Top 20 Scholarships for College Students in 2024

Looking For Best Scholarships for College Students

For many college students, the dream of higher education is often coupled with the reality of financial strain. To help ease this burden, 2024 brings a range of scholarship opportunities. These top 20 Scholarships for College Students are designed to support students from various backgrounds, offering assistance based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents. Whether you’re an outstanding athlete, a promising scientist, or a dedicated community leader, a scholarship here could significantly lighten your financial load and bring you closer to your educational goals.

Here are the top 20 scholarships specifically for college students in India for 2024, including both state and national scholarships.

National Scholarships

1. National Scholarship for Higher Education (NSHE)

• Scholarship Amount: Up to ₹20,000 per annum
• Eligibility: Students from economically weaker sections enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, mark sheets, and bank details.
• Application Process: Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

2. INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)

• Scholarship Amount: ₹80,000 per annum
• Eligibility: Top 1% of students in Class 12 with at least 85% marks, pursuing courses in natural and basic sciences.
• Required Documents: Class 12 mark sheet, admission letter, and bank details.
• Application Process: Apply online through the INSPIRE website.

3. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)

• Scholarship Amount: ₹5,000-7,000 per month + contingency grants
• Eligibility: Students in the first year of undergraduate program in basic sciences.
• Required Documents: Mark sheets, research proposal, and recommendation letters.
• Application Process: Online application and aptitude test.

4. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)

• Scholarship Amount: ₹25,000-₹30,000 per annum
• Eligibility: Wards of ex-servicemen and widows, studying in professional and technical courses.
• Required Documents: Service certificate, income certificate, mark sheet, and bank details.
• Application Process: Apply online through the KSB website.

5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls

• Scholarship Amount: ₹50,000 per annum
• Eligibility: Female students enrolled in the first year of technical diploma/degree courses.
• Required Documents: Mark sheet, admission letter, income certificate, and bank details.
• Application Process: Apply online through the AICTE website.

6. AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Differently Abled Students

• Scholarship Amount: ₹50,000 per annum
• Eligibility: Differently abled students with disability not less than 40%, enrolled in technical diploma/degree courses.
• Required Documents: Disability certificate, mark sheet, admission letter, and bank details.
• Application Process: Apply online through the AICTE website.

State Scholarships

1. Maharashtra State Government Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies by scheme
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Maharashtra.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Maharashtra Government Scholarship Portal.

2. Rajasthan Higher Education Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Up to ₹50,000 per annum
• Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students from economically weaker sections in Rajasthan.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, domicile certificate, and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Rajasthan Government Scholarship Portal.

3. Uttar Pradesh Post-Matric Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies based on course and category
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Uttar Pradesh.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the UP Scholarship Portal.

4. West Bengal Merit Cum Means Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: ₹11,000-₹22,000 per annum
• Eligibility: College students who have secured at least 75% in Class 12 and are residents of West Bengal.
• Required Documents: Class 12 mark sheet, income certificate, and bank details.
• Application Process: Apply online through the West Bengal Government Scholarship Portal.

5. Tamil Nadu State Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies by scheme
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Tamil Nadu.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Tamil Nadu Government Scholarship Portal.

6. Karnataka Vidyasiri Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: ₹15,000 per annum
• Eligibility: College students from backward classes studying in Karnataka.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate, and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Karnataka Government Scholarship Portal.

7. Bihar Post Matric Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies based on course and category
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Bihar.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Bihar Government Scholarship Portal.

8. Delhi Merit Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies by scheme
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Delhi.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Delhi Government Scholarship Portal.

9. Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: ₹12,000 per annum
• Eligibility: College students who have secured at least 60% marks in Class 12 and are residents of Kerala.
• Required Documents: Class 12 mark sheet, income certificate, and bank details.
• Application Process: Apply online through the KSHEC website.

10. Gujarat Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana

• Scholarship Amount: ₹50,000 per annum
• Eligibility: College students who have secured at least 80% in Class 12 and are residents of Gujarat.
• Required Documents: Class 12 mark sheet, income certificate, and bank details.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Gujarat Government Scholarship Portal.

11. Haryana State Merit Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies by scheme
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Haryana.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Haryana Government Scholarship Portal.

12. Chhattisgarh Post Matric Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies based on course and category
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Chhattisgarh.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Chhattisgarh Government Scholarship Portal.

13. Assam State Government Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies by scheme
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Assam.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Assam Government Scholarship Portal.

14. Punjab Post Matric Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount: Varies based on course and category
• Eligibility: College students from economically weaker sections studying in Punjab.
• Required Documents: Income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and mark sheets.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Punjab Government Scholarship Portal.

Conclusion: 

The top 20 scholarships for college students in 2024 stand as beacons of support, guiding students through their academic journey with financial aid. From arts to sciences, sports to community service, these scholarships recognize and reward various talents and achievements. By applying to these opportunities, students gain financial assistance and boost their resumes, enhancing their future prospects. Remember, the key to securing a scholarship lies in thorough research, a strong application, and timely submission. So, start exploring and applying to these scholarships today, and take a confident step towards your educational dreams.