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Finishing 12th grade is a major milestone for students, but it also marks the beginning of their higher education journey, which can be very expensive. Thankfully, numerous scholarships are available to help 12th-passed students pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial stress.
Recent research highlights a concerning trend in Chennai—40% of students who passed the 12th grade did not opt for higher studies. Teachers attribute this largely to economic hardship, especially among students from underprivileged backgrounds. Many boys are pressured into taking up jobs to support their families, while girls are often pushed toward early marriage.
This data underscores the critical need for financial assistance to ensure deserving students aren’t deprived of further education due to financial constraints. Scholarships can bridge this gap, offering these students a lifeline to pursue their academic dreams.
If you came to this page to know the best scholarships for 12th-pass students then you are at the right page. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best scholarships for students who have just completed their 12th grade, spanning various disciplines, needs, and eligibility criteria.
Why Scholarships Matter
As I said above, Higher education can be expensive, especially for students who wish to pursue specialized fields such as engineering, medicine, or management. Scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also open doors to better opportunities, prestigious institutions, and career-enhancing networks. Additionally, many scholarships take into account a student’s academic performance, financial need, community service, and extracurricular achievements, allowing deserving students to excel despite financial constraints.
Now let’s check different types of Scholarships in the next section.
Types of Scholarships Available for 12th Passed Students
Scholarships for students can broadly be categorized into the following types:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on a student’s academic excellence or outstanding performance in standardized tests.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Financially disadvantaged students can avail of these scholarships based on their family’s economic background.
- Talent-Based Scholarships: Scholarships for students excelling in sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities.
- Category-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are offered to students from specific social backgrounds, such as SC/ST, OBC, or minority communities.
Top Scholarships for 12th Passed Students
let’s explore top scholarships for 12th passed students
1. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It aims to identify talented students interested in research and encourage them to take up careers in the field of science. KVPY is one of the most prestigious scholarships for students aiming to study at premier science institutes like IISc and IISERs.
| Eligibility | Students in Science stream (PCM/PCB) in 12th grade aiming for research in basic sciences. |
|---|---|
| Award | Monthly stipend (₹5,000 for the first 3 years and ₹7,000 for subsequent years) and contingency grants. |
| Selection Process | Based on an aptitude test and interview. |
| Application Period | Usually between July to August. |
Selection Procedure: Students who clear the aptitude test are called for an interview. The final selection is made based on the student’s performance in both the aptitude test and interview.
Learn More About KVPY
2. INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE)
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology. The Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) component of INSPIRE is designed to provide scholarships to students who are exceptionally talented in the field of natural and basic sciences.
| Eligibility | Top 1% scorers in 12th science stream or students who have cleared competitive exams like JEE or NEET. |
|---|---|
| Award | ₹80,000 per year. |
| Selection Process | Based on academic merit. |
| Application Period | Applications are open from September to October every year. |
Objective: INSPIRE aims to attract students to careers in science and support them financially throughout their undergraduate and postgraduate education.
3. National Scholarship Exam (NSE)
The National Scholarship Exam is conducted by the National Institute of Career Education (NICE) Foundation. The exam aims to assess students’ general aptitude and logical reasoning skills and reward the highest scorers with scholarship funds.
| Eligibility | Open to all 12th-passed students across India. |
|---|---|
| Award | Cash rewards based on rank. |
| Selection Process | Based on a national-level exam that includes questions on aptitude, reasoning, and general knowledge. |
| Application Period | Typically from August to September. |
Exam Format: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions from sections like General Knowledge, Mathematics, and Analytical Reasoning. It’s open to students from all academic backgrounds.
4. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship
Named in honour of India’s former President and renowned scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, this scholarship is provided by various educational institutions and foundations to support meritorious students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarship covers a significant portion of the student’s tuition fees for their undergraduate studies.
| Eligibility | Students from economically weaker sections who have passed 12th. |
|---|---|
| Award | Full or partial tuition fee waiver. |
| Selection Process | Based on academic merit and financial need. |
| Application Period | Open throughout the academic year. |
Focus Areas: The scholarship primarily focuses on students who wish to pursue technical and engineering degrees but also extends to other fields of study.
5. Santoor Women’s Scholarship
The Santoor Women’s Scholarship is sponsored by Wipro Consumer Care and is aimed at providing financial assistance to young women from economically weaker sections. The scholarship helps girls pursue higher education in any stream of their choice.
| Eligibility | Girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. |
|---|---|
| Award | Rs.24,000 per year. |
| Selection Process | Based on academic performance and financial background. |
| Application Period | August to September. |
The scholarship is available for girls pursuing higher education in fields such as humanities, liberal arts, and science.
Apply for Santoor Women’s Scholarship
6. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
The Pragati Scholarship Scheme is an initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to promote technical education among girl students. The scholarship is available for girls enrolled in diploma or undergraduate technical courses across India.
| Eligibility | Girl students pursuing technical courses (engineering, technology, etc.). |
|---|---|
| Award | Rs.30,000 per year and other benefits. |
| Selection Process | Based on academic merit and family income. |
| Application Period | Open in September. |
Special Features: The scholarship includes a contingency allowance in addition to the main award. It also seeks to address the gender disparity in technical fields by encouraging more women to enter these domains.
7. AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Differently-Abled Students
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship is a government initiative aimed at supporting differently-abled students in pursuing technical education at the diploma or degree level. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides other educational allowances.
| Eligibility | Differently-abled students pursuing technical education. |
|---|---|
| Award | ₹30,000 per year. |
| Selection Process | Based on academic merit and family income. |
| Application Period | September. |
Key Features: Besides financial assistance, the scheme provides students with the necessary support to pursue higher education in technical fields, thus enabling them to overcome physical challenges and excel in their academic pursuits.
8. PM Narendra Modi Scholarship for 12th Passed Students
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme is designed to support students who are dependents of armed forces and paramilitary personnel. This scholarship scheme encourages higher education for children of those who serve the nation, whether through military, paramilitary, or related fields.
| Eligibility | Wards of ex-servicemen, paramilitary personnel, and serving armed forces personnel. |
|---|---|
| Award | ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per month. |
| Selection Process | Based on academic merit. |
| Application Period | November to December. |
Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees for various undergraduate courses and professional degrees. It aims to provide financial security to families connected to military services.
9. HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship
The HDFC Bank Educational Crisis Scholarship Support aims to provide financial assistance to students from families undergoing financial crises, such as the loss of a breadwinner, severe illness, or natural disasters.
| Eligibility | Students from families facing a financial crisis. |
|---|---|
| Award | ₹10,000 to ₹25,000. |
| Selection Process | Based on financial condition and academic performance. |
| Application Period | Open throughout the year. |
Scope: This scholarship supports students across all fields of study and seeks to help them continue their education despite financial setbacks.
10. Fair & Lovely Foundation Scholarship
The Fair & Lovely Foundation aims to empower young women from economically weak backgrounds by providing scholarships that support their education in professional fields such as medicine, engineering, business, and law.
| Eligibility | Female students who wish to pursue higher education in fields like medicine, engineering, or law. |
|---|---|
| Award | Up to ₹50,000. |
| Selection Process | Based on academic merit and an interview. |
| Application Period | July to September. |
Focus on Women’s Empowerment: This scholarship program is part of a larger effort by the foundation to increase the representation of women in various professional fields.
Conclusion
Scholarships are an excellent way for students to finance their higher education, especially if they face financial constraints or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Whether based on merit, financial need, or specific categories like minority status or gender, the wide range of scholarships available in India can help students pursue their dream careers.
By carefully researching, preparing, and applying for these scholarships, 12th-passed students can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education and focus on their academic and career goals.
