The nurtr Nurturing Minds with Chess Program is a merit-cum-means based scholarship initiative run jointly by nurtr (online chess academy) and Buddy4Study to subsidise access to the nurtr Neo chess course for young learners in India.

The aim is to use structured chess training to enhance concentration, problem-solving, memory and decision‑making skills among school and college students from diverse economic backgrounds.

• Access to nurtr Neo chess course for one year with structured content and training from renowned Indian grandmasters and coaches.
• Focus on cognitive skills, discipline and academic support through chess‑based learning modules.

• Residency: Must be an Indian resident.
• Age: Between 5 and 25 years as on application date.
• Academic Status: Must be a school or college student (any board/stream).
• Income Criteria (90% Plan): Annual family income typically less than ₹8 lakh for 90% fee waiver (lower-income slab).
• Income Criteria (50% Plan – reference): Family income between ₹8–15 lakh eligible for 50% waiver option.

• Student ID proof from school/college (ID card or bonafide certificate).
• Family income proof – Salary slip, Form 16, income certificate, ITR or equivalent supporting documents.
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Government ID of student – Aadhaar or similar document as student identity proof.

1. Visit the official scholarship page for “nurtr Nurturing Minds with Chess Program 2025-26 (90% Fee Waiver)” on the scholarship platform.
2. Click on “Apply Now” and log in or register using email/mobile.
3. Fill in the online application form with personal, academic and family income details accurately.
4. Upload required documents: student ID, income proof, photograph and ID proof as per file size/format guidelines.
5. Pay the discounted Neo fee (₹999 for 90% waiver) through the payment gateway on Buddy4Study after application submission.
6. On successful verification and approval, an email is sent within about 2 working days with instructions to activate the Neo course account (activation usually required within 24 hours of invite).

• 40+ hours of structured, cinematically recorded chess content led by top Indian grandmasters and coaches, including GM R.B. Ramesh in some programmes.
• Combination of video-on-demand lessons and live sessions, covering fundamentals to advanced strategy, tactics and mindset training.
• Focus on critical thinking, time management, decision making and emotional resilience that benefit academics and life beyond chess.
• Certificates of completion may be provided upon finishing course modules and tests (as specified by nurtr for Neo licences).

1. Who can apply for the 90% fee waiver?

Indian school or college students aged 5–25 years whose annual family income falls in the lower slab (generally below ₹8 lakh) can apply for the 90% fee waiver category, subject to document verification.

2. What is the total amount I pay under the 90% waiver?

You pay approximately ₹999 for the Neo course instead of ₹9,999, which corresponds to a 90% subsidy on the fee.

3. Is the program only for strong chess players?

No, the program is designed for beginners to advanced learners; the emphasis is on learning and cognitive growth, not just current chess rating.

4. How long is access valid?

Neo course access is generally given for around one year from activation, with ongoing content and live sessions as per course design.