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Pursuing an MBA course in India is quite costly. Students who have ranked top in the national entrance exams like CAT also need to pay a lump sum amount to pursue the degree, along with the hostel fees. Availing MBA scholarships in India 2025 gives a valuable opportunity for aspiring students to pursue quality management education with financial support. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making MBA programs more accessible to various groups, including those based on merit, reserved categories, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Leading MBA scholarships in India include top institutes like the IIMs, private organizations such as the Aditya Birla Group, and government initiatives. The eligibility to apply for these scholarships is determined by the merit in the entrance exam score, like CAT, GMAT, etc., academic records, category, or family income. The application process involves submitting documents such as admission proof, income certificates, and statements for the purpose. These MBA scholarships cover MBA Tuition Fees, living costs, or provide direct financial aid, easing the financial burden of pursuing an MBA.
MBA Scholarships in India: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for applying to MBA scholarships in India include entrance exam scores, academic records, work experience (if required), family income certificates, etc. Candidates are advised to contact the admission cell of the specific MBA Institute to know the eligibility criteria. Some of the common eligible requirements are:
- Entrance Test Score.
- Family Income Status that falls under the eligible requirements.
- Graduation result score.
- Participation in state or central-level competition.
Top MBA Scholarships in India
Check out some of the top MBA scholarships in India, along with the eligibility criteria and amount given.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Amount |
| Aditya Birla Scholarship | Merit-based, top IIMs/XLRI students; selection via application and interview | INR 1.75 lakh/annum |
| OPJEMS (OP Jindal) Scholarship | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students of select top B-schools based on academic performance | INR 1.50 lakh/annum |
| IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship | Family income ≤INR 6 lakh/annum, <35 years old, enrolled in 1st year, select MBA colleges | INR 1 lakh/annum |
| AICTE Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme | Parents’ income ≤INR 8 lakh/annum, merit-based (for technical courses) | 100% Tuition Fee Waiver |
| Mirae Asset Foundation Scholarship | Merit-cum-means, usually family income restrictions, and academic performance | Variable |
| NTPC Scholarship Scheme | SC/ST/Physically Challenged pursuing full-time MBA, merit-based | Up to INR 18,000/year |
| Indian Oil Educational Scholarship | Indian nationals, merit-cum-means, pursuing full-time MBA | INR 36,000/year |
| Central Sector Scheme (Govt.) | Merit-cum-means, minority, SC/ST/PwD, family income limits as per the scheme | Variable |
| T Thomas Scholarship | XLRI students, merit-based, nominated by the institute | INR 1 lakh (one-time) |
| IIM Scholarships (by each IIM) | Means and/or merit-based, often for family income ≤INR 6-8 lakh/annum | Fee waiver or stipend |
| Pirojsha Godrej Scholarship | Select institutes, merit-based, nominations through institutes | Variable |
IIM MBA Scholarships
The India Institute of Management offers merit-based, need-based, or category-based scholarships to deserving candidates who are pursuing the MBA course. Given below is the list of scholarships provided by IIMs along with the eligibility criteria.
| IIM Institute | Scholarship Name (2025) | Eligibility /Criteria |
| IIM Ahmedabad | IIMA Special Need-Based Scholarships | Annual family income below ₹15 lakh |
| SC/ST Scholarship | SC/ST students, family income <₹4.5 lakh | |
| Aditya Birla Scholarship | Merit-based, top students in PGP programs | |
| OPJEMS Scholarship | Academic performance and further assessment | |
| T. Thomas Scholarship | Merit-cum-means, 2nd year students | |
| PGP Alumni Endowment Funds | Economically/socially disadvantaged students | |
| Shri GC Mital Entrepreneurship Aid | Graduating student starting a venture, family income <₹8 lakh | |
| Minority/Disability Scholarships | As per the Government of India schemes (income limit, category) | |
| IIM Bangalore | IIMB Financial Aid | Annual household income <₹8 lakh, assets & liabilities assessed |
| Aditya Birla/OPJEMS Scholarships | Merit-based | |
| NTPC Scholarship | SC/ST/PwD 2nd yr, after 1st yr passed | |
| Citi Women’s Leader Award | For women, leadership, evaluated by essays/interviews | |
| Ministry of Social Justice/Tribal Affairs (Government) | SC/ST/PwD category, income limits | |
| IIM Calcutta | IIMC Need-Based Financial Assistance (NBFA) | Family income <₹4.5 lakh |
| Aditya Birla/OPJEMS Scholarships | Merit-based | |
| T. Thomas Scholarship | Merit-based | |
| IIM Lucknow | IIML Need-Based Scholarships | Low-income background |
| Amrit Kala Dayal, Bharti, Govt. Merit-cum-Means Scholarships | Merit or need-based, government/other categories | |
| IIM Kozhikode | IIMK Need-Based Financial Assistance (NBFA) | Family income <₹8 lakh, no indiscipline, loan from a scheduled bank |
| IIMK Merit Scholarship | Academic excellence, CGPA | |
| Govt/Minority/PwD scholarships | Category, income, performance | |
| Aditya Birla/OPJEMS/IDFC First Bank/Mirae Asset | Merit-based, or need-based (private/industry sponsored) | |
| IIM Indore | Need-Based Financial Assistance (NBFA) | Financially needy |
| Govt/Industry/Private Merit/Means Scholarships | Category, excellence, leadership | |
| Other IIMs | Central/State/Industry/PGP Donor Scholarships | Usually merit or need-based, specific to the institution, as per eligibility |
Govt Scholarship for MBA Students
Apart from the IIMs, private institutions, and banks that helped the aspiring students financially, there are also Govt scholarship for MBA students. Some of the scholarships offered by the Government are given below.
