Azim Premji University is one of the leading private universities in India with a strong focus on social change through education. Founded in 2010, the university is the brainchild of business tycoon and philanthropist Azim Premji. Through his philanthropic initiatives, Premji has contributed immensely towards improving school education in India.
In line with its vision of promoting equitable and quality education, Azim Premji University offers a number of scholarships and financial assistance programs for deserving undergraduate students. The Azim Premji University Undergraduate Scholarship aims to provide financial support to meritorious students from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to pursue undergraduate studies at the university.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover all key details about the Azim Premji University undergraduate scholarship including eligibility criteria, application process, selection process, benefits and more. Read on to get all the information you need about this prestigious scholarship program.
Objectives of the Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship
The objectives of the Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship are:
- To provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students to pursue quality higher education at Azim Premji University.
- To support meritorious students from marginalized communities and backgrounds achieve their academic goals.
- To promote access to undergraduate education among students who may not be able to afford the tuition and living expenses.
- To uphold Azim Premji University’s vision of equitable and inclusive education.
By providing tuition fee waivers and covering living expenses in deserving cases, the scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers that may prevent bright students from pursuing undergraduate studies and realizing their full potential.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for the Azim Premji University Undergraduate Scholarship, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- The applicant must be an Indian national.
- The applicant should have secured admission in an undergraduate program at Azim Premji University.
- The applicant’s annual family income must be within the income slabs specified by the university.
Income Eligibility
Azim Premji University offers scholarships for students belonging to different income groups. The broad income criteria is as follows:
- Students with an annual family income up to ₹1.5 lakhs are eligible for 100% tuition fee waiver.
- Students with an annual family income between ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs are eligible for 75% tuition fee waiver.
- Students with an annual family income between ₹3 lakhs to ₹4.5 lakhs are eligible for 50% tuition fee waiver.
- Students with an annual family income between ₹4.5 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs are eligible for 25% tuition fee waiver.
The exact income slabs may vary from year to year, so students must check the university website for updated income eligibility criteria.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Students must have secured minimum cut-off marks in Class 12 board exams as specified for the program they are applying for.
- Students from SC, ST, OBC and PwD categories must meet the minimum cut-off requirement for their category.
- Applicants who are in the final year of Class 12 can also apply, provided they submit their final marks before the specified date.
- Meeting the eligibility criteria alone does not guarantee scholarship – selection is based on criteria outlined in the next section.
Types of Undergraduate Scholarships
Azim Premji University offers different types of scholarships for its undergraduate programs based on the financial background of the students:
1. Tuition Fee Waivers
This covers partial or complete waiver of the annual tuition fee payable by the student. The percentage of tuition fee waived depends on the student’s family income as per the slabs mentioned in the eligibility section.
2. Accommodation Fee Waivers
The university can also provide full/partial hostel fee waiver for students who fulfil the scholarship criteria. This reduces the burden of accommodation expenses for students.
3. Food and Mess Fee Assistance
In exceptional cases, depending on merit and income criteria, the university may also consider providing food and mess fee assistance along with tuition and hostel fee waivers.
4. CASH Awards
Meritorious scholarship students are also eligible for the Champions of Academic and Social Help (CASH) Award. This monetary award can be utilized to cover food, travel, laptop and other education-related expenses.
The quantum and mix of scholarship benefits offered to a student depends on the annual family income and is decided by the university scholarship committee.
Benefits of Azim Premji University Undergraduate Scholarship
The key benefits of the Azim Premji University Undergraduate Scholarship for students are:
- Financial Assistance: The scholarship provides significant financial assistance which covers the major costs related to undergraduate education – tuition fees, accommodation charges and in some cases food and mess fees.
- Access to Quality Education: The scholarship enables meritorious students to enroll in Azim Premji University’s high quality undergraduate programs in various disciplines.
- Holistic Growth: Being an Azim Premji scholar allows students to avail various mentoring and skill development opportunities provided by the university.
- Social Empowerment: Coming from economically weak backgrounds, the scholarship empowers students and enables them to achieve their full potential.
For the university, the scholarship helps fulfil its founding mission of social change through education. By supporting meritorious and needy students, Azim Premji University is able to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable learning environment.
How to Apply for the Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship?
Eligible students can apply for the Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship through the following application process:
Online Application
- Visit the Azim Premji University scholarship portal: https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/financial-aid
- Click on ‘Register Yourself’ and create a new account by providing basic details.
