Applications have opened for one of India’s largest higher education scholarship programs, offering financial support and mentorship opportunities to 5,100 outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students for the 2025-26 academic year.

The Reliance Foundation Scholarships program represents a significant investment in India’s educational future, forming part of the organization’s ambitious commitment to support 50,000 young minds over the next decade. This initiative was announced by Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, on the 90th birth anniversary of Reliance’s Founder-Chairman Shri Dhirubhai Ambani in December 2022.

Undergraduate Scholarship Program

The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships will support 5,000 students with grants of up to Rs 2 lakh each. These merit-cum-means based scholarships are designed to help students pursue academic excellence while nurturing their aspirations.

First-year students enrolled in any full-time undergraduate course across India are eligible to apply for this program.

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

The Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships target academic excellence by supporting 100 of India’s brightest postgraduate students in specialized fields including Engineering, Technology, Energy, and Life Sciences. Each scholarship provides grants of up to Rs 6 lakh, along with access to comprehensive development programs.

This postgraduate initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who can contribute to national development through innovative thinking in digital transformation, sustainable practices, and technological advancement. Recipients will be empowered to pursue advanced studies and research in areas critical to India’s progress and global competitiveness.

Beyond Financial Support

Reliance Foundation scholars receive more than monetary assistance. The program includes holistic development opportunities throughout the scholarship journey, featuring expert interactions and mentorship, industry exposure, leadership and skill-building events, and opportunities for meaningful community engagement focused on societal development.

Application Details

Undergraduate Scholarship Application Process:

Eligibility Requirements:

Undergraduate applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for consideration:

• Candidates must be resident Indian citizens who have passed Standard 12th with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Students must be currently enrolled in their first year of the 2025-26 academic year in a regular full-time degree course across any stream.
• Financial eligibility focuses on households with income below Rs. 15 lakhs, with preference given to families earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakhs annually. This merit-cum-means approach ensures support reaches deserving students who need financial assistance most.

Application Components

The undergraduate application requires comprehensive documentation including personal and contact information, academic details, achievements and awards, plus supporting documents. Students begin the process through the designated application link provided on the foundation’s website.

Mandatory Aptitude Assessment

All undergraduate applicants must complete an online aptitude test lasting 60 minutes with 60 multiple-choice questions. The assessment evaluates verbal ability, analytical and logical reasoning, and numerical ability. Sample question papers are available for preparation through the foundation’s resources.

Selection Timeline

The selection process involves initial evaluation combining aptitude test scores with academic and personal information. Up to 5,000 scholars will be announced following this merit-cum-means evaluation process.

Postgraduate Scholarship Application Requirements:

• Be a resident Indian citizen
• First year PG Students who secured a score of 550 – 1,000 in the GATE Examination.
  OR
  Students who have scored 7.5 or above in their Undergraduate CGPA (or % normalised to CGPA)
• Eligible degree programmes – Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/or Electronics Engg., Chemical Engg., Mechanical Engg., Renewable & New Energy, Material, Science & Engg. and Life Sciences (as per the list above).

Comprehensive Application Requirements

The postgraduate application process begins with an eligibility questionnaire on the foundation’s website, followed by detailed application submission through the dedicated portal. Requirements include personal, academic, and extracurricular details, two letters of reference covering academic capabilities and character/leadership traits, academic and professional information, two essays comprising a personal statement and statement of purpose, plus supporting documentation.

Rigorous Selection Process

Postgraduate candidates undergo a multi-stage evaluation beginning with the same 60-minute aptitude test required for undergraduate applicants. Applications then receive review by expert panels comprising industry specialists, academicians, and field leaders.

Selected candidates advance to virtual interviews conducted by expert panels, with preparation webinars provided beforehand. The final selection announces up to 100 scholars based purely on merit evaluation.

Support and Resources

Both programs provide comprehensive support throughout the application process. The foundation offers frequently asked questions sections addressing common concerns. Additional assistance is available through multiple channels: WhatsApp support by texting “hi” to 7977 100 100, helpline calls to (011) 4117 1414, or email communication.

Undergraduate applicants can contact: RF.UGScholarships@reliancefoundation.org

Postgraduate candidates should reach:

RF.PGScholarships@reliancefoundation.org for program-specific inquiries.

To know more about the scholarships and to apply, visit scholarships.reliancefoundation.org.

Last date for applications: October 4, 2025.

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