State Wise Scholarships In India

Every year lakhs of students in India miss out on scholarships and education loans simply because they do not know where to look or how to apply. If you are a student struggling with tuition fees, hostel charges, or study expenses — this complete guide covers everything you need.

We cover state wise scholarship schemes, education loans for students, study abroad funding options, and government financial aid — all in one place. By the end of this article you will know exactly where to apply, what documents you need, and how to get money into your bank account faster.

Why Financial Aid for Education Matters More Than Ever

The cost of higher education in India has increased significantly over the last decade. Engineering courses now cost between ₹3 lakh and ₹15 lakh. Medical courses can cost ₹50 lakh or more. Even a basic graduation degree from a private college costs ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh per year.

For families earning below ₹3 lakh per year, this is simply not affordable without outside support. Scholarships and education loans are the two most important financial tools for students in this situation.

Financial Aid Type	Best For	Repayment
Government Scholarship	SC, ST, OBC, Minority, EWS students	Not required
Merit Scholarship	High scoring students	Not required
Education Loan	All students	Required after course
Private Scholarship	Various categories	Not required
Study Abroad Grant	Students going overseas	Not required

Who Can Apply for State Scholarships in India

State scholarships in India are available to students who meet the following general criteria. Each state has its own specific income limits and category rules so always check your official state portal.

Criteria	General Requirement
Nationality	Indian citizen and resident of that state
Category	SC, ST, OBC, EBC, Minority, General EWS
Education Level	Class 1 to PhD depending on scheme
Family Income	Below ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per year
Institution Type	Government or government-recognised school or college
Bank Account	Aadhaar-linked active bank account mandatory

Documents Required for Scholarship Application

Keep these documents ready before you start any scholarship application. Missing even one document can delay or reject your application.

• Aadhaar Card — mandatory for all applicants
• Income Certificate — issued by Tehsildar or SDM office, must be recent
• Caste Certificate — SC, ST, OBC, EBC as applicable
• Domicile Certificate — proof of state residence
• Previous Year Marksheet — last qualifying examination result
• Bank Passbook — Aadhaar-linked, active account
• Bonafide Certificate — from current school or college
• Passport Size Photograph — recent, white or light background
• Fee Receipt — current academic year fee payment proof
• Mobile Number — must be linked to Aadhaar for OTP

State Wise Scholarship Guide 2025-26

1. Uttar Pradesh Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: scholarship.up.gov.in

UP runs one of the largest scholarship programmes in India. It covers Pre-Matric and Post-Matric students from SC, ST, OBC, General, and Minority categories.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
Pre-Matric Scholarship	Class 9 and 10	Up to ₹12,000
Post-Matric Scholarship	Class 11 and above	Up to ₹55,000
Dashamottar Scholarship	Graduation and above	Up to ₹45,000

How to Apply in UP:

1. Visit scholarship.up.gov.in
2. Click Student then Registration
3. Select your category — SC, ST, OBC, General, or Minority
4. Fill personal details, course details, and bank account number
5. Upload all required documents in PDF or JPG format
6. Submit the form and take a printout
7. Submit printout to your school or college for verification

2. Maharashtra Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in

Maharashtra uses the MahaDBT (Maharashtra Direct Benefit Transfer) portal. All state scholarships are available on this single platform. Payment goes directly to the student bank account.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
Post SSC Scholarship	Class 11 and 12	Up to ₹25,000
Post HSC Scholarship	Graduation and above	Up to ₹45,000
EBC Scholarship	Economically backward students	Up to ₹20,000
Minority Scholarship	Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist students	Up to ₹30,000

How to Apply in Maharashtra:

1. Go to mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
2. Click New Applicant Registration
3. Enter Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
4. Fill the application form with academic and personal details
5. Upload all documents
6. Submit and note down your application number for tracking

