📍 Introduction

Education is one of the biggest investments in a student’s life. But for many Indian students, the cost of higher education—whether in India or abroad—can feel overwhelming.

The good news? Every year, the government, private organizations, and international universities offer scholarships and fellowships to support meritorious and deserving students.

In this blog, we’ll cover the Top Scholarships & Fellowships for Indian Students —from undergraduate programs to research opportunities abroad.

🏆 Top Scholarships in India 

1. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

Eligibility: Students of Class 9 from low-income families

Benefit: ₹12,000 per annum

Best For: School students continuing higher studies

2. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)

Eligibility: Wards of ex-servicemen, CAPF & Assam Rifles personnel

Benefit: ₹30,000–₹36,000 annually

Best For: Graduate & professional courses

3. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls

Eligibility: Female students in technical courses (AICTE approved)

Benefit: ₹50,000 per year

Best For: Engineering/technology students

4. INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit)

Eligibility: Top 1% of Class 12 or JEE/NEET rankers pursuing science courses

Benefit: ₹80,000 per year

Best For: B.Sc, M.Sc, research careers

5. ONGC Scholarship for Meritorious Students

Eligibility: Economically weaker section, SC/ST/OBC/General students in professional courses

Benefit: ₹48,000 per year

Best For: Engineering, MBBS, MBA students

🌍 Top International Scholarships for Indian Students 

6. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Eligibility: Indian students pursuing Master’s in the UK

Benefit: Full tuition + travel + monthly stipend

Best For: Postgraduate students in UK universities

7. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)

Eligibility: Outstanding Indian students applying for Master’s/Research in the US

Benefit: Tuition fee, living allowance, airfare, health insurance

Best For: Research scholars, PhD aspirants

8. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Eligibility: Indian graduates applying for Master’s/PhD in Germany

Benefit: Monthly stipend + travel + health insurance

Best For: STEM and research students

9. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EU)

Eligibility: Indian students for specific Master’s programs in Europe

Benefit: Full tuition fee + €1,000 monthly stipend

Best For: Multi-country Master’s programs

10. Australia Awards Scholarship

Eligibility: Indian students for UG/PG courses in Australia

Benefit: Full tuition, airfare, and stipend

Best For: Postgraduate professionals in leadership fields

📖 Top Fellowships for Indian Students

11. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)

Eligibility: PhD candidates from IITs/IISc/NITs

Benefit: Up to ₹70,000 per month + research grants

Best For: Research in science & technology

12. Ramanujan Fellowship

Eligibility: Indian researchers returning from abroad

Benefit: ₹85,000 per month + research support

Best For: Science & technology researchers

13. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship

Eligibility: Indian students for PhD in Indian universities

Benefit: ₹18,000 per month + contingency grants

Best For: Humanities and social sciences

💡 Tips to Win a Scholarship/Fellowship

✔ Apply early before deadlines
✔ Keep academic records updated
✔ Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
✔ Collect recommendation letters in advance
✔ Check official websites for the latest updates

🎯 Conclusion

Scholarships and fellowships are more accessible than ever for Indian students. Whether you’re in school, college, or pursuing research abroad, there’s financial support waiting for you.

👉 Don’t miss out—apply on time and give your career the boost it deserves.

And remember, at JobsinIndia, we don’t just help with jobs—we help students and freshers with career guidance, resources, and opportunities to succeed.