The Indian government, along with various private organizations, is prioritizing the empowerment of girls and women through education. Scholarships dedicated to females are instrumental in bridging the educational gender gap and fostering equal opportunities in the workplace. Below, you can discover a range of scholarship prospects tailored for girls and women.
In 2025, India continues to champion the cause of empowering girls and women by providing diverse scholarships designed to support their academic and professional dreams. These government and institutional scholarships aim to eliminate financial barriers, encouraging female students to pursue higher education, vocational programs, and research endeavors after their 10th, 12th, or graduation.
Types of Scholarships Available for Girls in India 2025
A wide variety of scholarships exist to assist girls and women in India with their educational and career ambitions. Covering different academic levels and fields of study, these scholarships ensure that financial aid reaches those who need it most. Here’s a glimpse of some prominent scholarships for girls and women in 2025:
Notable Scholarships for Girls and Women in India
India has numerous scholarships aimed at supporting the education and empowerment of females at various educational stages. These scholarships are designed to alleviate financial constraints and promote higher participation in fields like technical and professional education.
CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child
The CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child, administered by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), focuses on supporting the education of single girls. This scholarship is available to those who have achieved a minimum of 60% marks in their Class 10 exams from a CBSE-affiliated school. The scholarship offers ₹5,000 annually for two years, encouraging girls to continue their studies in Classes 11 and 12 and fostering gender equality in education.
Salient Features:
- Provides financial assistance for the education of single girl children.
- Covers ₹5,000 annually for two years (Classes 11 and 12).
- Encourages families to prioritize the education of their daughters.
Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI)
This initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) seeks to motivate women to pursue careers in science and technology. The GATI scheme provides financial support for academic research and transformative changes in institutional environments to ensure gender equity. It offers research funding, mentorship, and capacity-building activities, enabling women in STEM fields to flourish.
Salient Features:
- Supports women in STEM by providing research funding.
- Offers mentorship and capacity-building opportunities.
- Aims to promote gender equity in academic settings.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scholarship
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scholarship, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, strives to enhance the survival, protection, and education of girls, particularly in regions with low sex ratios and prevalent gender discrimination. This program offers financial incentives, educational support, and awareness campaigns to elevate the status and empowerment of girls in India.
Salient Features:
- Provides financial support for education of girl children.
- Promotes campaigns focused on gender equality and empowerment.
- Encourages community investment in girls’ education and well-being.
INSPIRE – SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education)
The INSPIRE SHE Scholarship for Higher Education, provided by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), is aimed at female students aspiring to scientific careers. Offering ₹80,000 per year, this scholarship assists those enrolled in undergraduate science programs, helping to alleviate financial pressures and enabling students to devote their focus to their academic pursuits in STEM.
Salient Features:
- Provides ₹80,000 annually to female undergraduate students in science.
- Aims to inspire girls to pursue careers in scientific fields.
- Covers undergraduate students, ensuring financial support for higher education.
Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
The Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, awarded by the University Grants Commission (UGC), supports single girls pursuing postgraduate studies in recognized universities across India. It provides ₹36,200 annually for the duration of the course, enhancing the accessibility of higher education for single girls and promoting women’s empowerment through education.
Salient Features:
- Offers ₹36,200 per year for single girls studying at the postgraduate level.
- Encourages the ongoing education of single girl children.
PRAGATI Scholarship for Girl Students in Technical Education
Offered by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the PRAGATI Scholarship provides financial support to female students pursuing technical education in engineering and technology. This scholarship awards ₹50,000 per year for the entire duration of the course, covering tuition and academic materials, and aims to increase female representation in technical fields.
Salient Features:
- Offers ₹50,000 annually for the full duration of the technical course.
- Covers tuition, books, and associated educational expenses for girls in technical education.
- Encourages more girls to pursue careers in engineering and technology.
UGC-Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women Candidates
The UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women Candidates supports women who have earned their Ph.D. and are pursuing postdoctoral research across various fields. The fellowship provides ₹40,000 per month plus additional funds for research-related expenses, enabling women to continue their academic careers and make significant contributions to research.
Salient Features:
- Provides ₹40,000 monthly along with contingent support for research.
- Encourages women Ph.D. holders to pursue subsequent research opportunities.
WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF)
The WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship, under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), promotes women holding a Ph.D. to engage in postdoctoral research in science and technology. The fellowship provides ₹40,000 monthly along with allowances for travel and research expenses, facilitating women’s progress in STEM disciplines.
Salient Features:
- Offers ₹40,000 monthly along with travel and research allowances for postdoctoral research.
- Supports women striving to advance their research careers in science and technology.
Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A)
The Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A), instituted by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), is designed for women Ph.D. holders to conduct independent scientific research. The scheme provides monthly stipends ranging from ₹55,000 to ₹75,000, empowering women researchers with financial resources to explore innovative projects.
Salient Features:
- Stipends range from ₹55,000 to ₹75,000 per month for research efforts.
- Facilitates independent scientific research for women Ph.D. holders.
Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B)
The Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) provides financial and institutional backing to female scientists currently engaged in research and those looking to re-enter the scientific workforce. This initiative supports impactful scientific research through research grants and stipends, building careers and boosting participation of women in R&D.
Salient Features:
- Provides financial aid and research funding for returning women scientists.
- Aims to increase women’s involvement in scientific research and development.
WIDUSHI (Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovation)
The WIDUSHI scheme, under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), is dedicated to supporting women scientists and researchers engaged in innovative projects in science and technology. This program includes funding for research and mentorship, with a particular focus on fostering women in STEM disciplines.
Salient Features:
- Offers financial support for women engaged in innovative scientific research.
- Concentrates on women in STEM, highlighting innovation and skill enhancement.
WISE SCOPE Fellowship
The WISE SCOPE Fellowship, also provided by the DST, targets women with research backgrounds in science and technology. This fellowship funds women’s innovative and interdisciplinary research while promoting networking opportunities to advance their careers in STEM.
Salient Features:
- Provides funding for women scientists involved in ground-breaking research.
- Focuses on supporting women advancing in STEM fields.
Women Scientist Scheme-C (WOS-C)
The Women Scientist Scheme-C (WOS-C), another initiative from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aids women scientists pursuing careers in research, particularly in STEM. It offers financial assistance ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹1,00,000 a year based on the research proposal to support innovative projects and enhance excellence in scientific endeavors.
Salient Features:
- Provides annual financial assistance from ₹75,000 to ₹1,00,000 based on the research scope.
- Supports women scientists in various scientific disciplines.
Important Dates for Scholarships for Girls & Women in India 2025
Applications for most scholarships will begin in the first quarter of 2025. It’s essential to check the official scholarship portals for specific deadlines and application procedures.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships
Common eligibility requirements typically include:
- Gender: Female applicants only.
- Income Level: Family income limits usually range from ₹1 lakh to ₹8 lakh per annum.
- Academic Level: Scholarships cover various educational stages, from school to postdoctoral research.
- Citizenship: Generally for Indian citizens or NRIs.
How to Apply Online for Women and Girl Scholarships?
To apply for these scholarships, follow these steps:
- Visit Official Websites: Access the designated portal for each scholarship.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide accurate details regarding your educational background and financial status.
- Submit Required Documents: Include necessary documents such as income proof, identity verification, and academic certificates.
- Review and Submit: Ensure all details are correct before submitting your application before the deadline.
