Top Financial Aid Programs for Meritorious Yet Economically Disadvantaged B.Tech Students

Soham Mitra

Updated On: October 17, 2025 04:08 PM

Worried about higher education cost for B.Tech degree? Take a look at the top financial aid programs aims towards meritorious yet economically weak B.Tech aspirants here. 


 
Top Financial Aid Programs for Meritorious Yet Economically Disadvantaged B.Tech Students

Pursuing a B.Tech degree remains a dream for many deserving aspirants due to the high cost of education, especially in private institutes. But the good news is that there exists quite a number of financial-aid, scholarship and loan options for such meritorious but economically weak students willing to pursue engineering courses in India. The types of financial aid options vary as per the schemes and scholarships each entailing specific conditions. In this article, we will take a look at the various types of financial aid options available for the meritorious students.

Also Check - How to Avail Fee Waivers for B.Tech Courses: Eligibility and Application Process

Top Financial Aid Programs for Meritorious but Economically Weak B.Tech Candidates

The various types of financial aid options available for the economically weak B.Tech candidates have been tabulated below.

Types of Financial Aid

What It Covers

Eligibility Conditions

Government / Central & State Schemes

Schemes run by the Government of India (or state governments) to enable engineering / technical education. These government-aided schemes offer INR 10,000-20,000 annually to students.

Must have scored above 80% in 10+2 or equivalent, and belong to family with an annual income below INR 8 lakh.

AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarships

Pragati Scholarship offers INR 50,000 annually for the female students pursuing technical education. On the other hand, Saksham Scholarship aims to empower the differently‑abled students by providing financial aid of INT 50,000 every year. Both of these help with tuition & incidental expenses.

Must be pursuing 1st year or 2nd year of B.Tech degree or a Diploma course at an insititute approved by the AICTE, with family's annual income less than INR 8 lakh. Also, must be the first girl child in the family to apply for Pragati Scholarship.

Merit‑cum‑Means Scholarships

These type of scholarships aimed at technical and professional courses cover up to INR 20,000 or the actual B.Tech course fee (whichever is less). These schemes often cover tuition fees, sometimes hostel fees, stipend etc.

Must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination, and family income below INR 2.5 lakh per annum.

Corporate / NGO Scholarships

Various companies and non‑profit organizations fund scholarships, such as Reliance Foundation Scholarships, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, Sitaram Jindal Foundation, Bharti Airtel Foundation Scholarships etc. to help poor but the bright students.

Must have secured 75% in Science stream in 10+2 or equivalent, and annual family income less than INR 15 lakh per annum.

Fully Merit Scholarships / Entrance Scholarships

These cholarships are based purely upon merit and may cover full or partial tuition fee or even living expenses.

Must have secured at least 75% aggregate marks in 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) subject combination, and a good rank in competitive entrance exam, such as JEE Main or others.

Ministry of Minority Affairs ‑ Merit‑cum‑Means Fellowship

Offers financial aid to the students from the minority communities pursuing technical or professional courses.

Must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination, and family income below INR 2.5 lakh per annum.

Institutional Scholarships

These scholarships are provided by select colleges or institutes to students with excellent academic record. These typially cover tuitui fee waivers, thus reducing financial burden.

Must have secured a high percentage in 10+2 or equivalent or a good rank in competitive exams.

Also Check - Top Scholarships for B.Tech Aspirants in 2026: How and Where to Apply

How to Avail of Financial Aid Programs for B.Tech Course?

Here is a complete guide to availing financial aid for various B.Tech programs:

  • Research early — many scholarships have specific deadlines when you join 1st year or even beforehand.

  • Check eligibility criteria carefully – income limits, minimum marks, community category etc.

  • Keep documents ready – documents such as mark sheets, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), proof of admission etc. should be kept in handy

  • Apply to as many you qualify for – don’t depend on just one; combine state + central + institutional + NGO options.

  • Maintain good academic performance – many scholarships renew only if you maintain certain grades.

  • Talk to your college’s financial aid / student affairs office – they may have information about the lesser‑known scholarships/local NGOs or fee waiver options.

We hope this article has been helpful for you to be aware of the financial aid options available for meritorious but economically weak B.Tech students.

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FAQs

How to apply for Dhirubhai Ambani scholarship?

To apply for a Dhirubhai Ambani scholarship, visit the official Reliance Foundation scholarships page to find information on the latest scholarship programs and their application deadlines, create an account on the portal, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents like marksheets and income proof, and then submit the application before the specified deadline. 

What is the Vidya Lakshmi scheme?

The PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme provides students with access to collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans through a unified online portal, allowing them to apply to multiple banks and access interest subsidies for higher education at Quality Higher Educational Institutions (QHEIs).

Does EWS reduce college fees?

Scholarships for EWS students include financial support for tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other academic expenses, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial burden.

Which scheme offers the highest financial assistance to students?

The aim of the PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) scheme is to reduce the financial burden on families and encourage students to pursue higher education. Scholarships under PMSS are awarded to students enrolled in various technical institutions approved by the AICTE/UGC.

Is there any scholarship for EWS students?

EWS scholarships shall be equally reserved for boys & girls and shall be given to 10% students of actual admissions to the programme. Note: Scholarship will be applicable on the academic fees only and not to Hostel Fees, Bus Fees or other charges.

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