Azim Premji Scholarship 2026: Rs. 30,000/Year for Girls’ College Education
A comprehensive guide to the Azim Premji Scholarship 2026. Learn about the Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship – Rs. 30,000 per year for first-year female students from disadvantaged backgrounds in India. Covers eligibility, benefits, application process, Azim Premji University scholarships, FAQs and more.
Quick Highlights Table
| Key Fact | Details (2026) |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Azim Premji Scholarship (by Azim Premji Foundation) |
| Eligible Students | Female students; passed Class X and XII from a government school in eligible Indian states (e.g. Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, UP, etc.) |
| Study Level | First-year undergraduate or diploma (2–5 years) course at a recognized Indian college/university (any state). |
| Award Amount | Rs. 30,000 per year, for each year of study (2–5 years) (e.g. total up to Rs. 150,000). |
| Coverage | Can be used for tuition and other education expenses (paid as cash to the student). |
| Application Deadlines | Annual cycle: usually around Jan (Round 2 for 2025–26 was Jan 10–31, 2026). Deadlines announced on official site. |
| Renewal | Yes. Must re-apply or renew each academic year before the deadline (Renewal deadline for 2024–25 was Mar 31, 2026). |
| Selection | Need-based (not merit). Must meet eligibility. No age limit. Azim Premji University admits are excluded. |
| Official Website | azimpremjifoundation.org/education/azim-premji-scholarship |
| Previous Awards | Pilot 2024–25: ~25,000 girls supported (MP:18,000+; Rajasthan:5,200+; UP:1,600+)【19†. |
What is the Azim Premji Scholarship 2026?
The Azim Premji Scholarship is a new initiative (2024–2026) by the Azim Premji Foundation to help deserving female students continue to higher education.
It targets girls from disadvantaged backgrounds who have completed Class 10 and 12 at a government school and are entering college (undergraduate or diploma programs).
The Foundation provides an annual award of Rs. 30,000 to each scholar, paid every year for the full duration of their first degree or diploma (2–5 years).
This support covers tuition fees and other educational expenses, easing financial barriers for girls pursuing college. In its pilot year (2024–25), the program reached over 25,000 students in select states.
The scholarship is part of Azim Premji Foundation’s broader mission to improve education equity in India. Applications for the 2025–26 academic year (Cohort 2025) were conducted in two rounds, with Round 2 held in January 2026 (applications 10–31 Jan 2026).
Renewal for continuing scholars of Cohort 2024 was extended to March 31, 2026.
Eligibility and Selection
Who can apply? Applicants must be female students who:
- Have passed both Class 10 and Class 12 as a regular student from a government school or college in one of the eligible Indian states/UTs.
- Are first-year students (2025–26) in a recognised undergraduate degree or diploma program (2–5 years) at a government or credible private college or university anywhere in India.
Eligible states include, for example,- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Chhattisgarh
- Jharkhand
- Karnataka
- Madhya Pradesh
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Odisha
- Puducherry
- Rajasthan
- Sikkim
- Telangana
- Tripura
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- If you hail from an ineligible state or did not study in a government school, you cannot apply. Note that the scholarship is for the first undergraduate degree only (no postgraduate or diploma after a degree).
Exclusions: Students are not eligible if they have already enrolled in any program at Azim Premji University (the Foundation’s own university) or if they have been recipients of other Wipro Group scholarships (e.g. Santoor Scholarship).
There is no age limit, but you must meet the above academic criteria. The scholarship is need-based, not merit-based – there is no cutoff of marks or rank, but all eligibility conditions must be met.
Timeline: Typically, the Foundation opens applications once a year in two phases. For Cohort 2025 (AY 2025–26), Round 1 (for enrollment in Sept 2025) and Round 2 (for enrollment in Jan 2026) were held.
Round 2 was open 10–31 Jan 2026. Once selected, disbursal confirmations for Round 1 (Sept 2025 admits) were underway in late 2025.
Scholars must renew the award each year; the renewal deadline for Cohort 2024 was 31 March 2026. Watch the official Azim Premji Scholarship website for announcement of exact dates each year. Tip: Mark your calendar early (usually applications open in Sept and Jan) to avoid missing deadlines.
Benefits and Coverage
Annual Award
Each scholar receives Rs. 30,000 per year, deposited directly into her bank account.
