If you’re a CBSE student looking for financial support to continue your education in the 2025–26 academic year, several government and private scholarships are available to ease the financial burden. These scholarships cater to Class 10 and 12 passed students, meritorious applicants, and single girl children, offering annual assistance ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹73,500.
Here’s a detailed guide to the top scholarship schemes available this year, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
1. CBSE Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students (CSSS) 2025–26
Eligibility:
- Students must have passed Class 12 in 2025 with 80% marks or above.
- Age should be between 18 and 25 years.
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
- Students should be enrolled in a regular degree course (UG/PG) in a recognized institution.
Scholarship Amount:
| Academic Year | Amount (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1st to 3rd Year | ₹12,000 |
| 4th & 5th Year | ₹20,000 |
Application Process:
- Apply through the National Scholarship Portal (2025–26 session).
- Deadline: Usually between August and October 2025.
2. CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child 2025–26
Eligibility:
- Must be the only girl child in the family.
- Studying in Class 11 or 12 in a CBSE-affiliated school in the 2025–26 session.
- Scored 70% or more in Class 10 (2025).
- Tuition fee in Class 10 should not have exceeded ₹2,500/month.
- Annual parental income as per CBSE’s prescribed limit (generally up to ₹8 lakh).
Scholarship Amount:
- ₹1,000/month for up to 2 years (₹24,000 total).
- Paid via bank transfer (ECS/NEFT).
Application Process:
- Apply online at cbse.gov.in.
- Application opens around September 2025.
3. Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025
Eligibility:
- Passed Class 10 (SSC/CBSE/ICSE) in 2025 with at least 85% marks.
- Residing and studying in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹3.2 lakh.
Scholarship Amount:
- ₹3,500/month for 21 months (Class 11 & 12).
- Total assistance: ₹73,500.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition, books, travel, and academic counseling.
Application Process:
- Apply via Buddy4Study.com
- Applications open around May–June 2025.
Comparison Table: CBSE Scholarships for 2025–26
| Scholarship Name | Applicable Class | Amount | Eligibility | Apply On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSE CSSS 2025–26 | After Class 12 | ₹12,000–₹20,000/year | 80%+ in Class 12, income ≤ ₹4.5 lakh | scholarships.gov.in |
| Single Girl Child 2025–26 | Class 11 & 12 | ₹1,000/month | Single girl, 70%+ in Class 10, income ≤ ₹8 lakh | cbse.gov.in |
| Kotak Junior Scholarship 2025 | After Class 10 | ₹3,500/month | 85%+, income ≤ ₹3.2 lakh, MMR only | buddy4study.com |
Tips for Scholarship Applications (2025–26)
- Start Early: Don’t wait till the deadline.
- Use Correct Documents: Scanned mark sheets, income certificates, Aadhaar, and bank details.
- Read Guidelines Thoroughly: Any mismatch may lead to rejection.
- Track Application: Use official websites to monitor your status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the 2025–26 scholarship applications open?
A: Most portals open between May and October 2025, depending on the scholarship.
Q2. Can I apply for more than one CBSE scholarship?
A: Yes, unless restricted by overlapping benefit rules.
Q3. Are these scholarships for private school students too?
A: Yes, if the school is CBSE-affiliated and the student meets the other criteria.
Q4. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
A: Yes, for most central and CBSE-affiliated scholarships.
Q5. Is renewal automatic?
A: No. Most scholarships require yearly renewal based on academic performance.
Final Words
For CBSE students in the 2025–26 session, these scholarships are a golden opportunity to fund higher education, reduce financial stress, and pursue academic goals. Whether you’re a top scorer, a single girl child, or from a low-income background, there’s a scholarship tailored to your need.
Apply on time, submit documents carefully, and stay updated on deadlines. For more such opportunities, keep visiting trusted portals like NSP, CBSE, and Buddy4Study.
