#CareerBytes: 5 scholarships every engineering student should know about
Engineering is one of the most preferred professional courses but as education is becoming expensive, many are unable to afford to pursue engineering. However, there are many scholarships awarded to engineering students by the government and private institutes, which ensure that financial issues and other obstacles do not affect their studies and promote quality technical education. Here are 5 scholarships for engineering students.
A merit based scholarship awarded by HRD Ministry
The Center and Human Resources Development Ministry (Department of Higher Education) offer the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students. Those who are above the 80th percentile in Class-12 are eligible for engineering scholarships. Students are paid Rs. 1,000/month for ten months in an academic year. The total number of scholarships offered is 82,000 (41,000 each for boys and girls).
Siemens Scholarship Program by Siemens India
Siemens India's "Siemens Scholarship Program" also provides financial support to meritorious engineering students of government engineering colleges; 50% of scholarships are reserved for girls. Applicant's family income must not exceed Rs. 2 lakh/annum. First-year students with minimum 60% marks in Class-10 and 50% aggregate in Class-12 (60% PCM aggregate) can apply. The scholarship comprises tuition fee reimbursement and allowances for books, stationery, hostel, etc.
'Pragati Scholarship Scheme' for girl students
The Ministry of Human Resources Development offers the Pragati Scholarship Scheme for meritorious girl students wishing to take admission in AICTE-approved technical institutes for graduation. The Center annually awards 4,000 Pragati scholarships. An amount of up to Rs. 30,000 for tuition fee and Rs. 20,000 per academic year as incidental charges is provided. The student's family income shouldn't exceed Rs. 8 lakh per annum.
The FAEA-BHEL Scholarship scheme for socially and economically weaker sections
The state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) award scholarships for students from socially, economically weaker backgrounds. Those wishing to pursue undergraduate technical/professional courses (maximum 5 years' duration), including engineering, from any college/institute/university are eligible. Shortlisted students are selected after interviews. Full cost of study plans might be covered, including tuition fee, maintenance allowance, hostel/mess charges, etc.
The Foundation for Excellence's scholarship program
Non-profit organization Foundation for Excellence also offers scholarships to financially weak students to help them pursue their studies as per their need. The main focus of the program is to provide financial support to students interested in Technology, Engineering, and Medicine apart from others. Candidates who've scored at least 70% in Class-12 are eligible. The applicant's annual family income shouldn't exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh.
