Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in India 2026

(Study in India with tuition, living support, and international opportunities)

India offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships supported by the government, universities, and private foundations. These awards help students from India and abroad pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, research, and PhD programs with support for tuition fees, monthly stipends, travel allowances, and more.

Here are the Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in India for 2026 worth applying for.

1.  National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships

• Centralized platform for Indian government scholarships
• Full tuition waiver or financial support
• Covers various categories (SC/ST/Minority/OBC/General)
• Annual support for eligible students
• Covers school through higher education

2. PM Scholarship Scheme (Prime Minister’s Scholarship)

• For wards of ex-servicemen and serving personnel
• Covers tuition fees and maintenance allowance
• Available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs

3. Ishan Uday – IIT Roorkee Scholarship

• Fully funded scholarship at IIT Roorkee
• Tuition fee waiver
• Monthly stipend and accommodation support
• Merit-based award for Indian students

4. J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship

• Loan-cum-scholarship for Indian students studying abroad
• Partial or full financial support based on merit
• Covers study expenses and travel costs

5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

• Full tuition and generous living support
• Awards for Indian students attending top universities abroad
• Strong focus on research and graduate studies

6. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships

• Interest-free loan Scholarship
• Covers tuition and living costs
• Renewable yearly based on academic performance
• For postgraduate and professional programs

7. Tata Scholarship at Cornell University (for Indian Students)

• For Indian undergraduates at Cornell University
• Covers full tuition, room, and board
• Support for travel and study abroad

8. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

• Fully funded for students from ADB-member countries, including India
• Covers tuition, living allowance, travel costs
• Available for Master’s programs in development fields

9. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

• Fully funded scholarship for Indian students and researchers
• Covers tuition, living stipend, travel, and health insurance
• Master’s and PhD research opportunities abroad

10. Young India Fellowship (YIF) at Ashoka University

• Full tuition funding and living allowance
• For postgraduate liberal studies program
• Focus on leadership and social impact

 Why Study in India and Abroad in 2026?

• Rich academic heritage and quality education
• Increasing global mobility and research collaboration
• Government and private funding expand access
• Scholarships available from primary level to PhD and postdoctoral levels
• Multicultural student communities and global outlook

Whether you’re pursuing professional, research, or liberal arts programs, India offers a diverse set of fully funded scholarships that help students meet their educational goals.

 FAQs – Fully Funded Scholarships in India 2026

1. Are there fully funded scholarships for Indian students?
Yes. Both government and private foundations offer fully funded scholarships covering tuition, stipends, and support for Indian students.

2. Can Indian students study abroad on scholarships?
Absolutely. Scholarships like J.N. Tata Endowment, Inlaks, ADB-JSP, and Fulbright-Nehru help Indian students pursue education abroad with full funding.

3. Do these scholarships cover living expenses?
Many fully funded scholarships include living allowances along with tuition fees and sometimes travel support.

4. When should I apply for 2026 scholarships?
Most Indian scholarships begin accepting applications between September 2025 and February 2026. Check each scheme’s official timeline.

5. Are these scholarships competitive?
Yes. Many fully funded scholarships are highly competitive. Strong academic performance, community engagement, and compelling applications increase your chances.

6. Are undergraduate students eligible for fully funded scholarships?
Yes. Programs like PM Scholarship, Tata Scholarship at Cornell, YIF, and some NSP schemes include undergraduate funding opportunities.