Top 12 BSc/MSc Scholarships in India

BSc is one of the most popular educational programs for science stream students at the UG level. Candidates should know that they can apply for merit-based and need-based scholarships while applying for admission. Let's discuss in detail related to the popular scholarships for BSc and MSc courses in India.

Students who wish to pursue Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees should know that in India plenty of scholarship opportunities help students from different academic backgrounds, talent pools and financial backgrounds. Candidates who belong to economically weak backgrounds can get financial support to continue their higher studies without any financial restraint. There are various scholarships provided by educational institutes, private organisations and government. Let's discuss some of the popular BSc and MSc scholarships students can get in India. 

Popular Scholarships for BSc and MSc Degrees in India

Here are some of the renowned scholarships in India that candidates can apply for to study higher education without any financial restrictions.

1. INSPIRE Scholarship: This scholarship is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The word INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research which is known to be one of the most prestigious scholarships in India for candidates who wish to study a BSc or MSc degree. This scholarship focuses on candidates who showed exceptional academic performance in their school exams. The INSPIRE scholarship helps students to fulfil their research in the sciences by providing a financial stipend. The INSPIRE scholarship provides a one-time grant to students who come from weak financial backgrounds to pursue full-time study in science courses for students at the BSc level, while at the MSc level, it supports research initiatives in various science fields. 

2. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE): This is a government-based scholarship program that rewards some of the most deserving school students and pre-university students with intellectual talent. The primary target for NTSE is pre-university students to help them study BSc and MSc courses by providing financial help to support their higher studies. 

3. AICTE Scholarships: This is a diverse scholarship program because the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offers several scholarships that not only target science but also provide scholarships in other fields of study. AICTE help underprivileged students gain financial support and the liberty to study courses of their interest. This scholarship helps candidates to study BSc and MSc programs and they can also pursue specialised fields like physics, biotechnology and chemistry without any financial barriers. 

4. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme: The UGC-granted scholarship is also designed to help candidates who belong to SC/ST but wish to pursue a postgraduation degree in the science stream. The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme grants financial aid to candidates during their MSc degree, mainly to those students who wish to study research in fields like life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. This fellowship includes candidates' living expenses, tuition fees, and other academic fees.

Also Read: Popular BSc & MSc entrance exams in India

List of BSc scholarships and MSc Scholarships

Some popular scholarships for which aspirants can apply during or after their BSc or MSc course are as mentioned below:

INSPIRE Programme

Purpose: The Ministry of Science & Technology offers this programme to candidates who want to pursue bachelor’s as well as master’s (level) education in natural or basic sciences. Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) has three components:

• Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS) aims to attract talented students to study various subjects in the field of Science by providing an INSPIRE Award of INR 5000 to one million young learners of the age group 10-15 years, ranging from Class 6 to Class 10, and also by arranging summer camps for about 50,000 science students of Class 11 with global leaders in science to experience the joy of innovations on an annual basis through INSPIRE Internship.
• Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): SHE aims to enhance rates of attachment of talented youth to undertake higher education in science-intensive programmes, by providing scholarships and mentorship. Every year 10,000 scholarships at INR 80,000 per year are offered to talented youths in the age group 17-22 years, for undertaking bachelor's and master's level education in natural sciences. The main feature of the scheme is the mentorship support provided to every scholar. Students who wish to pursue a course be it BSc or MSc can apply for the scholarship.

• Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC) offers 1,000 fellowships every year to students to aim to pursue a course in the research department and carry out a doctoral degree in both basic and applied sciences including engineering and medicine. In the second component i.e. INSPIRE Faculty Scheme, it offers assured opportunity every year for 1,000 post-doctoral researchers in the age group of 27-32 years, through contractual and tenure track positions for five years in both basic and applied sciences areas.

Scholarship Amount: INR 80,000 annually (Higher Studies)

Eligibility: Candidates are eligible to apply for the INSPIRE programme if they:

• Are a part of the top one per cent students in their Class 12 board exams and are studying Natural and Basic Sciences at BSc level or Integrated MSc level.
• Among the top 10,000 rank holders in JEE or NEET and have also opted to study Natural and Basic sciences in any institute or university leading to BSc and MSc degrees.
• Have studied at any of the below-mentioned colleges and have opted to study Natural and Basic sciences at the BSc or MSc level are eligible for the SHE Scholarship. 

IISERs	NISER
Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Basic Sciences	Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)	Jagadish Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS) scholars
International Olympiad medalists

When to Apply: September/October

Application Mode: Online on the official website of INSPIRE Programme.

Please note that from 2022 onwards Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) scholarship has merged with INSPIRE Programme.

