A scholarship for sports students in India can help school, college and higher-education students manage education costs while continuing their sporting careers. Depending on the programme, support may cover tuition fees, education expenses or provide a monthly or annual scholarship.
The opportunities below focus on student sportspersons and education-related financial support, rather than general athlete training schemes.
Best Scholarships for Sports Students in India
| Scholarship | Education level | Main sports eligibility | Benefit |
| UGC Free Education for Sports Medal Winners | UG, PG & professional courses | National/international sporting achievements | Tuition and other education support |
| AAI Sports Scholarship | School & college-age athletes | Recognised national, inter-university and school-level achievements | Sports scholarship |
| IndianOil Acers | Young sportspersons | Recognised sporting performance | ₹15,000–₹30,000 per month |
| IndianOil Divyashakti | Para-athletes | Recognised para-sports performance | ₹1.8–₹3.6 lakh per year |
| Simply Sport Girl Education Scholarship | School girls under 18 | District to national level | ₹10,000 per year |
1. UGC Free Education for Sports Medal Winners
The UGC Free Education for Sports Medal Winners/Participants of National/International Events scheme provides education-related financial assistance to eligible sportspersons studying in higher education.
- Education: Bachelor’s, PG, PG Diploma, PhD, MBA and other professional courses.
- Eligibility: Depends on the level of sporting achievement, including recognised national and international events.
- Benefit: Tuition and other eligible fees can be supported; hostel expenses and sports kits are also covered under specified categories. The assistance varies according to sporting achievement.
2. AAI Sports Scholarship
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) Sports Scholarship supports outstanding young sportspersons.
- Education: Suitable for school and college-age athletes.
- Age: 14–24 years under the 2026–27 scheme.
- Eligibility: Achievements at recognised National Championships, All India Inter-University Tournaments or National School Games, depending on the category.
- Benefit: Scholarship amount is provided to selected sportspersons under the AAI scheme.
- Selection: Based on sporting performance and the prescribed selection criteria.
AAI has listed a Sports Scholarship Scheme for Outstanding Sportspersons for 2026–27 on its official Sports Control Board page.
3. IndianOil Sports Scholarship – Acers
The IndianOil Acers Sports Scholarship supports promising young sportspersons in recognised sports.
- Education: For young sportspersons; not restricted to a particular UG or PG year.
- Age: The scheme targets junior athletes, with the published guidelines covering the relevant age categories.
- Eligibility: Based on sporting performance and achievement.
- Benefit: ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per month for selected scholars, depending on category.
- Special provision: 50% of scholarship seats are reserved for female sportspersons.
4. IndianOil Divyashakti Para-Sports Scholarship
The IndianOil Divyashakti Scholarship is specifically for para-athletes.
- Education: For young sportspersons continuing education alongside sports.
- Age: The published scholarship notification specified 16–28 years.
- Eligibility: Para-athletes in the sports covered by the programme.
- Benefit: ₹1.8 lakh to ₹3.6 lakh per year, depending on the scholarship category.
- Special provision: 50% of scholarships are reserved for female para-athletes.
5. Simply Sport Girl Education Scholarship
The Simply Sport Girl Education Scholarship helps young female athletes continue their school education.
- Education: School students below 18 years.
- Eligibility: Girls who have competed at district, zonal, state or national level and scored at least 50% in the previous academic year.
- Benefit: ₹10,000 per year for selected athletes, covering expenses such as tuition, books, uniforms and examination fees.
- Other requirement: Applicants should provide sports, academic and income-related documents.
University-Specific Sports Scholarships in India
Several universities and colleges offer separate scholarships or tuition-fee waivers for students with recognised sports achievements. These benefits generally apply only to students joining or studying at that institution.
| University/College | Education level | Sports eligibility | Benefit |
| KCG College of Technology | Engineering | State/National/Inter-University | Sports scholarship |
| Sharda University | UG/PG & other programmes | State/National achievements | 10%–100% tuition fee |
| BML Munjal University | UG/PG | State/National/International | 25%–100% tuition waiver |
| Sri Venkateswaraa University | UG & other programmes | State/National | ₹5,000–₹20,000 |
| Sona College of Technology | UG/PG | Zonal to International | ₹10,000–₹40,000 |
KCG’s 2026 sports scholarship selection requires State, National or Inter-University achievements and at least 45% in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for engineering applicants.
BML Munjal University provides 25%–100% tuition-fee waivers according to State, National or International sporting achievement.
Sports Scholarships by Education Level
| Education level | Relevant scholarships/options |
| School students | AAI Sports Scholarship, Simply Sport Girl Education Scholarship |
| UG students | UGC sports-related education assistance, university sports scholarships |
| Engineering students | KCG College of Technology, BML Munjal University and other university sports scholarships |
| PG students | UGC sports-related assistance and eligible university sports scholarships |
How to Apply for a Sports Scholarship?
- Check the education level and age requirement.
- Verify the required sports achievement.
- Check academic and income conditions, if applicable.
- Keep marksheets and sports certificates ready.
- Apply through the official portal or institution.
- Complete document verification or sports trials when required.
Documents Required
- Academic marksheets or previous exam certificates
- Sports achievement and participation certificates
- Competition or tournament records
- Identity proof
- Age proof
- Admission proof or bonafide certificate
- Bank account details
- Income certificate, if required
- Passport-size photographs, if required
Note: The exact documents may vary depending on the scholarship.
FAQs About Sports Scholarships in India
1. Can school students get sports scholarships in India?
Yes. Scholarships such as AAI and Simply Sport support eligible young athletes, subject to their age, academic and sports requirements.
2. Can UG students get scholarships for sports achievements?
Yes. UG students can qualify for UGC sports-related assistance and sports scholarships offered by individual universities.
3. Are sports scholarships available for engineering students?
Yes. Some engineering institutions offer tuition scholarships based on State, National or Inter-University sports achievements.
4. Do I need national-level sports achievements to get sports scholarships?
Not always. Some scholarships accept district, zonal or state-level achievements, while others require higher-level participation.
Conclusion
Sports students in India can find education-focused financial support at different stages, from school to UG and PG studies. The right scholarship depends on the student’s education level, sporting achievement and the conditions of the programme. Always check the official eligibility rules and application requirements before applying.
