Scholarships Indian tech students should apply for (BTech / BCS / MCA / MTech / research)

Scholarships Indian Tech Students Should Apply For (BTech / BCS / BCA / MCA / MTech / Research)

Introduction

For Indian tech students—whether you’re pursuing BTech, BCS, MCA, MTech, or research—the cost of higher education can often be a major challenge. Fortunately, a wide range of scholarships, fellowships, and corporate-funded programs are available to support talented students in computer science, engineering, and allied fields.

These scholarships don’t just reduce financial pressure—they also provide mentorship, networking opportunities, internships, and global exposure that can accelerate your career in technology. From government-backed initiatives like the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and Central Sector Schemes, to industry-driven programs by Google, Reliance, Tata, L&T, and international foundations, there are dozens of real opportunities waiting for deserving students.

Quick note: scholarship windows & deadlines change every year. I checked official pages (links below) while writing — open each scholarship page, confirm the current deadline and documents, and apply right away if a program is open. Wherever the scheme is on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) I point to that master page — many government schemes are applied there.

Table Of Content

  1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
  2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)
  3. AICTE – PRAGATI Scholarship
  4. AICTE – SAKSHAM Scholarship
  5. INSPIRE Fellowship & Scholarships (DST)
  6. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)
  7. ONGC Scholarship Scheme (ONGC Foundation)
  8. Reliance Foundation Scholarships
  9. L&T Build India Scholarship
  10. Tata Trusts & JN Tata Endowment
  11. IET India Scholarship Award
  12. SWE India Scholarships
  13. Generation Google Scholarship (APAC)
  14. Aditya Birla Scholarship
  15. Mahindra / K. C. Mahindra Education Trust Scholarships
  16. NTPC Scholarship / NTPC Utkarsh
  17. Samsung Scholarships
  18. Cisco Scholarships / NetAcad
  19. KC Mahindra Scholarship (Higher Studies)
  20. Aditya Birla Capital & CSR Scholarships
  21. Central Sector Top Class Education Scheme
  22. Minority Affairs — Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
  23. Top Private Trust Scholarships
  24. How to Find Extra Corporate/Program Scholarships
  25. International & Global Scholarships
  26. Quick Checklist: Documents
  27. Application Tips

1- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — All central scholarships in one place

National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — All central scholarships in one place

Who: Any Indian student who meets the eligibility for specific central schemes (covers many technical scholarship schemes).

Why apply: NSP is the single entry point for dozens of central/state scholarship schemes (Central Sector, AICTE Pragati / Saksham, Minority Merit-cum-Means, Top Class schemes etc.). If you create and fill your NSP profile, you’ll be able to apply to multiple government scholarships quickly.

Link (apply / check schemes): https://scholarships.gov.in/All-Scholarships.

How to apply (NSP general steps)

  1. Create an account at scholarships.gov.in → click “New Registration” → choose “Student”.
  2. Verify Aadhaar / mobile / email as required.
  3. Log in → search the scheme name (e.g., “AICTE Pragati”, “Merit-cum-Means (Minority)”, “Central Sector Scholarship”) → click Apply.
  4. Upload documents: Aadhaar, admission certificate, income certificate, fee receipt, bank passbook, marksheet, caste certificate (if applicable).
  5. Submit and take a screenshot / note application ID. Follow verification at the college level.
Apply

2- Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College & University Students (CSSS)

National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — All central scholarships in one place

Who: High-performing students from economically weaker backgrounds in UG/PG (includes engineering students).

What: Central sector scholarship to support meritorious students in college/university. (Often administered through the Ministry of Education / NSP.)

Link / details: Recent notifications & application via NSP/Central portals — check official update: Economic Times article & scholarships portal.

The Economic Times

Apply steps (quick)

  1. Create NSP account (if not already).
  2. Search “Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)” on NSP.
  3. Fill application, upload marksheet & income certificate.
  4. Submit; institute will verify. Monitor status on NSP.

3) AICTE – PRAGATI Scholarship (for girls in technical education)

AICTE – PRAGATI Scholarship (for girls in technical education)

Who: Girl students admitted to 1st year of AICTE-approved technical diplomas/degrees (or lateral entry). Family income cap applies (check current figure on NSP).

Benefit: Up to ₹50,000 per year (used for fees, books, equipment, laptops). (5,000 scholarships approx; check current year).

Link / official page: AICTE Pragati portal & AICTE guidance (AICTE Pragati & Saksham site).

