Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 is a prestigious scheme by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, to promote educational and cultural exchange. It is a fully funded scholarship scheme through which international and Indian students can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs in India's premier institutes and universities.

The scholarship provides avenues for students to gain a globally top-notch education experience while diving into India's rich cultural heritage. It offers complete support in the form of tuition fees, return airfare, 3rd AC train fare, and mandatory health insurance for INR 5 lakhs annually. Students should be proficient in English and can apply to up to five Indian institutions of their choice.

Except for a few fields, such as medicine, fashion, law, and integrated courses etc., the program offers an intensive academic experience. The application procedure is online in the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal. It is open to all deserving candidates wishing to pursue studies in India.

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The schedule for the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 application process is strictly governed. Interested applicants must take note of the important dates concerning application submission, document uploads, etc. Below is a table of some important deadlines mentioned for the scholarship year for ensuring that all applicants are constantly in the loop throughout the process.

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The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025 offers exceptional academic opportunities for students to pursue higher education in India across a wide range of disciplines.

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By offering scholarships to deserving international students, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee scholarship 2025 aims to enhance educational and cultural ties between India and partner countries. The program, which is managed by the ICCR under the Ministry of External Affairs, provides opportunities for the scholarship holders to study in globally recognised Indian universities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs. Excluded areas are medicine, law, fashion, and integrated courses to maintain academic standards as well as feasibility.

This scholarship scheme supports academic excellence while promoting India as a hub of higher education. It encourages cross-cultural engagement by enabling international students to experience India's rich heritage and diverse academic environment. Through this initiative, ICCR fosters long-term international cooperation and mutual understanding via education.

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You need to fulfil some eligibility conditions to apply for this prestigious scholarship. The following is a brief overview of the major eligibility conditions if you are interested in applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. courses under this scheme.

Follow these steps to successfully apply for the ICCR Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025.

Step 1: Explore and Carefully Select the Desired Universities

• Visit the official websites of Indian universities/institutes through the ICCR scholarship portal.
• Study the eligibility requirements, availability of courses, admission requirements, and documents required according to their procedures. 
• Make a shortlist of five maximum universities/institutes in a sequence of preference.

Step 2: Prepare Documents Required

Check the list of documents required and submit accordingly. 

Step 3: Online Application and Registration

• Register for the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal.
• Fill out the online application form, providing personal, academic, and contact details, all of which must be true.
• Select a maximum of five preferred universities. Upload all documents in the stipulated format.

Step 4: Review and Submit Application

• Carefully check all information and documents before final submission.
• Submit the filled application through the online portal during the application period.

Step 5: University Research and Selection

• These applications are reviewed by the universities, which may take interviews or request more information.
• The temporary confirmation letter will be sent to shortlisted applicants.
• The rejection will be communicated for such candidates by the ICCR portal.

Step 6: Complete Admission Requirements

• Transmit original documents to the assigned university for final checking.
• Procure an AIU Equivalence Certificate if necessary.
• Organise and obtain a medical insurance policy with a minimum sum assured of INR 5 Lakhs per year.

Step 7: Post-Arrival Formalities

• Immediately on arrival in India, report through the ICCR's 'Gyan Setu' web application.
• Work together with the host institution to finalise admission, hostel booking, and document endorsement.

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The online application process for the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship for the year 2025 must be closed with the upload of all essential documents along with application submission:

• Upload scanned copies of Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, as well as graduation/post-graduation degree certificates and transcripts based on the courses applied for. 
• You must have a scanned copy of the photo and information page of a valid passport required for identity verification.
• Attach high-resolution passport photos as required by the dimensions given on the scholarship portal.
• The candidate must submit a 500-word essay in English. TOEFL, IELTS, or any registered English language test may also be attached as proof, along with the application.
• A well-written SOP explaining your academic goals and reasons for choosing India as your study destination enhances your profile.
• Some Indian universities/institutes may require academic or professional letters of recommendation.
• If requested by the university, obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This ensures that your foreign qualifications are recognised in India.
• Submit a health certificate from a registered medical professional, if required by the university or ICCR.
• Proof of a personal medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage of INR 5 lakhs per annum must be submitted after arrival in India.
• Provide a copy of any valid national identity document issued by your home country.

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The Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme, offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), provides exceptional academic and financial support to eligible students pursuing higher education in India. This scholarship aims to foster educational growth and cross-cultural engagement.

• Covers full academic tuition fees at recognised Indian universities and institutions.
• International scholars receive economy-class return air tickets from their home country to India.
• Reimbursement for third-class AC train travel from the arrival airport to the institution, if required.
• All the chosen students should have medical insurance of at least INR 5 lakhs per year.
• Freedom to apply to five universities/institutes according to academic choice.
• Smooth application and document upload through the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal.
• Online monitoring of scholarship information, admission status, and documents required through the Gyan Setu web platform.
• Study at India's renowned institutions with a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses.
• Experience India's rich culture, academic climate, and multicultural student community.