3. Bihar Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: pmsonline.bih.nic.in

Bihar offers Post Matric Scholarships for SC, ST, BC, and EBC students studying in Class 11 and above. The Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana is a popular scheme specifically for girl students.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
Post Matric SC Scholarship	SC students Class 11 onwards	Up to ₹25,000
Post Matric BC Scholarship	BC and EBC students	Up to ₹15,000
Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana	Girl students	Up to ₹50,000 (full course)

How to Apply in Bihar:

1. Visit pmsonline.bih.nic.in
2. Register with name, date of birth, and Aadhaar number
3. Fill academic details and upload documents
4. Submit form and verify through your institute

4. Rajasthan Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: sje.rajasthan.gov.in

Rajasthan scholarships are managed by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department. Students need an SSO ID (Rajasthan Single Sign-On) to apply.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
Post Matric Scholarship	Class 11 to PhD	Up to ₹40,000
Pre Matric Scholarship	Class 1 to 10	Up to ₹10,000
Ambedkar DBT Voucher Yojana	College students for accommodation	Up to ₹20,000

How to Apply in Rajasthan:

1. Create SSO ID at sso.rajasthan.gov.in if you do not have one
2. Login and visit sje.rajasthan.gov.in
3. Select your scholarship scheme
4. Fill and submit the form with all documents

5. Madhya Pradesh Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in

MP has some of the best scholarship schemes in India. The Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana covers full tuition fees for students who score 70 percent or above in Class 12.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana	Class 12 pass with 70 percent marks	Full fee reimbursement
Gaon Ki Beti Yojana	Girl students from rural areas	₹5,000 per year
Pratibha Kiran Yojana	Girl students from urban BPL families	₹5,000 per year
Post Matric Scholarship	SC, ST, OBC students Class 11 onwards	Up to ₹40,000

How to Apply in MP:

1. Visit scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in
2. Register using your Samagra ID
3. Select the relevant scheme
4. Fill and submit application with documents

6. West Bengal Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portals: oasis.gov.in and wbmdfcscholarship.in

West Bengal runs two separate portals. The OASIS portal covers SC, ST, and OBC scholarships. The WBMDFCSC portal handles Minority scholarships. The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship is available for students with 60 percent marks or above.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
OASIS Pre and Post Matric	SC, ST, OBC students	Up to ₹40,000
Swami Vivekananda Scholarship	Students with 60 percent marks	Up to ₹60,000
Aikyashree Scholarship	Minority students	Up to ₹35,000

How to Apply in West Bengal:

1. For SC, ST, OBC: Visit oasis.gov.in
2. For Minority students: Visit wbmdfcscholarship.in
3. For Swami Vivekananda: Visit wbhed.gov.in
4. Register and fill application form with documents

7. Gujarat Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: digitalgujarat.gov.in

Gujarat provides scholarships through the Digital Gujarat portal. The Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana (MYSY) is one of the most popular schemes and covers students from families with annual income below ₹6 lakh — making it one of the most inclusive scholarship schemes in India.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
SC Post Matric Scholarship	SC students Class 11 onwards	Up to ₹50,000
ST Post Matric Scholarship	ST students Class 11 onwards	Up to ₹75,000
SEBC Scholarship	Socially and Educationally Backward Classes	Up to ₹40,000
MYSY Scholarship	Families with income below ₹6 lakh	Up to ₹50,000

How to Apply in Gujarat:

1. Visit digitalgujarat.gov.in
2. Create account with Aadhaar details
3. Select scholarship scheme
4. Fill and upload documents
5. Submit and track on same portal

8. Karnataka Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: karepass.cgg.gov.in

Karnataka uses the KAREPASS portal as a single window for all scholarships.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
Post Matric Scholarship SC	SC students	Up to ₹50,000
Post Matric Scholarship ST	ST students	Up to ₹60,000
OBC Scholarship	OBC students	Up to ₹30,000
Minority Post Matric	Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain students	Up to ₹35,000

9. Telangana Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in

Telangana ePASS (Electronic Payment and Application System for Scholarships) is one of the most efficient scholarship systems in India. Amounts are transferred directly to bank accounts.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
Post Matric SC Scholarship	SC students	Up to ₹80,000
Post Matric ST Scholarship	ST students	Up to ₹1,00,000
BC Welfare Scholarship	BC students	Up to ₹50,000
EBC Scholarship	Economically backward students	Up to ₹35,000

10. Andhra Pradesh Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: apepass.apcfss.in

Andhra Pradesh also uses the ePASS system similar to Telangana. Scholarships are transferred directly to student bank accounts through DBT.

