Top 10 Government Scholarships After 12th in India (2025 Edition)
Higher education in India can be expensive, especially for students from economically weaker sections. To help students continue their studies after Class 12, the Government of India and various ministries offer a wide range of scholarships. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even hostel costs for eligible candidates.
This article lists the top 10 government scholarships available after 12th in India for the year 2025, along with eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
- Offered by: Ministry of Education
- Eligibility: 80%+ marks in Class 12, family income below ₹8 lakh/year
- Amount: ₹10,000 per year (UG), ₹20,000 per year (PG)
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
2. INSPIRE Scholarship
- Offered by: Department of Science & Technology
- Eligibility: Top 1% of Class 12 students, pursuing B.Sc./BS/MS in Natural Sciences
- Amount: ₹80,000/year
- Apply at: online-inspire.gov.in
3. National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students (Top Class)
- Offered by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- Eligibility: ST students with family income below ₹6 lakh
- Benefits: Tuition fee, books, laptop, and living expenses
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
4. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
- Offered by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Eligibility: SC students enrolled in UG/PG courses, income below ₹2.5 lakh
- Benefits: Tuition + maintenance allowance
5. Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship for Minority Students
- Offered by: Ministry of Minority Affairs
- Eligibility: Minority students (Muslim, Christian, etc.) in professional/technical UG courses
- Amount: ₹20,000/year + maintenance allowance
- Income limit: ₹2.5 lakh/year
6. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
- Eligibility: Girl students admitted to AICTE-approved technical courses after 12th
- Amount: ₹50,000/year
- Seats: 5,000 per year
7. AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Differently Abled Students
- Eligibility: Students with disabilities enrolled in technical courses
- Amount: ₹50,000/year
8. PM Scholarship Scheme for CAPF & Armed Forces Children
- Eligibility: Children of ex-servicemen, martyrs, and armed personnel
- Amount: ₹2,500/month (boys), ₹3,000/month (girls)
- Courses: Professional and technical UG programs
- Apply at: ksb.gov.in
9. State Government Post-Matric Scholarships
Most Indian states offer post-matric scholarships for students pursuing UG and PG courses. These vary by state and category.
- Examples: UP Scholarship, Maharashtra DBT, West Bengal Oasis
- Apply at: Respective state portals
10. Maulana Azad National Fellowship (for Minorities)
- Eligibility: Minority students pursuing PG and research studies
- Amount: ₹25,000 to ₹28,000/month
- Applicable after: UG degree with admission in PG or MPhil/PhD
Tips to Apply
- Apply early, before the deadline
- Use the National Scholarship Portal or official state websites
- Keep all scanned documents ready (Aadhaar, income proof, caste certificate, mark sheet, etc.)
- Check your application status regularly after submission
Conclusion
If you have passed Class 12 and are planning to pursue higher education, you should not miss these scholarship opportunities. Government scholarships help reduce the financial burden and encourage deserving students to study without obstacles. Check the eligibility, prepare your documents, and apply on time to get the benefit in 2025.
See more: How to Get State Government Scholarships in India (2025 Guide)