athul Maheshwari Scholarship
- NEST Scholarship
- Albert Einstein International Scholarship Test
- R.D Birla Scholarship Exam
- Kind Circle Meritorious Scholarship
- Vidyadhan Scholarship Program
1. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is one of the most popular and prestigious national programs providing fellowships in basic sciences, intended to promote research and innovation among students. The program is conducted in three streams:
- SA: Students enrolled in grade 11 (Science Stream) in 2020-2021
- SB: Students enrolled in grade 12 (Science Stream) in 2020-2021
- SX: Students enrolled in 1st year of any undergraduate program in basic sciences in 2020-2021.
Deadline: Applications have closed for 2020.
Eligibility:
- For the SA stream, the students must be enrolled in grade 11 (Science Stream) in 2020-2021 and scored a minimum of 75% marks aggregate in Math and Science in grade 10 board examination.
- For the SB stream, the students must be enrolled in grade 12 (Science Stream) in 2020-2021 and scored a minimum of 75% marks aggregate in Math and Science in grade 10 board examination.
- The fellowship for the students selected under the streams SA and SB will be started after grade 12 only if they pursue an undergraduate course in Basic Sciences.
What it covers:
- In the period of 1st to 3rd year of their undergraduate studies, the students are provided with a monthly fellowship of INR 5000 (sums up to INR 60,000 per year) along with an annual contingency grant of INR 20,000.
More information: The selection is based on the aptitude test and an interview for short-listed students. Please do keep in mind that this is a highly competitive program and be prepared accordingly!
Click here to apply!
2. SIA Youth Scholarship in Singapore
Those students who wish to pursue their 2-year pre-university studies (equivalent to grades 11 and 12) in a different country other than India must watch out for the SIA Youth Scholarship. It is awarded to deserving Indian students to pursue their high school studies in selected colleges in Singapore. The chosen applicants for this scholarship will be provided with the Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’- Level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) or equivalent certificate after the completion of their education.
Deadline: Applications are closed. The applications open around June and close in July every year.
Eligibility:
- The student must be an Indian citizen who has completed grade 10.
- The year of birth and year of qualification depends on the year of application.
- The candidate must have an exceptional academic record in grade 10 state or national examinations (at least 85% average marks or overall ‘A’ grade) with English as the first language.
What it covers:
- A yearly allowance (approx. 2400 SGD) with hostel accommodation
- Settling-in allowance (approx 500 SGD)
- Return economy class air passage
- Payment of school fees and GCE A-Level examination fees (only once)
- Health benefits and accident insurance cover
More information: The candidates are selected based on academic records, selection tests and personal interviews.
Click here to know more!
3. A-STAR Youth Scholarship in Singapore
The Ministry of Education, Singapore offers this scholarship to meritorious students from India who want to pursue a 4-year program in selected Singapore schools from Secondary Three to Pre-University Two. Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education ‘Advanced’ (GCE ‘A’) Level (or equivalent) certificate is awarded to selected students on the completion of this program.
Deadline: Applications are closed. The program invites applications in the period of June-July every year.
Eligibility:
- The student must be an Indian citizen who has completed grade 8.
- The year of birth and year of qualification depends on the year of application.
- An average score of 80% or minimum ‘A’ is required.
- The student must have had English as the first language in grades 7 and 8 final examinations.
What it covers:
- A yearly stipend of approx. SGD 2,200 (for Secondary) and approx. SGD 2,400 (for Pre-University) will be provided along with hostel accommodation.
- Settling in allowance of approx. SGD 400
- Return economy class air passage
- School fees and GCE ‘O’ Level and ‘A’ Level examination fees (only once) are part of the scholarship.
- Health benefits and accident insurance cover are also provided.
Click here to know more!
4. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a scholarship exam conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to financially support and promote talented students who look forward to pursuing higher education in the streams of Science and Social Studies. The exam is conducted for students studying in grade 10. It consists of two levels:
Level 1: State level conducted by states and UTs.
Level 2: National level conducted by NCERT (for those qualifying Level 1)
Deadline: Deadline varies as per states and UTs
Eligibility:
- Candidates currently studying in grade 10 from any recognized Private schools/Government schools/NIOS/State Open Boards.
- Indian national candidates studying abroad can directly appear for the Level 2 exam, subject to the condition of scoring at least 60 percent marks in 9th and they should also be willing to pursue higher education in India after obtaining an NTSE scholarship.
What it covers:
- Students of grades 11-12 will be provided with INR 1250 per month
- Students at the UG and PG level will be provided with INR 2000 per month
- As per UGC norms, students at the research level will be provided with the scholarship amount.
