Top Government and Private Scholarship for Girls in India

Scholarship for Girls in India

Consider a young Indian girl who is brilliant and has lots of aspirations and possibilities, yet she is burdened by the gap of economic issues. She has a desire to study, to explore, to have a career and to contribute to this world, yet her situation makes it seem so far-fetched. And this is not a rare tale, it is one that scholarships are looking to re-author. Thousands of girls in India overcome such obstacles on a daily basis. Talent and ambition are neither male nor geographically constrained, but the opportunity to get an education very frequently is. This is why girl’s scholarships are such a wonderful thing, as they open the doors that would have otherwise stayed shut.

There is a rising tide of girl education in India supported by most government and privately organized programs by companies and foundations. Such scholarships do not only help with academic costs but also transmit an important message of support: your dreams are legitimate, and we will assist you with them. In this blog, we are going to take you through the process of exploring some of the best scholarships in India, offered to girls, by the government as well as privately, along with the frequently asked questions and information on how to apply. As a student, parent or an educator, this guide will assist you in identifying the right opportunities to facilitate a brighter future.

Why Scholarships for Girls Are Important?

Just consider: each time a girl has an opportunity to attend school, complete her education, or take a professional course-society makes a step forward. And still, education is a bumpy road by most girls in India, with obstacles, both obvious and stubbornly traditional and unequal.

Although access to education has been improved, girls tend to drop out early because of such factors as financial difficulty, family chores, early marriage, or simply no one encourages them to stay in school. This not only restricts their individual development but also hinders development of whole societies. Since an educated girl is more likely to postpone marriage, to have healthier families, to earn more money and even to educate their own children. The ripple effect is strong.

This is where the scholarships enter in not only as a financial help but as a savior. The gap between potential and opportunity is filled with scholarships. They enable girls to obtain higher education, consider such areas as science, technology, or arts, and develop the career of their choice without being concerned about tuition fees, books, travel expenses, and accommodation costs.

However, what is more important than financial support, scholarships provide girls with something invaluable: confidence in themselves. A young girl is confident when someone, whether it is the government or a privately owned foundation, says, “We believe in your future,” and inspires her to dream bigger.

Briefly put, scholarships are not only about financing education. They are about raising a generation of knowledgeable, self-reliant and empowered women. And in such a country as India, where such a gender gap in education is not eliminated yet, they are a well-needed impetus towards equality and development.

Related Blog: What Is a Scholarship? A Detailed Guide

Top Government Scholarship for Girls in India

The Indian government has realized a simple fact; the country prospers when girls get education. It is for this reason that several departments and ministries have initiated scholarship programs which will be aimed at benefiting the girl students throughout their educational life- high school and at the higher educational level. However, these scholarships do not merely entail monetary support, but it is a definite step towards an inclusive and empowered India.

Here are some of the most impactful government scholarships designed specifically for girls:

1. CBSE Udaan Scheme

Have you ever known a girl who aspires to be an engineer only to be hit by the response that it is not a girl thing? The CBSE Udaan Scheme was created just for her. This is a special drive aimed at assisting the girl students in Classes 11 and 12 who are interested in taking up a career in engineering and technology.

Udaan offers free study resources, online learning, and virtual mentorship to girls to prepare them to take engineering entrance exams such as JEE. It particularly focuses on girls in low income families and government schools. But more than coaching, Udaan allows girls to believe that they belong to science and technology, the spheres in which they have historically been underrepresented.

2. National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)

So what does a girl do after Class 8? Dropping out is the solution many would give, and in most cases it is because of financial constraints or family influence. And that is what the NSIGSE scheme attempts to alter. The target group of this scholarship are the SC/ST girls who have successfully passed Class 8 and are studying in Class 9. The government goes and puts 3,000 rupees in a fixed deposit account in the name of the girl.

She gets the amount after passing Class 10- an incentive that helps her and her family to keep her in education. It may be a modest solution, but an efficient one, to lower the number of dropouts and to retain the girls in school at an important phase of their education.

3. Pragati Scholarship Scheme by AICTE

The Pragati Scholarship is a marvelous opportunity for female students who aspire to pursue their careers in technical education such as engineering, pharmacy, or architecture. This scheme is provided by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to help girls studying diploma or technical education at degree level. The chosen students get 50, 000 rupees annually to take care of tuition, books, stationery, and other necessities.

This program does not only relieve the economic burden- it also opens up new career opportunities that girls in low income families could only dream about before.

4. Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship

The scholarship is distinctive in the manner it targets the empowerment of the minority girls. The Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship, honouring the name of a courageous queen and freedom fighter, benefits girls studying in Classes 9 to 12 belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities.

