Every year, millions of talented Indian students face the same obstacle on their path to higher education: money. With over 600 million Indians under the age of 25, the demand for accessible, merit-based financial support has never been greater. The Reliance Foundation Scholarship programme was built to address exactly this gap — helping meritorious students from all economic backgrounds pursue their academic dreams without financial burden.
Reliance Foundation runs two major scholarship tracks — the Undergraduate Scholarship and the Postgraduate Scholarship — each designed for a different stage of a student’s academic journey. Here’s everything you need to know about both programmes, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
What Is the Reliance Foundation Scholarship?
The Reliance Foundation Scholarship is a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening young Indians’ access to higher education. The programme supports meritorious students on a merit-cum-means basis, meaning selection considers both academic excellence and financial need. The goal isn’t just to hand out funding — it’s to help scholars become successful professionals who can uplift themselves, their families, and their communities, while contributing to India’s broader socio-economic development.
Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
Overview
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship supports up to 5,000 students every year who are entering the first year of their undergraduate degree in the 2026-27 academic year. Unlike many scholarship programmes that restrict eligibility to specific subjects, this one is open to students across any stream of study.
Scholarship Amount and Benefits
- Selected scholars receive up to ₹2 lakh over the full duration of their degree programme.
- Beyond the financial grant, scholars gain access to a vibrant alumni network and an ongoing support system designed to create long-term career impact.
- The programme places special emphasis on encouraging applications from girls and specially-abled students.
Eligibility Criteria for the UG Scholarship
To apply, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident Indian citizen
- Have passed Standard 12th with a minimum of 60%
- Be currently enrolled in the first year (academic year 2026-27) of a regular, full-time undergraduate degree course, in any stream
- Belong to a household with an annual income below ₹15 lakh (preference is given to households earning under ₹2.5 lakh)
- Successfully complete the mandatory aptitude test
Students who are NOT eligible include:
- Those already in their 2nd year or higher (i.e., who started their course in 2025-26 or earlier)
- Students enrolled in online, hybrid, remote, distance, or other non-regular modes of study
- Students who completed a diploma after Standard 10th
- Students pursuing 2-year or 6-year undergraduate degree programmes
- Applicants who skip the mandatory aptitude test or are found cheating during it
Scholarship Values Reliance Foundation Looks For
Reliance Foundation evaluates applicants not just on academics but on a broader set of values:
- Excellence — a mindset of continuous improvement in academic and non-academic pursuits
- Leadership Potential — the ambition to become tomorrow’s leaders, in India and globally
- Integrity — honesty and accountability in actions and decisions
- Community Commitment — a drive to give back and lead positive change in one’s community
- Growth Mindset — a love of learning and an evolving, ambitious spirit
- Courage — resilience, patience, and the ability to embrace challenges
UG Scholarship Application Process
- Application Form — Submit personal and contact information, academic history, achievements/awards, and supporting documents.
- Aptitude Test — All applicants must take a mandatory 60-minute, 60-question online test covering verbal ability, analytical and logical reasoning, and numerical ability.
- Initial Selection — Applications are evaluated using a combination of aptitude test scores, academic performance, and personal information.
- Final Announcement — Up to 5,000 scholars are selected on a merit-cum-means basis.
Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are open now.
Also Read: Azim Premji Scholarship 2026: Registration Begins at azimpremjifoundation.org, Check Eligibility
Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
Overview
While the undergraduate scholarship casts a wide net, the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is a highly selective programme designed for India’s next generation of scientists, technologists, and innovators. Each year, Reliance Foundation identifies just 100 of India’s brightest postgraduate students from future-ready fields to join one of the country’s most prestigious scholar cohorts.
The programme is directly aligned with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 — a future-ready, inclusive, self-reliant nation — and with national missions like Digital India, Startup India, the National Quantum Mission, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Eligible Fields of Study
The PG Scholarship is open to first-year postgraduate students enrolled in select programmes across India, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Sciences
- Mathematics and Computing
- Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Renewable and New Energy
- Material Science & Engineering
- Life Sciences
Benefits of the PG Scholarship
Scholars selected for this programme receive more than financial support. The scholarship includes:
- A generous financial grant to support advanced studies and research
- A robust development programme featuring expert interactions and industry exposure
- Volunteering engagements aimed at building a well-rounded, socially conscious cohort of future leaders
The programme’s broader goal is to build a dynamic community of innovators who go on to solve real-world challenges for India and the world.
Why Apply for a Reliance Foundation Scholarship?
Whether you’re entering undergraduate study or pursuing a specialised postgraduate degree, the Reliance Foundation Scholarship offers more than a one-time cheque. Scholars gain:
- Reduced financial pressure, allowing them to focus on academics rather than tuition worries
- Access to a strong alumni and peer network that extends well beyond graduation
- Skill and leadership development opportunities not typically included in standard scholarship programmes
- Recognition as part of one of India’s most respected scholarship cohorts