Engineering education in India can cost anywhere from INR 4 lakh to INR 25 lakh over four years. Scholarships can significantly reduce this burden. Here is a comprehensive list of the top scholarships available for engineering students, including government, private, and institutional options.
Government Scholarships
1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amount | INR 20,000/year (Years 1-3); INR 25,000/year (Year 4) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 marks above 80th percentile, family income below INR 8 LPA |
| Apply | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Deadline | October-November annually |
2. AICTE Pragati Scholarship (for Girls)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amount | INR 50,000/year (up to INR 30,000 tuition + INR 20,000 incidentals) |
| Eligibility | Girls admitted to AICTE-approved institutes, family income below INR 8 LPA |
| Selection | Based on JEE Main/State CET rank and family income |
| Apply | AICTE portal |
3. AICTE Saksham Scholarship (for PwD)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amount | INR 50,000/year |
| Eligibility | Students with disabilities in AICTE-approved courses, family income below INR 8 LPA |
| Apply | AICTE portal |
4. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students
- Amount: Full tuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance (INR 10,000-15,000/year)
- Eligibility: SC/ST/OBC students with family income below specified limits
- Apply: State scholarship portals or National Scholarship Portal
5. Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for J&K and Ladakh
- Amount: Full tuition fee (up to INR 3 lakh) + INR 1 lakh maintenance/year
- Eligibility: Domicile of J&K or Ladakh, Class 12 passed
- Apply: AICTE PMSSS portal
Private and Corporate Scholarships
6. INSPIRE Scholarship (DST)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amount | INR 80,000/year for 5 years |
| Eligibility | Top 1% in Class 12 board exams, pursuing B.Sc / integrated M.Sc |
| Note | Primarily for pure science; some engineering students eligible |
7. Reliance Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: Up to INR 2 lakh/year + mentorship
- Eligibility: First-year students in STEM, merit and need-based
- Apply: Reliance Foundation Scholarships portal
8. Tata Trusts Scholarships
- Amount: Varies (up to full tuition)
- Eligibility: Need-based, for students at partner institutions
- Apply: Through college financial aid office or Tata Trusts portal
9. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: INR 12,000-24,000/year
- Eligibility: Family income below INR 2 LPA, engineering students
- Apply: SJF website
10. Google Scholarship Programmes
- Google Venkat Panchapakesan Memorial Scholarship: INR 1-2 lakh/year for female CS students
- Google Generation Scholarship: For underrepresented groups in tech
- Eligibility: Strong academics, demonstrated leadership, CS/IT students
College-Specific Scholarships
IIT Fee Waiver
- SC/ST/PwD: Complete tuition fee waiver
- Family income below INR 1 lakh: Full fee waiver
- Family income INR 1-5 lakh: 2/3rd tuition waiver
- Family income INR 5-8 lakh: 1/3rd tuition waiver
NIT Scholarships
- Merit-cum-Means scholarship for students with CGPA above 7.0 and family income below INR 5 LPA
- Institute free-ship for economically weaker students
BITS Pilani Fee Waiver
- Merit scholarships for top CGPA holders
- Need-based fee waivers covering up to 80% of tuition
How to Maximise Scholarship Opportunities
- Register on NSP: The National Scholarship Portal is the single gateway for most government scholarships
- Apply early: Most scholarships have deadlines in September-November. Do not wait until the last date
- Maintain documents: Keep income certificates, caste certificates, and academic records updated and accessible
- Check college financial aid office: Many scholarships are distributed through colleges. Visit the financial aid office during first week
- Apply to multiple scholarships: You can hold multiple scholarships simultaneously in many cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a scholarship if my family income is above INR 8 LPA?
Most government scholarships have an INR 8 LPA income cap. However, merit-based scholarships from private foundations and college-specific scholarships often have no income limit.
Are engineering scholarships available for private college students?
Yes. AICTE Pragati, Reliance Foundation, and many private scholarships cover students in AICTE-approved private colleges. Check if your college is approved before applying.
Can I apply for scholarships after first year?
Some scholarships are only for first-year admission, but many (CSSS, AICTE, state scholarships) can be renewed annually. Some merit scholarships are available from second year onwards based on CGPA.
How do I find all available scholarships?
Register on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in), check your state scholarship portal, visit your college's financial aid office, and search platforms like Buddy4Study and ScholarshipPortal for private scholarships.