Class 10 and 12 are crucial years that shape future academic and career paths. For many students in India—especially from low-income, rural, or reserved category backgrounds—financial support through scholarships can cover tuition, books, hostel fees, coaching, or even higher education preparation. In 2026, both government and private scholarships remain highly active for Class 10 & 12 students.
This detailed guide lists the top scholarships for Class 10 and Class 12 students in India (2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years), including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application portals, and tips especially useful for students in Maharashtra/Pune.
Why These Scholarships Matter in 2026
- Cover school fees, books, uniforms, coaching for competitive exams (JEE/NEET/CLAT), or direct cash support.
- Many are need-cum-merit — good marks + low family income.
- Government schemes via NSP and MahaDBT offer direct bank transfer (DBT).
- Private & corporate scholarships often have easier applications and higher success rates.
Top Scholarships for Class 10 & 12 Students in India 2026
| Scholarship Name | Provider / Portal | Class / Level | Income Limit (Family) | Benefits (Annual Approx.) | Eligibility Highlights | Deadline (2025-26 / 2026-27) | Application Portal |
| National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) | Ministry of Education / NSP | Class 9–12 | ≤ ₹3.5 lakh | ₹12,000 (₹1,000/month) | 55%+ in Class 8, state-level exam | Varies by state (usually Aug–Nov) | scholarships.gov.in |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities | NSP / Multiple Ministries | Class 1–10 | ≤ ₹2.5–6.5 lakh | Tuition + maintenance (₹5,000–₹25,000) | SC/ST/OBC/Minority; good attendance/marks | Sep–Dec (extended often) | scholarships.gov.in |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC | NSP / State Depts | Class 11–12 & above | ≤ ₹2.5–8 lakh | Full tuition + maintenance allowance | SC/ST/OBC; enrolled in Class 11–12 | Sep–Dec / extended to Mar–May | scholarships.gov.in |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship | Ministry of Education / NSP | Class 12 → UG | ≤ ₹4.5 lakh | ₹12,000/year (first 3 yrs UG) | Top 80 percentile in Class 12 board exam | Oct–Nov | scholarships.gov.in |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship | Ministry of Minority Affairs / NSP | Class 9–12 (girls) | ≤ ₹2 lakh | ₹5,000–₹6,000 | Minority girls; 50%+ marks | Sep–Oct | scholarships.gov.in |
| Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana (MMVY) | Madhya Pradesh Govt | Class 12 → UG | ≤ ₹6 lakh | Full tuition in top colleges | 75%+ in Class 12 (MP Board/CBSE) | June–Aug | mmvy.mp.gov.in |
| Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme | Maharashtra / MahaDBT | Class 10–12 & UG | Varies (EWS focus) | ₹10,000–₹50,000+ | Maharashtra domicile; merit + need | Varies (ongoing) | mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Vidyadhan Scholarship | Sarla Devi Charitable Trust | Class 10 → 11 & 12 | ≤ ₹2–6 lakh | Up to ₹10,000–₹75,000/year | 90%+ in Class 10 (state/CBSE/ICSE) | May–June (after Class 10 results) | vidyadhan.org |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | Narotam Sekhsaria | Class 12 → UG | Merit-cum-need | Up to ₹50,000–₹2 lakh | High merit; financial need | Feb–April | nsfoundation.net |
| Colgate Scholarship / Keep India Smiling | Colgate-Palmolive / Buddy4Study | Class 11–12 | Low-income | ₹20,000–₹75,000 | 60%+ marks; family income low | Rolling / check buddy4study.com | buddy4study.com |
| Dhirubhai Ambani Scholarship Programme | Reliance Foundation | Class 12 → UG | Merit + need | Up to ₹2 lakh/year | High achievers from low-income families | Varies (summer cycle) | reliancefoundation.org |
Maharashtra/Pune-Specific Highlights:
- MahaDBT Portal — Covers EBC, SC, ST, OBC, SBC, VJNT scholarships for Class 11–12 students.
- Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship — For backward class students in Maharashtra.
- Pune Zilla Parishad / Municipal Corporation — Local merit-cum-need scholarships (check district website).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply (Most Common Portals)
1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Generate One Time Registration (OTR) → scholarships.gov.in
- Login with OTR ID → Search scheme → Apply → Upload income certificate, marksheet, caste certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar-linked bank passbook.
- School/college verifies → DBT to bank.
2. MahaDBT (Maharashtra Students)
- Register on mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
- Apply for Post-Matric, EBC, Minority, etc.
- Upload documents → Institute & department verification.
3. Private Scholarships (Buddy4Study, Vidyadhan, etc.)
- Register on buddy4study.com or respective website
- Fill profile → Apply to matched scholarships → Submit essays/marksheets/income proof.
Common Documents Needed
- Aadhaar card
- Income certificate (Tehsildar/SDM issued, usually <1 year old)
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
- Class 10/12 marksheet
- Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
- Bonafide certificate from school
- Passport-size photo
Tips for Pune / Maharashtra Students
- Visit your school scholarship cell or taluka office for help with income/caste certificates.
- Apply early—many NSP schemes extend deadlines till March–May 2026.
- Track application status regularly on NSP/MahaDBT.
- Combine central (NSP) + state (MahaDBT) + private (Buddy4Study) for maximum support.
- Use Pune cyber cafes or libraries if internet issues at home.
FAQs: Scholarships for Class 10 & 12 in 2026
Q: Can general category students apply?
Yes — Central Sector, Vidyadhan, Colgate, and many private ones are open to all.
Q: Is income certificate mandatory?
Yes for almost all need-based schemes; get it renewed every year.
Q: Can I apply after Class 12 results?
Yes — Central Sector, Vidyadhan, and many private ones accept post-result applications.
Q: How much can one realistically get?
₹10,000–₹1 lakh/year commonly; full tuition + maintenance possible via state schemes.
Q: What if I miss the deadline?
Many get extended; private ones often have rolling cycles—check Buddy4Study frequently.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your Future in 2026
Class 10 and 12 are the perfect time to lock in financial support for higher studies. Start with NMMSS, Central Sector, Post-Matric (SC/ST/OBC/Minority) on NSP. Gather your documents, apply to multiple schemes, and track status. Your hard work + smart scholarship applications = brighter future!
Share this guide with classmates and juniors.(Always verify latest deadlines, eligibility, and documents on official portals—dates and rules can change. Best wishes!)
