ICCR General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee)

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

International students worldwide; age 18–35; high school diploma (10+2) with strong grades (PCM mandatory for B.E./B.Tech); 500-word English essay required.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs, this flagship scheme offers 625+ fully funded slots annually across central and state public universities in India (including Delhi University, JNU, BHU, and NITs) across engineering, sciences, humanities, commerce, and performing arts.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. International students worldwide; age 18–35; high school diploma (10+2) with strong grades (PCM mandatory for B.E./B.Tech); 500-word English essay required.
2. Note the deadline. Feb – Apr (annual; the 2026-27 window on the A2A portal ran 27 Feb – 22 Apr 2026 - the 2027-28 window is expected to open around late Feb 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Official Transcripts: Certified copies of Grade 10 and Grade 12 (10+2 equivalent) mark sheets translated into English (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics mandatory for B.E./B.Tech).; English Essay & Proficiency: A 500-word essay in English written directly on the A2A portal (or IELTS/TOEFL score reports if available).; Letters of Recommendation: 2 character/academic reference letters from high school principals or teachers.; Medical & Identity Documents: Official ICCR Physical Fitness Certificate signed by a registered physician, valid Passport (minimum 2 years validity), and colour passport photo..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

University Scrutiny of Academic Eligibility across up to 5 Selected Universities → Indian Embassy/High Commission Allocation of Scholarship Slots Based on Merit and Country Quotas.

Profile of past winners

Disciplined high school graduates who select a balanced list of 5 central/state Indian universities and submit clean, English-translated transcripts early in March.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
3. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for ICCR General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee)?

International students worldwide; age 18–35; high school diploma (10+2) with strong grades (PCM mandatory for B.E./B.Tech); 500-word English essay required.

What does ICCR General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) cover?

Full Ride (100% Tuition, Hostel Accommodation, ₹18,000/mo Stipend, Annual Contingent Grant, Return Airfare)

When is the deadline for ICCR General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee)?

Feb – Apr (annual; the 2026-27 window on the A2A portal ran 27 Feb – 22 Apr 2026 - the 2027-28 window is expected to open around late Feb 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with ICCR General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee)?

Host countries: India.

What documents do I need for ICCR General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee)?

Official Transcripts: Certified copies of Grade 10 and Grade 12 (10+2 equivalent) mark sheets translated into English (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics mandatory for B.E./B.Tech).; English Essay & Proficiency: A 500-word essay in English written directly on the A2A portal (or IELTS/TOEFL score reports if available).; Letters of Recommendation: 2 character/academic reference letters from high school principals or teachers.; Medical & Identity Documents: Official ICCR Physical Fitness Certificate signed by a registered physician, valid Passport (minimum 2 years validity), and colour passport photo..

How are applicants selected for ICCR General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee)?

University Scrutiny of Academic Eligibility across up to 5 Selected Universities → Indian Embassy/High Commission Allocation of Scholarship Slots Based on Merit and Country Quotas.

How much work is the ICCR General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) application?

Medium: Online Application to 5 Empanelled Indian Universities + 500-Word English Essay + Transcripts + Medical Form