AP Scholarship Amount: ₹10,000 to ₹80,000 per year depending on category and course.

11. Punjab Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: punjabscholarships.gov.in

Punjab offers Post Matric Scholarships for SC students and separate schemes for BC, EBC, and Minority students.

Punjab Scholarship Amount: ₹7,000 to ₹35,000 per year.

12. Haryana Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: harchhatravratti.clb.gov.in

Haryana requires the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) for scholarship applications. Students should ensure their PPP is updated before applying.

Scheme Name	Eligible Students	Amount Per Year
Post Matric SC Scholarship	SC students	Up to ₹40,000
Dr Ambedkar Medhavi Chattar Yojana	SC students with 70 percent marks	Up to ₹8,000 extra
Consolidated Scholarship	BC, EWS, Minority	Up to ₹25,000

13. Tamil Nadu Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: scholarship.dge.tn.gov.in

Tamil Nadu offers First Generation Graduate scholarships, BC and MBC scholarships, and SC and ST scholarships.

Tamil Nadu Scholarship Amount: ₹1,200 to ₹24,000 per year depending on course and category.

14. Kerala Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in

Kerala provides scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, and Minority students through the Directorate of Collegiate Education.

Kerala Scholarship Amount: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per year.

15. Odisha Scholarship 2025-26

Official Portal: scholarship.odisha.gov.in

Odisha is known for high scholarship amounts for ST students enrolled in professional courses like engineering and medicine.

Odisha Scholarship Amount: ₹3,500 to ₹1,20,000 per year for professional courses.

Central Government Scholarships on NSP 2025-26

Apart from state scholarships, the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in covers central government schemes available to students across all states.

Scheme Name	Category	Class	Amount Per Year
PM YASHASVI Scholarship	OBC, EBC, DNT	Class 9 and 11	₹75,000 to ₹1,25,000
Post Matric Scholarship SC	SC students	Class 11 onwards	Up to ₹60,000
Post Matric Scholarship ST	ST students	Class 11 onwards	Up to ₹60,000
Central Sector Scheme	All categories, merit based	Class 12 onwards	₹10,000 to ₹20,000
National Means Scholarship	Low income students	Class 9 and 11	₹12,000 per year
Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship	Minority girl students	Class 9 to 12	₹5,000 to ₹6,000

How to Apply on NSP:

1. Visit scholarships.gov.in
2. Click New Registration and select your scheme
3. Enter Aadhaar, name, and date of birth
4. Verify with mobile OTP
5. Fill the complete application form
6. Upload all documents
7. Submit and note your Application ID
8. Wait for institute verification then department approval

Education Loan for Students in India — Complete Guide

If you do not qualify for a scholarship or need additional funds beyond what scholarship covers, an education loan is the best option. Banks in India offer education loans at low interest rates with flexible repayment terms starting after course completion.

Top Banks Offering Education Loans in India

Bank	Loan Amount	Interest Rate	Collateral Required
SBI Student Loan Scheme	Up to ₹1.5 Crore	8.15% to 11.15%	Above ₹7.5 lakh
Bank of Baroda Gyan Dhan	Up to ₹80 Lakh	9.70% to 11.70%	Above ₹7.5 lakh
HDFC Credila Education Loan	Up to ₹2 Crore	10.50% to 14.00%	Case by case
Axis Bank Education Loan	Up to ₹75 Lakh	13.70% to 15.20%	Above ₹7.5 lakh
Punjab National Bank	Up to ₹1 Crore	8.55% to 11.55%	Above ₹7.5 lakh
Canara Bank Vidya Turant	Up to ₹40 Lakh	8.90% to 11.90%	Above ₹7.5 lakh

