Best Scholarships for Students After 12th: Government, Private & International Options

The release of Class 12 results often marks a critical point in academic and career planning. At this stage, key questions arise regarding future study options, career paths, and financial support available for further education. Scholarships available after Class 12 play a significant role in enabling access to higher education. The essential details of various scholarships for students after 12th grade are discussed in this blog.

Students looking for a government scholarship after 12th and a central govt scholarship after 12th can also find important information in this blog. However, students must first understand the need and significance of scholarships.

Significance and Need for Scholarships

Choosing the right stream—such as engineering, medicine, or architecture—and selecting the right institution after higher secondary is a critical decision in a student's academic journey. The rising cost of higher education makes scholarships after class 12th a vital concern, which makes it difficult for parents to afford their child’s education.

According to a survey by the National Statistical Office (NSO):
– Over 17% of students drop out at the secondary school level
– Around 62.9% of dropouts occur during high school
– Approximately 1 in every eight students discontinues education before completion

The most cited reason for dropping out is a lack of financial support.

Scholarships make higher education more accessible and affordable, and hence, students must understand how to get scholarship after 12th. Various scholarships are offered by central and state governments, as well as private organisations, to support meritorious and underprivileged students.

How To Get Scholarship After 12th

Most scholarships consider academic performance, family income, and sometimes students’ skills outside of studies, such as participation in sports, the arts, or leadership roles.

To secure a scholarship after 12th grade, including international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade, students must start early by maintaining good academic performance in school.

Students must also know how to apply for scholarship after 12th. They should carefully read the form-filling instructions to avoid errors or discrepancies. Writing a strong personal statement and getting good recommendation letters also helps increase the chances of selection for students. The steps below help students explore scholarships after passing the 12th grade.

Explore Government Scholarship Portals

• Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – a central platform for various government scholarships.
• Check your state government’s education department website for region-specific scholarships.
• Explore the Ministry of Education website for details on centrally funded scholarships.
• Some popular government scholarships include:
  1. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
  2. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
  3. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)

Look for Private Scholarships

• NGOs and trusts often support students from economically weaker backgrounds.
• Visit college or university websites to find merit-based or need-based scholarships offered by the institutions.
• Explore corporate scholarships from organisations such as the Reliance Foundation, Indian Oil, and others.

Check Eligibility Criteria

• Review academic performance requirements, income limits, and category-specific conditions.

Apply Early

• Gather all required documents and complete your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Government Scholarships After 12th

The Government of India has introduced several scholarship initiatives to support bright and meritorious students in pursuing higher education.

These scholarships are administered through various departments under both the central and state governments. Students looking for a government scholarship after 12th must read the information below. In order to know how to apply for scholarship after 12th, they must visit the online portal of the concerned government department.

Central Government Scholarships After 12th

Students can choose a central govt scholarship after 12th according to their eligibility and needs. The top central government scholarships after 12th include the following.

The above application period mentioned in the table is tentative. It can change according to the decision of the scholarship providers.

Scholarships Provided by the State Government

Some of the top options for a scholarship for 12th passed students include the following:

Private-Funded Scholarships After 12th

Various popular options of scholarship for 12th passed students are mentioned below.

Note - The application period mentioned above is tentative and may change according to the decision of the concerned private company.

Scholarships for Girl Students After 12th

Scholarships for girl students after 12th play an important role in filling the gender gap in education and creating equal opportunities in the workforce.

• PRAGATI Scholarship for Technical Education
• The PRAGATI Scholarship, offered by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), is aimed at supporting Class 12 pass girls who wish to pursue technical or engineering education.
• It provides financial assistance of ₹50,000 per year throughout the entire duration of the approved course.
• The scholarship helps cover essential academic expenses such as tuition fees, books, equipment, and other incidentals.
• It is intended to encourage increased participation of girls in STEM fields, particularly in engineering and technology domains.
• The initiative seeks to reduce financial barriers for deserving female students and promote gender inclusion in technical education.
• By targeting young women pursuing professional technical courses, the scheme plays a vital role in addressing the gender gap in higher technical education.

Private Scholarships for Girl Students After 12th

L'Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarships (2024–25)

• This scholarship, initiated by L'Oréal India, aims to support Class 12 pass female students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in science-related fields.
• It is specifically designed to encourage young women in science and promote their academic journey in STEM disciplines across India.
• Applicants must have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 85% marks in the Science stream.
• The scholarship is open to female students across India who are enrolled in any year of an undergraduate science programme.
• The annual family income must be less than ₹6,00,000, ensuring support reaches those with financial need.
• Selected applicants receive a financial award of ₹62,500, which contributes towards educational expenses.
• Applicants must not be children of employees from L'Oréal India.
• The application deadline for the 2024–25 cycle is 05 February 2025.