- An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to activate your account.
- Log in to your account using your Application ID and password.
- Start filling the online scholarship application form. Provide all details accurately.
- The application requires you to upload documents like family income proofs, caste certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), Class 10 and 12 mark sheets.
- Submit the completed application form online on or before the deadline.
Important Documents
- Passport size photograph
- Family income certificate
- Caste certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates
- PwD certificate for Persons with Disabilities
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Copy of admission offer letter (if available)
Application Deadlines
Azim Premji University accepts undergraduate scholarship applications in two rounds:
- Round 1: Opens in October, apply before 22nd November
- Round 2: Opens in January, apply before 5th March
Apply in the earliest round for the best chance of getting the scholarship. Follow the university social media handles and website for exact application timelines.
Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship – Selection Process
The selection process for the Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship involves:
1. Eligibility Review
- The university reviews all applications to check if they meet the stipulated eligibility criteria
- Family income certificates are verified to confirm the income slab claimed by the applicant
- Applications found incomplete or not meeting eligibility criteria are rejected
2. Merit and Means Assessment
- For applications that clear stage 1, an integrated assessment of merit and means is conducted
- Academic merit is judged based on Class 10 and 12 examination marks
- University entrance test scores (if applicable) are also considered
- Family’s financial background and need for assistance are assessed based on income documents
- Applicants’ educational disadvantages, struggles, achievements are also given due consideration
3. Interviews
- Shortlisted applicants are called for online/in-person interviews by the scholarship committee
- Interviews allow evaluators to assess students’ motivation, communication skills, expertise in chosen domains and overall potential
- Interviews can also help verify claims made in the application form
4. Background Verification
- Random background checks through school/college visits or call validation may be done to cross-verify details furnished by applicants
- This helps ensure scholarships are allotted to genuinely deserving candidates
5. Final Decision
- Based on merit, income eligibility, interview performance and background verification, final scholarship grantees are decided
- Decision of the university scholarship committee is final and binding
- Successful applicants are informed via email and student portal
The selection criteria focus on identifying motivated, high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds who deserve financial support to pursue undergraduate studies at Azim Premji University.
Amount and Disbursal of Scholarship
The amount of scholarship granted depends on the applicant’s family income and can vary for each recipient selected.
- Students from lower income groups are eligible for higher percentage of tuition fee waiver.
- Additional benefits like accommodation fee waiver, CASH awards may be provided based on criteria.
- The scholarship is disbursed directly to the student’s account with the university in the form of tuition and hostel fee waivers.
- CASH awards are transferred to the recipients’ bank account.
- The scholarship continues year-on-year, subject to students maintaining academic performance criteria set by the university.
The scholarship aims to cover the major costs of education and provide enough assistance to minimize financial difficulties that may force students to drop-out.
Key Highlights of the Scholarship
- Covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses and additional benefits like CASH awards
- Applicable for undergraduate programs in all disciplines offered at Azim Premji University
- Eligibility based on family income, academic merit, admission to university
- Online application process with two rounds of deadlines
- Selection through integrated assessment of merit, means and interviews
- Scholarship amount depends on income slab – higher assistance for lower income groups
- Supports students from economically weak backgrounds achieve their academic dreams
Azim Premji University – An Overview
Established in 2010, Azim Premji University is a private, not-for-profit university based in Bangalore, India. It is promoted by the Azim Premji Foundation which works extensively in the field of education and development. The University currently offers programs in:
- Undergraduate Degrees: B.A., B.Sc., LLB
- Postgraduate Degrees: M.A. Education, LL.M, M.Sc. Development Policy and Practice, M.A. Public Policy and Governance, etc.
- Integrated Degree Programs
- Ph.D and Postgraduate Diploma Programs
Azim Premji University strongly focuses on social themes, liberal arts and humanities in its curriculum and pedagogy. It aims to develop professionals and researchers who can bring positive change in society. The university has a diverse student body representing different economic and social backgrounds.
True to its social commitment, the university provides financial assistance, counselling and other support services to ensure students from disadvantaged groups can smoothly transition to the university environment.
Conclusion: A Launchpad for Success
The Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship is a prestigious and generous scholarship program that provides comprehensive financial support to deserving undergraduate students at one of India’s finest private universities. For students from challenging financial circumstances who aspire to be the change-makers of tomorrow, this scholarship can be a life-altering opportunity.
