Government Scholarships for Engineering Students in India

Getting an opportunity to work around machines, innovative software, and projects is a dream for many. To accomplish this goal, engineering courses can provide a solid academic platform.

However, these intensive courses require a decent level of finance. The four-year tenure can burden many aspirants who wish to pursue education from government to private engineering colleges.

So, is there any solution to make up for the high engineering fees?

Indeed, there is. Government scholarships can help fund meritorious engineering students to cover educational costs. But you need to apply for suitable schemes to receive maximum funding.

This article aims to provide details of notable government scholarships for engineering students.

Government Scholarships for Engineering Students

These scholarships are available to students that belong to different categories. So, you need to check the eligibility criteria before applying to a particular scheme.

Below, you will find some prominent government scholarships for engineering students, along with their details.

1. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

This scholarship aims to provide funds for meritorious students who belong to the minority community. Notably, this scheme applies to admissions to government and private institutions.

Here are the details of the merit-cum-means scholarship:

Course levels: Technical undergraduate and postgraduate
Eligibility I: Over 50% marks in the previous final exam
Eligibility II: Annual income from all sources is less than ₹ 2.50 lakh
Tenure: Entire academic year
Application mode: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

Overall, 85 recognized institutes in India are eligible for reimbursement of the full course fee under this scholarship.

2. Post Matric Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

This scholarship is applicable to support education above the ninth grade. Hence, it is a remarkable opportunity for eligible students to use this economic backing up to a Master’s level education.

Take a look at the details in brief:

Course levels: Ninth grade up to Master’s
Eligibility I: 40% and above disability
Eligibility II:
Annual income from all sources is less than ₹ 2.50 lakh (Pre and post-matric)
Annual income from all sources is under ₹ 6.00 lakh (Top class, national overseas)
Tenure: One year
Application mode: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

The different schemes in these scholarships include costs like maintenance allowance, books grants, and disability allowance. The amount varies depending on the nature of the disability.

Hence, you should check relevant details to benefit from this government scholarship.

3. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship

If you are academically gifted, this scheme can be useful. Notably, this scholarship is applicable on the basis of a merit list that covers various categories of students.

Here’s a quick glance at the vital details of this program:

Course levels: Technical undergraduate and postgraduate
Eligibility I: Above 80th percentile in class twelve board examination
Eligibility II: Annual income from all sources is less than ₹ 6.00 lakh
Tenure: Depending on the course
Application mode: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

The rate of this scholarship varies as per the graduation tenure. For instance, you receive ₹ 10,000 per annum for the first three years of a graduation course. This rate is applicable at ₹ 20,000 per year at the post-graduation level.

4. AICTE PG (GATE/GPAT) Scholarship

If you have qualified GATE or GPAT, this scheme can prove beneficial for funding. Hence, your post-graduate education can receive the perfect impetus from this scholarship.

Take a look at the details:

Course level: Post-graduate
Eligibility I: Valid GATE score
Eligibility II: Admission in AICTE-approved institute
Tenure: Entire course duration
Application mode: Online via the AICTE portal

You receive an amount of ₹ 12,400 per month for the entire course duration. So, if you complete the Master’s course in 24 months, which is the customary tenure, the final scholarship will be around ₹ 2.97 lakh.

5. Digital India Internship Scheme

This scheme is a provision of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India. The objective of this ministry is the promotion of e-governance for facilitating students and citizens.

The Digital India Internship scheme is applicable in the following case:

Course levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Eligibility: Over 60% marks in the previous final exam
Tenure: Once a year
Application mode: Online via the MEITY portal

You should note that this scheme isn’t a direct scholarship. In fact, you receive a chance to pursue an internship in New Delhi.

There are different areas for internship ranging from Microelectronics to EMI/EMC testing. You can expect the internship duration to be around two to three months. The remuneration is ₹ 10,000 per month after completing the training.

Other Central Government Scholarships for Engineering Education

Apart from the five mentioned prominent schemes, you can avail of the following scholarships from the Central government list:

Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles
S.N. Bose Scholars Program
Khorana Program for Scholars

In addition, schemes like Indian Oil Corporation Engineering Scholarships, NTPC Scholarship, and Indo-U.S. Fellowship for Women in STEMM are some exciting alternatives.

Overall, these scholarships can reduce the economic burden that leads to stress in engineering tenure.

In addition to the central government scholarships, you can also browse some state-funded schemes. The following section mentions details of some state-wise engineering scholarships.

State-Funded Scholarships for Engineering Students

Every Indian state supports eligible students to pursue their dream courses with robust financial assistance. Covering every funding program can go beyond the scope of any article.

Still, these are some prominent programs for engineering students belonging to particular Indian states.

1. Post-Matric Scholarship for Disabled, Maharashtra

This state scholarship aims to support disabled candidates for their higher engineering education requirements. As it is a state scholarship, you should be a domicile of the state of Maharashtra.

Here’s a quick look at the crucial details of this scholarship:

Course levels: Eleventh grade to post-graduation
Eligibility I: 40% and above disability
Eligibility II: Domiciled in Maharashtra
Application mode: Offline and Online

The maintenance allowance under this scheme varies according to various groups. Also, blind students receive a reader allowance due to this scholarship.

2. Merit Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/Minority Students, Delhi

If you live in Delhi and belong to the mentioned student categories, this scheme can be useful for a range of engineering courses.

