Courses
By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 6 Mar 2026, 17:33 IST
If you are a parent of a school-going child in India, you have likely searched online for questions such as “best scholarships for Class 10 students in India 2026” or “how to get a 100% scholarship for NEET coaching.” These are some of the most common queries parents and students type while trying to find financial support for education. With rising academic expenses and competitive exam preparation costs, many families are actively exploring scholarship opportunities that can reduce the financial burden.
The encouraging news is that 2026 is one of the most promising years for scholarship opportunities in India. Students now have access to a wide range of programs offered by government portals, private institutions, and coaching organizations. Major platforms such as the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) provide access to multiple government-funded schemes, while initiatives like PM YASASVI support eligible students through merit-based financial assistance. In addition, private scholarship exams such as Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 allow students to compete for significant fee waivers and academic rewards.
However, the biggest challenge for most parents is not the availability of scholarships—it is knowing where to start. Today, more than 100 scholarship schemes are available across government portals, private foundations, and educational organizations. Because information is scattered across multiple platforms, many families struggle to identify the most relevant programs or miss important application deadlines.
This guide is designed to simplify that process.
Whether you are searching for pre-matric scholarships for Classes 1 to 10, post-matric scholarships for Classes 11 and 12, NEET scholarship tests in 2026, JEE rank-based scholarship programs, or a platform that combines exam preparation with financial support, this guide will help you understand the available options clearly. It provides structured explanations, eligibility tables, application insights, and a step-by-step overview of how students can find and apply for the most suitable scholarships in India.
Pre-matric scholarships are designed to support students who are still completing their schooling up to Class 10 (matriculation). These are typically government-funded and aim to reduce school dropout rates among economically weaker sections.
Who benefits: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Minority students, girls, and students from families with annual income generally below ₹2.5 lakh (varies by scheme). What they cover: School fees, stationery, uniforms, and in some cases, hostel charges.
Examples: PM YASASVI (Pre-Matric component), State Pre-Matric Scholarship schemes, Central Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities.
Post-matric scholarships kick in after a student passes Class 10 and typically support Classes 11, 12, and higher education (undergraduate/diploma courses).
Who benefits: Similar category-based eligibility as pre-matric, but income limits can go up to ₹2.5 lakh–₹8 lakh depending on the scheme.
JEE
NEET
Foundation JEE
Foundation NEET
CBSE
What they cover: Tuition fees, maintenance allowances, study tours, and thesis/project expenses.
Examples: NSP Post-Matric Scholarship, Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students.
| Category | Classes | Main Purpose | Key Schemes (2026) | Max Annual Amount |
| Pre-Matric | 1–10 | School fees, books, uniforms | PM YASASVI (Pre), State Pre-Matric, Minorities Pre-Matric | ₹1,000–₹10,000 |
| Post-Matric | 11–12 | Tuition, coaching support | NSP Post-Matric, PM YASASVI (Post), Central Sector | ₹2,000–₹25,000+ |
| Merit-Based (Private) | 3–12 | Coaching fee waiver + rewards | Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 | Up to 100% tuition waiver + ₹2.5Cr prize pool |
Government schemes give stipends to offset costs. Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 goes further — it gives your child full access to world-class JEE/NEET/CBSE coaching at zero or near-zero cost, based purely on merit.
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in is the single most important website for government scholarship applications in India. It hosts Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and merit-based Central Government scholarships.
Also check: myscheme.gov.in — a Government of India portal where you can filter 100+ schemes by state, category, age, and income.
Before applying for any NSP scholarship, both the student and parent must complete One Time Registration (OTR) on NSP. This is a one-time process that creates a permanent applicant profile.
What you'll need:
Common Mistake: Many parents skip OTR and go directly to the scholarship form — this causes rejection. Complete OTR first.
Once registered, use NSP's search filter to find scholarships your child is eligible for. Key filters:
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity + Aadhaar seeding | Must be linked to bank account |
| Caste/Category Certificate | SC/ST/OBC/Minority proof | Issued by SDM/Tehsildar |
| Income Certificate | Family annual income | From Revenue Officer, valid within 1 year |
| Last Marksheet | Previous class percentage | Attested copy |
| Bank Passbook (first page) | PFMS-linked disbursement | Nationalized bank preferred |
| School Enrollment Certificate | Proof of enrollment | On school letterhead |
| Passport-size Photo | Application form | White background, recent |
Tip: Keep digital scans of all documents in a single Google Drive folder labeled "Scholarship Documents 2026" — this saves time when applying to multiple schemes.
Typical NSP Deadline Windows (2026–27 Academic Year):
After submission:
Visit myscheme.gov.in, select your state, and filter by "Education" → "Scholarship." Many state governments offer scholarships for:
Now, Here's the Gap: Government scholarships are essential — but they mainly cover school fees and basic costs. They don't give your child world-class JEE/NEET coaching or structured exam preparation. That's exactly what Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 provides — based on merit.