They are selected on academic and family income basis and the scholarship helps in meeting the tuition fees, books and other school related expenses. It does not just signify a form of aid but it is also a statement that education is the preserve of many people irrespective of where they originate.

5. Post-Matric Scholarship for Girls (Minority Affairs)

After Class 10, higher education gets costlier and this is where many girls are commonly compelled to drop out. Post-Matric Scholarship tries to alter that. This scholarship is provided by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the different state governments to fund those girls who belong to minority communities and are pursuing their education past Class 10. 

It assists in payment of tuition, admission fee, maintenance allowance and even boarding when necessary. It makes sense, it is all-inclusive and it keeps bright, ambitious girls in school longer and dreaming bigger.

6. Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship

Being a single girl child is accompanied with love and responsibility in most of the families. The Indira Gandhi Scholarship of the UGC is a brilliant idea to help those girls in their post-graduate education.

In this program, deserving students get 3,100 rupees per month during two years as they study their Master degree. No tuition waivers or conditions specifically from colleges, it is merely financial assistance to pursue higher education further. This scholarship will help the families to pursue their single daughters to achieve their education and career dreams, free of the burden of financial constraints.

Top Private Scholarship for Girls in India

Government schemes form a base but the efforts of the private organizations in encouraging girl education are difficult to overestimate. Numerous corporations, foundations and philanthropic trusts have moved in to seal the gaps- by providing scholarships that extend beyond academics. Such programs usually entail mentoring, character building, internship opportunities and introduction to the world of work.

The following are some of the most empowering personal scholarships to the girls in India:

1. L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship

Imagine a little girl interested in chemistry, who wants to work in the laboratory but is afraid she cannot afford college. The Loreal India scholarship is tailored to suit her.

This program aims at attracting girls into a career in science by providing financial assistance of up to 2.5 lakh rupees toward graduation studies in any stream of science. However, it is not the monetary part that is the most important, it is the belief that this scholarship gives girls- it says to them: your interest in science is not misplaced and we will support you every step of the way.

Throughout the years, it has assisted hundreds of young women in making their first steps in the realm of STEM and excel in the areas where males used to dominate.

2. Santoor Women’s Scholarship

In states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, many of the bright young girls have a humble background in India. To them, the Santoor Women Scholarship offered by Wipro Consumer Care is a Godsend.

This scheme helps the girls who have passed Class 12 and are taking admission in full-time graduation courses in any stream. It provides annually 24,000 rupees to meet the college costs such as tuition fee, textbooks, and transportation.

The beauty of this scholarship is its accessibility and scope- it is designed to be availed by girls who belong to underprivileged sections of society and would otherwise be the first in their families to attend college. It assists them to make that giant leap to tertiary education without feeling frustrated by expenses.

Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship

When it comes to a single scholarship that can be regarded as an amalgamation of financial aid and mentorship, it would have to be the Sashakt Scholarship by Dr. Reddy’s Foundation. It is ideal if you are a girl, who does not just want to study science but excel in it.

It is a merit based scholarship scheme for girl students seeking undergraduate degree courses in science streams in leading colleges in India. A peculiar feature? The students so chosen are then assigned to mentors, women scientists and professionals who help the students through their academic life, and encourage them.

The scholarship pays the full college tuition fee, and in some instances assists with living expenses as well. But it is not only the money; it is a support system to help develop future women leaders in science.

4. Adobe India Women-in-Tech Scholarship

These are a few girls who are inclined towards computers, coding and innovation but they normally are outnumbered in technology classrooms. Adobe wants to change that.

The scholarship is called Adobe Women-in-Tech Scholarship and is designed to help female students pursuing a technology-related degree (computer science, data science, or engineering). It pays the tuition, has a mentorship program, and gives an internship opportunity at Adobe as well as a networking opportunity with other women in technology.

It is not a scholarship, but a launching pad to the world of technology where opportunities of being a leader in a fast-paced digital world are open.

5. Tata Housing Scholarships for Meritorious Girl Students

The last strongholds where girls are yet to be fairly represented are in architecture and civil engineering but that too will change, and soon, due to efforts such as the one by Tata Housing.

This scholarship assists girl students belonging to economically weaker sections pursuing full time undergraduate courses in Civil Engineering or Architecture. It covers the tuition fee reimbursement and academic expenses so that the cost does not come in the way of a girl achieving her dream of being a builder of the cities of tomorrow.

It is not all about marks but about potential, about supporting people who may have talent but cannot afford it financially.

6. Glow and Lovely Foundation Scholarship

Previously called the Fair & Lovely Foundation, this scholarship has supported thousands of young female Indians to get higher education throughout the country.

The Glow and Lovely Foundation Scholarship assists girls pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in medicine, engineering, commerce, law and arts. It also provides career advice and the opportunity to take free online courses to enhance skill-building.