Government Education Loan Subsidy Schemes

The central government offers interest subsidy on education loans for students from economically weaker sections:

Dr Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme:

• For OBC and EBC students
• Full interest subsidy during course period plus one year after
• Family income must be below ₹4.5 lakh per year
• Apply through your bank

Padho Pardesh Scheme:

• For Minority students studying abroad
• Full interest subsidy during moratorium period
• Family income below ₹6 lakh per year

Central Scheme for Interest Subsidy (CSIS):

• For all categories with family income below ₹4.5 lakh
• Interest subsidy during course and moratorium period
• Available on loans from scheduled commercial banks

Documents Required for Education Loan

• Completed loan application form from the bank
• Aadhaar Card and PAN Card of student and co-applicant
• Admission letter from the institution
• Fee structure document from the institution
• Income proof of parents or guardian
• Previous academic marksheets and certificates
• Bank statements for last 6 months
• Property documents if collateral is required
• Passport size photographs

How to Apply for Education Loan

1. Visit your nearest bank branch or apply online on the bank website
2. Fill the education loan application form
3. Submit all required documents
4. Bank processes your application and may ask for interview
5. Loan is sanctioned and disbursed directly to the institution
6. Repayment starts after course completion plus 6 to 12 months moratorium

Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad

If you are planning to study outside India, there are several scholarships and grants available that offer significantly higher amounts than domestic scholarships.

Scholarship	Country	Amount	Eligibility
ICCR Scholarship	Multiple countries	Full scholarship	Indian students for foreign universities
Commonwealth Scholarship	UK	Full scholarship including airfare	Postgraduate students
Inlaks Scholarship	USA, Europe	Up to USD 90,000	Under 30, merit based
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship	Multiple	Full scholarship	Postgraduate, financial need
Fulbright Nehru Fellowship	USA	Full fellowship	Research and postgraduate
British Council GREAT Scholarship	UK	Minimum £10,000	Undergraduate and postgraduate
Australia Awards	Australia	Full scholarship	Postgraduate students
Canada Study Grant	Canada	Up to CAD 3,000	Various categories

How to Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships

1. Research the scholarship deadline well in advance — most close 6 to 12 months before the course starts
2. Prepare for standardised tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT as required
3. Write a strong statement of purpose explaining your goals
4. Obtain letters of recommendation from professors or employers
5. Apply on the official scholarship website — never through agents
6. Check if you need to apply to the university separately before or after the scholarship

Scholarship vs Education Loan — Which Is Better For You

This is one of the most common questions students ask. The answer depends entirely on your situation.

Factor	Scholarship	Education Loan
Repayment	Not required	Required after course
Availability	Limited seats, competitive	Available to most students
Amount	Fixed by scheme	Based on course fee
Income requirement	Usually below ₹2.5 lakh	No strict income limit
Processing time	1 to 6 months	2 to 4 weeks
Tax benefit	Not applicable	Interest deduction under Section 80E
Best for	Students who qualify by category or merit	Students needing larger amounts or not eligible for scholarship

The smartest strategy is to apply for scholarship first — if approved, use it to reduce expenses. If the scholarship does not cover everything, take an education loan for the remaining amount. Many students successfully use both together.

Education Loan Tax Benefits Under Section 80E

This is an important benefit that most students and parents are not aware of. Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, the interest paid on education loans is fully deductible from your taxable income.

• There is no upper limit on the deduction amount
• Available for 8 years from the year repayment starts
• Available to student or parent whoever is repaying the loan
• Applicable on loans taken from recognised financial institutions
• Covers loans for higher education in India and abroad

This effectively reduces the actual cost of your education loan significantly, especially in the early years of repayment when interest amounts are higher.

