Merit-based scholarships help students continue their education by rewarding strong academic performance. In India, the Central Government, state governments, universities, and private organisations offer scholarships for students pursuing higher secondary, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses. Some schemes are awarded purely on academic merit, while others combine merit with income or category-based eligibility.
This guide lists the active merit-based scholarships available in 2026, along with their eligibility, scholarship amount, and application process.
Top Active Merit-Based Scholarships in India (2026)
| Scholarship | Eligible Students | Scholarship Amount | Provider |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) | Class 12 toppers pursuing higher education | ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year | Government of India |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) | Children and widows of Ex-Servicemen & CAPF personnel | Up to ₹3,000 per month | Government of India |
| INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education | Science students with outstanding academic records | ₹80,000 per year | Department of Science & Technology |
| AICTE Swanath Scholarship | Eligible students admitted to AICTE-approved institutions | ₹50,000 per year | AICTE |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship | Girl students in technical education | ₹50,000 per year | AICTE |
| AICTE Saksham Scholarship | Students with disabilities | ₹50,000 per year | AICTE |
| National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) | Eligible school students | As per scheme norms | Government of India |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | Meritorious students from eligible families | Varies by course | LIC of India |
Note: Scholarship amounts and eligibility may be revised by the respective authorities. Always verify the latest notification before applying.
What Is a Merit-Based Scholarship?
A merit-based scholarship is financial assistance awarded to students based on their academic performance rather than financial need. Selection is typically based on marks, CGPA, board exam results, or entrance test scores. Some scholarships may also include a family income criterion.
Who Can Apply?
Students can generally apply if they:
- Have a good academic record.
- Are enrolled in a recognised school, college, or university.
- Are pursuing an eligible course (school, diploma, UG, PG, or professional).
- Meet any additional eligibility conditions specified by the scholarship provider.
Government Merit-Based Scholarships in India
Government-funded scholarships remain the most trusted option because they are backed by official departments and provide structured financial support throughout the course duration.
1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship supports academically outstanding students pursuing higher education after Class 12. It is one of the flagship merit scholarships offered by the Government of India.
Best For: Class 12 toppers pursuing higher education
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Top-performing Class 12 students admitted to a recognised institution |
| Renewal | Yes, subject to academic performance |
| Apply Through | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
Complete Guide: Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship
2. INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
The INSPIRE Scholarship encourages talented students to pursue basic and natural sciences by providing annual financial support throughout their studies.
Best For: Students pursuing B.Sc. and basic science courses
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | ₹80,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Students meeting the INSPIRE academic criteria and enrolled in eligible science programmes |
| Renewal | Yes |
| Apply Through | INSPIRE Online Portal |
3. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme provides financial support to eligible wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen and CAPF personnel pursuing professional education.
Best For: Dependents of Defence and CAPF personnel
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | Up to ₹3,000 per month |
| Eligibility | Eligible dependent wards and widows admitted to recognised professional courses |
| Renewal | Yes |
| Apply Through | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
Complete Guide: Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme
4. AICTE Pragati Scholarship
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship promotes technical education among girl students by helping them cover educational expenses.
Best For: Girl students in technical courses
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | ₹50,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Girl students admitted to AICTE-approved institutions |
| Renewal | Yes |
| Apply Through | AICTE Scholarship Portal |
Complete Guide: AICTE Pragati Scholarship
5. AICTE Saksham Scholarship
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship supports students with benchmark disabilities pursuing technical education in approved institutions.
Best For: Students with disabilities
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | ₹50,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Students with benchmark disabilities enrolled in AICTE-approved institutions |
| Renewal | Yes |
| Apply Through | AICTE Scholarship Portal |
Complete Guide: AICTE Saksham Scholarship
6. AICTE Swanath Scholarship
The AICTE Swanath Scholarship helps eligible students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue technical education through financial assistance.
Best For: Students from eligible disadvantaged categories
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | ₹50,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Students fulfilling the eligibility criteria notified by AICTE |
| Renewal | Yes |
| Apply Through | AICTE Scholarship Portal |
Complete Guide: AICTE Swanath Scholarship
Private Merit-Based Scholarships
7. LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship
The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship helps meritorious students from economically weaker families pursue higher education in recognised institutions.
Best For: Meritorious students from low-income families
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | Varies by course |
| Eligibility | Eligible Class 10/Class 12 pass students meeting the income criteria |
| Renewal | Yes, as per scheme rules |
| Apply Through | LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation |
Complete Guide: LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship
8. SBI Foundation Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship
The SBI Foundation Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship supports deserving students from economically weaker backgrounds pursuing higher education across India.
Best For: Undergraduate and postgraduate students
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | Varies by category |
| Eligibility | Meritorious students meeting the prescribed income criteria |
| Renewal | As per programme guidelines |
| Apply Through | SBI Foundation Scholarship Portal |
9. ONGC Merit Scholarship
The ONGC Merit Scholarship provides financial assistance to meritorious students enrolled in professional degree programmes such as Engineering, MBBS, MBA, and selected postgraduate courses.
Best For: Students pursuing professional degree courses
| Details | Information |
| Scholarship | ₹48,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Eligible students admitted to approved professional programmes |
| Renewal | Yes |
| Apply Through | ONGC Scholarship Portal / Official Notification |
Complete Guide: ONGC Merit Scholarship
How to Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships?
Although the application process differs from one scholarship to another, the steps are generally similar.
- Identify a scholarship that matches your course and eligibility.
- Read the official notification carefully.
- Keep all required documents ready before starting the application.
- Complete the online application through the official scholarship portal.
- Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
- Track your application status and respond promptly if document verification is required.
Applying early helps avoid last-minute technical issues and provides sufficient time to correct any errors.
Documents Required
Most merit-based scholarship applications require the following documents:
- Official identity proof as specified in the scholarship guidelines.
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Marksheets of the required qualifying examinations
- Previous semester or university mark sheets (where applicable)
- Admission letter or bonafide certificate
- Fee receipt
- Bank account details linked with Aadhaar (if required)
- Income certificate (for scholarships with income criteria)
- Category or disability certificate, wherever applicable
Additional documents may be required based on the scholarship, course, or institution.
Best Merit-Based Scholarships by Student Qualification
| Student | Best Scholarship |
| Class 11–12 | NMMS |
| Undergraduate | CSSS |
| Science Students | INSPIRE |
| Engineering | AICTE Pragati |
| Girls | AICTE Pragati |
| Disabled Students | AICTE Saksham |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a merit-based scholarship?
A merit-based scholarship is financial assistance awarded primarily on the basis of academic performance, such as board examination marks, university grades, or entrance examination scores.
Who can apply for merit-based scholarships in India?
Students with a strong academic record who meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the respective scholarship provider can apply.
Are merit-based scholarships only for toppers?
No. While academic performance is the main selection criterion, the required percentage differs from one scholarship to another. Many programmes recognise consistent academic achievement rather than only the highest scores.
Where can I apply for government merit scholarships?
Most Central Government scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal or the respective department’s official website, while some scholarships are administered directly by universities or sponsoring organisations.
Conclusion
Merit-based scholarships provide valuable financial support to deserving students across India. Choose the scholarship that matches your eligibility, submit your application on time, and always refer to the official scholarship portal for the latest updates.
Note:
- Based on the latest 2026–27 official scholarship notifications and guidelines.
- Scholarship amounts, eligibility, and application deadlines may change.
- Always verify the latest details before applying through the official scholarship portal or the respective organisation’s website.
Reference Sources:
National Scholarship Portal (NSP), Ministry of Education, and the official websites of the respective scholarship providers.
