Key Highlights
- Name of Scholarship: Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence
- Launched By: Government of Rajasthan
- Objective: To financially support meritorious students, with special reservation for girls, to study at top QS-ranked global universities.
- Coverage: Up to ₹50 lakh for tuition + ₹12 lakh for living expenses.
- Eligible Courses: UG, PG, PhD, Post-Doctoral research.
- Application Mode: Online via RajSSO Portal
- Deadline: Expected mid-2026 intake (tentative, based on academic cycle).
Introduction
The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence, launched by the Rajasthan Government, reveals to be one of India’s most prestigious state-funded initiatives to promote global education among deserving students.
Announced in 2021 by Hon’ble Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, this Rajasthan Government Scholarship is designed to enable meritorious youth, especially girls, to pursue higher studies abroad in the world’s top 150 QS-ranked universities.
For aspiring young women dreaming of studying overseas, this program can help you actualise your ambition. It is a scholarship for Rajasthani-native students and a visionary step to ensure equal access, international exposure, and financial independence for Rajasthan’s bright minds.
About the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence
The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship provides comprehensive financial assistance to eligible students from Rajasthan to study at leading global institutions. It aims to build globally competent graduates who can bring back knowledge, innovation, and leadership to their home state.
Objectives
- Promote access to international higher education for Rajasthan students.
- Empower female students by reserving 30% of total seats for women across income categories.
- Encourage families from middle and lower-income groups to send their children abroad without financial strain.
- Facilitate exposure to global research, innovation, and professional networks.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this scholarship for Indian to study abroad, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Residency: Must be a bonafide resident of Rajasthan.
- Age Limit: Below 35 years as of 1st July 2025.
- Academic Admission: Must have received an offer letter or admission from one of the top 150 QS World University Rankings (as of 1st April of the application year).
- Courses Covered: All fields of study are eligible, including Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), PhD, and Post-Doctoral programs.
- Special Provision: Only 7.5% of total seats (around 37) are reserved for Engineering, Architecture, Medical, and Dentistry UG courses.
Financial Benefits
The scheme offers tiered financial coverage based on family income:
E1: Family Income ≤ ₹8 lakh
- Tuition and Bench Fees: Up to ₹50 lakh
- Living Expenses: Up to ₹12 lakh
- One-time Advance: ₹3 lakh (adjusted later against living expenses)
E2: Family Income ₹8–25 lakh
- Tuition and Bench Fees: Up to ₹50 lakh
- Living Expenses: Up to ₹6 lakh
E3: Family Income > ₹25 lakh
- Tuition and Bench Fees: Up to ₹50 lakh
- No Living Expense Support
This makes it one of the most generous scholarships for Indian students aiming for overseas education, covering almost all essential costs of studying and living abroad.
Courses and Maximum Duration Covered
- Undergraduate (UG): Up to 4 years
- Postgraduate (PG): Up to 2 years
- PhD: Up to 3 years
- Post-Doctoral Research: Up to 1.5 years
All academic disciplines are eligible. However, for technical and medical UG courses, the institution must also feature in the top 25 subject-wise QS rankings.
Application Process
The Rajasthan Government Scholarship application process is entirely online:
- Visit the official portal: https://hte.rajasthan.gov.in/online-scholarship
- Log in using your SSOID (create one if new via RajSSO Portal).
- Complete and update your SSO profile.
- Select the “Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence” scheme.
- Fill in your details, choose your bank account, and upload required documents.
- Submit the form to generate your unique Application ID.
Documents Required
- Jan Aadhaar Number
- Domicile Certificate
- Offer Letter from Foreign University
- Gross Family Income Certificate
- Income Tax Returns or Affidavit for Non-ITR
- 10th and Last Qualifying Mark Sheets
- Passport and Visa (if available)
- Self-Declaration of Non-receipt of Other Scholarships
Important Points
- Only QS Top 150 universities (as per 1st April list) are eligible for that academic year.
- Once the list is fixed, it remains valid till the portal closes.
- The scholarship does not guarantee admission; students must secure admission independently before applying.
- Female students are encouraged to apply early, as 30% of all awards are reserved for women.
Deadline for 2025
While the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship 2025 dates are expected to align with the academic cycle (applications typically open mid-year), students are advised to begin preparations by early 2026, especially for university applications and document readiness.
Conclusion
At Mentora Overseas Education, we specialise in helping India’s brightest students, from every corner, unlock global opportunities through scholarships like the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence. From shortlisting QS-ranked universities to preparing strong SOPs, documentation, and visa guidance, our counselors ensure your study abroad dream becomes reality with confidence and clarity.
Reach out to Mentora Overseas today to start your study abroad journey and let financial barriers never limit your ambition again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for this scholarship before receiving an offer letter?
No. Applicants must have an official offer letter from a top 150 QS-ranked university before applying.
Is this scholarship only for girls?
No, it is open to both male and female students. However, 30% of the seats are reserved exclusively for female candidates.
Which programs are covered under this scheme?
All levels; UG, PG, PhD, and Post-Doctoral research, in any academic discipline are eligible.
Does this scholarship cover living and travel expenses?
Yes, but depending on your income category. It provides up to ₹12 lakh for living expenses and ₹3 lakh as an advance, apart from tuition support.
Where can I apply for the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship 2025?
Applications can be submitted online at the official Rajasthan Higher Education Portal: https://hte.rajasthan.gov.in/online-scholarship