Click here to know more!
5. HP Udaan Scholarship
HP Udaan Scholarship program, an initiative of HP India, aims at students from financially backward families who have completed their grades 10 and 12 and intend to pursue higher education. Also to promote education among girls, 50% of the total seats are reserved for female students.
Deadline: Applications are closed for 2020. The application opens around January every year.
Eligibility:
- Students must have secured a minimum of at least 60% of marks in grade 10.
- Students must have enrolled in grade 11 at a recognized school in India.
- The student’s family income should not be more than INR 4 Lakhs per annum.
What it covers:
- Amount of INR 20,000 per year for two years.
More information: The eligible candidates are selected based on the scholarship application and telephonic interview.
Click here to know more!
6. JM Sethia Merit Scholarship Scheme
The JM Sethia Merit Scholarship Scheme was introduced in 1977 by JM Sethia Charitable Trust for Indian students pursuing full-time studies in grades 9 to 12, or graduation and post-graduation courses in any field. This scholarship can be availed in two categories for high school students:
- Category A: for pursuing grades 9-10
- Category B: for pursuing grades 11-12
Deadline: Application for 2020 is closed. Application for an academic year is open from April to July of that particular year.
Eligibility:
- The applicant must be enrolled in full-time studies and must have passed the qualifying examination in the first attempt.
- Category A students must have achieved a minimum of 75% aggregate in grade 8.
- Category B students must have achieved a minimum of 75% aggregate in grade 10.
What it covers:
- For category A students, INR 400 per month for two years.
- For category B students, INR 500 per month for two years.
Click here to know more!
7. LIC HFL Vidyadhan Scholarship
This scholarship mainly focuses on the uplift of meritorious students from the backward sections of the society. The program aims to support students of various classes from grade 8 to post-graduation.
Deadline: The deadline is around 31 December of each year.
Eligibility:
- Students of grades 8-10 and must be pursuing their classes from a recognized body of education in India.
- Students who have graduated from grade 10 must be enrolled in grades 11 or 12 at a recognized institution in India.
- A score of at least 65% is necessary for the previous final examination.
- The candidate’s annual family income must be less than INR 3,00,000.
What it covers:
- For grades 8-10, an amount of INR 10,000 is awarded.
- For grades 11-12, an amount of INR 15000 is awarded.
More information: The scholarship selection consists of a rigorous process including a telephonic interview and a face-to-face interview if found necessary.
Click here to know more!
8. Bighelp National Merit Scholarship
Meritorious students who have studied in government public schools and are struggling to pursue higher education after grade 10 can make use of this scholarship. These students must have received a GPA of 9.8 or more (out of 10) or 98% or above marks.
Deadline: Applications are closed for this academic year. The application process opens every year in May.
Eligibility:
- Students who have studied in Z.P. / Municipal / Govt. Schools in any state of India during the current academic year can apply for this program.
- The candidate must have scored 9.8 or above G.P.A or 98% or above marks in grade 10 in the academic year of application. (Those who passed grade 10 during the previous academic years are not eligible to apply).
- The annual income of the parent/guardian should not be more than INR 1,00,000.
- The family of the candidate must only own agricultural land not more than one acre.
What it covers:
- The selected students will receive INR 5000 per year for up to six years (sum of INR 30,000) or until the student completes graduation or technical degree, whichever is earlier.
Click here to apply!
9. INSPIRE
The Department of Science & Technology promotes and manages the “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)” program for the attraction of young talent to Science. There is no competitive exam specifically for this program. INSPIRE has three components:
- Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS)
- Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
- Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC).
Deadline: December 31, 2020
Eligibility:
- For SEATS, the age group 10-15 years, ranging from grades 6 to 10. Also, students of grade 11 are eligible for summer camp.
- For SHE, age group 17-22 years, students who have completed grade 12 and are enrolled for Bachelor’s and Master’s level education in natural sciences. This also includes meritorious students within the top 1% of their grade 12 examinations in their respective boards, the students within the top 10000 ranks in entrance examinations like JEE and AIIPMT, students pursuing Integrated M.S courses at premier research institutes within India, KVPY, NTSE, JBNSTS scholars and International Olympiad medalists.
What it covers:
- For SEATS, the INSPIRE Award of Rs 5000 is provided. For grade 11 students coming under this program, INSPIRE Internship is available which includes summer camp with global leaders in science to experience the joy of innovations, on an annual basis.
- For SHE, the candidates will receive a scholarship of INR 80,000 per year plus an annual scholarship of INR 5000 per month (sums up to INR 60,000 per year).