How To Check Scholarship Application Status

After submitting your application you should track it regularly. Institute verification delays are the most common reason for payment delays.

On State Portals:

• Login to your state scholarship portal
• Go to Track Application or Check Status section
• Enter your application number or Aadhaar number

On NSP:

• Visit scholarships.gov.in
• Click Track Your Application
• Enter Application ID and date of birth

**Application Status Meanings:2. Mismatched name — your name must be exactly the same on Aadhaar, marksheet, and application form 3. Wrong income certificate — the amount must be within the scheme limit and the certificate must be recent 4. Not completing institute verification — follow up with your school or college office regularly 5. Applying after deadline — check the last date on the portal before starting the application 6. Blurry document scans — upload clear, readable documents under 200 KB each 7. Using expired documents — income and caste certificates must usually be issued within the last 12 months 8. Wrong scheme selection — make sure you are applying for the correct scheme for your category

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I apply for both a state scholarship and an NSP scholarship at the same time?

Generally you can receive only one scholarship at a time to avoid duplication of benefits. However some states allow students to receive state scholarships for expenses not covered by the central scheme. Check with your state portal before applying to both.

Q. What happens if my scholarship application is rejected?

Most portals have a reapplication or appeal option. Check the rejection reason carefully, correct the issue, and reapply before the deadline closes. Common rejection reasons include income mismatch, incomplete documents, and name discrepancy.

Q. Is there an age limit to apply for state scholarships?

Most state scholarships do not have a strict age limit for regular students. Some professional course scholarships may require applicants to be below 30 to 35 years of age. Check your specific scheme guidelines.

Q. Can distance education students apply for scholarships?

Some scholarship schemes are available for distance education students but many require full-time enrollment at a recognised institution. Check the specific scheme you are applying for.

Q. How long does it take to receive the scholarship amount?

After institute and department verification, most scholarships are transferred within 30 to 90 days. Processing time varies by state and season. UP and MP tend to process faster while some states take up to 6 months.

Q. Can I get an education loan and a scholarship at the same time?

Yes. You can use a scholarship to reduce the total loan amount you need. Many students use scholarships to cover living expenses while using education loans to pay tuition fees. Inform your bank about any scholarship you are receiving.

Q. What is the interest rate on SBI education loan in 2025?

SBI offers education loans starting from 8.15 percent per annum under the SBI Student Loan Scheme. Rates vary based on loan amount, collateral, and whether you are studying in India or abroad. Female students get an additional 0.50 percent concession.

Q. What is Section 80E tax benefit on education loan?

Section 80E allows you to deduct the entire interest paid on education loans from your taxable income. There is no upper limit and it is available for 8 years. This benefit is available to both the student and the parent repaying the loan.

Final Tips to Get Your Scholarship or Education Loan Approved

• Apply as early as possible — never wait for the last date
• Keep all documents as clear PDF and JPG files under 200 KB
• Make sure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account before applying
• Keep your registered mobile number active for OTPs and notifications
• Follow up with your institute regularly to ensure they verify your application
• For education loans, apply to multiple banks and compare interest rates
• Check if you qualify for any government interest subsidy scheme before taking a loan
• Keep a copy of all submitted documents and acknowledgement receipts

Conclusion

Financial support should never be the reason a student stops pursuing education. India has hundreds of scholarship schemes at both state and central level covering nearly every category of student — SC, ST, OBC, Minority, EWS, girls, merit students, and students going abroad.

At the same time, education loans with government subsidies and Section 80E tax benefits make higher education affordable even for students who do not qualify for scholarships.

Use this guide as your starting point. Visit your state scholarship portal, gather your documents, and apply today. If you need more funds than the scholarship provides, explore education loans from government banks where interest rates are lowest and repayment terms are most flexible.

Share this article with students and parents who may benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria, and deadlines change every academic year. Education loan interest rates are indicative and subject to change. Always verify current details on official government portals and bank websites before applying.