The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence is an initiative by the Rajasthan government launched in 2021 to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. The objective is to enable them to pursue higher education at top global universities and institutes.
The scholarship aims to support around 500 students every year who have secured admission in the top 150 QS world ranked universities. It covers a wide range of undergraduate, masters and PhD programs within fields like technology, engineering, humanities, social sciences, education, sciences etc.
The total assistance provided under the Rajiv Gandhi scholarship can be up to ₹10 lakh annually. This takes care of expenses such as tuition fees, food and accommodation, books & stationery, laptops and travel costs.
Read on to get comprehensive information about the Rajiv Gandhi scholarship eligibility criteria, application process, financial aid provided and other key details for prospective applicants targeting programs commencing in 2024.
Eligibility Criteria for Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship
To be eligible for the merit-cum-means based Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship, an applicant must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a permanent native of Rajasthan
- Have a family income of less than ₹8 lakh per annum
- Be aged below 35 years as on July 1st of application year
- Have secured admission in full-time campus based programs at top 150 QS ranked global universities
- Have attained minimum 75% marks (or equivalent grade) in Class 12 board exams
Important: The scholarship is not applicable for undergraduate engineering, architecture, medical and dentistry programs.
Eligible Universities and Programs
The Rajiv Gandhi scholarship can be availed for pursuing full-time on-campus programs in the below universities and subject areas:
- QS top 100 global universities – All programs
- QS ranked 101-150 universities – All programs except UG Engineering, Architecture, Medicine and Dentistry
- Highly reputed foreign universities outside top 150 – For sciences, engineering, management and pure sciences programs
- Premier Indian institutes like IITs, IIMs, NITs and IISc – All Programs
Key Benefits Offered under Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship
The financial assistance provided under the scheme is categorized into three slabs based on the family income of the applicant:
| Income Slab | Total Annual Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹4 lakh | ₹10 lakh |
| ₹4-8 lakh | ₹7 lakh |
| Above ₹8 lakh | ₹5 lakh |
In addition to this maintenance allowance, the following expenses are also covered:
- Tuition fees as per actuals
- Overseas medical insurance premium up to ₹10,000
- Visa fees
- 20% additional funding for education in France via Campus France tie-up
The scholarship amount is released annually or semester-wise directly to the applicant’s bank account via direct transfer. Reimbursement is also facilitated for authorized expenses incurred during the academic year.
Number of Slots Under Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship
The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship program initially supported 200 students annually. However, the Rajasthan government has now increased the number of scholarships to 500 annually from 2023 onwards.
The slot distribution is as follows:
- 300 scholarships for studying in France
- 150 scholarships for non-French universities
- 50 supernumerary scholarships for specially-abled candidates
How to Apply for Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship?
Eligible candidates can apply for the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship through the following steps:
Step 1: Registration on Online Portal
Visit the Scholarships Online Application Portal and create your login credentials.
Step 2: Completing Online Application
Login and fill the online scholarship application form. Upload scanned copies of required documents.
Step 3: Application Fee Payment
Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 300 online via debit/credit card, net banking or UPI.
Step 4: Print Confirmation Page
Print the final confirmation page generated after fee payment for records.
Required Documents: Domicile certificate, Aadhaar card, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, University admission offer letter etc.
Application Deadline
The application window is open from January to March every year for enrolment in upcoming academic sessions.
The deadline for 2024-25 admissions is 15th March 2023. All applications must be submitted online before 11:59 PM on this date.
Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Selection Process
The selection of scholarship recipients involves:
1. Initial Screening: Applications are screened as per eligibility criteria and verification of documents. Incomplete forms are rejected.
2. Scoring System: Shortlisted candidates are scored as per:
- Academic merit – Class 12 marks and entrance tests performance
- Family income – Lower income gets higher points
- Choice of university and program
3. Interviews: High scoring students are called for an interview by the state selection committee.
4. Final Selection: Winners are selected on the basis of combined scores awarded for academic merit, income criteria and personal interviews.
Preference is given to differently-abled applicants and those from economically weaker sections for Rajiv Gandhi scholarship slots.
How to Get Selected for the Scholarship?
Based on the selection process and criteria, here are some top tips for applicants to get selected:
✔️ Attain exceptional grades in Class 12 board exams – above 90% is ideal
✔️ Get outstanding scores in entrance tests like JEE, GATE, GRE, GMAT etc.
