Top MBA Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025 (India and Abroad)

An MBA can transform your career by unlocking leadership roles and global opportunities. However, tuition costs in top B-schools—both in India and abroad—can be a major financial challenge. Fortunately, many organizations and universities offer scholarships that make MBA education more accessible for Indian students.

Below is a list of the top MBA scholarships for Indian students in 2025, along with eligibility criteria, benefits, and application details.

1. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

• Offered by: Reliance Industries + Stanford GSB
• Eligibility: Indian citizens with financial need admitted to Stanford MBA
• Benefits: Up to USD 150,000 for tuition and living
• Apply at: gsb.stanford.edu

2. ISB Scholarships (India)

• Institution: Indian School of Business (ISB Hyderabad & Mohali)
• Types: Merit Waiver, Need-based Waiver, Diversity Scholarship
• Amount: ₹5 to ₹15 lakh
• Apply at: isb.edu

3. Inlaks Scholarships

• Eligibility: Indian students under 30 pursuing MBA abroad (non-US)
• Benefits: Up to USD 100,000 for tuition and living expenses
• Apply at: inlaksfoundation.org

4. IIM Scholarships (India)

• Institutes: IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, etc.
• Eligibility: Varies—usually based on merit and income (< ₹6–8 lakh/year)
• Benefits: Fee waivers or full tuition coverage
• Apply through: Each IIM’s financial aid office

5. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

• Eligibility: Indian professionals with 3+ years’ work experience applying to US MBA programs
• Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare
• Apply at: usief.org.in

6. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• Offered by: UK Government
• Eligibility: Indian graduates with leadership potential applying to MBA programs in the UK
• Benefits: Full tuition + monthly allowance + airfare
• Apply at: chevening.org

7. Harvard Business School – Need-Based Fellowships

• Eligibility: Admitted students to HBS MBA
• Benefits: Up to USD 40,000/year based on financial need
• Apply at: Automatically considered upon admission

8. Oxford-India Centre for Sustainable Development (MBA Scholarship)

• Institution: University of Oxford, Saïd Business School
• Eligibility: Indian students demonstrating leadership and commitment to development
• Benefits: Partial to full tuition support
• Apply at: sbs.ox.ac.uk

9. Aditya Birla Group Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students admitted to IIM A/B/C/L or XLRI Jamshedpur
• Benefits: ₹1.75 lakh per year
• Apply at: By nomination and internal process

10. PNB Housing Finance Protsahan Scholarship

• Eligibility: Economically weaker students admitted to MBA programs in top 50 Indian B-schools
• Benefits: ₹2 lakh scholarship
• Apply via: Buddy4Study platform

Tips for Successful Application

• Start preparing early – scholarship deadlines are often before MBA admission deadlines
• Craft a strong SOP and recommendation letters
• Highlight leadership experience, social work, and academic achievements
• Check for both external and university-specific scholarships

Conclusion

Pursuing an MBA in 2025 is more accessible than ever with these national and international scholarship opportunities. Whether you’re studying in India or abroad, securing a scholarship can reduce your financial burden and help you focus entirely on learning and leadership development. Apply early and strategically to maximize your chances.