Top Scholarships for Female Students in India 2026–27: Eligibility, Amounts and How to Apply
Looking for scholarships for girls in India? Female students can explore government scholarships, technical education assistance, postgraduate scholarships and private programmes designed to help reduce the cost of education.
This guide explains important scholarships for school graduates, undergraduate students, engineering and diploma students, postgraduate learners and women pursuing research. You will find eligibility points, available benefits, application links and a document checklist.
Start by identifying your course, family income, previous marks and state of residence. Then confirm the current academic-year notification on the official scheme website.
1. How to Choose the Right Scholarship for Female Students
The most suitable scholarship depends on your current education level and the conditions you meet. A scholarship for an engineering student may not cover a general BA course, while a postgraduate scheme may be restricted to students entering the first year of a master's degree.
Before applying, compare these points:
- Education level: Class 11–12, diploma, undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree or PhD.
- Course and institution: Some schemes require admission to a recognised or AICTE-approved institution.
- Academic performance: Check the required marks or merit criteria.
- Family income: Confirm the applicable annual income ceiling.
- Location: Some programmes are restricted to particular states or regions.
- Other funding: Read the rules on receiving more than one scholarship for the same expenses.
- Application dates: Check the current deadline and the separate institution-verification deadline.
For a wider overview of scholarships, education loans and other ways to fund your studies, visit our Student Financing Guide India.
2. AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is designed to encourage female students to pursue technical education. It has degree and diploma categories for students who meet the scheme's admission, family-income and other requirements.
Who may be eligible?
According to the published scheme criteria, applicants generally need to satisfy the following conditions. Always use the current year's guidelines for the final decision.
- The applicant must be a female student.
- She must be admitted to an eligible degree or diploma programme in an AICTE-approved institution.
- Admission generally needs to be in the first year or in the second year through lateral entry, as defined by the scheme.
- The family's annual income must meet the scheme's prescribed limit. Published Pragati criteria have used an income ceiling of ₹8 lakh per year.
- The number of eligible girl children per family and restrictions on other scholarships must follow the current notification.
Scholarship amount
AICTE and government scheme publications have described Pragati assistance of up to ₹50,000 per year. The applicable amount, number of awards and permitted expenses should be checked against the current scheme guidelines and application cycle.
How to apply
- Open the National Scholarship Portal.
- Read the current AICTE Pragati scheme details.
- Complete the required One Time Registration if applicable.
- Choose the correct degree or diploma category.
- Enter your academic, income and institution details.
- Upload the requested documents and submit the form.
- Track your application and ensure institution verification is completed.
3. UGC Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
The University Grants Commission lists the Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child to support eligible students pursuing postgraduate education in India.
The UGC scheme page describes eligibility for a single girl child who has taken admission to the first year of a regular, full-time master's degree course at a recognised university, college or institution. It also specifies an age limit of 30 years at the time of admission. Distance-education postgraduate courses are not covered under the scheme as described on that page.
Financial assistance and duration
The UGC scheme page lists financial assistance of ₹36,200 per year for two years. Applicants should confirm that the scheme is available for their admission year and check the latest notification for the current application process, award conditions and amount.
Who should check this scheme?
- Students who are the only girl child of their parents, as defined by the scheme.
- Students entering the first year of a regular, full-time master's degree.
- Applicants who satisfy the current age, admission and institution conditions.
4. Santoor Women's Scholarship
The Santoor Women's Scholarship is an initiative of Wipro Consumer Care and Wipro Cares. The programme aims to support eligible girls from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to continue higher education after Class 12.
The programme's current website states that the 2026–27 cycle supports eligible students in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. It lists 1,000 scholarships and a deadline of 15 October 2026. Check the official website for the current course, academic, financial and document requirements before applying.
What should applicants check?
- Whether they completed Class 12 under the required school conditions.
- Whether their home state and current college meet the programme criteria.
- Whether their chosen higher-education course is eligible.
- Whether they meet the income and academic requirements.
