CBSE & State Board Scholarships – How to Apply (2025 Guide)

Education in India is more than just a pathway to success—it’s the foundation of opportunity. But as every parent and student knows, the rising cost of school fees, coaching classes, books, and higher education can make the dream of learning seem out of reach. Thankfully, scholarships offered by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and various State Education Boards play a key role in bridging this gap.

These scholarships are not just about financial aid; they are about creating equal opportunities, encouraging academic excellence, and ensuring that no talented student is left behind due to economic difficulties. Whether you are a Class 10 topper, Class 12 achiever, or a girl child continuing education, both CBSE and State Boards offer multiple schemes to support your journey.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Why CBSE & State Board scholarships matter

   

• Top scholarships offered by CBSE

   

• Popular scholarships offered by State Boards

   

• Step-by-step process to apply

   

• Documents required

   

• How students and parents can best use scholarships

   

• Tips to maximize your chances

   

🎯 Why Are CBSE & State Board Scholarships Important?

1. Reduce Financial Burden: Scholarships cover tuition fees, exam fees, books, and sometimes hostel charges.

    

2. Promote Merit: High-performing students get rewarded, motivating them to continue excelling.

    

3. Support Marginalized Communities: Many scholarships are designed for SC, ST, OBC, and minority groups.

    

4. Encourage Girls’ Education: Several schemes focus specifically on female students.

    

5. Boost Higher Education Access: Helps students transition smoothly from school to college without financial obstacles.

    

📘 Scholarships Offered by CBSE

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) runs its own set of scholarships for students of affiliated schools. These are among the most popular and trusted schemes.

1. CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship (Class 10 Pass Students)

• Eligibility:

   

  • Only for single girl children of parents.

     

  • Must have passed Class 10 with 60% or more marks.

     

  • Studying in CBSE-affiliated schools for Class 11 & 12.

     

• Benefit: ₹500 per month (₹6,000 per year).

   

• How It Helps: Encourages families to support girl children’s education beyond Class 10.

   

2. CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child (Class 12 Renewal)

• Eligibility: Renewal of the Class 10 scholarship for Class 12 students maintaining good academic performance.

   

• Benefit: ₹500 per month for Class 12.

   

• How It Helps: Continuous financial support until the completion of school.

   

3. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College & University Students (CSSS)

• Eligibility:

   

  • Must be among the top 20th percentile in Class 12.

     

  • Family income less than ₹4.5 lakh per year.

     

• Benefit: ₹10,000 per year for UG courses, ₹20,000 per year for PG.

   

• How It Helps: Assists CBSE Class 12 graduates in higher education.

   

4. CBSE Merit Scholarship for Professional Studies (introduced in partnership with government bodies)

• Eligibility: Students with high marks in Class 12 applying to professional streams (Engineering, Medicine, Law).

   

• Benefit: Fee reimbursement up to ₹20,000 annually.

   

• How It Helps: Eases the entry of CBSE students into professional colleges.

   

📗 Scholarships Offered by State Boards

Every State Education Board in India runs its own scholarship schemes to promote education. These vary widely but generally fall into categories like merit-based, income-based, caste-based, or girl-child-focused scholarships. Let’s look at some popular ones:

1. Maharashtra State Board – Open Merit Scholarship

• Eligibility: Class 10 or 12 toppers in state board exams.

   

• Benefit: ₹500–₹1,000 per month.

   

• Why It’s Useful: Rewards merit and helps students in junior and senior colleges.

   

2. Tamil Nadu State Board – EVR Nagammai Scholarship for Girls

• Eligibility: Girl students continuing higher studies after state board exams.

   

• Benefit: Tuition and hostel fee coverage.

   

• Why It’s Useful: Encourages girls’ participation in higher education.

   

3. West Bengal – Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students scoring 60%+ in state board Class 12, family income < ₹2.5 lakh.

   

• Benefit: ₹1,000–₹5,000 per month.

