Government Scholarship Schemes for students: The Ministry of Education, Government of India offers several scholarships every year for financial assistance to students at school and college level. These scholarships are of different types. Here are 5 important scholarships of the Ministry of Education that can be useful for you from school to college / university.
1. Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)
This scholarship is for college and university students. Such students, who have passed 12th standard and are getting higher education in college or university. Meritorious students coming from economically weaker sections can avail the benefit of this scholarship.
Every year the ministry of Education gives 82 thousand new scholarships under this scheme. Under this, scholarship is given from 10 thousand to 20 thousand rupees annually. Applications are invited for this scholarship between August and October every year. The application has to be done online through the National Scholarship Portal (https://scholarships.gov.in/).
Who will get the benefit (Eligibility) – Students who have scored 80 percentile or more in the 12th, are doing a full time course, and the family income does not exceed Rs 8 lakh per annum.
2. National Means cum Merit Scholarship
Meritorious students coming from economically weaker sections can take advantage of this after 8th grade. Every year, this scholarship is given to one lakh students across the country. A student can get 12 thousand rupees annually. Applications are invited for this between August and October every year. A student has to apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Who will get the benefit – For this, at least 55 per cent marks should be obtained on the 8th. For this it is also necessary to appear in the selection test. A minimum of 55 per cent marks in 7th grade is mandatory to appear in the selection test. Family income should not exceed Rs 1.50 annually.
3. AICTE Pragati Scholarship
This scholarship is only for girl students. A maximum of two girls in a family can benefit from this scholarship. Every year 5000 such scholarships are given by the government. Under this, the beneficiary gets 50 thousand rupees and other facilities annually.
Applications are invited for this from September to October every year. One has to apply online through the National Scholarship Portal.
Who will get the benefit – Students who are studying in a technical degree or diploma course in first or second year. Those who have been admitted to that course through lateral entry on the basis of 12th marks. Annual family income should be less than or equal to Rs 8 lakh annually.
4. AICTE Saksham Scholarship
This scholarship scheme is being run to promote technical education especially among the able students. This benefit is given to the students who are specially competent and studying for a technical degree or diploma course. Under this, every beneficiary is given a scholarship of 50 thousand rupees and other facilities. Applications are sought between September – October. Applications can be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal.
Eligibility for AICTE Saksham Scholarship – Students who are at least 40% disabled, have admission in first year through lateral entry in degree or diploma course in an AICTE affiliated institute. Student’s family income must be Rs 8 lakh or less annually.
5. Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Prime Minister Research Fellowship is given to promote the research trend in students; that means the PMRF programme is for research at PhD level in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Medicine. It is a joint initiative of the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Students enrolled in PhD programs in an institute capable of PMRF grant benefit from this. The PMRF scheme provides scholarships to PhD students up to INR 10.92 lakhs per annum, 50% of which will be provided by the government and the remaining 50% will be by a sponsoring industry for a duration of four years. However, according to the guidelines of this fellowship for the student, it is also necessary to get other qualifications. Applications are invited twice a year for this scholarship.
