Finishing Class 12 is a big step, and the cost of college is often the biggest worry. The good news is that India has many scholarships for Class 12 students, offered by the central government, state governments, banks, trusts and corporate foundations. Some reward high marks, some support students from low-income families, and some are meant for girls, science students or students with disabilities.
This guide lists the best scholarships available after Class 12 in India. For each one it covers eligibility, benefits and the application process, so you can pick the right ones and apply with confidence.
Quick Overview: Top Scholarships After Class 12
| Scholarship | Best for | Approx. benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) | Meritorious students (above the 80th percentile) | ₹12,000/year for UG, rising in later years |
| INSPIRE (SHE) | Top 1% in Class 12, pursuing Basic/Natural Sciences | ₹80,000/year |
| AICTE Pragati | Girl students in technical education | ₹50,000/year |
| AICTE Saksham | Students with 40%+ disability in technical courses | ₹50,000/year |
| Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship | UG students from any stream | Up to ₹2 lakh in total |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | Economically weaker students | About ₹20,000/year |
| PM YASASVI | OBC/EBC/DNT students | Varies by level |
| State scholarships (e.g. UP Scholarship) | State domicile students | Varies by state |
Amounts and dates change every year, so always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.
1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP): The Main Gateway
The National Scholarship Portal is the Government of India’s one-stop platform. Many central and state scholarships are listed there, and you register and apply online. Schemes are available for SC, ST, OBC and minority students, as well as merit-based and means-based schemes.
Why it matters: One registration lets you apply to several schemes. Keep your Aadhaar-linked bank account and documents ready before you start.
2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) for College Students
CSSS is for students who did well in Class 12 and are now enrolled in a regular college or university course. You can read the official scheme details on myScheme.
- Who can apply: Students above the 80th percentile in their stream’s Class 12 board exam, pursuing regular degree courses
- Income limit: Family income within the limit set by the scheme (check the current notification)
- How to apply: Online through NSP
3. INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) for Science Students
If you scored very high in Class 12 and want a career in science, INSPIRE is one of the best options. It supports students who join BSc, BS or integrated MSc programmes in the basic and natural sciences.
- Who can apply: Students in the top 1% of their board exam, or those who qualify through national entrance exams such as JEE or NEET (as per the scheme rules)
- Benefit: Around ₹80,000 per year, including a mentorship component
4. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
AICTE’s Pragati scheme supports girl students entering technical degree or diploma courses.
- Who can apply: Girl students admitted to an AICTE-approved institution
- Income limit: Family income below ₹8 lakh per year
- Benefit: About ₹50,000 per year
5. AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Saksham supports students with a disability of 40% or more who join technical courses at AICTE-approved colleges. A valid disability certificate is required.
6. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
The Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship is one of the best-known private scholarships. Selection is based on merit, an aptitude test and financial background.
- Who can apply: Students entering the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree
- Benefit: Financial support of up to ₹2 lakh over the course, plus mentoring
7. LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship
The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme is for students from economically weaker families who have passed Class 12 (or Class 10) with good marks.
- Benefit: Roughly ₹20,000 per year, as per the latest notification
- Tip: LIC opens applications once a year, so keep checking its official site.
8. PM YASASVI Scholarship
PM YASASVI supports students from OBC, EBC and DNT communities at school and college level. It has an income ceiling for eligibility, and applications go through the National Scholarship Portal.
9. State Government Scholarships
Almost every state runs its own scholarship for students who are domiciled there. Examples include the UP Scholarship in Uttar Pradesh, Mukhyamantri scholarship schemes, and post-matric scholarships for SC, ST and OBC students. Visit your state’s scholarship or social welfare department website, or check the state section on NSP.
10. Scholarships from Private Foundations and Banks
Private organisations also offer support, including:
- HDFC Bank Parivartan scholarships for students facing financial crisis
- Tata Trusts education grants
- Buddy4Study India Foundation scholarships
Browse the Buddy4Study list of scholarships for Class 12 passed students to compare options by course and income.
Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
Keep scanned copies of these ready:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
- Aadhaar card
- Income certificate
- Caste or category certificate (if applicable)
- Bank account passbook or details (Aadhaar-linked)
- Admission or fee receipt from your college
- Passport-size photograph
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply for a Scholarship After Class 12
- Search for schemes you qualify for on NSP, Buddy4Study or your state portal.
- Check eligibility (marks, income, category, course).
- Register with a valid mobile number and email.
- Fill in the form and upload your documents.
- Submit and save the acknowledgement or application ID.
- Verify with your institution if the scheme needs it (many NSP schemes do).
- Track the status until the amount reaches your bank account.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply early. Many deadlines fall in October or November. Last-minute rushes cause errors and portal crashes.
- Apply to more than one. You can apply to several schemes, unless a scheme says otherwise.
- Keep documents valid. An expired income certificate is a common reason for rejection.
- Check that your bank account is linked to Aadhaar so the payment can reach you.
- Use only official websites. Never pay anyone to “guarantee” a scholarship.
Beware of Scholarship Scams
Genuine scholarships never ask you for an application fee to receive money. Always check the web address (government portals end in .gov.in or .nic.in), and be careful with WhatsApp and Telegram messages promising instant scholarships.
Class 12 Board Exam Tip
Your board marks count in most merit-based schemes. For exam patterns, notices and official circulars, visit the CBSE scholarship page. You can also read our related guides on career options after Class 12 and best online courses for students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which scholarship is best after Class 12 in India?
It depends on your profile. High scorers can look at CSSS, INSPIRE or the Reliance Foundation scholarship. Girls in technical courses can apply for AICTE Pragati. Students from low-income families can check NSP schemes and LIC Golden Jubilee.
2. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can usually apply to several, but some government schemes do not allow you to take two at once. Read each scheme’s rules.
3. Is there a scholarship for Class 12 students with low marks?
Yes. Many need-based and category-based scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/minority) consider family income more than marks, although some have minimum marks.
4. Where do I apply for government scholarships?
Mostly on the National Scholarship Portal, plus your state’s scholarship portal.
5. When do scholarship applications open?
Most NSP schemes open between July and October, but dates differ by scheme and state. Check the portal regularly.
6. Do I need to pay to apply?
No. Official scholarship applications are free. Treat any request for payment as a red flag.
Conclusion
Scholarships can make higher education far more affordable, whether you plan to study engineering, medicine, science, commerce or arts. Start by registering on the National Scholarship Portal, shortlist the schemes that match your marks, category and course, and keep your documents ready. Check the official websites often, because dates and amounts change each year.
Disclaimer: Scholarship amounts, eligibility and deadlines are updated yearly. Please verify the latest details on the official website before applying.