If you are planning to build a career in public policy, rural development, education, public health, social entrepreneurship, or research, financial support can make a decisive difference. Fortunately, India has a strong ecosystem of philanthropic trusts, NGOs, and corporate foundations offering scholarships to deserving students from economically weaker backgrounds.
In this detailed 2026 guide, we cover the top scholarships in the social sector in India, along with:
- Eligibility criteria
- Scholarship benefits
- Target courses
- Direct official application websites
This guide is designed to help students, parents, and social sector aspirants easily find and apply for the right scholarship.
Why Social Sector Scholarships Matter in India
Higher education costs in India continue to rise, especially for professional and postgraduate courses. For students from underprivileged families, scholarships offered by NGOs and foundations bridge the financial gap and allow them to pursue:
- Engineering and medical education
- Social sciences and public policy
- Arts and humanities
- STEM degrees
- Research and PhDs
- International master’s programs
Many of these scholarships are merit-cum-means based and prioritize students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.
Table of Contents
1. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
Official Website: https://www.sitaramjindalfoundation.org
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation runs one of the most accessible and widely known private scholarship schemes in India.
Who Can Apply?
- Students from Class 11 onwards
- ITI, Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate students
- Professional courses (Engineering, Medical, etc.)
Eligibility
- Family income ceiling (varies by category)
- Minimum academic percentage requirement
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly financial assistance
- Renewable based on performance
- Applications accepted throughout the year
This is ideal for students who need steady financial support rather than one-time funding.
2. Swami Dayanand Education Foundation (SDEF)
Official Website: https://www.sdef.org
The Swami Dayanand Education Foundation offers merit-cum-means scholarships to high-performing students.
Courses Covered
- Engineering
- Medical
- Architecture
- Professional degree programs
Eligibility
- Economically weaker section students
- Strong academic performance
- Preference for Delhi/NCR students (not mandatory)
Benefits
- Tuition fee support
- Continued funding for course duration (subject to performance)
3. North South Foundation Scholarships
Official Website: https://www.northsouth.org
The North South Foundation supports meritorious students entering professional courses.
Eligibility
- Class 12 passed students
- Admission in Engineering, Medicine, or Polytechnic
- Strict income criteria
Scholarship Amount
- Up to ₹25,000 per year
- Renewable annually
They also conduct talent search competitions and mentoring initiatives.
4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Official Website: https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme
The Aga Khan Foundation offers highly competitive scholarships for postgraduate studies.
Eligibility
- Students under 30 years of age
- Excellent academic record
- Demonstrated financial need
- Admission to reputed universities
Coverage
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
This is particularly suitable for students pursuing master’s degrees in development studies, public policy, education, and related fields.
5. Dr. Reddy’s Foundation – Sashakt Scholarship
Official Website: https://www.drreddysfoundation.org
The Dr. Reddy’s Foundation runs the Sashakt Scholarship for women in science.
Eligibility
- Female students
- BSc in Natural or Pure Sciences
- Rural or economically disadvantaged background
Benefits
- Up to ₹80,000 per year
This scholarship promotes women’s participation in STEM and research careers.
6. ONGC Foundation Scholarship
Official Website: https://ongcfoundation.org
The ONGC Foundation provides scholarships to meritorious students.
Categories Covered
- SC/ST
- OBC
- General (EWS)
Courses
- Engineering
- MBBS
- MBA
- Postgraduate programs
Benefits
- Annual financial assistance
- Merit-cum-means selection
7. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Official Website: https://www.inlaksfoundation.org
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers prestigious scholarships for higher education abroad.
Fields Covered
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Arts
- Research
Eligibility
- Admission to top global universities
- Strong academic record
This is among India’s most respected international scholarship programs.
8. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
Official Website: https://www.narotamsekhsariafoundation.org
The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation offers interest-free loan scholarships.
Eligibility
- Postgraduate students
- Academic excellence
- Leadership qualities
Unique Feature
- Mentorship support
- Interest-free financial assistance
9. Lady Tata Memorial Trust
Official Website: https://ladytatatrust.tatatrusts.org
The Lady Tata Memorial Trust supports research in medical sciences.
Focus Area
- Leukemia research
Who Can Apply?
- PhD scholars
- Researchers
This is ideal for those pursuing medical and public health research.
10. Tata Trusts Scholarships
Official Website: https://www.tatatrusts.org
The Tata Trusts offers various scholarship programs.
Coverage
- School education
- Professional courses
- International education
Target Group
- Economically weaker sections
They also partner with institutions to expand access to higher education.
11. Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship
Official Website: https://azimpremjifoundation.org
The Azim Premji Foundation works extensively in education reform and supports higher education initiatives.
Though primarily institutional, students associated with education and social sector programs benefit from its ecosystem.
12. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships
Official Website: https://www.jnmf.in
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund provides fellowships for postgraduate and doctoral studies.
Fields
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Sciences
13. G P Birla Educational Foundation Scholarship
Official Website: https://www.gpbirlaedufoundation.com
The G P Birla Educational Foundation supports meritorious students from West Bengal and other regions.
Eligibility
- Strong academic record
- Financial need
14. Sanskriti Foundation Fellowships
Official Website: https://www.sanskritifoundation.org
The Sanskriti Foundation offers fellowships in:
- Arts
- Culture
- Social engagement
- Creative research
How to Apply for Scholarships in India (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official website (links provided above).
- Carefully read eligibility and income criteria.
- Prepare documents:
- Income certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Admission letter
- Identity proof
- Statement of Purpose (if required)
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Track updates via official email or website.
How to Increase Your Chances of Selection
- Maintain consistent academic performance
- Clearly explain financial need
- Highlight leadership or community work
- Write a strong, authentic Statement of Purpose
- Apply early
Final Thoughts
India’s social sector ecosystem is growing rapidly. From grassroots NGOs to large philanthropic trusts, multiple scholarship opportunities exist for students who are committed to building meaningful careers.
If you are serious about contributing to public service, education reform, development policy, or research, these scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden.
Don’t wait until the last date. Visit the official websites listed above, check eligibility carefully, and apply confidently.
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