Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are considered the pinnacle of engineering and technological education in India. Studying at an IIT opens doors to world-class opportunities, but the cost of education can be high, making it difficult for many students to afford. That’s why scholarships for IIT students play a major role in helping deserving students achieve their dreams without financial stress.
If you are searching for how to get scholarship in IIT or looking for options specifically for OBC, SC, ST, PwD, or even IIT scholarship for general category students, this guide will help you.
Scholarships are not just financial support, they give students the confidence to focus fully on academics, research, and innovation. In this updated guide for 2026, we have listed the top 10 scholarships for IIT students that can reduce your financial burden and make your IIT journey smoother.
1. Central Sector Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)
This is one of the most popular government scholarships for IIT students, especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds. It supports students pursuing higher education in premier institutes like IITs.
Benefits:
- ₹10,000 per year for the first three years.
- ₹20,000 per year for the fourth and fifth year.
Eligibility:
- Minimum 80% marks in Class 12 (or equivalent).
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
- Must maintain required academic performance during IIT studies.
2. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (MCM Scholarship)
This is one of the most common scholarship options in IITs for financially weaker students. It is available in many IITs and helps a large number of students every year.
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition fee waiver (as per institute norms).
- Monthly stipend (generally around ₹1,000; may vary by IIT).
Eligibility:
- Annual family income should generally be less than ₹5 lakh.
- Available for OBC and IIT scholarship for general category (as per IIT policy).
3. INSPIRE Scholarship
The INSPIRE Scholarship aims to encourage talented students to choose science and technology-based careers. It supports students who want to go deeper into research and innovation and build a strong career in STEM fields.
Benefits:
- Up to ₹80,000 per year.
- Extra support through contingency grants for research and projects.
Eligibility:
- Must be among the top performers (top 1%) in Class 12 board exams.
- Enrolled in eligible engineering/basic science courses (including IIT programs).
4. National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students
This scholarship helps ST students pursue higher education at institutions like IITs and ensures equal opportunities. It is a strong government scholarship for IIT students under social welfare initiatives.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver (as per scheme rules).
- Support for living expenses, books, and one-time assistance for a computer/laptop (if applicable).
Eligibility:
- Family income should be under ₹6 lakh annually.
- Applicant must belong to ST category.
5. Scholarships for Differently-Abled Students (PwD)
To promote inclusive education, this scholarship supports students with disabilities who are pursuing IIT education. It helps remove financial and academic barriers.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee support/waiver (as per rules).
- Monthly allowance for academic and personal needs.
Eligibility:
- Certified disability certificate required.
- Must be enrolled in an IIT program.
6. Coal India Limited Merit Scholarship (2026 Expected)
The Coal India scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for students pursuing engineering or medical graduation in India. The scholarship is expected to continue in 2026 as well, offering support for tuition/hostel and other academic costs.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee support/waiver (as per scheme rules).
- Hostel fee support/waiver (if applicable).
- Incidental expenses support up to ₹10,000 (scheme-based).
Eligibility:
- Strong academic rank/merit in Class 12 or relevant exams.
- Must be studying in IIT/NIT or government-owned engineering/medical college.
- Selection is based on merit and scheme requirements.
7. NTPC Scholarship for SC/ST/Physically Challenged Students
NTPC provides scholarships to support SC/ST/PwD students pursuing engineering education. It helps students continue studies without financial hurdles and promotes equal access to quality education.
Benefits:
- Financial support amount as per NTPC scholarship guidelines.
- Approx. ₹4,000 per year till graduation (scheme may vary).
Eligibility:
- Available from the second year of study.
- For SC/ST students and physically challenged students.
8. Aditya Birla Scholarship
This scholarship is for high-performing students with excellent academics and leadership qualities. It recognises overall achievement including extracurricular excellence.
Benefits:
- Up to ₹1,80,000 per year.
Eligibility:
- Selection based on academics, leadership, and achievements.
- Interview process is required.
9. Samsung Star Scholarship (JNV Students)
This scholarship is especially for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) alumni who are currently studying in IITs. It supports deserving students from rural backgrounds to pursue quality education.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses up to ₹2 lakh per year.
Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a JNV alumnus.
- Must be studying in an IIT.
10. PM CARES for Children Scholarship
PM CARES for Children supports students who lost parents/guardian(s) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It ensures uninterrupted education, financial stability, and long-term support for deserving students.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee coverage and education assistance.
- Monthly stipend support for living expenses.
Eligibility:
- Must have lost one or both parents due to COVID-19.
- Enrolled in an IIT/recognised institution program.
Studying at IIT is a life-changing experience, and scholarships make it accessible for students from every background. With these top 10 scholarships for IIT students in 2026, financial challenges should never stop you from achieving your goals. Explore the eligibility criteria carefully, apply on time, and focus on your academic performance to maximise scholarship benefits.
Conclusion
Studying at an IIT is a dream for many students, but the high cost of tuition, hostel fees, and daily expenses often becomes a challenge. The good part is that there are many government and private scholarships for IIT students in 2026 which can reduce this financial burden significantly. Whether you belong to General, OBC, SC, ST, or PwD category, there is at least one scholarship that can support your education.
To increase your chances, always keep your documents ready, apply on time, and maintain good academic performance in IIT. With the right scholarship, your IIT journey can become smoother, stress-free, and focused completely on learning and growth.
FAQs
To get a 100% scholarship in IIT, you must secure a top academic performance and meet the eligibility criteria of tuition fee waiver or merit-based scholarship schemes. Many IITs offer full tuition fee remission based on income and merit.
The highest IIT placement package keeps changing every year depending on campus and recruiting company. In recent years, IIT students have received multi-crore international offers, especially in global trading and tech firms.
Most IITs provide strong scholarship schemes like Merit-cum-Means (MCM) and tuition fee waiver programs. IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and other top IITs have comprehensive scholarship support, but eligibility criteria can vary by institute.
There is no fixed percentage for all scholarships. Every scholarship has different eligibility rules. However, maintaining strong academic performance (good CGPA/grades) increases your chances of getting and continuing scholarships in IIT.
Yes, general category students can also get scholarships in IIT. Options like Merit-cum-Means (MCM), Central Sector Scholarship, and some private scholarships offer financial support based on income and academic performance.
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