Top 5 Scholarships for Students – As the Madhyamik (Class 10) results in West Bengal and other states are about to be announced (on May 2, 2025), students are naturally feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. While waiting for those scores, it’s also a smart move to start thinking ahead—especially when it comes to funding your education.
Getting a scholarship right after passing Class 10 can be a game-changer, especially for students from families with limited income. Whether you’re planning to go for science, arts, commerce, or even professional courses, there are several government and private scholarships you can apply for. Here’s a list of the top five scholarships available after Madhyamik, along with who can apply and how to do it.
1. Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM)
This is a flagship scholarship by the West Bengal government aimed at bright students from economically weaker backgrounds. It’s meant for those planning to continue their studies in higher secondary, undergraduate, or even technical courses.
Who Can Apply:
- You should have scored at least 60 percent in your Class 10 exams.
- Your family income should not cross two and a half lakh rupees a year.
- You should not be getting any other scholarship at the time.
What You Get:
- A monthly allowance depending on what course you take up.
- It’s open for students in science, arts, commerce, engineering, and medical fields.
How to Apply:
- Applications usually open between October and November each year.
- Apply online through the official portal: svmcm.wbhed.gov.in
2. Nabanna Scholarship
Offered through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in West Bengal, this scholarship supports students who do well academically but come from very humble financial backgrounds.
Who Can Apply:
- You need a minimum of 60 percent in your Madhyamik results.
- Your annual household income should be under sixty thousand rupees.
What You Get:
- A one-time financial aid. The exact amount can vary.
- It’s particularly useful for covering sudden or urgent educational costs.
How to Apply:
- The process is offline.
- You’ll need to submit your application at the Nabanna office in Howrah. Applications are accepted year-round.
3. Aikyashree Scholarship (For Minority Students)
This scholarship is provided by the West Bengal Minority Development and Finance Corporation. It’s specifically for students from minority communities like Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis.
Who Can Apply:
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- You must have secured at least 50 percent in your Class 10 exams.
- Your family income should be below two lakh rupees annually.
What You Get:
- It covers tuition fees, maintenance costs, and more.
- Open to students going into Class 11 and beyond.
How to Apply:
Apply online at wbmdfcscholarship.in
4. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
This is a national-level private scholarship open to students from all over India, including West Bengal. It helps students who show both merit and need.
Who Can Apply:
- Boys need at least 60 percent and girls need 55 percent in Class 10.
- Your annual income should not exceed two and a half lakh rupees.
- You must be under 30 years of age.
What You Get:
A monthly scholarship ranging from five hundred to twenty-five hundred rupees depending on your course.
How to Apply:
- Visit sjfoundation.org to download the application form.
- You can either submit the form online or by post.
5. LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship
This scholarship from LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India) is meant to support academically strong students from financially weak backgrounds who want to pursue higher education in professional fields.
Who Can Apply:
- You need at least 60 percent in either Madhyamik or Higher Secondary exams.
- Your family’s yearly income should be below two and a half lakh rupees.
What You Get:
- Class 11 students can get up to fifteen thousand rupees a year.
- Those entering professional courses like engineering, medicine, or law can also apply.
How to Apply:
- Applications are submitted online at licindia.in.
- The application window usually opens between October and December.
A Few Tips to Help You Get Started
- Gather your documents early. You’ll need your mark sheet, income certificate, Aadhaar, and possibly a minority or caste certificate.
- Stick to official websites. Always apply through the official portals to avoid scams.
- Track deadlines. Most scholarships open between July and November—set reminders.
- Ask for help. Don’t hesitate to ask teachers or visit a cyber café if you’re stuck.
You don’t have to wait for your results to start preparing. If you think you’ll score anywhere between 50 to 60 percent or higher, you’re already eligible for several options. Applying early improves your chances and ensures you don’t miss out due to a small technical error or a missed deadline.
A scholarship can not only ease financial stress but also motivate you to study better and aim higher. Start today—it might just be the first step toward a brighter future.