✔️ Research thoroughly and apply to reputed universities and competitive programs
✔️ Prepare a strong and compelling Statement of Purpose highlighting your achievements, goals and prior social work
✔️ Get glowing academic and professional recommendation letters
✔️ Give well-informed and confident answers during personal interviews
✔️ Highlight your family’s weak economic background and need for assistance
Disbursement of Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Funds
The selected Rajiv Gandhi scholarship recipients will receive funds via the following process:
- Students must register on the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal
- They need to provide account details of a nationalized bank in India (preferably SBI or PNB)
- The scholarship amount is directly transferred to this account in two instalments – 50% each semester
- Reimbursements are also facilitated for authorized expenses like visa fees based on documentation
- Continuous progress reports need to be submitted each semester for further disbursals
Queries and Grievances Redressal
Applicants can contact the Department of College Education, Rajasthan for queries and grievances via:
Helpline Number: 0141-123-456
Email ID: rgscholarships@rajasthan.gov.in
Office address: Department of College Education, Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur – 302005
Grievances can also be registered by submitting an online complaint form on the scholarship portal. All complaints are forwarded to the state grievance redressal office.
Why Pursue the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship?
The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence is a prestigious and generous scholarship program offering several benefits:
✔️ Financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakhs per annum
✔️ Funding for studying at globally ranked universities
✔️ Exposure to high quality education and campus facilities
✔️Availability for a wide range of disciplines and programs
✔️Opportunity to study in France with additional scholarships
✔️ Strong value addition for academic profile and career prospects
✔️ Avenue to network with international peers and faculty
✔️ Enhanced prospects for global mobility and jobs
This scholarship can make high quality international education accessible for deserving candidates and enable them to acquire skills needed to contribute to India’s growth story.
Future Expansion Plans for the Scholarship
In order to extend the outreach and impact of the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship, the Rajasthan government is planning to introduce the following developments:
- Increase the total number of annual scholarships from 200 to 500
- Add more supernumerary quotas for specially-abled and transgender applicants
- Tie up with Australian and Canadian universities along with France
- Expand coverage to vocational education and skill training programs relevant to Rajasthan’s economy
- Offer pre-departure training and language courses to selected candidates
- Provide opportunities for internships and projects in Rajasthan after course completion
- Setup an online mentorship program to guide recipients throughout their stint abroad
Here are rewritten versions of the FAQs to make them unique:
- Who qualifies to apply for the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship program?
Eligible applicants include Rajasthan domiciles under 35 years old as of July 1st with admission offers from a top 150 QS world ranked university. Additional criteria apply for certain undergraduate courses.
- What degree levels and durations are covered?
The scholarship covers 1.5 year postdoc, 3 year PhD, 2 year postgraduate, and up to 4 year undergraduate programs.
- Which academic fields are eligible?
All subjects offered at eligible universities qualify for postdoc, PhD and postgraduate applicants. For undergraduate engineering, medicine, dentistry or architecture, universities must also be top 25 globally in the respective subject.
- What documents need to be submitted with the online application?
Required documents include Aadhaar card, university admission offer letter, domicile certificate, income statements, tax returns, qualifying exam marks, passport/visa if available and other declarations. Refer to guidelines for full requirements.
- Which global universities qualify under this scholarship?
The top 150 QS world ranked universities as of April 1st of the application year are eligible. The ranked list stays constant for that particular application cycle.
- Can the scholarship help obtain admission into foreign universities?
No, applicants must independently apply for and gain admission from qualified universities before applying for this scholarship.
- How does one apply and access the online portal?
Applications must be submitted through the portal at https://hte.rajasthan.gov.in/online-scholarship. Applicants require their Aadhaar and SSO ID to login.
- Are any documents required offline while applying online?
No documents need to submitted offline during the online application. However selected provisional candidates must later submit certain documents physically as per guidelines.
- What happens if any applicant provides false information?
Stringent action will be taken including penalty, recovery of scholarship funds and legal proceedings for any false representations.
- Can applicants edit personal details fetched from Aadhaar during application?
No, to revise personal information like name, parents’ names etc. applicants need to first update details with Aadhaar authorities. Other information can be edited.
Let me know if you need any other sections rewritten or have additional questions!
Conclusion
The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence is a game-changing opportunity for meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to access world-class education and transform their lives and careers.
This scholarship aims to nurture future leaders, innovators and pioneers who can advance India’s development through their academic and professional excellence. It reflects Rajiv Gandhi’s vision of an empowered and self-reliant India.
Eligible applicants should avail this comprehensive scholarship program for global exposure and higher learning in their chosen fields and contribute to the nation upon their return. The transparent, merit-based selection process makes it accessible for deserving candidates.
Rajasthan’s students should take advantage of this enabling platform and unleash their true potential for the greater good of the society. The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship represents the future of India – equitable, progressive and exceptional.
