The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Fellowship supports gifted Indian students who are studying full-time in universities in the UK, the US, and in Europe. This leading program provides grants, prizes, and scholarships to students studying for Master's, M.Phil, or Doctoral degree programs.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Fellowship Highlights (2025 Update)
Below is an updated table summarizing the compressive information prospective applicants need to know about the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Fellowship for 2025:
Eligibility Criteria for Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is available for Indian citizens meeting the eligibility conditions provided below. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Indian passport holder and a resident of India for a minimum of six months at the time of application
- Be below 30 years of age at the time of application
- Hold a first-class undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian university
- Any applicant who has obtained a postgraduate degree from abroad is not eligible
- Any applicant currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme abroad will not be eligible
- Evidence of admission on the selected course has to be given at the time of application
- Where the applicant has an international qualification, they must have been resident in India for a minimum of two years at the time of application
- All applicants must satisfy the entry requirement for their programme.
- A minimum average of 65% is required for subjects such as human rights, law, social sciences, architecture, the humanities and fine arts
- For subjects such as science, the environment or mathematics a 70% average in previous qualifications would be considered as acceptable
- Applicants must not hold a master's degree from an international university, nor start a degree at the Postgraduate level abroad at the time of the application.
Fellowship Specific Eligibility Criteria – Inlaks Scholarships & Grants
There are specific eligibility requirements for each Inlaks fellowship and grant scheme. Below is a complete overview of the specific eligibility requirements for the more popular Inlaks awards and fellowships:
Eligibility for Inlaks Fine Arts Awards
- The eligibility criteria are open to candidates who have completed their undergraduate or postgraduate studies at an established and reputable Indian educational institution.
- Final year students finishing their undergraduate studies in visual arts are also eligible.
- Applicants without formal academic qualifications in visual arts must be able to demonstrate meaningful engagement, such as inclusion in curated art exhibits.
Inlaks Fellowship for Indian Classical Music
- Formal training should have been undertaken, either vocal or instrumental, in Indian classical music.
- The applicants should have some formal academic qualification in music, and also strong knowledge and practice of Indian classical traditions.
Eligibility for Inlaks Theatre Awards
- Age limit: Applicants should be under 35 years of age.
- Preferably graduate or postgraduate study at a recognized Indian university.
- Going through a recognized university is preferred, but exceptional candidates with no qualifications and very demonstrative practice or contribution to theatre will also be considered.
Inlaks Research Travel Grant Eligibility
- Open to candidates under the age of 35.
- Candidates should have received a first-class grade in both Master's study, and/or Honours Bachelor’s
- Priority is given to candidates who have scored first-class marks at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- You will need to be part-way through a recognized Ph.D. program in a Humanities or Social Science field in India with a minimum of two years and no more than four years of research.
Other Inlaks Foundation Opportunities
Alongside our flagship fellowships, the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation also supports talent through several other programs, such as:
- Inlaks Ravi Sankaran Fellowships
- AAA (Asia Art Archive) Artist Grants
- Film & Television Awards
- Sports Awards
- Internships and other merit-based grants
These programs provide support for new talent, across disciplines, while helping to promote excellence in research, arts, performance, and academia.
Inlaks Scholarship Application Process – Step-by-Step Instructions
If you plan to apply for the prestigious Inlaks Scholarships, you must use the correct process and submit all documents. The guide below includes suggestions that will be invaluable to help you apply.
Things to Remember While Applying
- Online Submission: All applications are to be submitted online. Only applications submitted online through the Inlaks Foundation site will be accepted.
- Indian Citizen: You must have a valid Indian passport at the time of application.
- One Application Only: You may only submit one application: an applicant who submits more than one application will be disqualified.
- Screening for Basic Eligibility: An applicant who does not meet the basic eligibility criteria will not be included for consideration, for example, the requirement for admission and financial need.
- Recommendations are Required: You must submit at least two letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be from a current or former teacher, academic adviser, or mentor.
Documents required for Inlaks Scholarship Application
In order to submit a complete and valid application, you must upload and/or submit documents that include the following:
- Proof of Admission: You must upload your admission letter or official letter of offer of acceptance from the university or course you are applying for.
- Fee Structure: You must submit a detailed fee structure of your selected program(s) or institute(s).
- A copy of your passport: please provide a clear photocopy of the first page (identification page) from the front as well as an automatic copy of the passport from the back page. Ensure that your passport is valid when you submit your application.
- Letters of Reference: You must submit at least one reference or letter of recommendation and ideally two references. The letters can be sent from the references directly to the foundation by emailing applications@inlaksfoundation.org.
- Use the following subject heading for the letter: (Reference Letter | Applicants Name | Applicants Email ID.)
- Creative Portfolio (if applicable): Candidates applying for Architecture, Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Film, Dance, Acting and Music need to upload their creative portfolio as a PDF or provide a link to share (Google Drive, Behance, Vimeo, etc).
Important Submission Information:
1. Check it - Once you submit your evidence application, please take the time to go through everything you entered for the application to ensure there are no mistakes.
2. Reporting Errors - Should you submit your evidence application and after submission the form is missing factual details or technical errors, please immediately take a screenshot of the error and email it to applications@inlaksfoundation.org.
Inlaks Scholarship Selection Process
The Inlaks Selection Committee is independent, and is responsible for the selection process of the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship. The Inlaks Selection Committee will evaluate each application, taking into consideration previous academic achievements and current performance alongside potential future accomplishments as presented through the application. Portfolios will be especially critical for applicants in arts and design courses.
The selection process will take place in three stages:
1. Evaluation of eligible applications.
2. Online preliminary interviews with shortlisted candidates from the initial evaluation.
3. In-person interviews with candidates successful in the preliminary interview.
Candidates selected for the preliminary interview will be notified by April 30, 2025, and the Foundation normally conducts final interviews in person in May or June in Delhi or Mumbai.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Grants - Eligibility, Benefits & Duration
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation is famous in its support for young Indian talent by providing scholarships and endowment grants to students and practitioners in a variety of subject areas. These awards are designed as a way to promote academic, cultural, artistic, and professional excellence and to assist scholars in demonstrating talent in constructive ways, both in India and on an international level.Below table will shows the comprehensive details :
Impact of Inlaks Scholarships
The foundation has supported more than 600 scholars since its inception, in addition to over 460 individual fellows who benefited from fellowships, travel grants, and funds for project-specific funding, through its main award programs. These grants have truly made a difference in the lives of many Indian students, artists, researchers, and performers.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships – Terms & Conditions
Ineligible Subjects
Scholarships cannot be given for any of the following subjects:
Engineering (except for Imperial College London)
Computer Science
Business & Management
Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health
Fashion Design
Popular Music (except for Western Classical singing)
Film & Animation (except for Documentary Filmmaking)
Subject exclusions
Engineering and Natural Sciences: Only for Imperial College London.
Indian Studies: must have contemporary relevance
Music: Only for Western Classical singing
Film: Only eligible for documentary filmmaking
Funding Limits
- Up to $100,000 USD only (tuition & living).
- If costs outweigh $100,000, evidence of additional funding will be required in application and/or interview.
Conclusion: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships help talented Indian students, artists and researchers with opportunities to advance their higher education and professions in India and around the world. With generous funding, international exposure, and a commitment to academic and creative excellence, the Inlaks scholarships are a premier platform for developing leaders across disciplines. If you qualify and are excited to invest in your passion then the Inlaks Scholarship could open the door for you to a world-class education, and a valuable contribution to the global community.
