Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Amount, Last Date, Apply Online

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious study-abroad scholarships offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation to exceptionally talented young Indian graduates. The scholarship supports postgraduate study at top-rated universities and institutions in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States of America.

This merit-based scholarship is designed for Indian students who have strong academic records, clear future potential, and admission to a reputed overseas institution. Selected candidates can receive funding of up to USD 120,000, covering major study-related expenses such as tuition, living costs, one-way travel, visa expenses, and health allowance.

If you are planning to pursue a postgraduate course abroad and meet the eligibility criteria, the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026 can be a life-changing opportunity. Below, you can check the complete details including eligibility, scholarship amount, excluded subjects, documents required, application process, and important dates.

Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026: Overview

What is the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026?

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026 is offered to young Indian graduates of exceptional talent, character, and motivation who want to pursue higher studies abroad. The scholarship aims to help deserving candidates access world-class education at a crucial stage of their academic and professional development.

Unlike many general funding schemes, this scholarship is highly competitive and selective. The Foundation assesses not just a student’s academic record, but also their future potential, motivation, and ability to create meaningful impact after completing their studies.

Eligibility Criteria for Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026

Applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions to be eligible:

• The applicant must be an Indian passport holder.
• The applicant must be resident in India at the time of application.
• The applicant must be born on or after 1 January 1996.
• The applicant must hold a degree from a recognised university in India.
• Candidates in the final year of graduation and awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
• Applicants with an undergraduate degree from a recognised university abroad can apply only if they have resided continuously, worked, or studied in India for at least two years after completing their undergraduate degree.
• For Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture, and related subjects, applicants must have a minimum academic score of 65%, CGPA 6.8/10, or GPA 2.6/4.
• For Mathematics, Sciences, Environment, and related subjects, applicants must have a minimum academic score of 70%, CGPA 7.2/10, or GPA 3/4.
• The applicant must have prior admission to the chosen institution and course at the time of application.
• Both conditional and unconditional offer letters are accepted.
• If an applicant applies with a conditional offer letter and is shortlisted for the final interview, all conditions mentioned in the offer letter must be fulfilled before the final interview.
• If English language certification is a condition in the offer letter, the applicant must attain that certification before applying for the scholarship.
• Applicants with a deferred offer must have a valid offer for the academic year 2026–27.

Who is Not Eligible?

Many students miss this part, but the exclusion rules are extremely important. You are not eligible for the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026 if:

• You already hold a postgraduate qualification such as a Master’s degree or PhD from an institution abroad.
• You are already studying or have already started your postgraduate education abroad.

Subjects Not Covered Under the Scholarship

The following subjects are generally not eligible under the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026:

• Business and Finance
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Fashion Design
• Film and Film Animation
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Indian Studies without Contemporary Relevance
• Management Studies (MBA)
• Medicine, Dentistry, and related therapies
• Music

Important exceptions:

• Applications are considered for Engineering and Natural Sciences at Imperial College London.
• Applications are considered for Documentary Filmmaking.
• Applications are considered for Western Classical Singing.

Benefits and Scholarship Amount

Selected scholars under the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026 can receive financial support of up to USD 120,000. The final amount depends on the course and institution.

• Tuition Fees: Support for tuition expenses charged by the university or institution.
• Living Expenses: Assistance for accommodation and daily living costs during the period of study.
• One-Way Travel: Support for one-way travel related to overseas study.
• Visa Costs: Coverage for visa-related expenses.
• Health Allowance: Additional support for health-related costs as applicable.

The scholarship covers courses with a duration ranging from 9 months to 4 years.

Documents Required for Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026

Applicants should keep all required documents ready before starting the online application process. While the exact upload list should always be checked on the official application portal, commonly required documents include:

• Valid Indian Passport
• Academic mark sheets and degree certificates
• Proof of percentage / CGPA / GPA
• Admission letter from the overseas institution
• Conditional or unconditional offer letter
• Proof of English language certification, if required by the university
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Statement of Purpose or academic intent documents
• Portfolio, where applicable for art and design candidates
• Any proof of additional funding, if the total course cost exceeds USD 120,000

How to Apply for Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026

1. Visit the official scholarship page of the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.
2. Click on the Apply Now link when the application window is open.
3. Read the eligibility conditions and scholarship instructions carefully.
4. Fill in the online application form with personal, academic, and course-related details.
5. Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.
6. Double-check your entries before final submission.
7. Submit the application online on or before 31 March 2026, 12:00 PM (IST).

Selection Process

The selection process is conducted by an independent Inlaks Selection Committee. Candidates are assessed not only on their academic background but also on their future potential, motivation, and overall profile strength.

1. Review of Eligible Applications: All valid applications will be reviewed in April 2026.
2. Online Preliminary Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online preliminary interviews around May 2026.
3. Final In-Person Interview: Candidates clearing the preliminary round will be called for a final in-person interview in Mumbai, expected around the 3rd or 4th weekend of May 2026.

Important: Candidates who do not receive any communication from the Foundation by 30 April 2026 should assume that their application has not moved to the next round.

Important Dates

Proof of Additional Funds if Course Cost Exceeds USD 120,000

If the total course cost is more than the scholarship cap, applicants may need to provide proof of additional funding. The Foundation accepts such proof in the form of supporting financial documents.

Examples of acceptable proof may include:

• Parent’s or relative’s sponsorship undertaking letter
• Personal investment documents
• Approved education loan letter
• Additional scholarship letter from another organisation
• University funding proof or fee waiver confirmation

Why This Scholarship is Important

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026 is not just a funding programme. It is considered one of the most respected international scholarships for Indian students because it supports academically strong and highly motivated individuals at a critical stage of their growth. For students who want to study abroad but are held back by high costs, this scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden.

Because of its prestige, competitive nature, and high scholarship value, applicants should start early, arrange admission documents in advance, and prepare a strong overall profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the last date to apply for Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026?

The last date to apply is 31 March 2026, 12:00 PM (IST).

How much scholarship amount is provided?

The scholarship provides funding of up to USD 120,000, depending on the course and institution.

What expenses are covered under the scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, visa costs, and health allowance.

Who can apply for the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026?

Indian passport holders residing in India, born on or after 1 January 1996, meeting the academic criteria, and having prior admission to an eligible course abroad can apply.

Can final-year students apply?

Yes, applicants in the final year of graduation and awaiting results are eligible to apply.

Is an offer letter mandatory?

Yes, prior admission is essential. The Foundation accepts both conditional and unconditional offer letters.

Can I apply without proof of admission?

No, the Foundation does not consider applicants who do not have evidence of admission to the institution and course chosen.

Which countries are covered under this scholarship?

The scholarship supports study in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States of America.

What is the age limit for Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships 2026?

Applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1996.

Are MBA and Computer Science courses eligible?

No, MBA/Management Studies and Computer Science are among the subjects not covered under this scholarship.

Can students already studying abroad apply?

No, applicants who are already studying or have started their postgraduate education abroad are not eligible.

When will the interviews be held?

Online preliminary interviews are expected around May 2026, followed by a final in-person interview in Mumbai around the 3rd or 4th weekend of May 2026.

What if I do not receive any communication after applying?

If you do not receive any communication from the Foundation by 30 April 2026, you should assume that your application has not moved to the next round.