- Whether the application window is still open.
5. Other Scholarships Female Students Should Explore
The schemes below are additional options to investigate. They have different target groups, so they should not be treated as universally available scholarships for all female students.
National Scholarship Portal schemes
The National Scholarship Portal lists central government and participating state or ministry schemes. Depending on your circumstances, you may find merit-based, welfare-based, postgraduate or region-specific support.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the portal lists the UGC National Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies and the Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for the North Eastern Region, among other schemes. Their eligibility is not limited to women, and each has its own conditions.
Browse all scholarships on NSP.
Private scholarships for girls and women
Private foundations and companies may offer scholarships for professional degrees, STEM subjects, school-to-college transitions or students from low-income households. Examples to research include Kotak Kanya, Legrand and other current scholarship programmes. Their application windows and conditions vary by year.
Do not assume that a scholarship is open simply because an older article lists it. Check the sponsor's current notice before preparing an application.
Scholarships for women pursuing research
Female students who are pursuing doctoral study should also look at relevant fellowships. UGC lists the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child for eligible PhD researchers. Its eligibility and award conditions differ from the postgraduate scholarship described above.
6. Common Eligibility Criteria and Documents
There is no single eligibility rule for all scholarships for female students in India. Some schemes focus on academic merit, others on financial need, and some are limited to a particular course, region or family circumstance.
Document checklist
- Recent photograph and signature, if requested.
- Identity proof accepted by the scheme.
- Previous examination marksheets.
- Current admission letter, bonafide certificate or student ID.
- Current academic-year fee receipt or fee structure.
- Income certificate or other accepted family-income proof.
- Bank account details in the required format.
- Address proof, if required.
- Category certificate, where applicable.
- Any scheme-specific declaration or certificate.
Before uploading documents
- Check that your name and date of birth match across documents.
- Use a valid income certificate issued by the accepted authority.
- Make sure each scan is complete and readable.
- Follow the portal's file size and file format limits.
- Keep your registered email and mobile number active.
- Save the final application and acknowledgement number.
For scholarship-specific application support, read our National Scholarship Portal guide.
7. How to Apply for Scholarships Online
Many government scholarships use the National Scholarship Portal, while private scholarships may use their own websites or authorised application partners.
Step 1: Identify the correct scholarship
Choose a scheme that matches your course, academic level, income and other eligibility conditions.
Step 2: Read the official notification
Confirm the award amount, application period, eligible institutions, required marks and conditions for receiving other financial assistance.
Step 3: Register on the correct portal
Follow the instructions for creating an account or completing One Time Registration where required.
Step 4: Complete the application form
Enter your personal details, academic history, institution details and family-income information accurately.
Step 5: Upload supporting documents
Check each document before uploading. Ensure that the files are legible and meet the portal's technical requirements.
Step 6: Submit and save the acknowledgement
Review the entire form before final submission. Save the application number and a copy of the submitted form.
Step 7: Track verification
Check your application status regularly. Some schemes require verification by your institution or a designated authority before the application can progress.
Use the Vidya Lakshmi Portal application guide if you are also researching education-loan options. A loan application and a scholarship application are separate processes.
8. Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Affect an Application
- Using an old deadline: Check the current academic-year notice.
- Choosing the wrong scheme: Verify your course and institution against the eligibility rules.
- Entering incorrect income details: Make sure your application matches your supporting documents.
- Uploading unclear files: Review all scans before submission.
- Ignoring institution verification: Follow up with your institution if the portal requires its approval.
- Assuming an award is guaranteed: Eligibility does not guarantee selection.
- Paying an unofficial agent: Apply through the sponsor's authorised website or portal.
- Ignoring other-scholarship restrictions: Check whether the scheme permits concurrent awards.
9. Related MyTestSeries Guides for Students and Parents
A scholarship may cover only part of your educational expenses. These guides can help you explore other forms of financial support and plan the remaining cost of education.
