The Azim Premji Scholarship is a transformative initiative launched by the Azim Premji Foundation as part of its enduring commitment to improve the quality and equity of education in India. Focused specifically on supporting girl students from disadvantaged backgrounds, this initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to college education and reduce dropout rates among young women.
ADDRESSING INEQUITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Drawing from the Foundation’s extensive grassroots work across India, it has been observed that access to education significantly declines when students, particularly girls, transition from primary to secondary and then to higher education. Many girls drop out due to various challenges such as lack of nearby colleges, financial hardship, and societal constraints that discourage their continued education. The scholarship initiative aims to address one of the biggest barriers—financial insecurity—by providing much-needed support at a critical phase in a girl’s academic journey.
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
The Azim Premji Scholarship offers Rs 30,000 per year for the entire duration of the undergraduate diploma or degree programme (ranging from two to five years). The amount can be used to cover tuition fees or other education-related expenses. By reducing financial burdens, the initiative opens up opportunities for young women to achieve their academic and career goals.
PILOT PHASE AND IMPACT
The pilot phase of the initiative was conducted in 2024–25, targeting select regions including Madhya Pradesh, parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and Itki block of Ranchi district in Jharkhand. In its very first cycle, the initiative reached over 25,000 girl students, who had:
- Passed Grade X and XII from government schools.
- Secured admission into the first year of a recognised degree or diploma programme at a government or bona fide private college/university.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINES
Applications for the 2024–25 cycle were accepted from 1 September to 30 September 2024. After a rigorous selection and verification process, the scholarship amount was disbursed by 25 April 2025. Encouraged by the success of the pilot, the Foundation plans to expand the initiative to 18 states in the next cycle, beginning July 2025.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Have passed Grade X from a local government school.
- Have passed Grade XII from a government (regular/open) school in 2023–24 or earlier.
- Be admitted as a regular student in the first year of a recognised undergraduate or diploma course at a government or credible private college/university.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Applicants were required to submit:
- Scanned copies of Grade X and XII original marksheets.
- A valid Aadhaar Card.
- Proof of college admission (any one):
- Provisional admission certificate,
- Bona fide certificate, or
- Fee receipt.
- A passport-size photograph with plain background (not older than six months).
- All documents had to be clearly visible with no emojis, watermarks, or app stamps.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Azim Premji Scholarship initiative is a vital step in ensuring gender equity in higher education. By investing in the potential of young women, the Foundation is not only fostering academic success but also nurturing future leaders and change-makers across India, for more details CLICK HERE
