By Swati Mishra
Scholarship programs are an important aspect for those students who suffer due to a lack of financial stability and give up their dream because of not having enough money to pay the fee of the university. In the way of providing meritorious students with a chance to complete their education in the reputed college or university as per their choice, the top five merit-cum-means based scholarship programs have been introduced.
The incidences of meritorious students dropping out of their education due to lack of financial resources are quite common in especially in India. Every year a huge per cent of students give in their academic journey, in spite of having a good knowledge and capability. Considering this inauspicious situation, many government departments and private organizations offer merit-cum-means scholarships to financially aiding meritorious and deserving students coming from economically weaker sections of the society.
These scholarships, which are often referred to as MCM (merit-cum-means) scholarships, are generally given to students based on their academic merit and financial need.
Here is a list of five scholarship programs that can be applied by the students:
- MCM Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses for minorities
Students who belong to minority groups like Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Christians, and Parsis can apply for this scholarship in no time so that they could not miss the opportunity. Students must be pursuing technical or professional courses at UG and PG level from a recognized university.
The students are required to have secured at least 50 % marks or equivalent grade in the previous exam and students whose annual family income is less than Rs. 2.50 lakh per year from all sources are eligible for this scholarship.
Application timeline: Between August and October (tentative)
Application mode: Eligible candidates can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal
- National Means Cum Merit Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support meritorious students coming from economically weaker sections of society. Under this scholarship, the students of class 9 who have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in class 8 examinations can avail financial assistance of Rs. 12,000 per annum. The annual income of the family of the applicant should be less than Rs. 1.50 lakh from all sources.
Application timeline: Between August and October
Application mode: Students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal
Eligibility: Class 9 students
- Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship
This merit-cum-means scholarship is meant for meritorious students coming from the underprivileged section of the society. The students who have passed the class 12 examination or its states equivalent and are above the 80th percentile of successful candidates can apply for this benefit. Students will be awarded 10,000 to 20,000 per annum under this scheme.
They are required to pursue a regular course like B.Tech or MBBS from a recognized institution.
The annual income of the family of the eligible candidates must be less than Rs. 8 lakh.
Provider: Department of higher education, MHRDM, GOI
Application timeline: Between August and October
Application mode: candidates can visit National Scholarship Portal
- AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
Application for girl students who are pursuing the first year of technical diploma/ degree at an AICTE approved college, this scholarship aims to empower girls with skill and knowledge and develop self-confidence through education.
Under this scheme total of 5,000 girls students are awarded financial assistance to cover their college expenses. Up to two girls of the family can avail of the benefit. The annual income of the family should be less than 8 lakh per annum from all sources.
Award money: 50,000 per year
Application timeline: Between September and October
Application mode: The eligible applicant can apply Online through the National Scholarship Portal
- Swami Vivekanand Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities West Bengal
This scheme is specially designed for the students who are domiciles of West Bengal. Under this scheme, minority community students who are studying in class 11 to postgraduate level at an institution located in West Bengal can avail of the benefit.
To receive the scholarship, students are required to secure marks between 53 per cent and 75 per cent and annual income for the family should be less than Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum.
Application timeline: Between August and October
Application mode: Students can apply online through the official SVMCM portal
Award money: up to Rs. 60,000.
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