๐Ÿ  Home
Universities
๐ŸŽ“ All Universities ๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget Predictor
More
๐Ÿ“ Exams ๐Ÿ† Scholarships ๐Ÿ“ฐ Blogs โœ๏ธ Application Mentorship ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Dream Admit Store ๐Ÿ›’ Cart ๐Ÿ‘ฅ About Us ๐Ÿ“ž Contact
Account
๐Ÿ” Sign In โœจ Sign Up Free
Home Scholarships India
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ
ICCR Scholarship (Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme)
by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) · Multiple premier Indian Universities including IITs, NITs, Central, and State Universities
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded 🟩 Active 🎓 Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD, and Post-Doctoral research 🌍 India 📌 Government-funded / Fully Funded
75%
Match
50%
Win Rate
6/10
Effort
10/10
Reward
20-35 hrs
Time Needed
Award
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)
Level
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD, and Post-Doctoral research
Acceptance
Varies by host institution
Difficulty
Moderate to Competitive
Quick Summary

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers ICCR Scholarship (Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme), a fully funded opportunity designed for international students heading to India. The award covers Comprehensive coverage including tuition, monthly stipend, house rent, and a yearly grant for books and supplies and is open to undergraduate, postgraduate, phd, and post-doctoral research students studying almost all subjects including science, arts, engineering, and commerce (excludes mbbs, bds, and nursing). The scholarship runs for entire duration of the course (3-5 years for ug, 2 years for pg, 3-5 years for phd) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on open to international students from partner countries; must be proficient in English and meet university-specific entry requirements. The application deadline is April 30 (Annual timeline, varies slightly by year), with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies by host institution. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.

✨ Should I Apply for ICCR Scholarship (Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
6/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
20-35 hrs
Time Required
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
🌏
Study Country
India
🏛️
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
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
20,000+
Applicants Last Year
3,500+
Winners
Varies by host institution
Acceptance Rate
Moderate (Depends on the applicant's country and the specific scheme)
Competition Level
Win Probability
50%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 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 18,000 to INR 30,000 per month plus other allowances
✈️ 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
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 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
Application Fee
Free
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
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
February or March (Annual cycle)
⏰ Deadline
April 30 (Annual timeline, varies slightly by year)
🎤 Interview
Varies; some universities or the local Indian Mission may conduct interviews
🎓 Study Starts
July or August
February or March (Annual cycle)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
April 30 (Annual timeline, varies slightly by year)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Varies; some universities or the local Indian Mission may conduct interviews
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
July or August
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, English proficiency, SOP quality, and suitability for the host universityโ€™s curriculum
Similar Scholarships
ScholarshipCountryCoverageLevel
ICCR Scholarship (Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme) CurrentIndiaFull FundingUndergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD, and Post-Doctoral research
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Santoor Scholarship Program (Wipro Consumer Care and Wipro Cares)IndiaPartial FundingUndergraduateView →
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ IIT Bombay International Student Scholarship and Financial AidIndiaFull FundingUndergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhDView →
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Cricket Foundation ScholarshipIndiaPartial FundingUndergraduate and PostgraduateView →
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ BITS Pilani Institute Merit ScholarshipIndiaFull FundingUndergraduate (First Degree), Higher Degree (Postgraduate), and PhDView →
Frequently Asked Questions
Open to international students from partner countries; must be proficient in English and meet university-specific entry requirements
This scholarship covers: Comprehensive coverage including tuition, monthly stipend, house rent, and a yearly grant for books and supplies. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is April 30 (Annual timeline, varies slightly by year). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Moderate (Depends on the applicant's country and the specific scheme). Acceptance rate: Varies by host institution. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Mandatory; applicants must provide a certificate of proficiency or take a test if required by the university, Yes, two letters of recommendation from previous academic institutions recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.
🌎 Official Information
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
💬 Community Discussion
Be the first to share your experience with this scholarship! 🌍