Top Government Scholarships, Latest 2025 Updates
1. Bihar Post-Matric Scholarship 2024–25
Bihar government just opened registrations for Post‑Matric Scholarship on August 25, 2025 through pmsonline.bihar.gov.in. It supports students from economically weaker backgrounds by covering tuition, maintenance and other academic costs. Essentials like eligibility, documentation, and deadlines are provided on the portal.
2. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
AICTE has rolled out its Pragati Scholarship for female students enrolling in technical courses. Eligible girls can get ₹50,000 per year, extended over four years (typical course duration), subject to family income norms and submission via scholarships.gov.in.
3. Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship for Girls
In a sweeping move for inclusivity, APF’s new initiative aims to support 2.5 lakh girl students from government schools across 18 states for 2025–26. Each eligible girl receives ₹30,000 annually, paid in two installments, irrespective of income or merit. Applications open in September 2025.
International & State-Level Scholarship Schemes
1. UP’s Chevening-Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship
Uttar Pradesh government, in alliance with the UK’s FCDO, has launched a full funding scheme to send 5 UP students to UK universities annually (2025–28). It covers tuition, research, living, travel, approx. ₹45–48 lakh per student.
Complementing this, the UK-UP agreement also enables 5 underprivileged students every year to attend top UK institutions under Chevening scholarships.
2. Swami Vivekananda Scholarship , Revised Policy
Rajasthan’s scholarship for study abroad, Swami Vivekananda Scholarship, has stirred controversy. Though initially funding 350 students in top 150 global universities, the revised scheme now supports only 150 students in top 50 universities. Critics note delays and inequity, as students lost admission seats due to late changes.
A new clause now mandates scholars to work in Rajasthan post-study, submit regular reports, and assist in government tasks during study leave. The financial aid termination can occur if academic progress is not satisfactory.
Prominent Private Scholarships (India)
Delving into private and institutional grants, here are key opportunities available for Indian students:
1. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
This offers up to ₹2 lakh over the course of the degree. Scholars benefit from financial support, alumni networks, mentorship, and career guidance. Impactful student stories from fields like medicine, engineering, commerce add context and hope.
2. Other Noteworthy Private Scholarships
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J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships help 90–100 meritorious students annually to study abroad across disciplines.
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JK Tyre Shiksha Sarthi, Virtusa Engineering Excellence, and Aditya Birla Scholarships also provide targeted aid in female education, engineering, business, and law.
3. Prestigious International Scholarships
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Rhodes Scholarship (India): Offers six slots annually. Opens June 2025; deadline 23 July 2025.
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ICCR Scholarships 2025–26: ICCR is offering 640 slots for international students to study in India under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship.
4. Centrally Managed Scheme
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Central Sector Scheme for College & University Students: Accessible via scholarships.gov.in. Applications for 2025 are accepted until October 31, with institute-level and national verification through end of November. Disbursement through DBT into Aadhaar-linked accounts.
Expert Insights: What This Means for Students
The 2025 scholarship landscape reveals a multi-pronged support system blending gender equity, economic inclusion, international exposure, and private philanthropy.
Key takeaways:
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For girls and underprivileged communities: Azim Premji & AICTE Pragati are groundbreaking, merit-free initiatives.
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Global opportunities: UP & ICCR schemes open pathways to top global institutions, supporting academic leadership.
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State accountability: Rajasthan’s scholarship shows a new trend, tying scholarships with state service.
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Private sector’s scaled impact: Reliance and Tata scholarships weave support, mentorship, and network , not just money.
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Centrally funded accessibility: DBT-based schemes via education.gov.in ensure transparency and ease of access.
From rural girls benefiting through Premji Foundation to students heading abroad via UP–UK scholarships, India’s 2025 scholarship ecosystem is rich and diverse. Government, private, and international bodies all share the goal of enabling dreams, be it through financial, moral, or academic support.
Students must stay aware of deadlines, eligibility criteria, and respond promptly when portals open (like scholarships.gov.in in September or October). Strength lies not just in availability, but in informed, timely action.