It has a robust online presence and an easy application procedure, this scholarship goes deep into the towns and villages, bringing higher education within reach of girls who have always wanted to do more.

Related Blog: What Are the Best Scholarships Available for 12th Passed Students in 2025?

FAQs About Government and Private Scholarship for Girls in India

Q1. What documents are required to apply for girl-specific scholarships?

The application process of most scholarships needs some simple documents, which help to confirm the identity of the student, his academic performance, and financial status. 

These normally are:

  1. Aadhar card or any other photo identity proof
  2. New passport-sized picture.
  3. Government income certificate.
  4. Caste or minority certificate (wherever applicable)
  5. Educational report cards or marks sheets.
  6. Copy of admission evidence or fee receipt of the current Place of education
  7. Bank account information (on the name of the student)

It is always good to have scanned copies of these documents prepared before hand. Every scholarship might require a bit different list so read the instructions thoroughly when applying.

Q2. Which private organizations offer scholarships for girls in India?

Some non-governmental agencies have come forward to aid education among girls. Among the most popular and authoritative ones there are:

  1. L Oréal India (Young Women in Science)
  2. Wipro/Santoor (Santoor Women Scholarship)
  3. Dr. Reddy Foundation (Sashakt Scholarship)
  4. Adobe India (Women-in-Tech Scholarship)
  5. Tata Housing
  6. Glow and Lovely Foundation

These organizations also concern themselves with varying subjects, namely, science and technology, and general education, among others, thus virtually every girl with a vision can find something to look forward to.

Q3. Is there a central portal to apply for girl scholarships in India?

Yes, there are official platforms that help streamline the application process for government scholarships. 

The most commonly used one is the:

National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – https://scholarships.gov.in/

You can also check your respective state government’s education department websites, as many state-run schemes are listed there.

For private scholarships, websites like buddy4study , vidyasaarathi , or the scholarship sections of the company/foundation websites are useful starting points.

Q4. When is the best time to apply for these scholarships?

Application is generally accepted between May to October, right after the academic session starts, or the board examination results have been announced. Nonetheless, every scholarship is different in terms of the timeline, and one should:

  1. Favourite important scholarship websites
  2. Make appointments with approaching deadlines
  3. Look at official announcements on a regular basis

Start early! Certain scholarships get shut even in a matter of weeks after they have been opened.

Q5. What is the eligibility for the CBSE Udaan scheme for girls?

The Udaan scheme is geared towards helping girl students who are interested in taking engineering. In order to qualify, the student should be in Class 11 in a government or government aided school which is affiliated to CBSE.

  1. She ought to be under the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics)
  2. She should have obtained not less than 70% marks in Class 10
  3. Her family income must not exceed 6 lakh per annum

After the selection, she will be given online coaching, study material, and guidance to crack engineering entrance exams such as JEE.

Conclusion

The success of any girl is a background of never giving up, hopes, and, in many cases, a timely support. In India, that help is in the shape of scholarships to many girls. It is not merely a financial grant, it is a lifeline, it is a form of encouragement and it is the confidence boost affirming that it can be done. Be it a government program that makes sure a girl does not drop out after Class 8, or a private foundation that guides and mentors her into a career in science, any scholarship brings equality, empowerment and opportunity one step nearer. They enable girls to enter classrooms, take exams and dream of purposely-filled futures.

And to you students, or parents who are reading this in the hope that you can help your daughter with her education–this: there is hope. And you do not need to struggle with the weight of college fees, books and expenses all by yourself. You have people, organizations and whole systems that want you to succeed. Begin your research, have your documents at hand and apply with confidence. It can be a long way, however, the destination is worth it.

Apply for Sakal India Foundation Scholarships and Shape Your Future

In Sakal India Foundation, we reckon that education is more than a right- it is a ticket to change. We have been decades in assisting students all over India to follow their dreams by giving them timely and relevant scholarships. And we feel particularly great about our contributions to empower young girls who are willing to cross all the lines and create better futures.

Are you a girl with ambition, talent and the drive to succeed but are being kept back by the lack of finances? Our scholarships may be just the push you need. Is it your first big step into college, do you aspire to gain post graduate education or do you need assistance in a professional course, we are here to guide you.

We have a transparent process that is student friendly and which is aimed at tapping deserving candidates across all segments of life. The only thing you have to do is to make the first step–visit our scholarships, complete your application and allow us to be with you every step of the way.

To learn more and apply, visit Sakal India Foundation.

What you learned is important. Your dreams are not irrelevant. And your future is calling.

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Sakal India Foundation

The idea of setting up an organisation to encourage and assist needy and deserving students with grants and scholarships to pursue higher education was conceived by the late Dr. N. B. Parulekar the managing editor of daily Sakal.

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