As per the report of All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education is 26.3 per cent, out of which a vast majority of students - 79.8 per cent - are enrolled at bachelor’s level. Thus, to encourage these students and support their undergraduate studies, various organisations and institutions offer undergraduate level scholarships. These scholarships can be merit-based, means-based, or merit-cum-means based. Irrespective of the stream in which a student is pursuing undergraduate studies, there is a scholarship available for everyone. These scholarships are meant to offer financial freedom to students who are facing financial difficulties in pursuing their career aspirations. READ | Top 6 scholarships for meritorious students Here is the list of top 5 scholarships available for undergraduate students Sardar Patel Scholarship for Students Pursuing Graduation This scholarship supports students coming from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) of society. The students who are currently pursuing first or second year of a three-year graduation programme in any stream (arts, science, commerce, special education) can apply for this scholarship. They must have obtained at least 50 per cent marks in their Class 12 examination and their annual family income should be less than Rs 6 lakhs per annum. Provider Detail: Buddy4Study India Foundation Eligibility: Students pursuing graduation READ | Top 10 scholarships for girl students in India Award: Rs 15,000 Application timeline: Between March and June (tentative) Application mode: Apply online through official portal Dr. Reddy's Foundation Sashakt Scholarship This scholarship is meant to support young Indian women to prepare for and pursue a career in science. The scholarship offered helps the girl students to pursue their undergraduate studies. Girl students who have opted for BSc program in pure or natural science after passing class 12 can apply for this scholarship. READ | Top countries offering scholarships to pursue higher education Provider detail: Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Eligibility: Class 12 passed girl applicants Award: Rs 2,40,000 for three years of study Application timeline: Between May and August (tentative) Application mode: Apply online through the official website of Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship Scheme This scholarship has been introduced with an objective to provide financial assistance to the underprivileged students pursuing different courses at higher levels. The students studying in Class 11 or 12 or ITI or diploma or graduation or postgraduation can apply for this. They must also fulfill the percentage marks criteria (that is between 45 to 75 per cent marks) in their previous class as specified in the official notification. Provider detail: Sitaram Jindal Foundation Read | Fee-waivers, IELTS relaxation: What are foreign universities offering to enroll international students Eligibility: Class 11 to Post Graduation Award: Up to Rs 2,000 per month Application timeline: Always open Application mode: Apply by post to the designated office of Sitaram Jindal Foundation. G. P. Birla Scholarship 2020 Applicable for meritorious students of West Bengal, this scholarship provides financial support to class 12 passed students. The students are required to have passed their class 12 examination with 80 per cent marks or more from state board or 85 per cent marks or more from the central board. They must be continuing studies in streams including arts, medicine, science, engineering, law, architecture, commerce, or professional courses such as cost accountancy, company secretary, and chartered accountancy course from a recognized institution or university in India. Also, the annual family income should be less than Rs 3 lakh per annum. Provider Detail: G.P. Birla Educational Foundation Eligibility: Class 12 passed students Award: Scholarship worth up to Rs 50,000 per year and other benefits Read| Emerging courses to pursue: Virology | Actuarial science | Pharma Marketing | FinTech | Coronavirus | Robotics | Healthcare Engineering | Cyber Security | Data Science | Petroleum and Energy Application timeline: Between May and July (tentative) Application mode: Apply by post to the registered office of G.P. Birla Educational Foundation L'Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarships This scholarship has been introduced to encourage young women to pursue higher education in science. Girl students from economically disadvantaged families who have passed Class 12 examination in science stream with at least 85 per cent marks are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Further, they must have taken admission to an undergraduate program in a science-related field. The maximum age limit to apply is 19 years as on the date specified in the official notification. Also, the annual family income should be less than Rs 4 lakh per annum. Provider detail: L'Oréal India Eligibility: Class 12 passed girls (science) Award: Up to Rs 2,50,000 for Graduation Application timeline: Between September and July (tentative) Application mode: Apply online through official website or by post to L'Oréal India.
