Top Scholarships in India for Class 10, 12 and College Students (2026)
For many bright students, the biggest hurdle to higher education is not ability — it is money. The good news is that there is more support available today than ever before, from the Government of India, from private foundations, and from organisations like ours.
At the SSDJ Foundation, we meet students every day who simply do not know this support exists. So here is a clear, up-to-date guide to some of the best scholarships in India for 2026 — for students in Class 10, Class 12 and college.
Eligibility rules, amounts and deadlines can change every year. Always confirm the latest details on each scheme's official portal before you apply.
Government scholarships (apply on the National Scholarship Portal)
Most central government scholarships are applied for through one website — the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in. You register once (One-Time Registration) and can then apply to several schemes.
The most widely used schemes on NSP are the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for SC, ST, OBC and Minority students, which support learners from school right through college (eligibility depends on category and family income, commonly up to about Rs 2.5 lakh a year).
- NMMSS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship) — for Class 9 to 12. You generally need around 60% in Class 10 (55% for SC/ST) and family income up to about Rs 3.5 lakh a year.
- PM-YASASVI — for OBC, EBC and De-Notified Tribe students, with family income up to about Rs 2.5 lakh a year; covers tuition and maintenance for regular, full-time courses.
- Central Sector Scholarships reward top Class 12 board performers from lower-income families — worth checking on NSP if you scored highly.
Private and foundation scholarships
- Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship — for first-year degree students in any stream; typically needs at least 60% in Class 12, with priority for lower-income families, and support worth up to around Rs 2 lakh over the degree.
- Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship — a long-running merit-cum-means award covering Class 11 up to postgraduate level, with monthly assistance up to around Rs 3,200 depending on course and category.
- HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Programme — open from Class 1 to postgraduate (including diploma and ITI); usually needs around 55% marks and family income up to about Rs 2.5 lakh, with assistance commonly between Rs 15,000 and Rs 75,000.
SSDJ Foundation — for bright students of Panipat
If you belong to District Panipat, we would love to support you directly. The SSDJ Foundation supports talented KABiL students — Keen, Ambitious, Bright, Identify Learners — of Class 11 and above who have scored 80% or more but cannot afford to continue. Our support is for higher studies and skill development anywhere in India, and fees are paid directly to the institution — never as cash.
Today, 1,571 students are studying across 187 institutions with our support. To apply or learn more, visit the Financial Assistance page.
Before you apply, keep these ready
Apply early rather than waiting for the deadline, and never pay anyone money to guarantee a government scholarship — the official portals are free to use.
A scholarship is more than money. It is a vote of confidence in your future. If you are a deserving student — or you know one — do not let these opportunities pass by.