Apply Now: Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships (India)

The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2026-27 support talented first-year undergraduate students in India through financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of their degree. The scholarship is awarded on a merit-cum-means basis, with eligibility based on academic performance, household income, leadership potential, and successful completion of a mandatory aptitude test.

What Is the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship?

The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is an education scholarship programme designed to help talented students from financially disadvantaged households pursue undergraduate education in India.

The programme aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education while supporting students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities, integrity, community commitment, a growth mindset, and courage.

The scholarship follows a merit-cum-means selection approach, meaning both academic potential and financial circumstances are considered.

What Are the Scholarship Benefits?

Selected scholars can receive financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of their undergraduate degree programme.

The programme also provides non-financial benefits designed to support students beyond tuition assistance.

Benefits include:

• Scholarship support of up to ₹2 lakh.
• Financial assistance distributed over the duration of the undergraduate programme.
• Access to a network of Reliance Foundation scholars and alumni.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• An enabling support system to help scholars progress academically and professionally.

The programme particularly encourages applications from girls and students with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the programme’s academic, enrolment, citizenship, and financial requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a resident citizen of India.
• Have passed Standard 12th.
• Have obtained at least 60% marks in Standard 12th.
• Be enrolled in the first year of a regular, full-time undergraduate degree programme during the 2026-27 academic year.
• Be studying in any undergraduate stream.
• Have a total household income of less than ₹15 lakh.
• Complete the mandatory aptitude test.

Students from households with income below ₹2.5 lakh receive preference.

Academic Eligibility

The scholarship is specifically intended for students beginning their undergraduate education.

Applicants must therefore be:

• First-year undergraduate students.
• Enrolled in the 2026-27 academic year.
• Studying in a regular full-time programme.
• Pursuing an eligible undergraduate degree of the required duration.

Students who are already in their second year or later are not eligible.

Income Eligibility

Household income is an important component of the merit-cum-means selection process.

The income requirement is:

• Maximum household income: Below ₹15 lakh per year.
• Priority income group: Below ₹2.5 lakh per year.

Meeting the income requirement does not automatically guarantee selection because applicants are also assessed on merit and other selection criteria.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible under the stated criteria:

• Students in the second year or higher of an undergraduate programme.
• Students enrolled through non-regular modes of study.
• Students who obtained a diploma after completing Standard 10th.
• Students pursuing a two-year undergraduate course.
• Students pursuing a six-year undergraduate course.
• Applicants who fail to complete the mandatory aptitude test.
• Applicants found cheating or engaging in malpractice during the aptitude test.

What Is the Aptitude Test?

The aptitude test is a mandatory part of the scholarship application process.

Every applicant must complete the test as required by the programme.

Failure to complete the test can result in disqualification. Applicants who are found cheating during the test may also be disqualified from consideration.

Therefore, applicants should complete the assessment honestly and follow all test instructions carefully.

How Are Scholars Selected?

Selection is based on a merit-cum-means approach.

The programme considers factors such as:

• Academic performance.
• Household financial circumstances.
• Leadership potential.
• Integrity.
• Community commitment.
• Growth mindset.
• Courage and initiative.

The programme also aims to create an inclusive scholar community by encouraging applications from girls and specially-abled students.

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you:

1. Are a resident Indian citizen.
2. Passed Standard 12th with at least 60%.
3. Are enrolled in the first year of a regular full-time undergraduate programme for 2026-27.
4. Meet the household income requirement.
5. Can complete the mandatory aptitude test.

Step 2: Prepare Your Information

Applicants should keep relevant academic, enrolment, identity, and household income information ready for the application process.

Make sure the information provided is accurate and consistent with supporting documentation.

Step 3: Submit the Scholarship Application

Complete the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship application through the designated application process.

Provide all required information accurately and review the application before submission.

Step 4: Complete the Aptitude Test

The aptitude test is compulsory.

Complete it within the prescribed requirements and follow all examination instructions. Do not use prohibited assistance or engage in any form of malpractice.

Step 5: Participate in the Selection Process

Eligible applications are assessed using the programme’s merit-cum-means criteria.

Applicants should monitor official communications for any further information or selection-related requirements.

Why Does This Scholarship Matter?

The cost of higher education can create significant barriers for students from low-income households.

The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship addresses this challenge by combining financial assistance with academic and professional support.

The programme can help students:

• Continue higher education despite financial constraints.
• Focus more effectively on their studies.
• Develop leadership and professional skills.
• Build relationships with other scholars.
• Access a broader professional and alumni network.
• Work toward long-term career aspirations.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

• Apply only after confirming that they meet all eligibility requirements.
• Check their Standard 12th marks carefully.
• Verify their first-year enrolment status.
• Ensure household income information is accurate.
• Complete the aptitude test without violating any rules.
• Keep supporting documents readily available.
• Avoid submitting inconsistent or inaccurate information.
• Review the official scholarship guidelines before completing the application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common eligibility and application errors:

• Applying while already in the second year or later.
• Claiming eligibility without meeting the 60% Class 12 requirement.
• Providing incorrect household income information.
• Enrolling in a non-regular course and assuming it qualifies.
• Forgetting to complete the mandatory aptitude test.
• Using prohibited assistance during the aptitude test.
• Applying for an excluded two-year or six-year undergraduate programme.
• Submitting inaccurate academic or personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship?

It is a scholarship programme for talented first-year undergraduate students in India that provides financial and developmental support to help them pursue higher education.

How much scholarship funding can students receive?

Selected scholars can receive up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of their undergraduate degree programme.

Who can apply for the 2026-27 scholarship?

Resident Indian citizens who passed Standard 12th with at least 60%, are enrolled in the first year of a regular full-time undergraduate programme in 2026-27, and meet the household income requirements can apply.

What is the household income limit?

Household income must be below ₹15 lakh. Applicants from households earning below ₹2.5 lakh receive preference.

Is the aptitude test compulsory?

Yes. Completing the mandatory aptitude test is a requirement for applicants. Failure to complete it can result in disqualification.

Can second-year undergraduate students apply?

No. The scholarship is intended for students entering their first year of undergraduate study in the 2026-27 academic year.

Can students from any undergraduate stream apply?

Yes. The stated eligibility allows students enrolled in a regular full-time undergraduate degree in any stream, subject to the programme’s other requirements and exclusions.

Conclusion

The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2026-27 provide up to ₹2 lakh in financial assistance to talented first-year undergraduate students from financially constrained households across India. With a merit-cum-means selection process, an emphasis on leadership and community commitment, and additional scholar and alumni support, the programme is designed to help deserving students overcome financial barriers and build strong academic and professional futures.