Merit Based Scholarship

Merit-based scholarships are financial awards granted to students based on academic excellence, competitive exam scores, talent, or outstanding achievements—not on financial need.

For students targeting growth through performance (like many aspirants preparing for CUET, JEE, NEET, or university merit lists), understanding merit scholarships is critical for reducing education costs and improving ROI on education.

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What Is a Merit-Based Scholarship?

A merit-based scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate:

• High academic performance (percentage / CGPA)

• Strong competitive exam scores

• Excellence in sports, arts, or leadership

• Special achievements (Olympiads, research, competitions)

Unlike need-based scholarships, income criteria may not be mandatory (though some combine merit + income limits).

Types of Merit-Based Scholarships

1. Academic Merit Scholarships

Awarded based on:

• 10th / 12th board percentage

• Graduation CGPA

• University rank

Example: Many private universities in India offer tuition fee waivers for students scoring 90%+ in 12th.

2. Entrance Exam-Based Scholarships

Awarded based on national-level exam scores.

Examples:

• National Testing Agency scores (CUET, JEE, NEET)

• CBSE merit scholarships

• State CET exam toppers

Higher rank = Higher scholarship slab.

3. Government Merit Scholarships

🏆 Central Government Schemes

1) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)

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Managed through National Scholarship Portal

Eligibility:

• 80th percentile or above in 12th

• Regular college student

• Income limit applies

Benefit:

• ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year

2) INSPIRE Scholarship

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Offered by Department of Science and Technology

Eligibility:

• Top 1% students in 12th (Science stream)

• Pursuing BSc / Integrated MSc

Benefit:

• ₹80,000 per year

4. Private & University Merit Scholarships

Many institutions provide internal scholarships based on:

• 85–95% board marks

• Entrance rank

• Semester topper

Examples:

• SRM Institute of Science and Technology

• VIT University

• Amity University

Benefits range from 25% to 100% tuition fee waiver.

5. Corporate Merit Scholarships

Companies support high-performing students:

• Tata Trusts

• Aditya Birla Group

• HDFC Bank scholarship programs

These often combine merit + interview rounds.

How Merit Scholarships Are Calculated

Scholarships are usually awarded in slabs:

(Some universities renew scholarships only if student maintains 8.0+ CGPA.)

Documents Required

• Mark sheets (10th, 12th, graduation)

• Entrance scorecard

• Aadhaar card

• Bank passbook

• Bonafide certificate

• Income certificate (if required)

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify eligible scholarships.

2. Check eligibility carefully.

3. Register on official portal (e.g., NSP).

4. Upload documents correctly.

5. Track status regularly.

6. Respond to deficiency notices quickly.

Common Mistakes Students Make

❌ Applying without checking percentile criteria
❌ Missing renewal conditions
❌ Uploading blurred documents
❌ Not maintaining required CGPA

How to Increase Chances of Getting Merit Scholarship

• Score above 90% in boards

• Prepare strategically for entrance exams

• Apply early

• Maintain semester performance

• Participate in Olympiads & competitions

Merit vs Need-Based Scholarship

Final Advice for Students

Merit scholarships are the most powerful way to reduce education cost without depending on loans.

If you:

• Are scoring above 85%

• Preparing for competitive exams

• Planning higher education

Then you should systematically track and apply for merit scholarships every year.

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