This amount is fixed (no merit hike) but is renewable every year for the entire duration of the undergraduate/diploma program (2–5 years) as long as the student remains enrolled.
Total Support
Over a typical 3-year degree, a student could get up to Rs. 90,000. For longer programs (4–5 years), the total aid can reach Rs. 120,000–Rs. 150,000.
The scholarship is meant to cover tuition fees or other education-related expenses, giving families flexibility to use it for books, transport, uniforms, etc.
Extent
There is no cash stipend beyond this, and no other perks (no travel or gadgets).
However, being an Azim Premji scholar connects you to the Foundation’s network of education initiatives, and you can get support via the official help channels (e.g., WhatsApp support line provided on the website).
Direct Benefit
The money goes to your bank account (be sure to open a proper savings account in your name).
There is no tuition fee waiver with the college itself – the student gets the cash and pays fees normally (using this stipend).
Provision
The Foundation has cautioned that it will never charge any fee for this scholarship. All services (application, disbursal) are free of charge.
For context, in the pilot phase (2024–25) alone, the scholarship disbursed over Rs. 75 crore in total (25,000 students × Rs. 30k) across four states.
For example, about 18,000 students in Madhya Pradesh (55 districts) received scholarships totalling ~Rs. 54 crore, while Rajasthan covered ~5,200 students (~Rs. 16 crore) (19†). This shows the scale of support available. The amounts above are illustrative; actual disbursements will depend on the number of scholars each year.
Application Process
Check Eligibility Carefully
Before applying, ensure you meet all criteria: female student, passed Class 10 & 12 in an eligible state’s government school, and have secured admission in the first year of an undergraduate/diploma course (for AY 2025–26 or upcoming year) at a recognised college in India. If any condition is not met, do not apply.
Gather Documents
Prepare clear digital copies of:
- Passport-size photograph and scanned signature. (Photos must be recent and unedited; no filters or selfies.)
- Aadhaar card (front side) or equivalent government ID.
- Bank passbook (first page) or statement showing account name, number, IFSC, etc. Use an active savings account in your name (preferably in a nationalised bank).
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets, front sides (showing name, marks, etc). Upload official mark-sheets (digital or scanned), not provisional certificates.
- College admission proof: Bonafide certificate or fee receipt showing your name, course, year of entry, and the college’s seal.
- Make sure all scans are clear, legible, and in PDF/PNG/JPG format. (The portal accepts files 30KB–500KB; avoid password-protected or blurred documents.)
Apply Online
Visit the Azim Premji Scholarship portal (via the Foundation’s website). There will be options to Register (new users) or Login (returning users). Register with your details (including a valid email and phone).
Fill out the online form carefully. Upload the documents as requested. Remember: There is no application fee.
Submit Before Deadline
Complete the application well before the deadline (e.g., for Round 2 of AY2025–26, it was Jan 31, 2026). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
After Submission
You should receive an acknowledgement on screen or via email/SMS. Keep track of your login credentials. Check the portal or your email for any updates or verification requests.
Beware of Scams
Azim Premji Foundation explicitly warns: “We do not charge any fee at any stage of the scholarship application. Beware of impostors.” Only apply through the official website or recognised partners. Do not pay anyone to fill out your form.
Support
If you face issues, the Foundation has a help desk (phone/WhatsApp support). As noted on the site, applicants could even reach out via WhatsApp at 90199-60536 for assistance.
Tips: Double-check that your name, date of birth, and marks exactly match across documents. Ensure the account you provide has the same name as the student. Save backups of everything. It’s best to apply early in the cycle (applications often open around September and again in January each year).
Country Focus: India (and UAE/International)
The Azim Premji Foundation scholarship is designed for India. All the eligible states listed are in India, and the scholarship applies to colleges within India. There is no separate Azim Premji scheme for international students or Indian students living abroad (such as in the UAE).
If you are an Indian student in the UAE, you could only qualify if you actually did your schooling in India and enrolled in an Indian college; otherwise, this program does not cover study abroad.
UAE / Abroad
While the Foundation’s scholarship does not extend to universities outside India, Indian students in the UAE (or any country) can explore other options. For example, Azim Premji University (the Foundation’s own university in India) offers need-based scholarships to its admitted students (including international applicants).
