Friends, everyone is stressed about funding for studies, especially when family budgets are tight. But the good news is that there are numerous grant and stipend programs in India for 2025 that provide full or partial funding to students.
These schemes come from governments, NGOs, and private companies, and with their help, you can study engineering, medicine, arts, or even a PhD for free.
I’ve shortlisted some of the top options – I’ll explain the eligibility, benefits, and how to apply in a simple way. If you’re a student or your child needs help, read this post and apply!
What are these grants and stipends?
Grants are money received for studies without having to be repaid, and stipends are like monthly pocket money. These schemes cover tuition fees, hostel expenses, books, and other expenses.
Most can apply through the NSP (National Scholarship Portal) in 2025, and deadlines are October-November. Let’s take a look at the top 8 programs!
Top Student Grants and Stipends
1. Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for College and University Students
This is the Ministry of Education’s flagship program, open to those with 80%+ marks in 12th grade. Family income must be less than ₹4.5 lakh.
Benefits: ₹12,000 annual stipend (first 3 years) and ₹20,000 (last 2 years), plus tuition fees cover.
Who Can Apply?: UG/PG students from any stream.
How to Apply?: On the NSP portal until October 31, 2025.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/Minority Students
This scheme is from the Ministry of Social Justice or Minority Affairs, for post-10th/12th grade education.
Benefits: Full tuition, ₹5,500-₹7,500 monthly stipend, books, and hostel allowance.
Who Can Apply?: SC/ST/OBC/Minority communities, with 50%+ marks.
How to Apply?: On NSP, deadline November 30, 2025.
3. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
This AICTE program encourages girls to pursue engineering/degree courses.
Benefits: ₹50,000 annual grant, which covers fees and expenses.
Who Can Apply?: Girls with 60%+ in 12th, family income less than ₹8 lakh.
How to Apply?: On the AICTE portal, August-September 2025.
4. Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF)
This is a top fellowship for PhD students, for research at institutes like IITs and NITs.
Benefits: ₹70,000-₹80,000 monthly stipend, plus a ₹2 lakh research grant.
Who Can Apply?: Top rankers or GATE qualifiers.
How to Apply?: On the PMRF website, in rounds – first December 2025.
5. ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship
This ICCR program for international students is for UG/PG/PhD, but Indian students can also apply for going abroad.
Benefits: Full tuition, ₹25,000-₹30,000 monthly stipend, accommodation, insurance.
Who Can Apply?: Meritorious students with 60%+ marks.
How to Apply?: On the ICCR portal, from October 2025 to March 2026.
6. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
This grant from the private sector is for first-year UG students.
Benefits: Up to ₹2 lakh tuition support, plus mentorship and alumni network.
Who Can Apply?: Those with 60%+ in 12th, family income less than ₹15 lakh.
How to Apply?: On the Reliance Foundation website, applications from July 2025.
7. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC/ST
This UGC program for PhD students targets marginalized communities.
Benefits: UGC-NET level stipend (₹31,000-₹35,000 monthly), contingency grant ₹20,000.
Who Can Apply?: SC/ST PhD scholars.
How to Apply?: On the UGC portal, deadline October 2025.
8. National Fellowship for OBC Students
This fellowship for OBC category PhD students promotes diversity.
Benefits: ₹25,000-₹30,000 monthly stipend, research support.
Who Can Apply?: OBC scholars with NET qualification.
How to Apply?: On the NSP, until November 2025.
Table of Eligibility and Benefits
| Scheme Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scheme | 80%+ in 12th, income < ₹4.5L | ₹12K-₹20K stipend + fees |
| Post-Matric SC/ST/OBC | 50%+ marks, specific category | Full fees + ₹5.5K-₹7.5K monthly |
| AICTE Pragati (Girls) | 60%+ in 12th, income < ₹8L | ₹50K annual grant |
| PMRF | GATE topper, PhD in tech | ₹70K-₹80K monthly + ₹2L grant |
| ICCR Vajpayee | 60%+ marks, UG/PG/PhD | Full tuition + ₹25K-₹30K stipend |
| Reliance UG Scholarship | 60%+ in 12th, income < ₹15L | Up to ₹2L tuition + mentorship |
| Rajiv Gandhi (SC/ST) | SC/ST PhD scholars | ₹31K-₹35K monthly + contingency |
| OBC National Fellowship | OBC NET qualifiers | ₹25K-₹30K monthly + research aid |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Full funding provides tension-free education, especially for low-income families.
- Monthly stipends cover daily expenses, plus book/hostel help.
- Long-term updates, such as 6+ year schemes, provide a career boost.
- Diverse options – from UG to PhD, from government to private.
Cons:
- Strict eligibility criteria, such as marks and income limits, may not be available to everyone.
- Deadlines are tight, so I forgot to apply. So, it’s missed.
- Documents like Aadhaar and income proof are required; the process is a bit lengthy.
- Competition is high, and top rankers are preferred.
Conclusion
Friends, these grants and stipends can make your dreams come true in 2025 – just choose the right scheme and apply on time through the NSP or official websites. Start with the Central Sector or Post-Matric, and if you’re considering a PhD, check out the PMRF.
Check your family income, verify your marks, and start applying today! Tell us in the comments which scheme you’ll try? And yes, share it with your friends, making your educational journey easier!
