BHU Scholarships 2025 - Details, Eligibility, Amount, Application Process, How to apply

Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi offers financial support through its scholarships, starting with the Pratidana merit-cum-means awards providing INR 25,000 to 300 underprivileged students across various programmes. This page details eligibility, exact amounts, application processes, and portals for 2026 entrants, sourced from BHU’s official bulletins, ensuring you can confidently pursue funding opportunities tailored to academic merit and financial need.

Types of Scholarships at BHU Varanasi

BHU offers institutional, government-backed, and welfare-based scholarships open to all eligible students at its Varanasi campus, focusing on merit and need.

These ensure broad access to BHU’s academic resources for diverse student groups.

Undergraduate students at BHU Varanasi can access scholarships tied to CUET-UG 2025 performance, prioritising academic excellence and economic hardship.

• Pratidana UG Awards: INR 25,000 annually for 300 underprivileged students with a family income below INR 2.5 lakh per annum and a minimum of 60% in Class 12.
• Merit-cum-Means: INR 5,000 per year for top CUET rankers with family income under INR 1 lakh.
• Student Welfare Fund Concessions: Fee waivers up to INR 10,000 for economically weaker UG students, verified via affidavits.

Postgraduate scholarships at BHU focus on research potential and academic records, aligned with CUET-PG 2025 scores for 2026 intakes.

• Annie Besant Fellowship: For final-year PG students in the top 5 percentile with 8.5 CGPA, offering stipends equivalent to JRF rates (INR 31,000 monthly) plus mentorship.
• Pratidana PG Support: INR 25,000 for underprivileged PG students across faculties, requiring 65% in UG and income proof.
• Student Welfare Fund: Up to INR 10,000 fee concessions for economically weaker PG students.

See BHU Admission for entry details.

BHU’s student portal manages institutional scholarship applications, while government schemes use the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

• BHU Portal (bhuonline.in): For Pratidana and welfare fund applications, requiring 2025 admission student ID.
• NSP (scholarships.gov.in): For Post-Matric awards, integrated with BHU’s verification system.

Here is the official link for BHU Student portal: https://bhu.ucanapply.com/universitysystem/student/

Portals open post-CUET allotment in September 2025 for verified applicants. 

Below, the types of BHU scholarship and amounts have been provided in a tabulated manner. Kindly check it out.

Online forms for scholarships open after UG/PG allotments, with deadlines typically in November.

• Log into bhuonline.in with admission credentials to submit Pratidana forms, upload income certificates and marksheets.
• For NSP-linked schemes, register at scholarships.gov.in with Aadhaar for BHU verification.

Accurate details prevent rejection, with status updates via email.

How to Get a Scholarship at BHU

Securing a BHU scholarship requires meeting eligibility criteria and timely application, starting with strong CUET performance.

• Achieve a minimum of 60% in qualifying exams for most awards.
• Submit documents: Income proof, category certificates, and BHU allotment letter.
• Apply early via portals post-September for Pratidana slots.
• Maintain a CGPA above 7.0 for renewals.

This process supports thousands at BHU Varanasi.

BHU Scholarship for SC/ST Students

SC/ST students access post-matric schemes, covering fees and living costs.

• Full tuition waiver plus INR 1,200 monthly maintenance for hostellers and INR 550 for day scholars.
• INR 750 annual book allowance and up to INR 1,000 for thesis printing.
• Eligibility: SC/ST certificate, family income below INR 2.5 lakh, CUET enrolment.

These integrate with BHU’s welfare fund.

BHU has no standalone scholarship test; awards depend on CUET scores and internal assessments.

High CUET-UG/PG ranks qualify for merit-based scholarships, with interviews for fellowships like Annie Besant. Check the BHU Cutoff for score benchmarks.

Foreign nationals admitted in the academic year receive stipends to support living in Varanasi.

• INR 6,000 monthly stipend for students on 15% supernumerary seats.
• Student Welfare Fund: Concessions for eligible students, including free meals.
• Eligibility: Valid passport, academic equivalence, BHU FSR application.

Government Scholarships Available at BHU

BHU facilitates central schemes for all eligible Varanasi students.

• Post-Matric for Minorities: INR 3,000 annually plus fees, for incomes under INR 2 lakh.
• Central Sector Scheme: INR 12,000 for UG day scholars with 80%+ in Class 12.

Apply via NSP, with BHU verification.

To apply for BHU scholarships for 2025-2026, follow these steps post-CUET admission.

1st - Secure the Spot

• Secure a spot via CUET-UG/PG and BHU’s CAP (bhuonline.in, August 2025).

2nd - Find Your Eligibility for the Scholarship & Gather Documents

• Identify scholarships like Pratidana or Post-Matric on bhuonline.in or scholarships.gov.in
• Gathering income certificates (below INR 2.5 lakh), marksheets (60% minimum), and category proofs.

3rd - Registration & Document Verification

• Register on the NSP or BHU portal in September
• Upload documents and submit by November. 
• BHU verifies within 15-30 days, disbursing funds (e.g., INR 25,000 Pratidana) to your bank. Visit BHU Campus for on-campus support.

What is the eligibility for BHU scholarship 2025?

To qualify for BHU scholarships in 2025, students must score at least 60% in qualifying exams like Class 12 or UG and have a family income below INR 2.5 lakh for schemes like Post-Matric. SC/ST students need valid category certificates. Pratidana awards require a top 10% CUET-UG/PG rank and verified income affidavits, submitted via bhuonline.in for 2026 admissions.

What is the last date for BHU scholarship online form 2025?

The deadline for BHU scholarship online forms for 2025-2026 is typically 30 November 2025, aligned with the National Scholarship Portal. Pratidana and institutional award applications must be submitted on bhuonline.in post-CUET allotment in September. Early submission ensures verification of documents like income certificates and marksheets, with status updates sent via registered email to applicants.

Are there scholarships for BHU PhD students?

Yes, BHU provides PhD scholarships, including the Annie Besant Fellowship, offering INR 31,000 monthly stipends for top 5 percentile candidates. Additional grants provide INR 20,000 annually for research. Eligibility requires PhD admission via BHU’s RET or CUET-PhD, with applications processed through the university’s research grants portal, supporting innovative projects for 2026 entrants.

How much is the BHU merit scholarship?

Merit scholarships of BHU Varanasi range from INR 5,000 to INR 31,000 annually, based on academic rank and need. Pratidana awards INR 25,000 to 300 underprivileged students with top 10% CUET ranks. Annie Besant Fellowships offer INR 31,000 monthly for PG/PhD students in the top 5 percentile, renewable with a 7.0 CGPA for 2026 admissions.

Can international students apply for Pratidana scholarships?

International students cannot apply for Pratidana scholarships, which are reserved for Indian students with incomes below INR 2.5 lakh. However, BHU provides foreign nationals an INR 6,000 monthly stipend under the 15% supernumerary seats scheme. Welfare fund concessions, including free meals, are available via bhuonline.in, requiring a valid passport and academic equivalence.