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Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Programme

Purpose: Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation offers interest-free loan scholarships to students who want to pursue PG courses in fields like Applied Sciences, Pure Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Architecture Law, and Management at good Indian as well as international universities.

Scholarship Amount: Maximum INR 20 lakhs

Eligibility: Aspirants meet the eligibility criteria for this scholarship if they are-

• Indian nationals residing in the country
• Below 30 years of age
• Final year graduation student or have completed graduation from a recognised university

When to Apply: Between January to March

Application Mode: Online on the official website of Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Programme.

Process: The candidates are required to meet the eligibility criteria before applying for the scholarship. Students are also given an option where they can find out if they are eligible for the scholarship or not. Students will have to follow the below-mentioned steps: 

• Register by paying a fee of INR 500.
• Once registered, log in by using the ID and password. 
• Applicants will be shortlisted for the next phase which will be to upload their respective documents.
• Shortlisted applicants will be called for a personal interview in May/June 2020.
• Students who clear the interview will be notified regarding the scholarship at the end of June 2020.

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HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship Support (ECSS)

Purpose: To provide support to students whose families are facing personal/economic crises such that they can pursue their education without any hurdles.

Scholarship Amount: INR 10,000 to INR 25,000 per annum

Eligibility: Aspirants who are pursuing a Diploma, Graduation Degree or post-graduation degree and whose annual family income is equal to or less than INR 3,00,000 are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Application Mode: By Post/Online on the official website of HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship Support ECSS

Aim: The ECSS aim is to cover students from recognized private or government-aided schools between standards 6 to 12 and students who are studying in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, be it full-time or part-time or even diploma courses. The scholarship will cover the total annual School Fee up to a maximum of INR 10,000 and College/University Fee of a maximum of INR 25,000.

How to Apply: Students can follow the below-mentioned steps as follows:

Step 1: Visit the official website of ECSS.

Step 2: Click on Apply Now.

Step 3: Fill in the requested details.

Step 4: Upload the supporting documents.

Step 5: Submit the application form.

Step 6: Students will be notified.

When to apply: April to July

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Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child

Purpose: This scholarship is offered by UGC in order to help families to pay for post-graduation level education of girl child.

Scholarship Amount: INR 36,200 per month for maximum two years

Eligibility: Any girl who is the only girl/twin daughter/fraternal daughter of a family and has secured admission in a full-time (regular) master’s degree programme from a recognised university/college is eligible to apply for this scholarship. The age limit for this scholarship is 30 years.

Application Mode: Online on the official website of UGC’s Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child for PG Programmes.

How to apply: Candidates applying for the scholarship can follow the below-mentioned steps on how to apply.

Step 1: The student will have to visit the homepage of the National Scholarship Portal and click on 'New Registration'.
Step 2: Read the guidelines carefully as mentioned on the page, select the undertaking below and click on the option - 'Continue'. 
Step 3: Select the state of domicile, scholarship category, scheme type, gender, write the applicant's name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID.
Step 4: Provide the bank details (Bank name, IFSC Code, Account Number)
Step 5: Select Aadhaar or Bank Account Number as identification detail and click on the 'Register' button.
Step 6: The mobile number will be verified and an OTP will be generated.
Step 7: Now, log in using OTP and fill out the form.
Step 8: An application ID and password will be generated. Use that for future references.

When to Apply: Around August

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Post-Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders

Purpose: Aspirants are offered this scholarship to promote higher education in India. Candidates who secure this scholarship can pursue their post-graduation studies in any specialisation from any higher education institute in India.

Scholarship Amount: INR 3,100 per month for the duration of two years.

Eligibility: Rank holders of each university at UG level are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Application Mode: Online on the official website of UGC’s Post-Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders for PG Programmes.

How to apply: Students will have to follow the below-mentioned steps on how to apply.

Step 1: Register and create a new login ID and password. 

Step 2: Select the undertaking. 

Step 3: Fill in the form as required such as entering your personal and academic details.

Step 4: Upload the documents. 

Step 5: The student will be notified.

When to Apply: May to August

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Women Scientist Scheme (WOS-A)

Purpose: Department of Science and Technology offers this scholarship to encourage women scientists as well as technologists to pursue research in basic/applied sciences.

Scholarship Amount: As part of this scheme, aspirants are awarded a research grant such that for PhD holders or equivalent candidates the maximum amount granted is INR 30 lakh and for MSc or equivalent the maximum grant amount is INR 20 lakh. The amount is awarded for a maximum duration of three years.