Before moving forward to know the scholarship amount, take a look at the important details:

Course levels: General, diploma, certificate, graduate, and post-graduate
Eligibility I: Over 60% marks in the previous final exam
Eligibility II: Annual family income ceiling of ₹ 2.00 lakh for OBC and minority students
Tenure: One year
Application mode: Online via the NIC Delhi e-district portal

Depending on the course of study, the scholarship amount under this scheme varies. Still, Hostellers can expect a scholarship of ₹ 1,620 per month for engineering degree courses.

On the other hand, if you are a day scholar, this scholarship is ₹ 900 per month. In addition, post-graduate engineering course aspirants will receive ₹ 1,860 (hostellers) and ₹ 960 (day scholar) per month.

3. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship, Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Dept. of Social Justice and Special Assistance provides this scholarship for SC category students. Notably, there is no income limit for this scheme.

Here are the scholarship details:

Course levels: Above 11th and 12th standard
Eligibility I: Only for SC category students
Eligibility II: Over 75% marks in the tenth standard
Tenure: Two years
Application mode: Through Maha DBT online portal

So, if you reside in Maharashtra studying in 11th or 12th standard, this scholarship can support you. But it is vital to note that you must belong only to the SC category. The amount is ₹ 3,000 per year in increments of ₹ 300 per month.

4. State Merit Scholarship, Kerala

This scheme is profitable if you are a first-year student in any undergraduate or postgraduate course. Still, you should note certain eligibility conditions stated below:

Course levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Eligibility I: Over 50% marks in the previous final exam
Eligibility II: Annual income from all sources is less than ₹ 1.00 lakh
Application mode: Online

If you pursue a Bachelor’s course, this State Merit scholarship will provide ₹ 1,250 per year. On the contrary, Master’s aspirants will receive ₹ 1,500 per year.

However, you should note that the number of scholarships is limited. Hence, it is vital to apply as soon as possible.

5. Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Minorities, West Bengal

This state-funded scholarship is a totally merit-based program. Also, it is applicable for different stages of education. Here are the crucial details of this West Bengal state scholarship:

Course levels: High school, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate
Eligibility I:
Over 60% marks in the previous final exam (For diploma and UG level)
Over 55% marks in graduation (For PG level)
Eligibility II: Annual income from all sources is less than ₹ 2.50 lakh
Application mode: Online via the state government portal

The scholarship rate for DTE courses is ₹ 5,000 per month. If you are a state polytechnic student, expect this amount to be ₹ 1,500 per month.

6. Technical Education Scholarships for PG/Degree/Engineering Courses, Himachal Pradesh

If you reside in Himachal Pradesh, the state government offers many technical scholarships. These schemes are available for various levels of engineering education, ranging from ITI to post-graduate courses.

Take a look at the essential details:

Course levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Eligibility I: Over 60% marks in the previous final exam
Eligibility II: Annual income from all sources is less than ₹ 36,000
Other details: Only for courses approved by AICTE

Depending on student categories, these scholarships range from ₹ 300 to ₹ 500 per month. This range is also applicable for diploma engineering courses.

However, if you are a resident of Himachal Pradesh and want to pursue an ITI, the funding will lie in the range of ₹ 100 to ₹ 250 per month.

7. Suvarna Jubilee Merit Scholarship, Kerala

If you are a native of Kerala and study in the first year of a state-approved undergraduate or postgraduate course, check this scholarship.

It is vital to note that you need to belong to a BPL family to avail of this funding. Here are the highlights of this state-funded scholarship in short:

Course levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Eligibility I: Over 50% marks in the previous final exam
Eligibility II: You should belong to Kerala and a BPL family
Tenure: For the entire course duration
Application mode: Online

Interestingly, the amount of the Suvarna Jubilee merit scholarship is ₹ 10,000 per year. So, if you are eligible, this funding can provide decent financial support.

Other State Government Scholarships for Engineering Education

Here is a list of some other prominent state scholarships for engineering students:

PRERANA Post Matric Scholarship for ST/SC/OBC/SEBC/EBC Communities (Odisha)
Post-matric Scholarship for OBC, Uttar Pradesh
Book Bank for SC Students, Maharashtra
Rajasthan Yuva Vikas Prerak Internship Program (RYVP)
NEC Merit Scholarship NER (Tripura)

Government Scholarships for Engineering: Aspects to Consider

The list of these government scholarships gives you an idea about the opportunities available to pursue your dream education.

Still, as a student, you should consider some basic but vital points for your scholarship planning and engineering preparation:

Compare central and state government scholarships
Make a list of schemes you are eligible for
List universities that accept GATE score (For PG aspirants)
Write your fee requirements promptly
Apply to a suitable scholarship without any delay
Read all the criteria thoroughly
Print and copy all the necessary documents beforehand

These fundamental aspects can help you prepare for an engineering admission efficiently. As you can notice, staying attentive and organized will facilitate easy planning for choosing the best funding schemes.

Summing Up

You can get funding from various government scholarships, even for a private engineering college course. It is, however, essential to shortlist the target scholarships and choose one with the maximum reward.

Remember to stay attentive to all the government notifications. It is also crucial to check on your respective state government website. High scores in exams like GATE will allow you to get admissions in government-funded institutes.

Resultantly, you will maximize the scholarship reward and pursue the desired course without much economic burden.