AICTE Pragati Saksham

Apply steps (Pragati)

  1. Go to NSP (scholarships.gov.in) → search “AICTE Pragati Scholarship”.
  2. Register/login → start application.
  3. Upload: Aadhaar, income certificate, admission letter, tuition fee receipt, class XII mark-sheet.
  4. Submit and track on NSP. For queries: pragatisaksham@aicte-india.org.
Apply

4) AICTE – SAKSHAM Scholarship (for specially-abled students)

AICTE – SAKSHAM Scholarship (for specially-abled students)

Who: Differently-abled students (specified disability threshold) in AICTE-approved courses.

Benefit: Financial assistance (check current amount on NSP / AICTE).

Link: AICTE Saksham pages & general instructions.

How to apply (Saksham)

  1. Login NSP → search “Saksham (AICTE)”.
  2. Fill application and upload disability certificate, income proof, admission proof, fee receipts.
  3. Submit → college verification → selection.
Apply

5) INSPIRE Fellowship & INSPIRE Scholarships (DST) — for science & tech talent

INSPIRE Fellowship & INSPIRE Scholarships (DST)

Who: Bright students in science & engineering who meet DST-INSPIRE eligibility. INSPIRE has multiple components (e.g., scholarships/fellowships for PhD & research).

Link: INSPIRE official site (online-inspire.gov.in).

Department of Science & Technology

Apply steps (INSPIRE / fellowship)

  1. Read eligibility & program components on INSPIRE portal.
  2. Follow application instructions: some components are nomination-based (e.g., for PhD) or require applying through the DST portal.
  3. Prepare research proposal (for fellowship) and required documents; apply as per listed procedure.
Apply

6) Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) — for PhD (engineering & science)

Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)

Who: Top B.Tech/MTech graduates who want to do PhD in premier institutes (IITs, IISc etc.). High stipends (₹70k–80k + research grant).

Link (official): https://www.pmrf.in/ (official PMRF portal).

Apply steps (PMRF)

  1. Visit pmrf.in → read eligibility & cycles (May / December cycles).
  2. Register → submit application, research proposal, transcripts, GATE/GRE/other scores (as required).
  3. Shortlist → interview → host institute selection. Monitor portal for deadlines.
Apply

7) ONGC Scholarship Scheme (ONGC Foundation)

ONGC Scholarship Scheme (ONGC Foundation)

Who: Meritorious students (category-wise quotas) in professional courses incl. engineering (SC/ST/OBC/general/EWS categories depending on year).

Benefit: Up to ~₹48,000 per year (check current-year brochure). Also includes book grants and possible internships.

Official link: ONGC Foundation scholarship page.

Apply steps (ONGC)

  1. Watch ONGC Foundation official site for announcement or check recruiter/CSR pages.
  2. Fill online form / send documents as asked (10th/12th marks, income, admission proof).
  3. Shortlisted candidates notified; selection often based on merit & need.
Apply

8) Reliance Foundation Scholarships (UG & PG programs)

Reliance Foundation Scholarships (UG & PG programs)

Who: Meritorious students for undergraduate & postgraduate programs (includes engineering/tech subjects in certain drives).

Link / apply: https://www.scholarships.reliancefoundation.org/ (official portal).

Apply steps (Reliance)

  1. Visit Reliance Foundation scholarships portal → choose UG/PG scholarship.
  2. Complete registration, upload marksheets, income proof, and admission proof.
  3. Shortlist → tests or interviews as per program.
Apply

9) L&T Build India Scholarship (Larsen & Toubro)

L&T Build India Scholarship (Larsen & Toubro)

Who: Final-year BE/BTech students (Civil/Electrical) for M.Tech in select institutes (IITs/NITs) — industry-sponsored M.Tech scholarships (includes stipend + tuition).

Link / info: L&T Build India Scholarship pages / Buddy4Study / official L&T announcements.

Apply steps (L&T Build India)

  1. Check L&T announcement & partner institute eligibility (IITs/NITs listed).
  2. Apply to the M.Tech program (IIT/NIT) → apply separately for L&T scholarship when the firm opens application.
  3. Selection: merit (GATE / interviews) + L&T selection process.
Apply

10) Tata Trusts & JN Tata Endowment (grants & loan-scholarships)

Tata Trusts & JN Tata Endowment (grants & loan-scholarships)

Who: UG/PG/Research students (Tata Trusts has many grants; JN Tata Endowment gives loan scholarships for overseas higher studies). Good for research/overseas tech masters/PhD funding.

Links: Tata Trusts Individual Grants & JN Tata Endowment pages.

