Top Merit-Based Scholarships in India 2025-26: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply
Job Description
Explore top merit-based scholarships in India for 2025-26, including corporate CSR, government, and foundation-funded schemes listed on Buddy4Study. Learn who can apply (Class 9 to PG), typical eligibility (60–80% marks), benefits like tuition and hostel fee support, and how to find active scholarships online.
Top Merit-Based Scholarships in India 2025-26
Major scholarships that reward academic excellence, talent and performance for school, college and professional students across India.
Table of Contents
What Are Merit-Based Scholarships?
Merit-based scholarships are financial awards given primarily on the basis of academic performance, competitive exam scores or exceptional talent in fields like sports, arts or innovation.
They may be funded by the government, corporates (CSR), NGOs or private foundations, and are often listed together on platforms where students can search and apply online.
Top Merit Scholarships for School Students
| Scholarship | Classes / Board | Basic Merit Criteria | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| National/State Talent Search & Olympiad-linked Scholarships | Class 8–12 | High rank or top percentile in talent tests/olympiads | Annual stipend + coaching/mentorship support |
| Board Merit Scholarships (State/CBSE) | 10th & 12th toppers | Top ranks or ≥ 85–90% in board exams | Lump-sum grant or yearly allowance |
| Corporate CSR School Merit Awards | Class 9–12 | 60–80%+ with preference to higher scorers | Fee support, books, devices, sometimes hostel |
Top Merit Scholarships for UG/PG Students
| Scholarship Type | Target Courses | Merit Requirements | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Merit Scholarships | BTech/BE | High 12th % or entrance rank (JEE/state exams) | Tuition/hostel fee support, 1–4 years |
| Medical & Nursing Merit Awards | MBBS/BDS/BSc Nursing | NEET rank or 12th PCB ≥ 80% (varies) | Part/Full tuition reimbursement, stipends |
| General UG/PG Merit Scholarships | BA/BSc/BCom/MA/MSc/MCom | 60–75% in 12th or graduation | Annual fixed grant or monthly stipend |
| Corporate & Foundation Merit-Cum-Means | Professional & technical degrees | Good academic record (often ≥ 65%) | Need-based top-up covering big share of fees |
Common Eligibility & Benefits
Typical Eligibility Conditions
- Indian citizenship and enrolment in a recognised school/college.
- Minimum marks threshold, usually between 60% and 85% in the last qualifying exam, or a specific rank in an entrance/competitive exam.
- Some schemes add an income ceiling (for example, family income below a fixed lakh per year) to prioritise deserving students.
What Merit Scholarships Usually Cover
- Reimbursement or partial coverage of tuition, exam and admission fees.
- Fixed annual or monthly stipend for books, hostel, travel and other academic expenses.
- Occasional extras like laptops/tablets, coaching, mentorship, internships or career guidance.
How to Find & Apply for Merit Scholarships Online
- Create a free profile on a scholarship search platform and select filters like “Merit-based”, class/year, gender, category and state.
- Shortlist active schemes that match your marks, course and income profile; read each scheme’s eligibility and deadline carefully.
- Prepare documents: mark sheets, ID proof, income certificate, admission proof, bank details and recommendation letters if required.
- Fill the online application form, upload scanned documents in the prescribed format and size, and submit before the last date.
- Track application status through your dashboard or the respective scholarship portal; respond quickly to any verification requests.
