The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence was launched by the Government of Rajasthan in August 2021 to provide financial assistance to meritorious students of Rajasthan who wish to pursue higher education in the top 150 QS-ranked universities across the world. The scheme aims to give international exposure to students and support their career development.
Objectives
- Financially support students from Rajasthan to pursue education abroad.
- Enable students to study in top 150 QS World Universities.
- Prioritize students from low-income families (gross income below ₹8 lakh per annum).
- Encourage female participation by reserving 30% of seats under each income category.
Benefits
The scholarship financial assistance varies based on family income:
| Income Category | Tuition & Bench Fee (Max Limit) | Living Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| E1: Family income < ₹8 lakh per year | Up to ₹50 lakh | Up to ₹12 lakh + ₹3 lakh one-time advance (adjusted later) |
| E2: Family income ₹8 – ₹25 lakh per year | Up to ₹50 lakh | Up to ₹6 lakh |
| E3: Family income > ₹25 lakh per year | Up to ₹50 lakh | No living expenses covered |
Additional Notes:
- Maximum grant for tuition and bench fee is ₹50 lakh.
- One-time advance of ₹3 lakh for students starting their course immediately (adjusted later).
- 7.5% of total seats (37 seats) are reserved for Engineering, Architecture, Medical, and Dentistry UG courses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bonafide resident of Rajasthan.
- Less than 35 years of age as of July 1, 2023.
- Admitted or received an offer letter from a QS Top 150 World University (as of April 1, 2023).
- All disciplines at UG, PG, Ph.D., and Postdoc levels are eligible.
- Only one-time financial assistance per student under this scheme.
Application Process
Online Application Process
- Log in to the RajSSO Portal using SSOID.
- Register on the RajSSO Portal (if not already done) and update the SSO Profile.
- Select the Scheme Name under the scholarship section.
- Enter personal details and bank details.
- Upload required documents (see below).
- Click “SUBMIT” to finalize the application.
- Receive a unique Application ID for tracking purposes.
Documents Required
- Jan Aadhaar Number.
- Offer letter from a QS Top 150 World University.
- Domicile certificate (issued by Rajasthan authorities).
- Gross family income certificate.
- Income Tax Return (ITR) Proof or affidavit for not filing ITR.
- 10th-grade mark sheet.
- Qualifying degree certificate/mark sheet (last passed exam).
- Self-declaration for other scholarships/financial help received.
- Passport (if available).
- Visa (if available).
- Aadhaar Number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for this scheme?
Bonafide residents of Rajasthan who have been admitted to a Top 150 QS-ranked university for UG, PG, Ph.D., or Postdoc programs.
Q: What expenses are covered under the scheme?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and bench fees (subject to family income criteria).
Q: Which courses are eligible?
All disciplines at Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral levels are eligible.
Q: How many seats are reserved for technical courses?
A maximum of 7.5% seats (37 seats) are reserved for Engineering, Architecture, Medical, and Dentistry UG courses.
Q: Does the scheme provide direct admission to foreign universities?
No, the scholarship only provides financial support. Students must secure admission independently.
Q: Can the applicant edit the application after submission?
Yes, applicants can edit details until the submission deadline.
Q: When will the scholarship funds be disbursed?
Funds will be transferred directly to the student’s bank account upon approval.