- Also, all the SHE scholars are required to undertake summer research projects under an active researcher in any recognized research centers across India. This includes a summertime attachment fee of INR 20,000 which is paid as mentorship every year.
Click here to apply!
10. Athul Maheshwari Scholarship
Athul Maheshwari Scholarship launched by Amar Ujala Foundation primarily aims at students pursuing their education from government institutions and having very low annual family income.
Deadline: The applications are invited in October.
Eligibility:
- Students of grades 9 to 12 with at least 60% marks in his/her previous class.
- The annual income of the family is not more than INR 1.5 lakh.
What it covers:
- Amount of INR 30,000 for students of grades 9 and 10
- Amount of INR 50,000 for students of grades 11 and 12
More information: You could expect a meticulous selection process of a written examination and multiple rounds of interviews for cracking this scholarship.
Click here to know more!
11. NEST Scholarship
Nationwide Education and Scholarship Test are conducted for high school students in India in two categories:
- NEST-Junior Scholarship Test (for students of grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
- NEST-Senior Scholarship Test (category Senior I: for students currently pursuing grade 12 in Science stream ). This stream also includes students pursuing diploma and degree courses.
Deadline: September 30, 2020 (extended up to December 2020 with late fee)
Eligibility:
- For NEST-Junior Scholarship Test :
- NEST Junior I: students appearing in/graduating grades 9 and 10
- NEST Junior II: students appearing in/graduating grades 11 and 12
- For NEST – Senior Scholarship Test:
- NEST Senior I: students currently pursuing grade 12 in the Science stream
What it covers:
- An amount of INR 25,000 for NEST-Junior I students
- An amount of INR 30,000 for NEST-Junior II students
- An amount of INR 35,000 for NEST-Senior I students.
Click here to apply!
12. Albert Einstein International Scholarship Test
A part of the dream and vision of All India Council For Technical Skill Development (AICTSD), the Albert Einstein International Scholarship Test is designed to instill a sense of leadership among students in different countries in the world.
Deadline: Dec 31, 2020 (only the first 10000 applications are accepted)
Eligibility:
- Any school or college student can apply. The students in high school (aged 14-17 belong to Group 2) can appear for this test.
- Must belong to one of the continents of Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and South America.
What it covers:
- Prize money and other exciting incentives that vary by rank.
Apply here!
13. R D Birla Scholarship Exam
R.D. Birla Scholarship Exam moves forward dedicating itself to make the young talents in the country capable of achieving academic excellence in their pursuit.
Deadline: The program invites applications around August-September of every year.
Eligibility:
- Students from grades 1 to 10 of all recognized education boards in India can participate in this exam.
What it covers:
- Top performers at the National Level will be awarded a scholarship of maximum INR 1,00,000.
More information: Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) from the fields of Science & Mathematics are tested in this exam consisting of only one paper.
Click here to know more about this scholarship!
14. Kind Circle Meritorious Scholarship
The Kind Circle initiative provides scholarships to meritorious but financially struggling school students of grades 9-12, graduation, and vocational students.
Deadline: 31 December 2020
Eligibility:
- The students who are currently in grades 9 to 12 and under 20 years of age are eligible.
- The requirement for marks in the previous final examination is a minimum of 60%.
- The annual family income must not be greater than INR 4 lakh per year.
What it covers:
- For students of grades 9 & 10: INR 6,000 per year or actual tuition fee, whichever is less.
- For students of grades 11 & 12: INR 12,000 per year or actual tuition fee, whichever is less.
Click here to know more!
15. Vidyadhan Scholarship Program
Sarojini Damodaran Foundation provides Vidyadhan Scholarship Program for supporting the college education of meritorious students from economically backward families. The Vidyadhan program currently has 4300 scholars spanning across many states in the country.
Deadline: Deadline varies by state.
Eligibility:
- The eligibility criteria for qualification marks of students differ by the state in which they pursued their education.
- Generally, the family annual income must be less than INR 2 Lakhs
What it covers:
- The scholarship is provided for a period of two-years
- Depending on the state, course, duration, etc. the scholarship amount for graduation courses could vary from INR 10,000 to INR 60,000 per year.
- If the performance is satisfactory, the candidates will be helped for pursuing graduation in the discipline of their interest.
Click here to apply!
The world is a sea of opportunities only if you are ready to dive in and discover its treasures. While winning a scholarship during high school has its perks of financial assistance, mentorship, and better higher education opportunities, the process itself serves as a priceless experience. These scholarships listed above are available for high school students in India who wish to think differently and act accordingly. Scholarship Track wishes you all the best in your pursuit of finding a scholarship program that could bring about a change in your life. Good luck!
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