Amidst the economic slow down and intensely surging tuition fees, many students are struggling to land in their desired college and universities. Not to leave the students to remain in doubt for their career and future, the government has initiated many scholarship programs for graduate and post-graduate students. These innovative incentives for the students can not only take few burdens off from their shoulders but will also strengthen them financially. Students will stay motivated to achieve their dreams and refrain from joining any part-time jobs for their sustenance, giving their studies full priority.

Some of the major government scholarships for students initiated by Indian govt. for under graduate, graduate, and post- graduate students are listed below.

1. Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Technical and Professional Courses

To encourage the students of minority community to pursue technical or professional course at undergraduate or postgraduate level, the Merit Cum Means Scholarship is presented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. For eligibility the students need to secure at least 50 percent marks or equivalent in the previous final examination. The students with an annual family income of not more than INR 2.50 Lakh can apply for this scholarship. The application process is online through National Scholarship Portal and award details include course fee and maintenance allowance. The students can apply tentatively between July and November with compulsory documents required for application such as Photograph, domicile certificate, self-declaration of minority community certificate, fee receipt of current course year, self-attested copy of previous academic mark sheet, Aadhaar card, income certificate and proof of bank account.

2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship

To financially support class 12 passed meritorious students in pursuing college/university education, this Scholarship is offered by the Directorate of Higher Education under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The students with more than 80th percentile of successful candidates in relevant stream in class 12 and with annual family income less than INR 8 Lakh from all sources are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Apart from that they should pursue a regular medical and engineering course at a recognized institution. The students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal between July and November tentatively. The compulsory documents required for this scholarship consists of Class 12^th mark sheet, Aadhaar card, and income certificate. The prize money awarded in this scholarship program is INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per annum.

3. Scholarship for Professional Courses for SC/ST Graduates

Run by the University Grants Commission (UGC), this scholarship scheme intends to inspire students from SC/ST category to pursue professional courses at postgraduate level. The students in the first year of a professional course during the current academic year are eligible to apply for this scholarship. They must be studying at a recognized institution/college/university with professional courses approved by the MCA, DCI, PCI, RCI, NCTIS, NCTE, Bar Council of India, AICTE, INC, ICAR and Forensic Regulatory & Development Authority. With prize money in this scholarship ranging up to 7,800 per month, the students can apply online through National Scholarship Portal between December and January tentatively.

4. PG Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders

To inspire the top most accomplishing students at university level, the UGC has initiated this scholarship for their postgraduate studies. To avail this scholarship, the students below 30 years of age should acquire first and second rank in graduation (in various disciplines like Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Social Sciences, Languages, or Commerce) at their Universities and are also required to score a minimum of 60 percent marks in graduation to enjoy benefits under this scholarship. The reward sum is INR 3,100 per month for two years the students can apply online through National Scholarship Portal between December and January tentatively. The important documents required for this scholarship includes an attested copy of university's undergraduate degree, certificate of matriculation, verification certificate by the institute for PG admission, and Aadhaar card.

5. Indira Gandhi Post-Graduate Scholarship for Single Girl Child

Announced to encourage female education, this UGC scholarship supports the education of girl students below 30 years of age who are the single girl child in their family. The students to be eligible for this scholarship should take admission in the first year of regular (full-time) master's degree program. The students need to apply for the scholarship in online mode through National Scholarship Portal between December and January tentatively. The prize money comprises of INR 36,200 per annum for two years. The various significant documents necessary to apply for this scholarship include student's photograph, Aadhaar card or enrolment, self-attested copy of previous academic mark sheet, fee receipt of current course year, and affirmation concerning the status of single girl child.

The Indian govt. understands the necessity of the students trying their best to succeed in this competitive world and is leaving no stones unturned to encourage the young minds to achieve their desired goals. Through various awards and scholarship programs, Indian govt remains as a support for the students who are expected to lead our country to the peak of success in the near future.