Eligible students must carefully go through the application process and submit their scholarship applications well in time. The scholarship has the potential to make your undergraduate journey at Azim Premji University affordable and fulfilling. As you graduate as a well-rounded social leader of tomorrow, you can pay it forward by providing similar assistance to others in need.
For further details and latest updates about the Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship, visit the official university website. All the best!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship
Here are answers to some common queries about the Azim Premji University undergraduate scholarship program:
Q1. I belong to the OBC category. Am I eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Yes, students belonging to reserved categories like OBC can apply for the Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship provided you meet the category-specific eligibility criteria set by the university. There is no discrimination on basis of caste or category.
Q2. My family income is ₹5 lakhs per annum. What percentage of tuition fee waiver can I get?
As per the current eligibility criteria, students with a family income between ₹4.5 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs per annum are eligible for a 25% tuition fee waiver. However, the final scholarship percentage will depend on the selection process and number of scholarship grantees in that income group.
Q3. Apart from tuition fees, what other expenses does the scholarship cover?
Based on your family income, the scholarship may also provide full/partial hostel fee waiver to cover your accommodation charges. In exceptional cases of very low income, assistance for food/mess fees and books/supplies may also be considered under the CASH awards.
Q4. When do I need to apply for scholarship renewal?
The Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship is not required to be renewed annually. Once awarded, the scholarship continues for the duration of the program subject to you maintaining the required academic performance criteria.
Q5. Can I apply for the scholarship if I’m in Class 12 currently?
Yes, you can apply for the scholarship even if you are in the final year of Class 12. However, your selection will be provisional subject to you passing Class 12 and meeting the admission criteria of the undergraduate program you have applied for.
Q6. Is there an age limit for applying for the Azim Premji scholarship?
No, there is no specific age limit or restrictions for the Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship program. You must meet the minimum age eligibility of the undergraduate program you are seeking admission into.
Q7. Whom can I contact for queries related to the scholarship application process?
You can contact the Azim Premji University Financial Aid Office via phone (080- 6614 5136) or email (financialaid@apu.edu.in) in case of any queries related to scholarship applications and process.
Q8. How do I check the application status and selection results?
You can check the status and final result of your Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship application by logging into the university student portal using your credentials. Results are also informed via email.
Q9. Can I submit a hard copy of the scholarship application instead of applying online?
No, Azim Premji University only accepts online scholarship applications submitted through their scholarship portal. Hard copy applications are not accepted.
Q10. What are my chances of getting the scholarship if I have a low family income?
Income eligibility is an important criteria, but merit, potential and performance in the selection process are also considered. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with good academic credentials have a higher chance if they apply well in time.
Other Popular Financial Aid Programs by Azim Premji University
Apart from the undergraduate scholarship discussed above, Azim Premji University also offers the following financial assistance programs:
1. Merit-Cum-Means Postgraduate Scholarship
This provides tuition fee waivers ranging from 25% to 100% for meritorious postgraduate students based on their family income. Selection is based on entrance test scores, academics, interviews and family income.
2. PhD Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support PhD research scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds who are unable to afford the high cost of doctoral studies. It provides comprehensive assistance covering tuition fee, living stipend and research grants.
3. Professional Development Assistance
This financial aid is available for short-term courses, workshops, conferences and other upskilling programs for deserving working professionals who get selected for such programs at Azim Premji University.
4. Student Aid Fund
This fund offers assistance for unforeseen emergencies like medical exigencies, accidents, family tragedies etc. faced by existing students. It aims to enable students to cope with adversities and not compromise their academics.
Azim Premji University remains committed to enabling deserving students overcome financial barriers and achieve academic success. Through its comprehensive financial assistance programs, it continues to live up to its founding principles of equity, social justice and public service.
Key Takeaways
- Azim Premji Undergraduate Scholarship aims to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Covers tuition fee, hostel fee and additional benefits based on family income.
- Eligibility criteria focuses on merit, income, admission to university.
- Online application involves uploading documents, meeting deadlines.
- Selection done through multiple stages – eligibility, assessment, interviews and verification.
- Scholarship amount decided as per income slab, higher funding for lower incomes.
- Continues annually subject to meeting academic performance criteria.
- Enables socially committed students to access Azim Premji University’s high quality undergraduate programs.