- Indian School of Business Scholarship
- Capital First MBA Scholarship
- O.P. Jindal Scholarship
- Citigroup
- Aditya Birla Scholarship
- BML Munjal University MBA Scholarship
MBA Scholarships in India: Application Process
All the eligible and aspiring MBA candidates can visit the official portal or the specific section of the College website to apply for the MBA scholarships. Check out the steps below to apply for MBA scholarships in India.
- Go to the official website of the National Scholarships Portal.
- Next, read the guidelines given on the website carefully before registering.
- Choose the type of scholarship.
- Enter all the required details.
- Upload the required scanned copies of the documents
- Click on the Register Button.
- Download and keep a copy for future reference.
MBA Scholarships: Apply Early To Maximize Chances
Applying early will increase the chances of all the MBA aspirants getting financial support. Check some of the tips to increase your chances of getting MBA scholarships by applying early.
- Research Early and check official deadlines.
- Prepare Required Documents.
- Admission proof (such as an offer letter or enrollment letter)
- Recent fee receipt
- Academic records (10th, 12th, graduation certificates)
- Family income certificate/income tax returns/salary slip
- Government identity (Aadhaar/PAN)
- Statement of Purpose/essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Apply With MBA Admission or Immediately After
- Focus on Essays & Recommendations.
- Monitor Institute Portals and Scholarship Sites.
- Apply early, ideally during Round 1 admissions, when most funds are accessible.
- Keep strong academic records and entrance test scores, like CAT or GMAT.
- Since many scholarships require proof of financial need, ensure you have dependable income documentation.
- You can also apply for several scholarships at the same time.
MBA Scholarships in India Timeline
Applying promptly, keeping paperwork in order, and tailoring your applications will give you the best chance of securing an MBA scholarship in India.
| Month | Action |
| May–June 2025 | Begin research for scholarships and MBA exams |
| July–August | Take entrance tests, draft SOP/LORs |
| September–October | Apply for early-round admissions & scholarships |
| November–December | Continue applications as deadlines approach |
| Jan–April 2026 | Interviews and results |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are MBA Scholarships in India available for students from non-engineering backgrounds?
Yes, many MBA Scholarships in India are open to candidates from diverse academic disciplines, including arts, commerce, humanities, and pure sciences. Diversity in the classroom is often a selection criterion.
2. Do MBA Scholarships in India cover international immersion programs or global exchange modules?
Some premium scholarships, especially those offered by top B-schools like ISB or IIMs, may partially fund international exchange programs. However, most MBA Scholarships in India typically cover only tuition unless explicitly stated.
3. Can working professionals apply for MBA Scholarships in India for executive or part-time MBA programs?
Yes, a few institutions and corporate CSR initiatives offer MBA Scholarships in India for executive and part-time MBA programs, especially for professionals from underrepresented sectors or nonprofit backgrounds.
4. Are there MBA Scholarships in India specifically for entrepreneurs or startup founders?
Absolutely. A few scholarships and fellowships, like the ISB’s Develop India Scholarship or private grants, are tailored for individuals with entrepreneurial experience, promoting leadership and innovation.
5. How do family income and financial background impact eligibility for MBA Scholarships in India?
Many MBA Scholarships in India are need-based and require proof of family income. Institutes often set income ceilings for eligibility, while others may combine merit and need to determine award amounts.
