- 5,000 UG and 100 PG scholars to receive financial support for 2026–27 academic year
- Up to ₹2 lakh for undergraduate and ₹6 lakh for postgraduate studies; no application fee at any stage
- Mentorship, leadership programmes, industry interactions and scholar network add wings beyond the scholarship
- Over 33,000 students supported so far as Reliance Foundation deepens its 50,000-scholarship, 10-year commitment
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
MUMBAI, AUG 16
What if a scholarship could do more than pay a student’s fees—what if it could unlock confidence, mentorship, leadership and a pathway to shape India’s future? That is the larger promise behind the Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026–27, which have opened applications for 5,100 first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students across India.
Announced on the eve of Independence Day, the flagship scholarship programme is positioning education not merely as financial assistance, but as an investment in the young minds who will drive India’s next chapter of growth, innovation and social transformation.
For the 2026–27 academic year, 5,000 Undergraduate Scholarships and 100 Postgraduate Scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in full-time degree programmes across India. Undergraduate scholars can receive up to ₹2 lakh, while postgraduate scholars can receive up to ₹6 lakh over the duration of their programmes.
And there is no application fee at any stage.
The programme brings together financial support with mentorship, leadership development, networking opportunities, interactions with industry experts and access to a vibrant community of scholars—creating an ecosystem designed to help students develop not only academically but also personally and professionally.
From scholarship to launchpad
The Undergraduate Scholarships will support 5,000 meritorious students every year through a merit-cum-means selection process, opening opportunities for deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to pursue higher education and realise their aspirations.
The Postgraduate Scholarships will select 100 exceptional students annually, with a focus on future-ready disciplines including Engineering, Technology, Energy and Life Sciences. Selection will be based on academic excellence, aptitude and other specified parameters, with the programme seeking to nurture researchers, innovators and professionals capable of tackling tomorrow’s challenges.
For undergraduate applicants, the selection process includes an aptitude assessment and evaluation of financial background. Postgraduate applicants will be assessed on academic merit, aptitude and other selection parameters.
33,000 dreams already supported
The latest scholarship cohort builds on a much larger educational journey. Reliance has been providing scholarships for more than three decades, while the Reliance Foundation significantly expanded its commitment in December 2022, when Nita M Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation, announced an additional commitment of 50,000 scholarships over 10 years on the 90th birth anniversary of Reliance Founder-Chairman Dhirubhai Ambani.
Since then, the initiative has grown into one of India’s largest private scholarship programmes, with more than 33,000 scholarships awarded to date.
The scale of the programme is reflected in last year’s cohort, when 5,100 scholars from 1,350 institutions across 27 States and seven Union Territories were selected—underscoring the breadth of talent and aspirations emerging from every corner of the country.
Building leaders, not just degree-holders
The scholarship journey extends beyond the financial grant. Scholars receive opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, networking, industry interactions and participation in a vibrant scholar community, helping them build skills, confidence and wider perspectives.
The Foundation says its scholars have gone on to make their mark across technology, healthcare, research, academia, entrepreneurship and public leadership, creating impact in their communities and beyond.
The programme is now inviting applications from another cohort of young Indians ready to dream big—and turn those dreams into meaningful contributions to the nation.
Eligible students can apply online at Reliance Foundation Scholarships portal.