Here's your comprehensive class-wise breakdown — both government and the Infinity Learn SCORE opportunity.
Top Government Options:
Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 for Classes 3–5 (Junior Category):
Top Government Options:
Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 for Classes 6–8 (Foundation Category):
This is the most competitive phase for scholarships — and the most rewarding. Top Government Options:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Apply Via |
| PM YASASVI Pre-Matric (Class 9) | OBC/EBC/DNT; income ≤ ₹2.5L | ₹4,000–₹6,000/year | NSP |
| NMMS (Class 8 → renewable to 12) | Merit + ₹3.5L income | ₹12,000/year | State Education Dept |
| Pre-Matric SC/ST (NSP) | SC/ST; income varies | ₹3,500–₹7,000/year | NSP |
| Inspire Scholarship (DST) | Top 1% in Class 10 Board | ₹80,000/year | DST Portal |
Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 for Classes 9–10:
This is where the stakes are highest — and where Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 becomes the most transformative opportunity. Top Government Options:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Apply Via |
| NSP Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC/Minority; income ≤ ₹2.5L–₹8L | ₹7,000–₹25,000/year | NSP |
| PM YASASVI Post-Matric (Class 11) | OBC/EBC/DNT; income ≤ ₹2.5L | ₹5,000–₹7,000 | NSP |
| Central Sector Scheme | Top 20% in Class 12 Boards; income ≤ ₹8L | ₹12,000–₹20,000/year | NSP |
| SBI Asha Scholarship 2025-26 | Class 11–12; family income ≤ ₹3L; 75%+ in Class 10 | ₹15,000 | Buddy4Study/SBI |
Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 for Classes 11–12 (Senior Category):
PM YASASVI (Post-Matric, Class 11): OBC/EBC/DNT students in Class 11 (Science stream choosing Biology for NEET) can apply via NSP. Provides ₹5,000–₹7,000/year.
NSP Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/Minorities: Covers tuition fees and maintenance for Class 11–12 students. Income limit: ₹2.5 lakh–₹8 lakh.
Central Sector Scheme: Students in top 20% of Class 12 boards (regardless of stream) with income ≤ ₹8 lakh are eligible. ₹12,000/year for Classes 11–12.
Limitation: Government schemes help with fees but do not provide coaching, study material, or NEET-specific preparation — which costs ₹80,000–₹2,00,000/year at quality institutions.
Also Check: Top Scholarships for NEET Students
This is what every NEET-aspiring student and their parent has been searching for. What is SCORE for NEET? SCORE (Scholarship cum Reward Online Exam) by Infinity Learn is specifically designed for Class 11, Class 12, and NEET dropper students. The exam is built on the exact NEET pattern — Physics, Chemistry, Biology — and serves as both an assessment and a scholarship gateway. How It Works:
SCORE Scholarship Tiers for NEET (Indicative):
| Rank Bracket | Scholarship on Infinity Learn NEET Course |
| National Top Rankers | 100% Fee Waiver |
| Top 10% | 90% Fee Waiver |
| Top 25% | 75% Fee Waiver |
| Top 50% | 50% Fee Waiver |
Additional Benefits for NEET via SCORE:
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships: For Class 11–12 students in the top 20% of their respective Class 12 Board; income ≤ ₹8 lakh; ₹12,000/year.
NSP Post-Matric Scholarship: If you belong to SC/ST/OBC/Minority category and are in Class 11–12 with annual family income within limits — apply via NSP.
INSPIRE Scholarship (DST): If your child scored in the top 1% in their Class 10 Board, they're eligible for ₹80,000/year from Class 11 onwards (Science stream). One of India's most prestigious school scholarships. University-Level (Post-JEE):
Also Check: Top Scholarships for JEE Students in India
SCORE for JEE tests students on the exact JEE Main/Advanced pattern — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. Students in Classes 9–12 (and droppers) can appear. Why SCORE is the best pre-admission JEE scholarship:
Prize Pool Highlights for JEE Toppers:
| Feature | Government Scholarships (NSP/PM YASASVI) | Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 |
| Who Can Apply | SC/ST/OBC/EBC/Minority/EWS | All students, Classes 3–12 |
| Income Limit | ₹1L–₹8L (varies) | None — open to all |
| What You Get | Stipend (₹1,000–₹25,000) | Up to 100% coaching fee waiver + cash + gadgets + NASA trip |
| Covers Coaching Costs? | No | Yes — full JEE/NEET course waiver |
| Exam Required? | Sometimes (NMMS) | Yes — online exam |
| Application Process | Complex (OTR, documents, verification) | Simple 3-step registration |
| Result Timeline | 3–6 months | 5–7 days |
| Available Online? | Yes (NSP) | Yes — exam from home |
| Prize Pool | Stipend only | ₹2.5 Crore+ |
| Backed By | Central/State Government | Sri Chaitanya — 38+ years of JEE/NEET excellence |
Apply for government scholarships and register for SCORE. They are complementary. Government schemes reduce school costs; SCORE eliminates coaching costs. Together, they can make quality education nearly for your child.
