Best Scholarships in India: How to Find and Win Them

When it comes to best scholarships, financial awards given to students based on merit, need, or specific criteria to support their education. Also known as education grants, these are often the difference between dropping out and graduating with zero debt. In India, where tuition and living costs keep rising, scholarships aren’t just helpful—they’re essential for millions of students trying to make it through college without drowning in loans.

Not all scholarships are the same. Some are for top scorers in board exams, like those tied to CBSE or ICSE toppers. Others target students from low-income families, rural areas, or specific communities. Then there are niche ones—for girls in STEM, for students pursuing coding or NEET prep, or even for those who volunteer in their communities. The PSAT score, a standardized test used to identify candidates for the National Merit Scholarship Program might not apply here, but similar merit-based systems exist in India through exams like JEE and NEET. Many top coaching centers like Allen or Resonance actually partner with universities to offer scholarships to high-performing students. And if you’re looking to study abroad, programs like the ones for CBSE students applying to Harvard often come with full funding options if you meet the bar.

What most students miss is that the best scholarships, financial awards given to students based on merit, need, or specific criteria to support their education aren’t always the biggest ones. Sometimes, the smallest local scholarships—offered by community trusts, religious organizations, or even small businesses—have the least competition. You don’t need a 99% score to qualify. Many only ask for a short essay, proof of income, or proof of enrollment. And if you’re already taking free online courses in English or coding, some platforms offer micro-scholarships just for completing modules. The key is to start early, apply often, and never assume you’re not eligible.

There’s a myth that scholarships are only for geniuses. That’s not true. They’re for the persistent. The ones who fill out the forms. The ones who ask their school counselor, “Is there anything I missed?” The ones who check their college portal every week. Below, you’ll find real stories, real deadlines, and real strategies from students who won funding—some for JEE prep, others for online degrees, even for volunteering in local government. These aren’t theoretical tips. They’re proven paths.