Kotak Kanya Scholarship (For Class 12 Pass Girls)

• This scholarship supports meritorious girls from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue professional graduation after Class 12.
• Selected scholars receive ₹1.5 lakh per year until the completion of their course.
• Applicants must have scored 85% or more in Class 12 and should be enrolled in professional graduation courses like Engineering, MBBS, Architecture, Design, or Law.
• The applicant’s annual family income must be ₹6 lakh or less.
• Only students admitted to NIRF/NAAC accredited institutes are eligible.
• Applicants from across India can apply.
• Children of Kotak Mahindra Group, Kotak Education Foundation, and Buddy4Study employees are not eligible.
• Applications are accepted online between July and September.

Legrand Empowering Scholarship Programme (For Class 12 Pass Girls & Special Categories)

• This scholarship supports meritorious girls and students from special categories pursuing B.Tech, B.E, B.Arch, or undergraduate degrees in Science/Finance.
• Girls receive 60% of the annual course fee, up to ₹60,000/year, and special category students receive 80%, up to ₹1,00,000/year.
• Special categories include differently-abled girls, LGBTQ+ students, orphans, Covid-affected students, and those with single parents.
• Applicants must have 75% or more marks in both Class 10 and 12.
• Must have secured or be seeking admission into eligible UG courses, with preference for Electrical/Electronics.
• Applications are accepted online during August or September.

Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship (For Girls in STEM & Medical Fields)

• This scholarship is for girls pursuing B.Tech, MBBS, B.Pharm, BDS, or Integrated/Dual Degree STEM programmes.
• It offers ₹1 lakh per year, covering tuition, living expenses, and study materials.
• Applicants must be female Indian citizens with admission in NIRF-ranked institutions.
• Must have passed Class 12 and enrolled in 1st year of UG STEM/Medical programmes, or 1st/2nd year of integrated courses.
• The annual family income must not exceed ₹8 lakh, and students should not be receiving any other scholarship
• Applications are accepted online in October or November.

Foreign Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th

Some of the top foreign scholarships for Indian students after 12th include the following:

How to Get Scholarship to Study Abroad After 12th

Students wondering how to get scholarship to study abroad after 12th can follow the steps below.

Reach Out for Information

1. Students must connect with alumni, peers, or members of online student communities.
2. Reaching out to a university’s international cell or financial aid office can also provide helpful insights beyond basic scholarship details available online.

Research Thoroughly

• Students must visit official scholarship and university websites to explore available options.
• It is important to list all relevant scholarships, as applying to more increases the chances of receiving aid.
• Key types of scholarships include:
  1. Location-based (for students from specific regions)
  2. Course-based (specific to certain academic fields)
  3. Profile-based (based on gender, ethnicity, disability, etc.)
  4. Merit-based (based on academic achievement)

Contact the Scholarship Provider

• If complete details are not available online, students should directly email or call the scholarship authority for updated and accurate information.

Customise Your Resume

• Each application should include a tailored resume and cover letter. Generic formats must be avoided.

Secure Strong References

• Students may need to submit academic or professional references. They must request these in advance from professors or managers.

Track Deadlines

• Students must mark all scholarship deadlines clearly and stay organised throughout the application process.

Apply with Confidence

• Students must apply early, ideally 1–2 days before the final date to avoid last-minute issues.

Conclusion

Most of the scholarships for students after 12th require a good academic record. Hence, students must study diligently and maintain good scores in the 12th class. They must explore opportunities regularly and stay updated on new options to get the best scholarship after 12th. Students should carefully review the eligibility criteria and select a scholarship that aligns with their goals. Consistent effort and the best scholarship after 12th can lead to a promising future.

FAQs

Q1: Who is eligible for the PM Modi scholarship?

A1: Students who have scored 60% or above in their Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ)—that is, Class 12, Diploma, or Graduation—are eligible to apply for the PM Modi Scholarship. However, students currently in their 2nd year or later are not eligible, except in the case of integrated courses, where the initial phase is academic and the later phase includes professional skills and training.

Q2: Which country is best for studying after the 12th?

A2: The best country to study abroad after the 12th depends on students’ preferences, academic aims, and financial resources. However, popular choices include:

• USA
• UK
• Canada
• Germany
• Australia

Q3: How do I apply for a fully funded scholarship?

A3: To apply for a fully funded scholarship:

• Decide what you want to study – an undergraduate course, a master’s degree, or a PhD degree.
• Look for fully funded scholarships that match your course, marks, and goals.
• Check both government and university scholarships.
• Get your documents ready – this includes your mark sheets, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose.
• If needed, take a language test like IELTS and keep the scorecard ready.
• Some scholarships may have an interview – stay confident and answer clearly.

Q4: How do I get a free scholarship?

A4: To get a free scholarship, you must explore various scholarship opportunities. One of the best options is to visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). It is a central platform for different government and non-government scholarship schemes.