Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026–27: Eligibility, Amount, Benefits and Application Guide
Contents
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is an educational support programme designed to help talented students in India continue their higher education. It aims to reduce financial barriers and give deserving students an opportunity to pursue their academic goals, develop professional skills and build a successful future.
For students planning to attend college, understanding scholarship eligibility, financial benefits, required documents and the application process is important. This guide explains the main details of the Reliance Foundation Scholarship, including its benefits for undergraduate students and the separate postgraduate scholarship programme.
What Is the Reliance Foundation Scholarship?
The Reliance Foundation Scholarship is an initiative of Reliance Foundation that supports students pursuing higher education in India. The programme focuses on academic potential, aptitude and financial circumstances.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the Foundation announced 5,000 undergraduate scholarships and 100 postgraduate scholarships. Undergraduate scholars can receive financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of their degree, while eligible postgraduate scholars can receive up to ₹6 lakh.
The programme also offers opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, networking and participation in a community of scholars.
Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026–27: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship |
| Provider | Reliance Foundation |
| Academic session | 2026–27 |
| Undergraduate awards | Up to 5,000 |
| Maximum undergraduate support | ₹2 lakh |
| Eligible study level | First-year undergraduate degree |
| Minimum Class 12 marks | 60% |
| Annual household income | Up to ₹15 lakh |
| Selection method | Merit-cum-means and aptitude test |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application fee | No fee |
These details refer to the undergraduate programme. Eligibility and award conditions for postgraduate scholarships are different.
Eligibility Criteria for the Undergraduate Scholarship
Students should check the eligibility conditions carefully before preparing an application.
1. Indian citizenship
Applicants must be resident Indian citizens who meet the scholarship programme’s requirements.
2. Class 12 academic performance
Applicants must have passed Class 12 with at least 60% marks.
3. First-year undergraduate students
Students must be enrolled in the first year of a regular, full-time undergraduate degree programme during the 2026–27 academic session.
The programme covers different academic streams, subject to the official rules. Students who have already started the second year or a higher year are not eligible under the 2026–27 first-year undergraduate criteria.
4. Family income
The household income limit is ₹15 lakh per year. Preference is given to applicants whose household income is below ₹2.5 lakh.
5. Mandatory aptitude test
Applicants must complete the required online aptitude test. The test forms part of the selection process, so students should carefully follow the instructions provided on the official portal.
Students studying through distance, online, hybrid or other non-regular modes, as well as students in specified excluded degree programmes, should review the full eligibility rules before applyin
Scholarship Amount and Financial Benefits
One of the major advantages of this scholarship is its potential financial support throughout an undergraduate degree.
Selected students may receive up to ₹2,00,000 over the duration of their degree programme. The actual award and payment arrangements are subject to the Foundation’s official terms.
This financial support may help students manage education-related expenses, such as:
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College tuition fees
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Books and study materials
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A laptop or other learning resources
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Hostel and accommodation expenses
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Educational courses and other academic needs
Students should read the scholarship terms to understand how the grant is paid and what reporting requirements apply.
The scholarship can be especially helpful for students whose families face financial difficulties while paying for higher education. However, meeting the eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee selection.
How to Apply for the Reliance Foundation Scholarship
The application process is conducted online. Students should use the official scholarship website and avoid unofficial websites that request money for submitting an application.
Step 2: Check eligibility and documents
Read the official instructions and prepare the academic, personal and supporting documents requested in the form.
Step 3: Complete the application
Enter accurate personal details, contact information, academic records, achievements and other required information.
Step 4: Take the aptitude test
Follow the instructions and complete the mandatory test in the allotted slot.
Step 5: Follow application updates
Check your registered email and the official portal for application status, further requirements and selection announcements.
Documents Students May Need
Applicants should consult the official checklist because the documents required may vary depending on their circumstances.
Commonly relevant documents and information include:
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Class 12 marksheet
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College admission or enrolment details
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Recent photograph and personal information
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Household income details or supporting proof
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Contact details and other information requested by the application portal
Keep digital copies clear and readable. Make sure your name, academic details and other information match the relevant records. Do not upload false documents or share banking passwords or one-time passwords with anyone claiming to provide scholarship assistance.
Selection Process
The undergraduate selection process considers multiple factors rather than academic marks alone.
The official programme describes a merit-cum-means approach. The Foundation evaluates applicants using their aptitude-test performance, academic information and personal details, including financial background.
The online aptitude test assesses areas such as:
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Verbal ability
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Analytical and logical reasoning
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Numerical ability
Students should read the official test instructions and practise general reasoning, numerical questions and reading comprehension beforehand.
Selection is competitive, and applicants should not assume that meeting the minimum eligibility conditions guarantees a scholarship.
Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
The Foundation also operates a separate postgraduate scholarship programme. It is intended for eligible first-year postgraduate students in specified fields, including engineering, technology, energy and life sciences.
For 2026–27, the programme announced up to 100 postgraduate awards, with financial support of up to ₹6 lakh over the duration of the programme.
The postgraduate eligibility criteria, eligible degree subjects and selection process differ from those of the undergraduate scholarship. Students interested in postgraduate study should consult the relevant official guidelines.
Important Dates for the 2026–27 Scholarship
Applications for the 2026–27 scholarship cycle opened on 14 August 2026. The reported application deadline was 5 October 2026, which has already passed as of 26 October 2026.
Students who submitted applications should monitor official communications for further instructions. Students who missed the deadline can check the official website for future announcements about the next application cycle. Do not assume that applications have reopened unless the Foundation confirms it.
Why Is the Reliance Foundation Scholarship Important?
Higher education can create opportunities for personal growth, professional development and economic mobility. However, tuition fees, accommodation and study materials can put pressure on household finances.
Scholarships can reduce some of this pressure and allow students to focus more on their studies. The Reliance Foundation programme combines financial support with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development and networking.
For eligible students, these additional opportunities may help build confidence, develop communication skills and create connections with other students and professionals.
At the same time, students should continue exploring other legitimate scholarships, government schemes and college-level financial assistance rather than relying on only one source of support.
Conclusion
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is an important opportunity for eligible first-year college students seeking financial support for higher education. For the 2026–27 academic year, selected undergraduate scholars can receive up to ₹2 lakh, subject to the programme’s terms and selection process.
Students should carefully review the eligibility criteria, prepare accurate documents and complete all mandatory application steps within the announced deadlines. Since the 2026–27 application deadline has passed, applicants should check the official website for further updates and future opportunities.