Published – September 14, 2026
The Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM is a renewable scholarship offered by Progress for women in India pursuing undergraduate studies in technology-related fields. The scholarship offers up to ₹1.5 lakh per year and is intended to support eligible students with tuition, fees and educational expenses. Two scholarship recipients are selected each year based on academic achievement, financial need, STEM interest and other personal qualities.
Students looking for more opportunities can also explore our scholarship for women in STEM course guide, which covers scholarships available for women pursuing STEM education in India.
Akanksha Scholarship – Key Details
| Particular | Details |
| Scholarship | Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM |
| Provider | Progress |
| Eligible students | Women in India |
| Study level | First-year undergraduate |
| Eligible fields | CSE, CSIT and related courses |
| Class 12 requirement | 75% or above |
| Family income | Up to ₹5 lakh per year |
| Scholarship amount | Up to ₹1,50,000 per year |
| Duration | Renewable for up to four years |
The scholarship amount is determined according to the student’s financial need at the college they attend, so ₹1.5 lakh is the maximum annual award rather than a guaranteed amount for every recipient.
Akanksha Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be an Indian citizen.
- Be a woman.
- Be enrolled in the first year of college.
- Study Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Computer Science Information Technology (CSIT) or a related course.
- Have secured at least 75% aggregate marks in Class 12 or an equivalent examination.
- Have an annual family income of not more than ₹5 lakh.
Progress defines the STEM fields covered by this scholarship as computer science, software engineering, information technology and/or computer information systems.
Students in graduate school are not eligible. Progress employees, board members and their families are also excluded from the programme.
Benefits of Akanksha Scholarship for STEM Course
The scholarship provides up to ₹1,50,000 per year. It is renewable while the recipient continues an eligible undergraduate degree.
Recipients can renew the award up to three times within a four-year period. For renewal, students must remain enrolled, continue in an eligible major, maintain a 7.0/10 cumulative GPA or 70% marks (or equivalent) and submit their year-end academic records.
Documents Required
The official guidelines list these documents for a complete application:
- Resume or CV
- Government ID/Aadhaar Card
- Class 12 mark sheet
- JEE/CET or university entrance examination scorecard
- University admission or seat-allotment letter
- Family income certificate, BPL certificate or similar document
- 500–1,000-word essay
The essay asks applicants to explain their interest in STEM, career goals and positive contributions through activities such as volunteering, mentoring or community engagement.
How to Apply for Akanksha Scholarship?
Progress manages the Akanksha Scholarship application process through Kaleidoscope. Eligible students can apply online by following these steps:
Create an account on Kaleidoscope → Check eligibility → Complete the application form → Upload the required documents → Submit the application
Applicants should keep their academic records, identification, admission details and income-related documents ready before starting the application. The scholarship page should be checked for the latest application window and requirements before submitting the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Akanksha Scholarship?
Indian women in the first year of an undergraduate CSE, CSIT or related programme can apply if they meet the 75% Class 12 requirement and ₹5 lakh family-income limit.
2. How much scholarship is offered?
The award is up to ₹1,50,000 per year, with the actual amount determined based on financial need.
3. Is the Akanksha Scholarship renewable every year?
Yes. Recipients can renew the scholarship up to three times over a four-year period, subject to the renewal conditions.
Need help finding scholarships for women in STEM or understanding eligibility requirements? Visit an OBCRIGHTS People Centre for scholarship and education guidance.
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