Named after India’s first President, the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Scholarship Program 2026-27 carries forward a legacy of championing education as the great equalizer. Open to Class 10 and Class 12 passed students from across the country, this one-time scholarship is designed to ease the financial burden of moving into the next stage of academic life — whether that’s entering senior secondary school or stepping into college or a diploma program.
With the application deadline set for August 31, 2026, here’s a complete breakdown of what the scholarship offers, who qualifies, and how to apply before time runs out.
Also Read: JK Tyre Shiksha Sarthi Scholarship Program 2026-27: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply
What Is the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Scholarship Program?
This program actually runs as two parallel tracks, each aimed at a different stage of school completion:
- For Class 10 passed students — meant for those who have just cleared their board exams and are moving into higher secondary education.
- For Class 12 passed students — meant for those transitioning into undergraduate or diploma-level studies.
Both tracks share the same core purpose: rewarding academic merit while easing the financial strain that often accompanies the jump to the next educational milestone. Rather than being tied to a specific stream or state, the scholarship is open on a pan-India basis, making it accessible to a wide pool of applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
For Class 10 Passed Students
- Must have passed the Class 10 board examination in 2026.
- Must have secured a minimum of 65% marks in the previous class.
- Annual parental income from all sources must not exceed INR 8,00,000.
For Class 12 Passed Students
- Must have passed the Class 12 board examination in 2025 or 2026.
- Must have secured a minimum of 65% marks in the previous class.
- Annual parental income from all sources must not exceed INR 8,00,000.
Preference Categories
While these criteria form the baseline for eligibility, the selection process gives added weight to applicants from the following backgrounds:
- Students who studied in government schools
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
- Students from the North-East region and other aspirational districts
This preferential weighting reflects a deliberate effort to reach students who may otherwise have fewer avenues for financial support, ensuring the scholarship’s impact reaches beyond just the highest scorers.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected candidates under either track receive a one-time scholarship of up to INR 30,000, with the exact amount determined by the applicant’s actual fee structure. This is not a blanket flat amount for everyone — it’s calibrated to what a student genuinely needs to cover, which makes the disbursal more directly tied to real academic costs.
The funds are earmarked strictly for education-related expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- Books and study materials
- Accommodation costs
- Other legitimate academic expenses
Because the scholarship is a one-time award rather than a recurring one, students typically use it to cover the immediate costs of transitioning into their next academic year — such as admission-related fees or the first semester’s expenses.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
Many scholarships in India are narrowly targeted — restricted to a particular state, community, or professional background. The Dr. Rajendra Prasad Scholarship Program takes a broader approach, welcoming applicants nationwide as long as they meet the academic and income benchmarks. Combined with its built-in preference for government-school students, PwD candidates, and students from underserved regions, the program is structured to widen access to higher education rather than concentrate benefits among students who already have more resources.
How to Apply
While the exact document checklist may vary slightly depending on which track (Class 10 or Class 12) you’re applying under, the general process for both typically follows these steps:
- Visit the official scholarship listing and click “Apply Now.”
- Log in to your account, or register if you’re a first-time applicant.
- Select the correct application track — Class 10 passed or Class 12 passed — based on your eligibility.
- Fill in your personal, academic, and family income details accurately.
- Upload the required supporting documents (mark sheets, income proof, identity proof, and any category-specific certificates such as a disability certificate, if applicable).
- Review your application carefully in the preview stage.
- Submit the form before the August 31, 2026 deadline.
Since the deadline is close, applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process early rather than waiting until the last few days, when portals tend to see heavier traffic and last-minute technical issues are harder to resolve.
Check More Official Details Here
Application Tips
- Apply under the correct track. Since there are separate application forms for Class 10 and Class 12 passed students, make sure you’re filling out the one that actually matches your academic status.
- Keep your income proof updated and accurate. Since the INR 8 lakh threshold is a strict eligibility cut-off, ensure your income certificate or ITR reflects the correct, current figures.
- Attach preference-category documents if applicable. If you’re applying as a PwD candidate or from a government school or aspirational district, include the relevant certificates, as these can influence the final selection.
- Don’t wait until the deadline. With less than a week remaining before applications close, early submission gives you time to fix any document or verification issues.
A Note on Scholarship Safety
Genuine scholarships never require applicants to pay a fee to apply or to receive an award. Always apply exclusively through the official, verified scholarship page, and remain cautious of any calls, emails, or messages asking for payment or sensitive financial information outside the official application portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Scholarship Program 2026-27?
Students who passed Class 10 in 2026, or Class 12 in 2025 or 2026, with at least 65% marks in the previous class and an annual parental income of up to INR 8 lakh, are eligible to apply.
Is this scholarship open to students from every state in India?
Yes, the program is open to students across India, without any state-specific residency restriction.
How much financial support does the scholarship provide?
A one-time scholarship of up to INR 30,000, based on the applicant’s fee structure.
Is the scholarship renewed every year?
No, it is a one-time award rather than a recurring, multi-year scholarship.
Does the scholarship give preference to any particular group of students?
Yes, preference is given to students from government schools, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and students from the North-East region and aspirational districts.
What is the last date to apply?
The application deadline is August 31, 2026.