   

• Why It’s Useful: One of the largest state scholarships, benefiting thousands annually.

   

4. Kerala Higher Secondary Scholarships

• Eligibility: Class 12 toppers or economically weaker section students.

   

• Benefit: ₹1,250–₹2,500 annually.

   

• Why It’s Useful: Ensures financial stability for higher education.

   

5. Uttar Pradesh – Post-Matric Scholarship

• Eligibility: SC, ST, OBC, and minority students studying after Class 10.

   

• Benefit: Covers tuition, hostel fees, and maintenance allowance.

   

• Why It’s Useful: Massive state-run program supporting lakhs of students.

   

6. Delhi – Merit Scholarship for College Students

• Eligibility: State board toppers enrolling in Delhi colleges.

   

• Benefit: ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year.

   

• Why It’s Useful: Motivates students to continue higher studies in Delhi.

   

📋 Step-by-Step Process to Apply for CBSE & State Board Scholarships

1. Check Eligibility

• Visit official CBSE or State Board websites.

   

• Confirm marks, income limit, gender-based criteria.

   

2. Register Online

• CBSE: Apply via the official CBSE Scholarship Portal.

   

• State Boards: Applications usually run through state government scholarship portals (e.g., MahaDBT in Maharashtra, NSP for some).

   

3. Fill Application Form

• Enter personal details (name, DOB, Aadhaar).

   

• Provide marks scored in board exams.

   

• Fill in income and caste details if applicable.

   

4. Upload Documents

• Scanned copies of mark sheets, income certificate, bank passbook, caste certificate (if required).

   

5. Submit & Note Application ID

• Save acknowledgment slip.

   

• Track status online.

   

📑 Documents Required

• Mark sheet of Class 10/12.

   

• Aadhaar card.

   

• Family income certificate.

   

• Caste/minority certificate (if applicable).

   

• Proof of admission in next class/college.

   

• Bank passbook with student’s name.

   

• Passport-size photo.

   

💡 How Students & Parents Can Use Scholarships

1. Cover Tuition Fees – Use directly for school/college payments.

    

2. Books & Coaching – Scholarships can buy study material, coaching, or online courses.

    

3. Hostel & Travel Costs – Helps students studying in another city.

    

4. Skill Development – Use extra funds for certifications, language courses, or internships.

    

5. Reduce Education Loans – Parents can avoid or reduce loan burden.

    

📊 Benefits of Applying Early

• Many scholarships are first-come-first-served (within merit ranks).

   

• Delays may result in missing deadlines.

   

• Early application ensures smoother verification.

   

🌟 Tips to Maximize Chances

• Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously (CBSE + state + private).

   

• Always keep scanned documents ready in low-size formats.

   

• Double-check bank account details to avoid payment failures.

   

• Regularly track status on portals like NSP or state scholarship dashboards.

   

• Seek help from teachers or cyber cafés for correct form filling.

   

🏆 Which Students Benefit the Most?

• Girls: CBSE Single Girl Child, TN Nagammai Scholarship.

   

• Merit Students: CSSS, State Open Merit scholarships.

   

• Economically Weaker Sections: Post-Matric state schemes, Swami Vivekananda Scholarship.

   

• SC/ST/OBC: UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, and other states’ targeted scholarships.

   

• Science Students: CSSS, state science scholarships.

   

✅ Final Thoughts

CBSE and State Board scholarships are more than just financial aids—they are investments in India’s future talent. Whether you are a single girl child, a state topper, or a student from an economically weaker family, there’s a scholarship designed for you.

The application process is straightforward if you stay organized:

• Check eligibility,

   

• Register on the official portal,

   

• Upload documents, and

   

• Track your application.

   

👉 For parents, scholarships reduce the financial strain. For students, they provide freedom to study without constant worry about fees.

In 2025, education costs will continue to rise, but scholarships ensure that talent never goes to waste due to lack of money. Apply on time, stay alert about deadlines, and make the most of these opportunities.