Category	Fellowship (in INR)	Total Project Cost (in INR Excluding HRA & Overhead)
Ph.D or equivalent	55,000 + HRA as per norms	30 lakh
PG in Professional Course (M.Phil./M.Tech/M.Pham, etc)	40,000 + HRA as per norms	25 lakh
PG in Basic Science (M.Sc) or equivalent e.g. B.Tech/MBBS, etc	31,000 + HRA as per norms	20 lakh

Eligibility: Women candidates who are pursuing an MSc or PhD are eligible to apply for this scheme. The official website informs that “the minimum age limit under WOS-A is 27 years and maximum age for MSc or equivalent category is 35 years and for PhD and equivalent category is 57 years”.

When to Apply: All through the year

Application Mode: By post and Online on the official website of the Women Scientists Scheme.

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Mathematics Training and Talent Search Programme (MTTS)

Purpose: Candidates are awarded assistance to promote the idea of studying and developing independent mathematical thinking.

Scholarship Amount: The programme is free of cost wherein aspirants are offered travel allowance, certificates and cash prizes.

Eligibility: Aspirants who have studied Maths at the UG or PG level meet the eligibility criteria for MTTS programme.

When to Apply: October to December

Application Mode: By Post and Online on the official website of the Mathematics Training and Talent Search Programme (MTTS).

Selection: The selection to MTTS Programmes will purely be on merit which will be based on a consistently good academic record and a recommendation letter from a mathematics professor who is closely acquainted with the candidate. The list will be posted in March.

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Dr K S Krishnan Research Associateship (KSKRA)

Purpose: Aspirants who are selected for this programme are provided with an opportunity to work on R&D programmes at the below-mentioned institutes:

• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai.
• Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
• Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore.
• Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata.
• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Mumbai

Scholarship Amount: INR 26,000 per month as a stipend. The duration of this scholarship is two years.

Eligibility: Candidates who possess a Master’s or PhD degree in Science or Engineering meet the eligibility criteria. The upper age limit to apply for this scholarship is 32 years.

When to Apply: November to February

How to apply: Candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps on how to apply for KSKRA Application Form.

Step 1: Visit the official website of DAE BRNS.

Step 2: Download the hard copy, take a printout and fill in the form.

Step 3: Upload the following documents to the website:

Graduation/Post Graduation Certificate	GATE/NET Score, Subject and Year (Optional)
Proof of DOB.	SC/ST/PwD certificate (optional)
Passport Size photograph	Scanned copy of Challan.

Step 4: Once filled, send the application form with the demand draft by SPEED POST to the mentioned address on the website.

Application Mode: By email/post.

Selection: Suitable candidates will be called to appear for an interview in Mumbai. Preference will be given to candidates whose research interest and work experience has relevance to the mandate of DAE. Call letters will be sent to the successful candidates who will be absorbed as KSK Research Associates once found medically fit.

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AcSIR Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Summer Training Programme

Purpose: As part of this programme, aspirants are provided with an opportunity to work at the premier research Laboratories of CSIR during the summer months (May to August).

Scholarship Amount: Candidates are awarded INR 25,000 for the programme duration. Selected students are also given a travel allowance such that it does not exceed INR 5,000. The amount is paid to aspirants after they complete their training programme and submit their project report to the Lab Coordinator.

Eligibility: Candidates are eligible to apply for this summer training programme if they are in their:

• First-year of MSc programme or equivalent wherein they have secure minimum first-class at pre-MSc degree level.
• Third to pre-final year of Integrated MSc programme or equivalent in which they have a GPA score of 6.0 on a scale of 10 (up to IV Semester).
• First-year of ME/MTech programme or equivalent in which they have a GPA score of 8.0 on a scale of 10 OR GPA 7.0 on a scale of 10 for CFTIs at BE/BTech level or GATE Score 600 or NET (Engineering) Rank from 1 to 100.
• Third-year of BE/BTech programme or equivalent in which they have a GPA score of 8.0 on a scale of 10 OR GPA 7.0 on a scale of 10 for CFTIs (up to IV Sem)
• Third to pre-final year of Integrated ME/MTech programme or equivalent in which they have a GPA score of 8.0 on a scale of 10 OR GPA 7.0 on a scale of 10 for CFTIs (up to IV Sem) or GATE Score 600 or NET (Engineering) Rank from 1 to 100.

When to Apply: December to January

Application Mode: Online on the official website of AcSIR.

Selection Process: The section process for the fellowship programme is as follows:

Step 1: A screening will be primarily based on the Research Proposal and other screening criteria.

Step 2: Applicants can give five preferences of CSIR Labs/Institutes.

Step 3: Shortlisted applications will be intimidated electronically.

Step 4: The selection interview will be held at a central location.

Step 5: Selection is purely based on merit/performance at the selection interview.

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IAS Bangalore notifies Summer Research Fellowship

Purpose: As part of this fellowship, aspirants can work with scientists associated with the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi; the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru and The National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad.

