Education after Class 10 is a turning point in every student’s life. It’s the stage where students decide whether to pursue Science, Commerce, Arts, or Vocational streams. However, higher education also comes with increasing expenses—tuition fees, coaching classes, books, and sometimes even hostel charges. For many families, these costs become a barrier to continuing studies.
This is where scholarships for Class 10th students in India play a life-changing role. Scholarships not only provide financial support but also motivate students to study harder, build confidence, and reduce the dropout rate. In 2025, both government and private organizations are offering several scholarships exclusively for Class 10th students to help them continue their education without financial stress.
In this blog, we will explore the top scholarships available for Class 10th students, how to apply, eligibility, benefits, and how students can use them effectively.
🎯 Why Scholarships After Class 10 are Important
- Financial Support for Families – Many students drop out after Class 10 due to rising education costs. Scholarships ensure they can continue higher secondary education.
- Motivation for Students – Merit-based scholarships reward hardworking students and encourage them to aim higher.
- Equal Opportunities – Students from weaker financial backgrounds get the same chance as others.
- Helps Career Building – Many scholarships extend up to graduation, ensuring long-term support.
- Reduces Dependence on Loans – Instead of borrowing money, scholarships provide direct aid.
🏫 Types of Scholarships Available for Class 10th Students
There are two major categories of scholarships for Class 10th students:
- Government Scholarships – Offered by Central and State Governments.
- Private Scholarships – Offered by NGOs, corporates, trusts, and foundations.
Let’s break them down.
🏛️ Government Scholarships for Class 10th Students
Government scholarships are the most accessible and cover millions of students across India. Here are some top ones in 2025:
1. National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
- Who Can Apply: Students of Class 9 & 10 from government schools.
- Eligibility: Family income below ₹3.5 lakh per year, minimum 55% marks in Class 8.
- Benefit: ₹12,000 per year till Class 12.
- Why Useful: Encourages students from economically weaker backgrounds to continue schooling.
2. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
- Who Can Apply: Class 10 students across India.
- Eligibility: Students studying in recognized schools.
- Benefit: ₹1,250 per month for Class 11 & 12; ₹2,000 per month for UG/PG.
- Why Useful: One of the most prestigious scholarships in India, helps academically talented students.
3. Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities
- Who Can Apply: Minority community students (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis).
- Eligibility: Family income below ₹1 lakh per year, minimum 50% marks.
- Benefit: Up to ₹10,000 per year + maintenance allowance.
- Why Useful: Covers school fees, books, and living expenses.
4. Post-Matric Scholarship (State-wise)
- Who Can Apply: Students moving to Class 11 after Class 10.
- Eligibility: Family income limit varies by state (usually ₹2–3 lakh per year).
- Benefit: Tuition fees + hostel allowance.
- Why Useful: Supports students in higher secondary schools and junior colleges.
5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship (for Girls)
- Who Can Apply: Girls pursuing technical education after Class 10.
- Benefit: ₹50,000 per year for diploma/degree.
- Why Useful: Encourages girls in STEM education.
🏢 Private Scholarships for Class 10th Students
Apart from government schemes, many private organizations and trusts also support Class 10th students.
1. Vidyadhan Scholarship (Sarojini Damodaran Foundation)
- Who Can Apply: Students scoring above 90% in Class 10.
- Eligibility: Family income below ₹2 lakh per year.
- Benefit: ₹6,000–₹10,000 per year for Class 11 & 12.
- Why Useful: Merit-based scholarship for bright students from poor families.
2. Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship
- Who Can Apply: Students from Class 6 to 12.
- Eligibility: Income below ₹2.5 lakh, minimum 60% marks.
- Benefit: Up to 80% of tuition fees (₹10,000–₹12,000).
- Why Useful: Provides tuition fee support for private and government school students.
3. HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship
- Who Can Apply: Students facing sudden financial crisis (death, illness, job loss of earning member).
- Benefit: Up to ₹25,000 per year.
- Why Useful: Helps students continue studies during unexpected family crises.
4. Loreal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship
- Who Can Apply: Girls excelling in Class 10 & 12 planning for science streams.
- Benefit: Up to ₹2.5 lakh for higher education.
- Why Useful: Encourages girls to pursue science careers.
5. Reliance Foundation Scholarships
- Who Can Apply: High-achieving students after Class 10.
- Benefit: Large support (₹20,000–₹2 lakh depending on level).
- Why Useful: Provides both financial and mentorship support.
📋 How to Apply for Scholarships (Step-by-Step)
- Check Eligibility – Income, marks, caste, gender, and school type matter.
- Collect Documents – Aadhaar card, income certificate, mark sheet, caste certificate (if applicable), school ID.
- Choose Platform –
- Government scholarships → Apply via National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or State portals.
- Private scholarships → Apply via the official NGO or company websites.
- Fill Form Carefully – Avoid errors in personal details and bank account number.
- Submit Before Deadline – Keep a calendar of scholarship deadlines.
- Track Application – Government portals allow online tracking.
🧾 Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card.
- Passport-size photo.
- Income Certificate.
- Caste/Minority certificate (if applicable).
- Previous year mark sheet.
- Bonafide certificate from school.
- Bank account details (student or guardian).
📊 How Scholarships Help Class 10 Students in Real Life
- Reduce Dropouts – Students from poor families can continue Class 11–12 instead of working.
- Encourage Higher Studies – Merit scholarships boost confidence and inspire students to aim for IITs, AIIMS, and top colleges.
- Skill Development – Some scholarships offer training, career guidance, and mentorship.
- Parental Relief – Parents don’t need to borrow or sell assets to fund education.
- Long-Term Impact – Many scholarships extend till graduation, securing a child’s academic future.
🌟 Expert Tips for Students & Parents
- Start applying as soon as Class 10 results are declared.
- Apply for both government and private scholarships to maximize chances.
- Don’t ignore smaller scholarships (₹5,000–₹10,000)—they add up.
- Keep a scholarship diary with login details, deadlines, and application IDs.
- Check school notice boards and local NGOs for hidden opportunities.
- Attend awareness workshops conducted by state education departments.
🏆 Which Scholarships Should Class 10 Students Choose?
- For Financially Weak Students: NMMS, Pre-Matric Scholarships, Tata Capital Pankh.
- For Merit-Based Students: NTSE, Vidyadhan, Reliance Foundation.
- For Girls: Pragati Scholarship, L’Oreal Women in Science, K.C. Mahindra Trust.
- For Crisis Situations: HDFC Crisis Scholarship.
👉 Ideally, students should apply for multiple scholarships to increase chances. For example, a minority student with 90% marks can apply for both Pre-Matric Minority Scholarship + Vidyadhan.
✅ Final Thoughts
Scholarships for Class 10th students in India are not just about money—they are about building a brighter future. They support families, motivate students, and ensure that financial challenges do not crush academic dreams.
- Government scholarships ensure inclusivity and reach lakhs of students.
- Private scholarships offer higher financial aid, mentorship, and recognition.
If you are a Class 10 student in 2025, this is the perfect time to explore scholarships. With proper awareness and timely applications, you can unlock opportunities that will carry you through Class 12 and even college.
So, don’t wait—check eligibility, gather documents, and start applying. Your scholarship today could be the foundation of your successful tomorrow.
