Top Scholarships for Students After 12th: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply
  • By Admin
  • 12 Dec, 2025

Top Scholarships for Students After 12th: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

Finishing 12th grade is a big milestone, and scholarships can make higher education more affordable by covering fees, living costs, and more. This guide breaks down top options for Indian students, focusing on government, private, and international scholarships in simple terms. You'll find eligibility, perks, and step-by-step application tips tailored for beginners.

Government Scholarships

These are run by the Indian government and often prioritize merit, income, or specific streams like science or arts.

  • INSPIRE Scholarship: For top science performers in 12th (top 1% in boards). Offers ₹80,000 yearly for undergrad studies plus mentorship. Apply via inspire-dst.gov.in by checking NSP portal deadlines, usually October-December.​
  • National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes: Covers post-12th students from low-income families (under ₹2.5 lakh/year). Benefits include ₹12,000-₹20,000 annually. Register on scholarships.gov.in, submit marksheets and income proof before state deadlines.​
  • Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY): Targets research-minded science students scoring 75%+ in 12th. Provides ₹5,000-₹7,000 monthly stipend. Exam-based; apply via kvpy.iisc.ernet.in in September.​

Private Scholarships

Private trusts and companies offer flexible options based on merit or need, great for engineering, medicine, or commerce streams.

  • Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship: First-year undergrads with 60% in 12th and family income under ₹15 lakh. Up to ₹2 lakh total, plus leadership training. Apply online at scholarships.reliancefoundation.org by July 2025.​
  • Aditya Birla Scholarship: For top rankers in IITs/NITs post-12th. Covers full tuition and stipend. Submit via adityabirlascholars.net with academics and essays.​
  • Santoor Women's Scholarship: Girls passing 12th with 50%+ marks from low-income families. ₹24,000 yearly for any degree. Apply at santoorscholarship.com by August.​

    International Scholarships
  • Dreaming abroad? These cover study in USA, UK, Germany, or Australia with full funding for meritorious students.
     
  • ScholarshipCountryEligibilityBenefitsDeadline vedantu
    DAAD ScholarshipsGermany12th pass, strong academics100% tuition + €934 monthlyOct 2025
    Chevening ScholarshipUKLeadership potential, any streamFull tuition, stipend, travelNov 2025
    Australia AwardsAustraliaMerit/need-based post-12thTuition, living allowanceApr 2025
    Illinois Wesleyan (USA)USAHigh 12th scores (80%+)Up to $30,000/year merit aidRolling for 2025

    How to Apply: Simple Steps

  • Start early to beat deadlines—most open June-October for 2025-26.
  • Check eligibility on official sites or NSP portal.
  • Gather docs: 12th marksheet, income certificate, Aadhaar, bank details.
  • Fill online forms with a strong essay on goals (200-500 words).
  • Submit before deadlines; track via email/SMS. Renew yearly with college results.​
  • Pro Tips for Success

  • Research via scholarships.gov.in or Buddy4Study for more. Tailor essays to show passion, and apply to 10+ options. Deadlines shift yearly, so verify 2025 dates now—good luck on your journey!