Eligibility: Candidates who have a science degree at UG or PG level can apply.

When to Apply: October to November

Application Mode: Online on the official website of IAS Bangalore.

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IGCAR JRF

Purpose: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam offers Junior Research Fellowship to candidates who want to do research work in areas such as physical, chemical as well as engineering sciences.

Scholarship Amount: INR 16,000 per month

Eligibility: Aspirants need to be Indian nationals and should be less than 28 years of age. Further, candidates should have secured at least 60 per cent aggregate marks at the UG/PG level.

When to Apply: May to June

Application Mode: Offline and Online on the official website of IGCAR.

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 Promotion of Science Education (POSE) Scholarship Scheme

Purpose: To encourage meritorious students towards science education and to support them for the continuation of their science education up to a higher level, Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation & Technology awards scholarship to the meritorious students of 3-year BSc/4-year BS/5-year integrated MSc/MS courses and 2-year MSc course students opting for basic & natural science subjects viz (1) Physics, (2) Chemistry, (3) Mathematics, (4) Biology, (5) Statistics,(6) Geology (7) Astrophysics, (8) Astronomy, (9) Electronics, (10) Botany, (11) Zoology, (12) Biochemistry, (13) Anthropology, (14) Microbiology, (15) Geophysics, (16) Geochemistry, (17) Atmospheric Sciences & (18) Oceanic Sciences.

Scholarship Amount:

(i) Rs. 4,000/- P.M. for a 3-year BSc course.
(ii) Rs. 6,000/- P.M. for a 2-year MSc course.
(iii) If the students take admission in 4-year BS or 5-year integrated MSc/MS then the amount of scholarship during 1st, 2nd & 3rd year will be Rs.4,000/- P.M. and during 4th & 5th year Rs. 6,000/- P.M. 

Eligibility: Eligibility for the POSE Scheme is as follows:

1. For 3-year BSc/4-year BS/5-year integrated MSc/MS in basic & natural science subjects, the students should have passed class X and XII Board examination from a school situated in Haryana with minimum 85% marks for Haryana Board School and 90% marks for other boards like CBSE/ICSE etc. in
12th class.
2. For 2-year MSc in basic & natural science subjects, the student should have passed X, XII and BSc/BA (BA for MSc Mathematics) from a school/college/university situated in Haryana with a minimum of 75% marks in BSc/BA class.
Note:- If a student is presently availing the POSE scholarship in BSc class and studying in the college/institute situated out of Haryana. If he or she applies for a scholarship in  MSc class then they are eligible to apply for the POSE scholarship. In this case, 10th and 12th classes should be passed out from the school/college situated in Haryana.

When to Apply: September

Application Mode: Online on the Official Website https://saralharyana.gov.in/ 

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Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) Scholarship

Purpose: FAEA invites applications for scholarships to pursue undergraduate studies in arts/commerce/science/medical/engineering and other technical and professional disciplines at any university/institution/college in India. FAEA, on selection of student for the FAEA scholarship, provides financial aid for completion of undergraduate courses which includes tuition fees, maintenance allowance or hostel/mess charges and other allowances to cover travel, clothing and book purchases as per our norms. The continuance of the scholarship and the amount of scholarship is, however, subject to good academic performance and availability of funds.

Scholarship Amount: Depending upon the course the candidate is pursuing different amount of money is given.

Eligibility: Eligibility for the FAEA scholarship is as follows:

1. Students who have passed Class XII from a recognized board in India
2. 1st year undergraduate students.
3. Students whose Class XII results are not declared need to apply after the declaration of results.
4. Students who belong to socially and economically weaker sections of society.

When to Apply: May to June

Application Mode: Online at the http://www.faeaindia.org/Registration2022/

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Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship Programme

Purpose: The NSF Scholarship Programme is designed for students of academic excellence pursuing postgraduate studies at prestigious institutions in India or abroad. It is a merit-based scholarship, awarded to a select few, who meet the high standards defined by the Foundation.

Scholarship Amount: funds may vary according to the courses opted for by the students.

Eligibility: Eligibility for NSF is as follows:

1. Applicant must be an Indian national, residing in India

2. Applicant must be below 30 years of age as of January 31, 2024

3. Applicant must have graduated from an accredited Indian University
   Students in their final year of the degree course or those awaiting results are also eligible.

4. Applicants planning to pursue Postgraduate studies at top-ranking institutions from Fall 2024

5. Applicants who have applied and are awaiting acceptance from the university are also eligible to apply.

6. The award of a scholarship is subject to securing admission.

When to Apply: January

Application Mode: Online on the https://pg.nsfoundation.co.in/application-process/

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