Scholarships for girl students in India: where to look and how to apply

Many Indian scholarships are designed specifically for girl students. Government schemes, foundations and companies all offer them, and the aim is the same: to make sure that money does not decide whether a capable girl continues her studies. But because these awards come from so many different places, they are hard to find in one go.

This guide explains the main kinds, gives examples from the current cycle, and walks through how to apply well.

The main kinds of scholarships for girls

1. Central government schemes for technical education

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) runs the Pragati Scholarship for girl students in technical diploma and degree programmes at AICTE-approved institutions. In the 2026-27 cycle the support is ₹50,000 per year, and eligibility is limited to girls in their first year, or in the second year through lateral entry, from families with annual income up to ₹8 lakh. Applications go through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and close on 31 October 2026 for this cycle. Details change between years, so check the NSP for the current rules.

2. State government schemes

Several states run their own schemes for girls in higher education. For example, Himachal Pradesh has schemes such as the Kalpana Chawla Chatravriti Yojana and the Indira Gandhi Utkrisht Chatravriti Yojana, with support of up to ₹18,000 per year for eligible female students who are residents of the state. Other states have similar schemes, often listed on the state's scholarship portal. If your state runs one, it is usually less crowded than a national award.

3. Foundation and NGO scholarships

Some foundations focus on girls entering high-cost, high-impact fields. One example in this cycle is the Sashakt Scholarship from the Dr Reddy's Foundation, which supports girls admitted to B.Tech, MBBS or science B.Sc programmes at listed colleges with ₹80,000 a year for three years and mentorship from a woman scientist. Applications close on 31 October 2026 and require a confirmed admission offer.

4. Corporate and CSR scholarships

Companies fund scholarships as part of their social-responsibility programmes. Recent examples include awards for girls entering MBBS, with support of up to ₹65,000 a year, and awards for women in STEM at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Deadlines for these are usually fixed and often fall in the months right after admissions, so they close faster than most government schemes.

5. International scholarships

Some international awards are open to women from India, or have a women's-focus category — for example, awards for women in STEM from financing and education organisations. These need stronger academic profiles, a statement of purpose and often an English proficiency test.

Do I qualify? Four questions to answer first

1. What is my course and year? Many awards are for first-year students only.
2. What is my family's annual income? Check your income certificate against the limit.
3. What is my state of residence? State schemes need a domicile certificate.
4. What are my marks? Some schemes have a minimum percentage, others do not.

If the answers fit, you are likely a good candidate. If one answer does not fit, look at the next scheme instead of forcing it.

How to apply well

Start early. Most awards for girls in professional courses are tied to admission cycles, so deadlines can fall within weeks of counselling.

Prepare the right documents. Typical requirements are Class 10 and 12 marksheets, Aadhaar, income certificate, bank passbook, admission letter or fee receipt and, where relevant, a category or domicile certificate. Our documents checklist covers each one.

Write a specific statement. Foundations and companies often ask why you want the award. A clear, honest answer that mentions a specific goal, a specific obstacle and what you will do with the opportunity stands out. Read how to write a scholarship essay.

Apply to several. Check for scholarships you can combine, and be aware that some schemes do not allow you to hold two awards at the same time. Read the rules.

Keep a record. Save every application ID and confirmation page.

Mistakes that cost girls their scholarships

• Missing the first-year or lateral-entry condition and applying in a later year.
• Using an income certificate issued for a different period than the one required.
• Leaving a bank account that is not Aadhaar-linked, so the payment fails.
• Waiting for the college to remind you — the deadline is yours to track.
• Not renewing. Many awards continue for several years if you meet the marks requirement and re-apply on time.

Being careful about offers

Genuine scholarships never ask you to pay to receive an award. If someone asks for money or personal passwords, read how to spot a fake scholarship offer.

Where to look

You can filter all current listings on our girls' scholarships page and by state. The NSP and your state portal are the official sources for government schemes, and the foundation or company's own site is the place to confirm any private award.

Amounts, eligibility and deadlines change every year, so confirm everything on the provider's official page before you apply. If you want help checking documents and filing on the official portal, our assistance team can do that for a fixed fee — but you can do every step in this guide yourself.