Education in India can be expensive, and many students face financial challenges while pursuing studies after Class 10 and 12. To address this, the Government of India and various state authorities provide scholarships specifically for Class 10 and 12 students. These scholarships aim to reward academic merit, support economically weaker sections, and encourage students to continue their studies in higher education. By offering financial assistance for tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses, these schemes motivate students to excel academically and reduce dropout rates at critical stages of education.
Overview of Scholarships for Class 10 & 12 Students in India 2025
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Scholarship Amount | Application Mode | Course Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) | Class 8 pass students entering Class 9 & 10 | ₹12,000/year | Online (NSP) | Class 9–10 |
| KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) | Science stream students in Class 11 & 12 | ₹5,000–₹10,000/month | Online (KVPY Portal) | Class 11–12 / UG |
| INSPIRE Scholarship (DST) | Class 12 Science students in top 1% | ₹80,000/year | Online (DST Inspire Portal) | UG / BSc |
| National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) | Class 10 students | ₹1,250/month + contingency | Online/Offline | Class 11–12 & UG |
| Post Matric Scholarships (State Specific) | SC/ST/OBC/EWS students | ₹5,000–₹20,000/year | Online (NSP / State Portals) | Class 11–12 |
| Central Sector Scholarship for Class 11–12 | Merit-based students | Tuition fee + allowance | Online (NSP) | Class 11–12 |
| Ujjwal Scholarship (State Specific) | Economically weaker students | ₹5,000–₹10,000/year | Online / Offline | Class 10–12 |
Details of Scholarships for Class 10 & 12 Students
1. National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
- Purpose: Encourage bright students from economically weaker families to continue education beyond Class 8.
- Eligibility: Students passing Class 8 with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
- Scholarship Amount: ₹12,000 per annum for Class 9 and 10.
- Application Process: Online through NSP or via school authorities.
- Benefits: Supports tuition fees, study materials, and reduces dropout rates.
2. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
- Purpose: Identify and encourage talented students in the field of science.
- Eligibility: Students in Science stream of Class 11 or 12, recommended by schools based on aptitude and academic record.
- Scholarship Amount: ₹5,000–₹10,000 per month, plus contingency allowance.
- Application Process: Online registration through KVPY Portal.
- Benefits: Financial support for undergraduate studies in science and research exposure.
3. INSPIRE Scholarship (DST)
- Purpose: Promote scientific innovation among meritorious students.
- Eligibility: Students completing Class 12 with Science subjects, securing a position in the top 1% of board exams.
- Scholarship Amount: ₹80,000 per annum.
- Application Process: Online registration via DST Inspire Portal.
- Benefits: Encourages science students to pursue higher education in science and research fields.
4. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
- Purpose: Recognize and support academically talented students.
- Eligibility: Class 10 students with exceptional academic performance.
- Scholarship Amount: ₹1,250 per month for Class 11–12 and contingency grants.
- Application Process: State-level screening followed by national-level exams; forms available online or through schools.
- Benefits: Financial aid and recognition for academically gifted students to continue studies in senior secondary and undergraduate programs.
5. Post Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS Students
- Purpose: Support students from reserved and economically weaker categories.
- Eligibility: Students in Class 11 and 12 with family income below prescribed limits.
- Scholarship Amount: ₹5,000–₹20,000 per annum depending on the state and category.
- Application Process: Online application via NSP or respective State Scholarship Portals.
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, examination fees, and maintenance allowances.
6. Central Sector Scholarship for Class 11–12
- Purpose: Encourage merit-based education for students with high academic performance.
- Eligibility: Students who score above 75% in previous board examinations.
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fee reimbursement and maintenance allowance.
- Application Process: Apply online via NSP.
- Benefits: Helps students from all economic backgrounds to pursue Class 11 and 12 without financial stress.
7. Ujjwal Scholarship (State Specific)
- Purpose: Aid economically weaker students in selected states.
- Eligibility: Students of Class 10–12 from low-income families, selected by state education authorities.
- Scholarship Amount: ₹5,000–₹10,000 per year.
- Application Process: Online or offline submission via state education portals.
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees and other educational expenses, preventing dropout among underprivileged students.
Parting Insights
Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 students in India in 2025 provide essential financial support for academically meritorious and economically weaker students. Programs like NMMS, KVPY, INSPIRE, NTSE, and state-specific scholarships not only reduce financial burden but also motivate students to excel in academics and pursue higher studies. These schemes ensure continuity in education, promote scientific talent, and support professional growth. Students should actively check eligibility criteria, apply online through official portals, and maintain academic performance to benefit from these opportunities. Government scholarships remain an effective tool to empower young learners and secure their educational future.
Essential Answers
Q1. Who is eligible for scholarships after Class 10 and 12?
Eligibility varies by scheme, but most scholarships target meritorious students, students from SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories, and economically weaker families.
Q2. How can students apply for these scholarships?
Applications are mostly online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or through scheme-specific portals like KVPY and DST Inspire.
Q3. Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, most scholarships are renewable annually based on academic performance and adherence to guidelines.
Q4. What expenses are covered by these scholarships?
Scholarships may cover tuition fees, examination fees, maintenance allowance, and contingency for study materials.