Apply steps (Tata Trusts / JN Tata)

  1. Visit Tata Trusts’ education grants page & JN Tata Endowment site.
  2. Register/Download application form → fill with project/education plan → upload transcripts, references, proposals.
  3. Submit before deadlines; selection via panel review.
Apply

11) IET India Scholarship Award (Institute of Engineering and Technology)

IET India Scholarship Award (Institute of Engineering and Technology

Who: BTech/BE students across India (IET India Scholarship is a prestigious engineering scholarship for multiple years).

Link / apply: Official IET India Scholarship site (scholarships.theietevents.com & IET India site).

Apply steps (IET)

  1. Visit IET India Scholarship portal → read eligibility & process.
  2. Register → submit academic & project details → some rounds include online test/interview.
Apply

12) SWE India Scholarships (Society of Women Engineers)

SWE India Scholarships (Society of Women Engineers)

Who: Women pursuing engineering or computer science (UG/Grad) — global SWE awards include India-specific scholarships.

Apply steps (SWE)

  1. Visit SWE.org → scholarship section → select the relevant track (India Scholarships).
  2. Register, upload transcripts, resume, essays, recommendation (if required).
  3. Submit and await results.
Apply

13) Generation Google Scholarship (APAC) — for women in CS & related fields

Generation Google Scholarship (APAC) — for women in CS & related fields

Who: Women pursuing Computer Science/related technical degrees in the APAC region (includes India candidates; award amount varies).

Official info / partner: Google Careers scholarships / IIE Generation Google pages provide details & application forms.

Apply steps (Generation Google)

  1. Check the Google Scholarships page and IIE page for the APAC edition.
  2. Fill the IIE/Google scholarship application → essays & academic proof required.
  3. Submit before deadline and await selection (winners get a stipend/reward and mentoring).
Apply

14) Aditya Birla Scholarship / Aditya Birla Group Scholarships

Aditya Birla Scholarship / Aditya Birla Group Scholarships

Who: High-performing students (IITs, IIMs, selected premier institutes) — engineering included.

Link: Official Aditya Birla Scholars site (adityabirlascholars.net) & program pages.

Apply steps (Aditya Birla)

  1. Read eligibility on Aditya Birla Scholars website → register → upload transcripts, essays.
  2. Selection includes shortlisting and interviews.
Apply

15) Mahindra / K. C. Mahindra Education Trust Scholarships (MAITS / KC Mahindra)

Mahindra / K. C. Mahindra Education Trust Scholarships (MAITS / KC Mahindra)

Who: Students from underprivileged backgrounds to study diploma/UG. Several Mahindra scholarships (MAITS / Mahindra EmpowerHer etc.).

Link: KC Mahindra Education Trust / Buddy4Study pages.

Apply steps (Mahindra scholarships)

  1. Visit the KC Mahindra Trust website or MAITS page on Buddy4Study.
  2. Follow the online registration & required document upload as per the program.
Apply

16) NTPC Scholarship / NTPC Utkarsh (corporate merit scholarships)

NTPC Scholarship / NTPC Utkarsh (corporate merit scholarships)

Who: SC/ST/PC (physically challenged) engineering students (varies by year & region). NTPC also runs “Utkarsh” for project-area students.

Apply steps (NTPC)

  1. Watch NTPC careers / foundation page for scholarship opening announcements.
  2. Follow the published form/process and submit required documents (caste/disability proof, income, marksheets).
Apply

17) Samsung Scholarships / Samsung Solve For Tomorrow / Samsung Star Scholarship

Samsung Scholarships / Samsung Solve For Tomorrow / Samsung Star Scholarship

Who: School → UG level competitions & scholarships supporting innovators and engineering aspirants (Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is innovation-led grants). Samsung also runs targeted scholarship programs (Samsung Star).

Apply steps (Samsung)

  1. Visit Samsung Solve for Tomorrow India page → register your team/idea (age limits apply).
  2. Submit project idea → rounds include prototype and evaluation. Winning teams receive grants/scholarships.
Apply

18) Cisco Scholarships / Cisco Networking Academy & Cybersecurity Scholarships

Cisco Scholarships / Cisco Networking Academy & Cybersecurity Scholarships

Who: Students interested in networking / cybersecurity (free training + scholarships/cert vouchers available in Cisco’s global initiatives). Many Cisco programs are free training + certification support.

