✨ Should I Apply for ICCR Scholarship (Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
Moderate (Depends on the applicant's country and the specific scheme)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Stipends range from INR 18,000 to INR 30,000 per month plus other allowances
⏱
Duration
Entire duration of the course (3-5 years for UG, 2 years for PG, 3-5 years for PhD)
🗓
Deadline
April 30 (Annual timeline, varies slightly by year)
🔬
Fields
Almost all subjects including Science, Arts, Engineering, and Commerce (Excludes MBBS, BDS, and Nursing)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 across various schemes
🏛️
Provider
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
📊
Acceptance
Varies by host institution
The ICCR Scholarship is a flagship program of the Government of India designed to foster cultural relations and mutual understanding by providing fully funded higher education opportunities to talented international students in India's top academic institutions.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to international students from partner countries; must be proficient in English and meet university-specific entry requirements
🏛️ Host University
Multiple premier Indian Universities including IITs, NITs, Central, and State Universities
🤝 Sponsor
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
🔬 Fields of Study
Almost all subjects including Science, Arts, Engineering, and Commerce (Excludes MBBS, BDS, and Nursing)
✨ Key Benefits
Comprehensive coverage including tuition, monthly stipend, house rent, and a yearly grant for books and supplies
🎯 Target Students
International students seeking higher education in India
🏷 Tags
India
Fully Funded
International Students
UG
PG
PhD
ICCR
A2A Portal
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes, 100% of the tuition fees are paid directly to the university
Living Stipend
UG: INR 18,000; PG: INR 20,000; PhD: INR 22,000; Post-Doc: INR 25,000 (Monthly)
Total Award
Stipends range from INR 18,0
✈️ Travel: Varies by specific scheme; economy airfare is included for some specific regional schemes
🏠 Accommodation: Yes, provided via House Rent Allowance (HRA) or University Hostel fees
💊 Health Insurance: Yes, medical benefits are provided as per university/ICCR norms
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes, 100% of the tuition fees are paid directly to the university
🏠 Living Stipend
UG: INR 18,000; PG: INR 20,000; PhD: INR 22,000; Post-Doc: INR 25,000 (Monthly)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes, provided via House Rent Allowance (HRA) or University Hostel fees
✈️ Travel Allowance
Varies by specific scheme; economy airfare is included for some specific regional schemes
💊 Health Insurance
Yes, medical benefits are provided as per university/ICCR norms
🎁 Other Benefits
Annual Contingent Grant (INR 5,000 - 15,500) and Thesis/Project expenses for research scholars
📋 Renewal Conditions
Contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and maintaining 75% attendance
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Non-Indian citizens, aged 18-35 (up to 45 for PhD), with required academic prerequisites for the chosen course
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD, and Post-Doctoral research
📊 Minimum GPA
Equivalent to 60% or higher in the last qualifying examination
🗣️ English Requirement
Mandatory; applicants must provide a certificate of proficiency or take a test if required by the university
🎂 Age Limit
18 to 35 years (UG/PG), up to 45 years for PhD applicants
💼 Work Experience
Not required for UG/PG; may be preferred for PhD or MBA programs
🏆 Leadership
Not mandatory but considered favorably in the Statement of Purpose
💰 Financial Need
No, primarily based on academic merit and country-specific quotas
🎯 Target Students
International students seeking higher education in India
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes, a 500-word Statement of Purpose/Essay is required in the application
Rec Letters
Yes, two letters of recommendation from previous academic institutions
Interview
Varies; some universities or the local Indian Mission may conduct interviews
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes, two letters of recommendation from previous academic institutions Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Mandatory; applicants must provide a certificate of proficiency or take a test if required by the university
- Interview: Varies; some universities or the local Indian Mission may conduct interviews
- Min GPA: Equivalent to 60% or higher in the last qualifying examination
📋 Application Process
Apply to five universities in order of preference and ensure your SOP highlights your interest in Indian culture
💡 Insider Tip: Double-check if your chosen course requires specific entrance exams like GATE for Engineering or GRE/GMAT if applicable