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Public Universities in India are well known for offering quality education at an affordable price. Even with the low fees there are students who are unable to afford the education and need financial aid to cover hostel charges, books and living expenses. In order to support such students a variety of scholarships and financial assistance programmes are available at both state and central government levels as well as through individual universities. These scholarships play a crucial role in enabling equal access to education for all.
This article also provides an overview of the top scholarships for students enrolled in government universities across UG and PG programmes.
Why Scholarships Matter in Government Universities?
Even though tuition in public universities is low students still have to incur costs like:
- Hostel and mess fees: Accommodation and food expenses can range from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 annually, depending on the university and location.
- Books and materials: Academic books, lab equipment, and stationery can cost ₹5,000–₹10,000 or more per year.
- Transport and living expenses: For day scholars, transportation and daily living expenses can be a financial burden.
- Examination and Miscellaneous Fees: Examination, library, and registration fees are often charged additionally.
Scholarships help reduce this burden, allowing students to focus on their academic development.
Top Scholarships for Students in Government Universities
A list of the top scholarships that government provides students has been given below:
National Scholarship Portal Schemes
The NSP (https://scholarships.gov.in/) is the central platform for various government funded scholarships.
Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC
Eligibility: SC/ST/OBC students with family income below 2.5 lakh/year (SC/ST) or ₹1.5 lakhs/year (OBC)
Covers: Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, books etc.
Applicable for: All universities and affiliated colleges
Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship for Minority Students
Eligibility: Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi students with income < ₹2.5 lakh/year.
Covers: Tuition, maintenance, hostel fees.
Applicable For: UG/PG technical and professional courses.
Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students
Eligibility: SC students admitted to top institutions like IITs, IIMs, central universities.
Benefits: Full tuition fee reimbursement + living and book allowance.
State Government Scholarships
Each state has its own scholarship portal for state students studying in public universities.
Example:
MahaDBT (Maharashtra) – For SC/ST/OBC/SEBC students.
E-Kalyan (Bihar, Jharkhand) – For backward classes and minority students.
Telangana ePASS – For fee reimbursement and hostel charges.
Odisha PRERANA Portal – For ST/SC/OBC/EBC students.
University-Specific Scholarships
Most top public universities have their own scholarships and fee waivers:
DU Means-cum-Merit Scholarships
College-level fee waivers (e.g., LSR, SRCC, Hindu College)
Book bank facilities for needy students
Merit Scholarships for top performers
Special scholarships for SC/ST, PwD, and single-girl children
G Parthasarathi Endowment Fellowship
Pandit A. Madan Mohan Malaviya Merit Scholarships
BHU Student Aid Fund
Offers need-cum-merit scholarships and assistance for minority students.
National Level Fellowships
How to Apply for Scholarships
- Check Eligibility: Category, income, domicile, course type.
- Gather Documents: Aadhaar, income certificate, caste certificate, bank details, admission proof, marksheets.
- Apply Online:
NSP Portal
State scholarship portals (e.g., MahaDBT, ePASS)
University/college internal portals
- Track Status: Regularly log in to track application and disbursement.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
- Apply as early as possible (many schemes have limited funds).
- Ensure bank details and Aadhaar are correct.
- Keep copies of all submitted forms and receipts.
- Follow up with your college scholarship office or nodal officer if needed.
Scholarships play a critical role in helping lakhs of students pursue affordable education in India’s public universities. From central schemes to state and institutional aid, a wide range of options ensures that financial constraints do not become a barrier to education. By staying informed, applying early, and fulfilling all requirements, students can take full advantage of these financial aid opportunities and ensure that money is never a barrier to achieving their academic dreams.