Apply steps (Cisco)

  1. Join Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) → enroll in free courses.
  2. Check for scholarship calls (cybersecurity scholarship pages) → apply for training+exam voucher programs when open.
Apply

19) KC Mahindra Scholarship (for higher studies)

KC Mahindra Scholarship (for higher studies)

Who: Postgraduate / graduate scholars (need & merit based); helps for national & international studies.

Link: KC Mahindra Education Trust official site.

Apply steps (KC Mahindra)

  1. Visit kcmet.org → check open calls and apply online with transcripts, statement of purpose, and recommendations.

20) Aditya Birla Capital Scholarship & Corporate CSR Scholarships (various CSR scholarships)

Aditya Birla Capital Scholarship & Corporate CSR Scholarships (various CSR scholarships)

Who: Students (class 9 to UG / UG professional) — some CSR scholarships are usable for engineering students from economically weak families.

Apply steps (Aditya Birla / CSR)

  1. Visit the corporate scholarship page (Aditya Birla / other CSR).
  2. Fill the online form, upload proofs, selection may include interviews/merit lists.

21) Central Sector Top Class Education Scheme (for SC / OBC / minority top class programs)

Central Sector Top Class Education Scheme (for SC / OBC / minority top class

Who: SC students (Top Class Education Scheme), and equivalent central scheme for OBC/EBC (addresses top class education for underprivileged groups). Good for technical degrees at premier institutes.

Apply steps

  1. Search the exact Top Class Scholarship for your category on NSP or Ministry page.
  2. Apply on NSP → institute verifies details.

22) Minority Affairs — Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional & Technical Courses (Minority students)

Minority Affairs — Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional & Technical Courses

Who: Minority community students pursuing technical/professional courses (UG/PG).

Apply steps

  1. NSP → search “Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional & Technical Courses” in the Minority category.
  2. Fill application with minority certificate, income proof, admission details.

23) Top private trust scholarships (examples tech students should watch)

Top private trust scholarships (examples tech students should watch)

Tata Trusts / JN Tata Endowment — for research/higher studies & travel grants. (already above)

Aditya Birla Group Scholarships — (already above) for IIT/IIM & selected UG/PG students.

KC Mahindra / Mahindra Trust scholarships — vocational/UG help & MCAT.

How to approach trust scholarships

  1. Bookmark the trust’s official page, sign up to newsletter/alerts.
  2. Prepare a strong statement of purpose, CV, bank details & income proof.
  3. Apply during open windows and request a referee letter early.

24) How to find extra corporate/program scholarships quickly (practical searches)

Search “<company name> scholarship India 2025” (e.g., ONGC, L&T, Reliance, Samsung, Cisco). Many firms publish CSR scholarships annually. Example results above (ONGC, Reliance, L&T, Samsung).

Use aggregator sites (Buddy4Study, LeverageEdu, CollegeDekho) but always confirm on the provider’s official page.

Buddy4Study

25) International & Global Scholarships open to Indian tech students (worth trying)

Generation Google Scholarship (APAC) — for women and underrepresented students in CS.

Cisco global scholarships & NetAcad certificates — training + exam vouchers.

Tip: International scholarships often need excellent SOPs, project portfolios, and strong letters of recommendation — start early.

Quick checklist: Documents you’ll be repeatedly asked for

1- Aadhaar (or passport for some trusts)

2- Recent passport photo

3- Class X/XII and latest semester mark sheets

4- Admission/fee receipt from college

5- Income certificate (state authority / employer certificate)

6- Caste / disability certificate (if applicable)

7- Bank passbook copy (first page)

8- Statement of purpose / project summary (for research/trust scholarships)

(Always check each scheme’s exact list).

7 Application tips to increase your chances (for tech students)

  1. Apply widely — use NSP + corporate + trust searches. Many scholarships go unclaimed.
  2. Prepare a tight portfolio — host your code/projects on GitHub; attach a 1-page project summary for professional scholarships (L&T, IET, Tata).
  3. Get strong references — ask professors/mentors early and provide them a short template to fill.
  4. Follow the provider’s official page — CSR portals announce programs at short notice (Reliance, Samsung, ONGC).
  5. Tailor essays — for corporate/trust scholarships highlight project impact or social relevance (engineering solutions, community work).
  6. Keep scanned documents ready in required formats (PDF/JPG, size limits).
  7. Set a calendar with deadlines (NSP cycles & corporate windows differ) and apply at least 5–7 days before the last date.

Final note: Scholarship windows & deadlines change every year. Open each scholarship page, confirm the current deadline and documents, and apply right away if a program is open. Wherever the scheme is on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) I point to that master page — many government schemes are applied there.