1. Find scholarship opportunities

The most important step is to find the right scholarship. Most students fail at this point because they did not source their information from the right place.

This time check the university’s website

So, if you have admission into a university planned, make sure you visit its official site. Most universities include information on scholarships and funding in the “Scholarships” or “Financial Aid” sections of their websites.

For example, the universities, Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University provides several scholarships targeted for financially weak students.

Government portals

The Government of India has introduced the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which assembles diverse government scholarships from across the country. Here you will be able to view an entire list of state government, central government and various ministry scholarships.

It is also easier to apply here as you’ll apply for all scholarships using one portal.

Private Institutions and Trusts Websites

Also many private trusts and NGOs or other institutions have scholarships open for students. Tata Trust, Aditya Birla Scholarship or Ratan Tata Fellowship are some of them. Related information can be found on their websites or in the notice boards of the university.

2. Understand the eligibility

Every scholarship has terms. Hence understand before applying if you are eligible for such scholarships.

Old Marks Merit in Scholarship

Most scholarships rely on old marks. say the 90% above a merit-based scholarship for Class XII students. Likewise, some merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the marks that were obtained in an entrance examination.

Financial Need

If the income of your family is small, then it is appropriate to apply for a need scholarship. Income Certificate is the proof you need to provide as proof of the family’s annual income.

Many scholarships on NSP are to students whose family’s annual income is under 2.5 lakhs, for example.

Special Categories

Some scholarships are meant for specific communities or categories, like SC, ST, or OBC, minority communities, or specially-abled students. There are scholarships so that all students get equal opportunity to study.

Other eligibility criteria

Some scholarships are also for achievements in sports, participation in social work, or for students from special backgrounds.

If, for example, you happened to win a medal in the national sports competition, you will be easily picked for some sports scholarships by most universities.

3. Prepare for Application

Now that you have selected the right scholarship, it is time to apply. This may sound long, but it will be easy if you do it all in order.

Register on the portal

If applying for government scholarships, the first register onto the National Scholarship portal (NSP) so that you have a reference number to carry with you into every future step.

Fill Online Form

This is followed by filling in the application forms. Be careful to follow details such as name, date of birth, course name, accommodation college, and account details accurately.

Gather Required Documents

You will be required to upload several documents for a scholarship. They can include the following:

• Academic mark sheets
• Proof of date of birth
• Income Certificate
• Bank passbook or account details
• Admission letter
• Caste certificate (if required)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)

These documents need to be scanned and uploaded in the proper prescribed format.

Write an essay or personal statement.

Some scholarships require you to write an essay or a personal statement. In this, you have to tell about your achievements, dreams and why you deserve this scholarship.

The more honest and personal the essay is, the more effective it will be. For example, you could write about the challenges that you had and what the goals are for your future.

Application Submission

The last step, whose importance cannot be emphasized, is the submission of your application in time. Many students, after doing all preparations, fail to submit it on time. So, try submitting your form a few days before the last date.

4. What to do after applying?

After applying, one needs to check the status regularly on the portal.

Complete any incomplete documents or corrections as soon as possible.

No one should forget to check emails and messages for updates, as the scholarship portal sometimes sends updates to registered students.

Case in point:

Reena came from a small town, aspired to study in Delhi University. But her father had scanty income. She went up to the NSP portal and scoured to find scholarships and applied for “Post Matric Scholarship for Minority Students”. She uploaded her 12th mark sheet, family income. Her bank details, etc. A few months later she got the scholarship, which funded up to 90 percent of her fees.

In this way, he managed to realize his dream and at the same time relieved his family financial burden.

In Short

Applying for scholarships might appear rather difficult at first, but with the right kind of information and preparation, the task becomes pretty easy.

• First, find the right opportunity-check the sites of universities, portals of the government, and others.
• Then understand the eligibility-the merit, income, category, or other qualifications.
• Arrange all the documents and fill up application forms correctly.
• Whenever writing the essay, be honest and confident
• Most importantly: Apply In Time.

Remember, scholarship is not just a financial aid; it is a recognition of your hard work and ability. This recognition gives wings to your dreams of tomorrow.