6 Best Scholarships for Students After 10th Class in 2026: Full List & Eligibility
Introduction
Finishing your 10th exam is a big achievement. Now is a good time to think about what comes next. You might be wondering which courses could lead to good jobs or which subjects you enjoy most. These are important questions to ask yourself. You can continue studying or explore professional and vocational courses.
But sometimes, financial challenges can make it hard to reach your goals. Education in India can cost more than you might expect. The good news is that many scholarships are available. These scholarships help students pursue their interests and aim higher.
In this blog, we highlight six trustworthy scholarships in India for 2026 for students who have passed the 10th exam in 2026, along with important details to know before you apply.
Understanding What These Scholarships Look For
Before we get into the list, it's helpful to know that most scholarships fit into two main categories:
Merit-based scholarships reward strong academic performance, usually measured by your 10th or 12th board exam scores or entrance exam ranks for professional courses. These scholarships are for students who have already demonstrated they can do well in their studies and deserve financial support to continue.
Need-based (or need-cum-merit) scholarships factor in family income alongside academic performance. Many of these are aimed at students from economically weaker sections, first-generation learners, or underrepresented communities, including reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and DNT groups.
A few other things tend to be consistent across these programs:
Course eligibility is usually restricted to specific streams: engineering, medicine, law, ITI/diploma, or general undergraduate/postgraduate study, so it's worth checking whether your intended course qualifies before applying.
Application windows are narrow: Most of these scholarships open applications for a limited period each year, and late submissions are rarely accepted.
Documentation matters: Income certificates, caste certificates (where applicable), previous mark sheets, and admission proof are commonly required, so it's wise to gather these in advance rather than scrambling at the last moment.
The 6 Scholarships for Students After 10th and 12th
Check out the scholarship list for Indian students here and find which fits your needs best.
Aditya Birla Scholarship
This scholarship helps students who want to study professional degree or diploma programs, such as engineering, medicine, and law. It can cover full tuition fees for eligible individuals. Selection is based on both academic performance and financial need, making it a good choice for high-achieving students who need financial help to pursue a professional career.
Best suited for: Students entering engineering, medical, or law programs with strong academic records.
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
This is not a regular grant but an interest-free loan scholarship, mainly for students who want to do postgraduate studies. Since it is a loan, you are expected to repay it over time once you start your career. However, there is no interest, so it is much easier to manage than a normal education loan.
Best suited for: Students planning postgraduate education who are comfortable with a loan-based support structure.
IDFC First Bank Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who perform well academically but come from low-income families. It aims to make sure that financial problems do not stop talented students. Selection usually looks at both your board exam results and your family income.
Best suited for: Academically strong students from low-income households.
Reliance Foundation UG/IIT Scholarship
This scholarship is for undergraduate students in technical fields, especially those studying engineering and similar subjects. It is part of a larger effort by corporate foundations to encourage more students to choose technical and engineering education.
Best suited for: Undergraduate engineering aspirants, including those aiming for or already enrolled in technical institutes.
Mahindra All India Talent Scholarship
This scholarship is for students in ITI (Industrial Training Institute) and diploma programs. These courses often get less scholarship attention than degree programs, even though they are important for skilled trades and technical careers. This scholarship recognizes talent in vocational training.
Best suited for: Students enrolled in ITI courses or technical diploma programs.
Central Sector Scholarship Scheme
This is a government program for high-scoring 12th-class students who want to continue their education. It is widely available because it is run by the central government and usually covers many undergraduate and postgraduate courses, not just one field.
Best suited for: High-scoring 12th-class students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs, regardless of specific stream.
How to Improve Your Chances
Apply as soon as possible. Application periods are usually short, and websites can get busy near the deadline.
Keep your documents ready. You will almost always need proof of income, category certificates, and academic transcripts. Have both digital and paper copies prepared in advance.
Carefully check your eligibility for the course. Some scholarships are only for certain fields like engineering or medicine, so applying to the wrong one can waste your time.
Don't assume you can't apply. Many students skip need-based scholarships because they think they won't qualify, but the income limits are often higher than you might expect.
Apply for more than one scholarship if you can. Usually, there is no rule against applying to several, as long as you meet the requirements for each one.
Conclusion
Financial constraints should not prevent talented students from pursuing a professional or vocational education. The six scholarships listed here, from private foundations like Aditya Birla and Tata, banking programs like IDFC First, corporate programs from Reliance and Mahindra, and the government's Central Sector Scheme, cover many academic paths, income levels, and course types.
If you do not meet any of the criteria to get a scholarship, or you are choosing a path or a course that does not offer you a scholarship, you can always explore a personal loan app. Chinmay is a trusted NBFC that offers secured and unsecured loans through a loan app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scholarships are open for 2026?
Several national and international scholarships are currently open. You can check out the list from the official portal of scholarships in India.
Are there CBSE scholarships for Class 10 students in 2026?
Yes, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) offers scholarships for students who have passed Class 10. These scholarships generally provide financial support to students continuing their education in Classes 11 and 12 at CBSE-affiliated schools.
Do 10th toppers get a scholarship?
Yes, 10th-grade board toppers often get scholarships and fee waivers from private coaching institutes, private universities, and state governments.
Where can I get a 100% scholarship?
You can get a 100% (fully funded) scholarship through prestigious government programs, specific university grants, or need-blind institutions worldwide.