These waivers cover partial or full tuition (and sometimes accommodation/food) depending on financial need, with eligibility for families earning under Rs. 10 lakh annually. If you wish to study at Azim Premji University in Bhopal or Bengaluru, you can indicate financial aid interest on the university’s admission form.
Other Countries
The Azim Premji Scholarship does not have regional variants like “UAE-India Scholarships.” For UAE-based Indian students, also consider general India-Gulf educational funds or central government scholarships for overseas study (for example, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ programs).
But the Azim Premji Scholarship itself remains India-focused. If you do not meet the India-region criteria, your main recourse is Azim Premji University’s financial aid (if you get admission) or looking into other need-based scholarships or loans in your study country.
Contact Details
Azim Premji Foundation
134 Doddakannelli
Next to Wipro Corporate Office
Sarjapur Road,
Bengaluru – 560035
Source: azimpremjifoundation.org/education/azim-premji-scholarship
FAQs
What is the Azim Premji Scholarship?
A financial aid program (2024–26) by the Azim Premji Foundation to support disadvantaged girl students. It provides Rs. 30,000 per year for the full duration of their first undergraduate degree or diploma.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian female students who have passed Classes 10 and 12 at a government school in one of the eligible states, and who are in the first year of a 2 to 5-year UG/diploma program at a recognised college in India. (Must be the student’s first undergrad degree.)
Can male students apply?
No. The scholarship is exclusively for female students.
What is the scholarship amount and duration?
Award is Rs. 30,000 per year, renewed each year for up to 5 years (depending on course length). Total support could reach Rs. 150,000 for a 5-year program.
How and when do I apply?
Apply online through the Azim Premji Foundation’s scholarship portal. There is no application fee. For the 2025–26 cohort, Round 2 was open Jan 10–31, 2026. Watch the official site for exact dates each year.
What documents are needed?
You will need a passport-size photo, signature scan, Aadhaar ID, bank account proof, Class 10 & 12 marksheets, and college admission proof (bonafide certificate or fee receipt). Ensure all scans are clear.
Are students in distance learning or studying abroad eligible?
No. You must be a regular on-campus student in India (face-to-face course) for your first degree. Those studying in distance mode or already overseas do not qualify.
Is there an age limit or merit cutoff?
No age limit and no specific marks cutoff. However, you must meet all eligibility criteria. The scholarship is not merit-based; it’s meant to remove financial barriers, not reward high grades.
Can Azim Premji University students apply?
No. If you are admitted to any Azim Premji University program (UG or PG), you are not eligible for this scholarship. Azim Premji University has its own separate need-based aid programs.
Additional Guidance and Tips
Plan Early
Start gathering documents and monitoring the Foundation’s announcements as soon as you apply to college. The scholarship application usually runs once a year, so missing a cycle means waiting another year.
Complete Documentation
Keep high-quality scans of all required documents ready. Blurred or incomplete submissions are rejected. Follow the Foundation’s instructions exactly for file formats and sizes.
Apply Correctly
Only apply through the official portal (link on the Foundation website). Do not trust any third-party agents or social media messages offering to “help” or charging fees. Remember, the Foundation never charges for scholarship applications.
Use a Valid Bank Account
Ensure the bank account you provide is active and in your name. The scholarship amount will be transferred directly to that account each year.
Check Notifications
After applying, regularly log in to the portal or check your email/phone for any status updates or queries. Respond promptly if asked for verification.
Renew Timely
If you receive the scholarship, remember to renew it each year before the deadline (by registering again or filling out the renewal form). Failure to renew on time can forfeit the scholarship. Keep copies of fee receipts and marksheets to show continued enrollment.
Academic Progress
While there is no formal performance requirement, staying enrolled in good standing is necessary. If you fail or drop out, the scholarship ends.
Stay Informed
Follow the Azim Premji Foundation’s official channels (website, press releases) for any changes. For queries, you can reach out to the Foundation’s helpdesk (phone/WhatsApp contact is usually provided on the site) or email.
Other Options
If you are not selected or not eligible, explore other scholarship avenues. For example, Azim Premji University offers its own financial aid to admitted students (based on family income). Also, look at government scholarships (state or central schemes) for girls or underprivileged students.