Applications open for the Inlaks Scholarship (India)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Inlaks Scholarship supports exceptional young Indian graduates pursuing postgraduate study at leading universities in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, one-way travel, visa costs, and health allowance, with funding capped at USD 120,000. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is 31 March 2026 at 12:00 PM IST, and prior admission to the chosen institution is mandatory.

The Inlaks Scholarship is a prestigious international education award granted to outstanding Indian students with exceptional talent, academic excellence, strong character, and motivation.

Its purpose is to:

• Enable overseas education at world-class institutions

• Expand global exposure

• Strengthen academic and professional skills

• Support long-term societal contribution

The scholarship funds postgraduate study in select disciplines at top institutions in:

• The United Kingdom

• Europe

• The United States of America

Scholarship Value and Coverage

Financial Support

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial assistance, including:

• Tuition fees

• Living expenses

• One-way travel costs

• Visa expenses

• Health allowance

Maximum Funding

• Total funding capped at USD 120,000

Course Duration Covered

Supported programs may range from:

• 9 months

• Up to 4 years

Funding amount varies depending on the selected course and institution.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.

Nationality and Residency

• Must hold a valid Indian passport

• Must be residing in India at the time of application

Age Requirement

• Must have been born on or after 1 January 1996

Academic Qualification

Applicants must:

• Hold a degree from a recognised university in India
  OR

• Be in the final year of graduation and awaiting results

If the applicant completed an undergraduate degree abroad, they must have:

• Resided, studied, or been employed in India continuously for at least two years after completing the degree

Minimum Academic Requirements

For Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture and Related Fields

• Minimum 65%
  OR

• CGPA 6.8/10
  OR

• GPA 2.6/4

For Mathematics, Sciences, Environment and Related Fields

• Minimum 70%
  OR

• CGPA 7.2/10
  OR

• GPA 3.0/4

Applicants must meet these thresholds from a recognised institution.

Mandatory Admission Requirement

Prior admission to the chosen institution is compulsory.

Applicants must:

• Submit proof of admission

• Hold either a conditional or unconditional offer

If shortlisted:

• All conditions of admission must be fulfilled before the final interview

Applications without proof of admission are automatically rejected.

Ineligible Applicants

You are not eligible if you:

• Hold overseas postgraduate qualifications

• Are currently pursuing postgraduate study abroad

• Do not meet age or residency criteria

• Do not meet academic thresholds

Most disciplines are eligible, but certain subjects may be excluded except for limited specified exceptions.

English Language Requirement

If English certification (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) is part of your admission conditions:

• You must complete certification before applying for the scholarship

Deferred offer holders must:

• Possess a valid offer for the academic year 2026–27

Application Timeline for 2026 Cycle

Application Deadline

• 31 March 2026 at 12:00 PM IST

Selection Process

1. April 2026 – Review of eligible applications

2. May 2026 – Online preliminary interviews

3. Third or fourth weekend of May 2026 – Final in-person interviews in Mumbai

If you do not receive communication by 30 April 2026, consider your application unsuccessful.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Secure Admission

Obtain admission to a recognised overseas institution in an eligible program.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

You will need:

• Proof of admission

• Academic transcripts

• Identification documents

• Supporting materials as required

Step 3: Arrange Referees

Referees must:

• Upload signed reference letters

• Use official letterhead

• Submit before the stipulated deadline

Applicants are responsible for ensuring references are submitted on time.

Step 4: Complete Online Application

Applications must be submitted through the official online portal.

Important conditions:

• Must be completed in one sitting

• Cannot be saved or edited after submission

• Only one application per email address

• Incomplete submissions are not accepted

Step 5: Confirm Submission

• A confirmation email will be sent

• Retain proof of acknowledgement

Ensure stable internet connectivity during submission.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence

• Leadership potential

• Clarity of purpose

• Character and motivation

• Long-term societal contribution potential

• Strength of admission institution

Final interviews assess intellectual depth, clarity of goals, and personal commitment.

Why the Inlaks Scholarship Matters

The Inlaks Scholarship:

• Reduces financial barriers to global education

• Supports high-achieving Indian students

• Promotes international academic collaboration

• Develops future leaders across disciplines

• Encourages long-term contributions to society

With funding up to USD 120,000, it is one of the most comprehensive private scholarships available to Indian students.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without confirmed admission

• Missing the academic percentage requirement

• Failing to complete English certification

• Submitting incomplete application forms

• Using multiple email addresses

• Not coordinating referee submissions on time

• Attempting to edit after submission

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

The scholarship provides funding up to USD 120,000.

2. Do I need admission before applying?

Yes. Proof of admission is mandatory at the time of application.

3. Can final-year students apply?

Yes. Final-year undergraduate students awaiting results may apply.

4. Can I apply if I studied abroad for undergraduate education?

Yes, but you must have resided, studied, or worked in India continuously for at least two years after completing your undergraduate degree.

5. Are postgraduate students abroad eligible?

No. Applicants with overseas postgraduate qualifications or ongoing postgraduate studies abroad are ineligible.

6. What is the application deadline for 2026?

31 March 2026 at 12:00 PM IST.

7. Where are final interviews conducted?

Final interviews are conducted in person in Mumbai during May 2026.

Conclusion

The Inlaks Scholarship 2026 offers exceptional Indian students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education at leading global institutions with funding support up to USD 120,000.

Applicants must secure admission in advance, meet strict academic and eligibility criteria, and complete the online application carefully before the 31 March 2026 deadline. With rigorous selection standards and comprehensive financial support, the Inlaks Scholarship remains one of India’s most competitive and prestigious international education awards.

For more information, visit The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.