Completing Class 12 is a critical stage in a student’s life, and many students need financial support to continue higher education in graduation, professional courses, or vocational training. To address this, the Government of India, state governments, private organizations, and NGOs offer several 12th Pass Scholarships. These scholarships help students cover tuition fees, books, hostel charges, coaching, and other educational expenses.
This 800-word guide provides a detailed overview of the top scholarships for 12th pass students, eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, necessary documents, and tables for easy reference.
What Are 12th Pass Scholarships?
12th Pass Scholarships are financial assistance schemes designed for students who have completed Class 12 and plan to pursue higher studies such as graduation, professional courses (engineering, medical, BBA, MBA), or vocational courses. These scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers for meritorious and economically weaker students, as well as students from SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS categories.
Top Scholarships for 12th Pass Students in India
- PM YASASVI Scholarship
- Post-Matric Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS)
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Central & State Schemes
- INSPIRE Scholarship (for Science Stream)
- AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarship (for Girls & Disabled Students)
- Labour Card Scholarships
- Minority Scholarships for Higher Studies
- Private & NGO Scholarships (Tata, Aditya Birla, Reliance, HDFC, etc.)
- Merit-Based Scholarships (State & University Level)
- Skill & Vocational Scholarships
1. PM YASASVI Scholarship
Target: OBC, EBC, DNT students continuing higher education after Class 12.
Benefits:
- ₹1,25,000 per year for graduation or professional courses
Eligibility:
- Must belong to notified categories
- Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh
- Must have passed Class 12 from a recognized board
2. Post-Matric Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS)
These scholarships are offered for higher secondary, graduation, and professional studies.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee reimbursement
- Maintenance allowance
- Hostel allowance
Eligibility:
- 12th pass
- Income limits vary by category and state
3. INSPIRE Scholarship
Aimed at meritorious science students who wish to pursue graduation and research.
Benefits:
- ₹80,000 per year for eligible students pursuing science stream
Eligibility:
- Must have scored top marks in Class 12
- Must opt for science-related courses
4. AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarships
Target: Girl students and students with disabilities pursuing technical courses.
Benefits:
- Pragati Scholarship: ₹50,000 per year
- Saksham Scholarship: ₹50,000 per year
Eligibility:
- Must be pursuing technical education like B.Tech, Diploma, or Professional courses
5. Labour Card Scholarships
Target: Children of registered labourers who have completed Class 12.
Benefits:
- ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 per year
- Covers books, tuition, and hostel support
Eligibility:
- Must hold active labour card through parent
- Must have passed Class 12
6. Minority Scholarships for Higher Education
Offered to students from Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities.
Benefits:
- ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 per year depending on course
Eligibility:
- Must have passed Class 12
- Family income ≤ ₹2 lakh
7. Private & NGO Scholarships
Corporate foundations and NGOs provide support to 12th pass students for professional and graduation courses.
Examples:
- Tata Trust Scholarships
- Aditya Birla Scholarships
- Reliance Foundation Scholarships
- HDFC Bank Scholarships
Benefits:
- ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 per year
- Sometimes includes coaching fees
Eligibility Criteria for 12th Pass Scholarships
- Must have passed Class 12 from a recognized board
- Must be enrolled in a college or institute for graduation/professional course
- Must meet income criteria (if applicable)
- Belong to eligible categories for reserved scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships require minimum marks or rank
Documents Required
- Aadhar Card
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Bank Passbook
- College Admission Proof
- Passport-size Photograph
How to Apply for 12th Pass Scholarships
- Register Online: National Scholarship Portal (NSP), State portals, or NGO portals
- Complete Profile: Fill personal, academic, and bank details
- Upload Documents: All necessary certificates and photos
- Select Scholarship: Choose the relevant scheme
- Submit Application: Save acknowledgment receipt
- Track Status: Monitor application for verification and approval
Scholarship funds are usually transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account.
Overview Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligible Students | 12th pass students pursuing graduation/professional courses |
| Major Schemes | PM YASASVI, Post-Matric, Minority, Labour, AICTE Pragati/Saksham |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹5,000 – ₹1,25,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Online via NSP or state portals |
| Required Documents | Aadhar, 12th Marksheet, Income & Caste Certificate, Bank Details |
| Beneficiaries | SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS/Girls/Labour families |
Comparison Table of Popular 12th Pass Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| PM YASASVI | OBC/EBC/DNT students | ₹1,25,000 per year |
| Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS | Fees reimbursement + maintenance |
| INSPIRE | Science students | ₹80,000 per year |
| AICTE Pragati | Girls in technical courses | ₹50,000 per year |
| Labour Card Scholarship | Labour workers’ children | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 |
Tips for Students Applying for 12th Pass Scholarships
- Apply before the deadline
- Ensure all documents are correct and scanned clearly
- Use official portals only
- Double-check bank details to avoid transfer issues
- Track application status regularly
FAQs
Q1. Who can apply for 12th pass scholarships in India?
Students who have passed Class 12 and plan to pursue graduation, professional, or vocational courses.
Q2. How much scholarship amount is provided?
Amounts range from ₹5,000 to ₹1,25,000 per year depending on the scheme.
Q3. Where can students apply for these scholarships?
Applications can be submitted via National Scholarship Portal (NSP), State portals, or official NGO/corporate websites