Higher education in India can be expensive, but scholarships help students pursue their academic dreams without financial worries. Whether you’re a Science, Commerce, or Arts student, several scholarships can provide financial assistance based on merit, need, and specific fields of study.
This guide covers the best scholarships available for Science, Commerce, and Arts students in India, along with their eligibility criteria and benefits.
1. Scholarships for Science Students
If you are a Science student aiming for careers in engineering, medicine, research, or technology, these scholarships can support your studies:
a) Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
- For: Class 11, 12, and undergraduate Science students.
- Eligibility: Students pursuing B.Sc./B.S./M.Sc./M.S. in basic sciences.
- Benefits: Monthly stipend and contingency grant up to ₹80,000 per year.
- Application Deadline: July-August.
b) INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)
- For: Top-performing Science students in Class 12 or those enrolled in basic sciences degree programs.
- Eligibility: Top 1% in Class 12 board exams or JEE/NEET rankers who opt for B.Sc./M.Sc. in Natural Sciences.
- Benefits: ₹80,000 per year for five years.
- Application Deadline: October-December.
c) NTSE (National Talent Search Examination)
- For: Class 10 students interested in Science research.
- Eligibility: Students scoring above the cutoff in NTSE Stage 1.
- Benefits: Monthly scholarship from Class 11 to PhD.
- Application Deadline: Varies by state (November-December).
d) JBNSTS Scholarship (Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search)
- For: Class 12 Science students from West Bengal.
- Eligibility: Students who pass the JBNSTS exam.
- Benefits: ₹1,000 monthly stipend and a book grant.
- Application Deadline: June-July.
2. Scholarships for Commerce Students
Commerce students looking to build careers in Finance, Management, Economics, or Accounting can apply for these scholarships:
a) National Scholarship Exam (NSE)
- For: Class 5-12 and college students (Commerce stream included).
- Eligibility: Open to all students across India.
- Benefits: Cash prizes and certificates.
- Application Deadline: October.
b) Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Professional & Technical Courses
- For: Undergraduate Commerce students in professional courses.
- Eligibility: Students with family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year.
- Benefits: ₹20,000 per year.
- Application Deadline: September.
c) ICAI Commerce Wizard Scholarship
- For: Class 9-12 and B.Com students.
- Eligibility: Students with a passion for Accounting and Finance.
- Benefits: Cash prizes up to ₹1 lakh.
- Application Deadline: December.
d) HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship
- For: Students facing financial crises during their studies.
- Eligibility: Commerce students from schools and colleges.
- Benefits: Financial assistance up to ₹75,000.
- Application Deadline: August.
3. Scholarships for Arts Students
For students passionate about Humanities, Literature, Performing Arts, Journalism, and Social Sciences, these scholarships can be helpful:
a) GEMS Genius Scholarship
- For: School students (Class 1-12) excelling in Arts, Music, and Writing.
- Eligibility: Participation in national-level competitions.
- Benefits: Financial aid and cash prizes.
- Application Deadline: July.
b) Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme
- For: Students excelling in dance, music, theater, painting, and other fine arts.
- Eligibility: Age 10-14 with a strong talent in any cultural field.
- Benefits: ₹3,600 per year and training support.
- Application Deadline: February.
c) CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship
- For: Class 11 and 12 female students.
- Eligibility: Arts stream students with 60% in Class 10 and single child of parents.
- Benefits: ₹500 per month for two years.
- Application Deadline: October-November.
d) Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
- For: Indian students pursuing Arts & Humanities abroad.
- Eligibility: Exceptional performance in Arts and Social Sciences.
- Benefits: Covers tuition and living expenses for studies in the US, UK, and Europe.
- Application Deadline: March-April.
How to Apply for Scholarships in India?
- Identify the Right Scholarship – Check eligibility criteria, field of study, and deadlines.
- Prepare Necessary Documents – Academic records, income certificates, and recommendation letters.
- Register on National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – Many scholarships require online applications via scholarships.gov.in.
- Appear for Required Tests – Some scholarships require entrance exams like KVPY, NTSE, or NSE.
- Submit Application Before Deadline – Late submissions are not considered.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Science, Commerce, or Arts student, scholarships can help you achieve your educational goals without financial stress. Apply early, maintain strong academic performance, and take advantage of these funding opportunities to build a successful future!