- Student Financing Guide India: Scholarships, Loans and Other Options
- Top Scholarships for B.Tech, Nursing and B.Ed Students
- HDFC Badhte Kadam and Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Guide
- Best Education Loans in India Without Collateral
- SBI Student Loan vs SBI Scholar Loan
- Education Loans for Medical and Nursing Students
- Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS) Guide
- Section 80E: Education Loan Interest Tax Deduction
- UGC JRF, CSIR NET and PMRF Fellowship Amounts
What if the scholarship does not cover the full fee?
First check whether your institution offers fee concessions, instalment plans or additional assistance. You can also compare other scholarships that match your course and circumstances.
If you are considering an education loan, compare the interest rate, repayment period, moratorium, collateral requirements and total repayment cost before borrowing. Our education loan comparison guide can help you understand some of these factors.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which scholarships are available for female students in India in 2026–27?
Options include AICTE Pragati for eligible technical students, the UGC Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for eligible single girl children, the Santoor Women's Scholarship for eligible students in covered states, and other central, state and private schemes. Availability depends on each programme's current rules.
2. What is the AICTE Pragati Scholarship amount?
Government and AICTE publications have described Pragati assistance of up to ₹50,000 per year. Confirm the amount and permitted expenses against the current academic-year notification.
3. What is the last date for AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27?
The National Scholarship Portal lists 31 October 2026 as the student application deadline for the 2026–27 Pragati degree and diploma categories. Check the live portal for any changes and the separate verification deadlines.
4. Who can apply for the UGC single girl child scholarship?
The UGC scheme page describes eligibility for a single girl child entering the first year of a regular, full-time master's degree at a recognised institution, subject to its age and other conditions. Check the current scheme notice before applying.
5. How much assistance does the UGC single girl child scholarship provide?
The UGC scheme page lists ₹36,200 per year for two years. Applicants should confirm the amount and availability for their admission year in the latest official notification.
6. Can a female student apply for more than one scholarship?
It depends on the rules of each scheme. Some programmes restrict concurrent scholarships for the same purpose. Read both sets of conditions and disclose other assistance wherever the application asks for it.
7. Are scholarships available for girls after Class 12?
Yes. Depending on their eligibility, students can investigate undergraduate scholarships, state schemes, private foundation awards and programmes such as Santoor. Course, location, income and academic conditions vary.
8. Are there scholarships for female engineering students?
Eligible students can check AICTE Pragati and other engineering or STEM scholarships. Confirm that the institution and course are covered by the specific programme.
9. Are scholarships available for female postgraduate students?
Yes. Some schemes support postgraduate students, including the UGC Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for eligible single girl children and the National Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies. The schemes have different eligibility criteria.
10. What documents are commonly required?
Common documents include academic marksheets, admission proof, fee details, family-income evidence, identity details and bank information. The exact list depends on the scheme.
11. Where can I check official scholarship deadlines?
Use the National Scholarship Portal for participating government schemes and the official sponsor's website for private programmes. Do not rely solely on an old article or social media post.
12. Does meeting the eligibility criteria guarantee selection?
No. Applications may be checked for eligibility, document accuracy, merit, available funding and other scheme-specific conditions. Wait for official confirmation of selection.
Final Checklist Before Applying
- I have selected a scholarship that covers my course and institution.
- I have checked the latest eligibility and income requirements.
- I have confirmed the application deadline.
- My marksheets and supporting documents are accurate.
- I have reviewed the rules on other scholarships.
- I have saved my application acknowledgement.
- I will track verification and selection updates.
Finding the right scholarship takes more than comparing award amounts. Check eligibility carefully, use official application links and submit a complete form before the deadline. If one programme does not fit your circumstances, explore other government and private funding options.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational information and is not an official scholarship notification. Eligibility, amounts, dates and scheme availability can change. Confirm the latest details with the relevant government department, UGC, AICTE, scholarship sponsor or authorised portal. MyTestSeries does not guarantee scholarship selection or payment.
