Top Scholarships for Engineering Students in India 2026

Overview How to Maximise Scholarship Opportunities Sources and Verification FAQs

Overview

Engineering education in India can cost anywhere from INR 4 lakh to INR 25 lakh over four years. Scholarships can significantly reduce this burden. Here is a comprehensive list of the top scholarships available for engineering students, including government, private, and institutional options.

Most government scholarships have an INR 8 LPA income cap. However, merit-based scholarships from private foundations and college-specific scholarships often have no income limit.

Yes. AICTE Pragati, Reliance Foundation, and many private scholarships cover students in AICTE-approved private colleges. Check if your college is approved before applying.

How to Maximise Scholarship Opportunities

Register on NSP: The National Scholarship Portal is the single gateway for most government scholarships
Apply early: Most scholarships have deadlines in September-November. Do not wait until the last date
Maintain documents: Keep income certificates, caste certificates, and academic records updated and accessible
Check college financial aid office: Many scholarships are distributed through colleges. Visit the financial aid office during first week
Apply to multiple scholarships: You can hold multiple scholarships simultaneously in many cases

1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS)

Parameter	Detail
Amount	INR 20,000/year (Years 1-3); INR 25,000/year (Year 4)
Eligibility	Class 12 marks above 80th percentile, family income below INR 8 LPA
Apply	National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Deadline	October-November annually

2. AICTE Pragati Scholarship (for Girls)

Parameter	Detail
Amount	INR 50,000/year (up to INR 30,000 tuition + INR 20,000 incidentals)
Eligibility	Girls admitted to AICTE-approved institutes, family income below INR 8 LPA
Selection	Based on JEE Main/State CET rank and family income
Apply	AICTE portal

3. AICTE Saksham Scholarship (for PwD)

Parameter	Detail
Amount	INR 50,000/year
Eligibility	Students with disabilities in AICTE-approved courses, family income below INR 8 LPA
Apply	AICTE portal

4. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students

Amount: Full tuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance (INR 10,000-15,000/year)
Eligibility: SC/ST/OBC students with family income below specified limits
Apply: State scholarship portals or National Scholarship Portal

5. Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for J&K and Ladakh

Amount: Full tuition fee (up to INR 3 lakh) + INR 1 lakh maintenance/year
Eligibility: Domicile of J&K or Ladakh, Class 12 passed
Apply: AICTE PMSSS portal

6. INSPIRE Scholarship (DST)

Parameter	Detail
Amount	INR 80,000/year for 5 years
Eligibility	Top 1% in Class 12 board exams, pursuing B.Sc / integrated M.Sc
Note	Primarily for pure science; some engineering students eligible

7. Reliance Foundation Scholarship

Amount: Up to INR 2 lakh/year + mentorship
Eligibility: First-year students in STEM, merit and need-based
Apply: Reliance Foundation Scholarships portal

8. Tata Trusts Scholarships

Amount: Varies (up to full tuition)
Eligibility: Need-based, for students at partner institutions
Apply: Through college financial aid office or Tata Trusts portal

9. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship

Amount: INR 12,000-24,000/year
Eligibility: Family income below INR 2 LPA, engineering students
Apply: SJF website

10. Google Scholarship Programmes

Google Venkat Panchapakesan Memorial Scholarship: INR 1-2 lakh/year for female CS students
Google Generation Scholarship: For underrepresented groups in tech
Eligibility: Strong academics, demonstrated leadership, CS/IT students

IIT Fee Waiver

SC/ST/PwD: Complete tuition fee waiver
Family income below INR 1 lakh: Full fee waiver
Family income INR 1-5 lakh: 2/3rd tuition waiver
Family income INR 5-8 lakh: 1/3rd tuition waiver

NIT Scholarships

Merit-cum-Means scholarship for students with CGPA above 7.0 and family income below INR 5 LPA
Institute free-ship for economically weaker students

BITS Pilani Fee Waiver

Merit scholarships for top CGPA holders
Need-based fee waivers covering up to 80% of tuition

Sources and Verification

Information last reviewed on 24 Jun 2026.

Fees, cutoffs, admission steps, placements, and programme details can change. Always cross-check the latest institutional or authority notice before acting.

FAQs

Most government scholarships have an INR 8 LPA income cap. However, merit-based scholarships from private foundations and college-specific scholarships often have no income limit.

Yes. AICTE Pragati, Reliance Foundation, and many private scholarships cover students in AICTE-approved private colleges. Check if your college is approved before applying.

Some scholarships are only for first-year admission, but many (CSSS, AICTE, state scholarships) can be renewed annually. Some merit scholarships are available from second year onwards based on CGPA.

Register on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in), check your state scholarship portal, visit your college's financial aid office, and search platforms like Buddy4Study and ScholarshipPortal for private scholarships.