Introduction
While need-based financial aid is awarded based on a family’s financial circumstances, merit scholarships recognise a student’s academic performance, entrance exam scores, achievements, or overall admissions profile. Today, many Indian universities offer substantial merit scholarships to attract talented students, making them an important factor to consider when exploring higher education options.
In this article, we highlight ten Indian universities that offer merit-based scholarships.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and scholarship policies may change from year to year, so students should always refer to the university’s official website for the latest information.
1. Ashoka University (Sonipat, Haryana)
Ashoka University has ambitious merit scholarship programmes among Indian private universities. Students can receive significant tuition support based on both national-level examinations and overall academic excellence. Eligible students are evaluated automatically during the holistic admission process.
| Scholarship | Basis | Award |
| Special Merit Scholarship* | Top performance in JEE Main, IISER (IAT), CMI, or Indian National Olympiads (INO) | Up to 100% tuition waiver (50 seats) |
| Achievers’ Merit Scholarship | Overall admissions process performance + strong board scores (98% or above in CBSE/ISC) | Up to 100% tuition waiver (150 seats) |
*Special merit scholarships are reserved only for students who wish to pursue a Science major (Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics) at Ashoka University.
2. Amity University (Noida, Uttar Pradesh)
Multiple pathways exist for students from different academic boards and entrance examination backgrounds. Qualifying examinations include Class 12 boards, CUET, JEE Main, CLAT, NEET, SAT/ACT, IB and A-Levels. The scholarship amount varies depending on the examination and performance level. Since scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with limited seats, early application is important. These are available across 13+ Amity campuses in Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Kolkata & beyond.
3. ATLAS SkillTech University (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
ATLAS offers merit-based scholarships to students demonstrating strong academic achievement and excellent performance during the admissions process, including personal interviews. Scholarships are designed to recognise students who have consistently performed well academically and shown strong potential during admissions evaluation. Scholarship recipients may also gain access to international transfer opportunities offered through the university’s global partnerships.
4. BITS Pilani (Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, Dubai, Mumbai)
Approximately one-fourth of students enrolled in first-degree programmes receive tuition fee waivers through merit and merit-cum-need schemes.
| Scholarship | Basis | Award |
| Merit Scholarship | Academic performance at BITS | 50%–100% tuition waiver |
| Merit cum Need | Financial assistance | 10%–100% tuition waiver |
| Tuition-Blind Admission | Top BITSAT rankers | Full tuition support |
Scholarships continue after admission and reward strong academic performance throughout university.
5. Chandigarh University (Mohali, Punjab)
Chandigarh University offers multiple merit-based scholarship routes depending on the student’s educational background.
| Route | Basis | Award |
| CUCET-based | Performance in Chandigarh University’s entrance test | 15-100% tuition waiver |
| JEE Main-based | Rank in JEE Main (engineering applicants) | 10-100% fee waiver |
| Class 12-based | Board examination scores | 10- 50% semester fee |
6. FLAME University (Pune, Maharashtra)
FLAME University awards merit scholarships to top-performing applicants during the admissions cycle. Scholarships are directly integrated into the admissions evaluation process.
Scholarships may range from partial fee waivers to full tuition support. Awards are determined primarily through performance in FLAME’s admissions process, and successful candidates are informed of scholarship decisions in their admission offer letter.
7. Galgotias University (Noida, Uttar Pradesh)
Galgotias University offers two major scholarship categories. Students can qualify through either school performance or entrance examination results.
| Scholarship | Basis | Award |
| Academic Brilliance Scholarship | Strong school examination records | Partial to substantial tuition waiver |
| Entrance-Based Scholarship | JEE, CUET, LSAT, or other recognised exams | Varies by exam and score |
8. ISBF (New Delhi, Delhi)
ISBF recognises both academic achievement and meaningful extracurricular leadership. The university offers several scholarships recognising both academic and non-academic excellence.
| Scholarship | Basis | Award |
| Chairman’s Merit Scholarship | Exceptional academic achievement | Up to 50% tuition reduction |
| Jagannath Scholarship | Leadership and extracurricular involvement | Up to 20% tuition reduction |
9. Krea University (Sri City, Andhra Pradesh)
Krea University offers merit scholarships ranging from 25% to 100% tuition fee waivers. Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. All applicants are automatically considered based on overall merit, including academic achievement, extracurricular accomplishments, and performance during admissions evaluation.
10. Mahindra University (Hyderabad, Telangana)
Through its RISE Scholars Programme, Mahindra University offers merit-based scholarships for students admitted to its B.Tech programmes. Scholarships are awarded primarily based on JEE Main performance, with the level of tuition fee waiver linked to the score achieved by the applicants.
| Scholarship | Basis | Award |
| RISE Scholars Programme | JEE Main score (B.Tech applicants) | 25-100% fee waiver |
Conclusion
Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education, but many students miss valuable opportunities simply because they don’t explore what’s available. This list is not exhaustive; Part 2 will feature ten more Indian universities that offer merit-based scholarships.
Since scholarship criteria, award amounts, and application timelines vary across universities and may change from year to year, always visit the university’s official scholarship page before applying.
