Overview
The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme (RGSS) is a centrallyfunded initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections of society. Launched by the Ministry of Education, the scheme seeks to reduce the financial barriers that prevent talented youth from pursuing higher education in India.
The scheme is open to candidates from all streams Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medicine, and Professional courses and covers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. It is especially focused on students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and families with an annual income below a specified threshold.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the RGSS, an applicant must satisfy the following conditions:
- Indian citizen.
- Completed Class 12th (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/OBC).
- Family annual income not exceeding INR 2,00,000 (the limit may be revised from time to time).
- Admission to a recognized university or institute for a fulltime regular course.
- No pending dues or disciplinary actions from any educational institution.
Students who have already received other central scholarships may be ineligible for overlapping benefits.
Benefits and Coverage
The scholarship provides a combination of cash assistance and fee waiver, structured as follows:
| Component | Amount / Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee Waiver | 100% waiver of tuition fees for the duration of the course |
| Living Allowance | INR 5,000 per month (adjusted annually for inflation) |
| Book & Material Grant | INR 2,000 per semester |
| Travel Concession | Onetime reimbursement of INR 3,000 for travel to the institution |
The scholarship is disbursed directly to the students bank account in quarterly instalments, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Application Process
Applying for the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme involves the following steps:
- Registration: Visit the official portal scholarship.gov.in and create a user account.
- Fill the Online Form: Provide personal, academic, and financial details. Upload scanned copies of required documents (marksheets, income certificate, admission letter, etc.).
- Verification: The authorities verify the data and may request additional documents.
- Selection: Candidates meeting the criteria are shortlisted based on merit and economic need.
- Award Letter: Successful applicants receive an official award letter via email and can download it from the portal.
- Disbursement: The first instalment is released after the college confirms enrollment.
The application window typically opens in the month of May and closes by the end of July each year. Late submissions are not entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a student receive the scholarship for multiple courses?
No. The scholarship is granted for a single programme of study. If a student changes course or institution, a fresh application must be submitted.
What happens if my familys income increases after receiving the scholarship?
The scholarship is subject to annual income verification. If the family income exceeds the prescribed limit, the grant may be partially or fully withdrawn.
Is the scholarship transferable to a private college?
Only institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) are eligible. Private colleges that hold such recognition can receive the scholarship on behalf of the student.
How is academic performance monitored?
Students must submit semesterwise grade sheets. Maintaining a minimum CGPA of 6.0 (out of 10) is mandatory to continue receiving the stipend.
Who can I contact for assistance?
The portal provides a helpline (18001201234) and an email support address (scholarshipsupport@education.gov.in).