Visit the official SCORE page. You'll see the registration form right on the landing page — no login required to start.
You'll need:
That's it. No income proof. No caste certificate. No documents at this stage.
SCORE 2026 is a fully online exam taken from home. You'll receive a confirmation with:
Infinity Learn provides free practice papers and mock tests aligned with SCORE exam patterns. Use these to:
Preparation Tips by Category:
After the exam:
Review the scholarship offer, choose your Infinity Learn course (NEET/JEE/CBSE for your class), and enroll at the scholarship-reduced price. Start learning immediately. Slots are limited for the March–April 2026 window. [Register Now → infinitylearn.com/score]
Use this master checklist to ensure you don't miss any opportunity in the 2026–27 academic year.
| Scholarship | Application Window | Portal |
| NSP Pre-Matric | October–December 2025 | scholarships.gov.in |
| NSP Post-Matric | October–December 2025 | scholarships.gov.in |
| PM YASASVI | July–October 2025 | yet.nta.ac.in |
| Central Sector Scheme | October–November 2025 | NSP |
| NMMS | September–October 2025 | State Education Portal |
| INSPIRE (DST) | October onwards | inspire-dst.gov.in |
| SBI Asha Scholarship | September–October 2025 | Buddy4Study/SBI |
| Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 | Open Now — March/April 2026 | infinitylearn.com/score |
Critical Note: Most government scholarship windows are October–December for the following academic year. If you're reading this in early 2026, SCORE 2026 is the highest-value scholarship opportunity open right now.
Tip 1 — Apply to Both Government AND Private Scholarships Government schemes cover school fees; SCORE covers coaching. They don't conflict. Apply to both simultaneously.
Tip 2 — Never Miss OTR on NSP One Time Registration must be done BEFORE scholarship applications open. Set a reminder for September each year.
Tip 3 — Keep a Single Digital Folder Scan all documents at 300 DPI, save in a Google Drive folder titled "Child Name – Scholarship Docs 2026." Share access with yourself on mobile for on-the-go uploads.
Tip 4 — Check State-Specific Portals Too Every state has its own scholarship portal beyond NSP. Search: "[Your State] scholarship portal for school students 2026."
Tip 5 — Register for SCORE Early SCORE exam slots fill up. March–April 2026 windows are limited. Register now and take the exam even if your child isn't "fully prepared" — the diagnostic report alone is worth it.
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For Class 10 students, the top options are: NMMS (₹12,000/year, income ≤ ₹3.5 lakh, merit-based state exam), PM YASASVI Pre-Matric (OBC/EBC/DNT students, income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh), Pre-Matric SC/ST scholarships via NSP, and Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 which offers up to 100% scholarship on Class 10 foundation and JEE/NEET prep courses — for any student, regardless of category or income.
The fastest and most accessible route to a 100% NEET coaching scholarship in 2026 is Infinity Learn SCORE 2026. Register at infinitylearn.com/score, take the online NEET-pattern exam, rank in the top tier nationally, and receive a 100% fee waiver on Infinity Learn's NEET course. Government schemes don't cover coaching costs — SCORE does.
NSP scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year typically open in October 2025 for fresh applicants and August 2025 for renewals. If you're reading this in early 2026 and missed the NSP window, focus on SCORE 2026, which is open now (March–April 2026).
For NEET 2026 aspirants: Government options include NSP Post-Matric (for SC/ST/OBC/Minority Class 11–12 students) and PM YASASVI. For coaching-specific support, Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 is the most rewarding — a online exam that awards up to 100% waiver on NEET coaching, plus a diagnostic report and national ranking.
Infinity Learn SCORE 2026 is specifically designed for this — you apply and take the exam in Class 11 or 12 (or as a dropper), before your JEE result, and receive a scholarship on coaching rather than admission. University-level JEE rank-based scholarships (from private universities) are typically awarded after JEE results in May–June 2026.
Income limits vary by scheme and category. The most common limits are ₹2.5 lakh/year (SC/ST/OBC Pre-Matric and PM YASASVI), ₹2.5 lakh/year for SC/ST Post-Matric, up to ₹8 lakh/year for OBC Post-Matric and Central Sector Scheme. For Infinity Learn SCORE — there is no income limit.