Are you joining a professional undergraduate course after Class 12 and looking for financial assistance? The SDEF India Scholarship supports eligible students from financially disadvantaged families who are entering their first year of professional higher education in India.
Offered by the Swami Dayanand Education Foundation, this scholarship helps students manage educational expenses.
Students exploring more financial assistance options can also check our guide to scholarships for undergraduate students to find other opportunities for higher education.
SDEF India Scholarship 2026–27: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Scholarship provider | Swami Dayanand Education Foundation |
| Eligible students | First-year professional UG students |
| Minimum Class 12 marks | 80% or equivalent CGPA |
| Family income limit | ₹12 lakh per year |
| Scholarship amount | Up to ₹50,000 per year |
| Maximum award | Up to ₹2 lakh over four years |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | 31 October 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Students applying for this scholarship for first year UG students must meet the following conditions:
- Be entering the first year of an eligible, full-time professional undergraduate course in 2026–27.
- Have secured at least 80% marks or equivalent CGPA in Class 12.
- Have an annual family income of ₹12 lakh or less.
- Meet the applicable entrance examination requirements.
- Provide valid academic, admission and financial documents.
Students who took a gap year after Class 12, are already in their second year or later, or are pursuing part-time programmes are not eligible under the published criteria.
Eligible Courses and Entrance Exams
Eligible programmes include B.E./B.Tech., MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. Nursing, B.Pharm., Pharm.D., B.Arch. and BVSc & AH.
| Entrance exam | Published requirement |
| JEE Main | AIR 50,000 or better |
| JEE Advanced | AIR 40,000 or better |
| NEET UG | AIR 50,000 or better |
| NATA | Minimum 100 marks |
Check the official guidelines for the requirements applicable to your course.
Documents Required
Prepare these documents before applying:
- Aadhaar card and passport-size photograph
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
- Entrance examination scorecard
- College admission letter and ID card
- Latest college fee receipt
- Family income proof
- Electricity, water or gas bill
- Three photographs of the applicant’s residence
- Signed SDEF Scholar Pledge Form
Additional financial documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
How to Apply Online?
- Visit the official SDEF India Scholarship website.
- Select the application option for fresh applicants.
- Enter your personal, academic, admission and family income details.
- Upload the required documents and signed pledge form.
- Review the information and submit the application before the deadline.
Applications are accepted online. Keep your confirmation details and check your email for selection updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the SDEF India Scholarship amount?
Selected students can receive up to ₹50,000 annually, with a maximum potential award of ₹2 lakh over four years, subject to renewal.
2. Can Tamil Nadu and OBC students apply?
Yes. Eligible students from Tamil Nadu and OBC communities can apply if they meet the scholarship requirements.
3. How are students selected?
Selection considers academic merit, financial need and document verification. Shortlisted applicants may need to complete an assessment or interview.
4. Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. Renewal may be available for up to four academic years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and the foundation’s requirements.
5. What is the last date to apply?
The published deadline for 2026–27 is 31 October 2026.
Apply for the SDEF India Scholarship
Eligible students should review the official guidelines and submit their applications before the deadline.
Official website: SDEF India Scholarship 2026–27
Email: scholarships@swamidayanand.org
