IGNOU provides several scholarships and financial support schemes for students from SC, ST, economically weaker sections, transgender persons, jail inmates, and the Weaver community. With the scholarships from IGNOU M.Phil (INR 5,000 per month) and IGNOU PhD (INR 8,000 per month), in addition to multiple government-funded schemes, the university ensures that everybody has an opportunity to share in the right to education. These scholarships help alleviate financial burden and coneivable learners an even greater opportunity to continue studies with IGNOU flexible and student-friendly learning system.
Table of Contents
IGNOU Scholarships 2025
The IGNOU Scholarship 2025 is a financial aid program designed to assist students coming from SC, ST, economically weaker sections, jail inmates, transgender individuals, and those from the Weaver community. The selection of students for the scholarship is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. To gain this scholarship, students are required to fill out and submit a form available at their respective regional centres. The application must be accompanied by the necessary documents and validated by the relevant authorities.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
| M.Phil | Enrolled full-time M.Phil program at IGNOU, Less than 35 years old, Good academic record, Belongs to SC/ST category or valid physically handicapped document proof (if applied under this category), No other scholarship in their name | INR 5,000 per month |
| PhD | Pursue a full-time PhD degree at IGNOU, Good academic record, Belongs to SC/ST category, Less than 35 years old, Valid physically handicapped document proof (if applied under this category), No other scholarship in their name | INR 8,000 per month |
IGNOU Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2025
The IGNOU scholarship eligibility criteria are straightforward yet essential. The applicant must not be more than 35 years old and must be an IGNOU student. The scholarship is available to students belonging to Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Weaver communities, and transgender individuals. Additionally, physically handicapped students and jail inmates with a passion for learning are also eligible. However, it is essential to note that once released, the jail inmates must pay the applicable fee. The applicant's family income, combining all sources, must not exceed INR 2.5 lakh per annum.
IGNOU Scholarship Application Process 2025
Applying for an Indira Gandhi National Open University Scholarship involves a series of steps. Students can either visit the official IGNOU website or obtain the application form from the Directorate of Social Welfare or their respective State Social Welfare Office. The form must be filled accurately and accompanied by important documents such as academic mark sheets, income certificate, caste certificate, etc. After getting the form certified by the Regional Director of their program's regional centre, students can submit it to their respective state's social welfare office or directorate of social welfare.
IGNOU Required Documents for Scholarship Application
To apply for an IGNOU scholarship, students need to submit a set of documents. These include their Aadhaar card, a passport-sized photograph, income certificate, caste certificate, proof of date of birth, bank account details in the student's name, academic mark sheets, IGNOU student Identity card, graduation certificate, and a physically challenged certificate (if applicable).
IGNOU Government Scholarship Schemes 2025
Students at Indira Gandhi Open University can also avail various scholarship schemes offered by the government. However, these can only be availed one at a time and require fulfilling specific eligibility criteria. The students can learn more about these scholarships and their eligibility requirements at their regional centre.
| Government Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits | Mode of Applying |
| Merit Cum Means Scholarship For Professional and Technical Courses CS | Family income of the applicant should not exceed INR 2.5 lakh per annum. Student should have at least 50% of marks in the previous final examination | Scholarship worth INR 20,000 every year for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Maintenance allowance up to INR 1000 per month for hostlers and INR 500 per month for the day scholar | Online at www.scholarships.gov.in |
| Scholarships for Top Class Education for students with disabilities | Student should have a valid certificate with more than 40% of physical disability. The family income should be INR 6 lakh or less per annum. Student should pursue an undergraduate or a PG course from any recognized university | Cost for books and stationary will be covered up to INR 5000 per year. Maintenance allowances will be covered. INR 3000 per month for a hostler and INR 1500 per month for a day scholar. Tuition fee will be covered up to 2 lakhs per annum. INR 45,000, a one-time allowance will be given for devices used for studying (laptop/desktop) | Online at scholarships.gov.in |
| Top Class Education Scheme for SC students | Student has to be enrolled in a full-time course in a recognized university. They have to be an Indian citizen. They have gained admission under the general category seats. Their family income should not exceed INR 8 lakh per year. Only two siblings per family are allowed to benefit from this scholarship | Salary per year is INR 3.72 lakh for enrollment in private flying clubs for commercial flight training and rating courses. It pays for up to INR 2,220 per month for living costs. Books and stationery costs are covered up to INR 3,000 per month. Full tuition for up to INR 2 lakh per year for students attending private institutions. One-time financial aid for a computer or laptop up to INR 45,000 | Online at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's official website |
IGNOU Scholarship FAQs
What is the IGNOU Scholarship 2025 and who can apply?
The IGNOU Scholarship 2025 is a financial assistance scheme for IGNOU students belonging to SC, ST, economically weaker sections, transgender individuals, jail inmates, and the Weaver community. IGNOU provides this support to ensure equal access to education.
What is the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Scholarship 2025 at IGNOU?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Scholarship 2025 at IGNOU, students must be under 35 years old, belong to SC, ST, Weaver, transgender, or physically challenged categories, and have a family income below INR 2.5 lakh per year. Jail inmates studying at IGNOU are also eligible.
How can students apply for the IGNOU Scholarship at IGNOU?
Students can apply for the IGNOU Scholarship at IGNOU by downloading the form from the IGNOU website or collecting it from the Social Welfare Office. After filling the form, it must be certified by the IGNOU Regional Director and submitted to the respective State Social Welfare Office.
What documents are required for applying to the IGNOU Scholarship at IGNOU?
Students applying for the IGNOU Scholarship at IGNOU must submit their Aadhaar card, photo, caste certificate, income certificate, academic mark sheets, bank details, IGNOU ID card, date of birth proof, and disability certificate if applicable.
Does IGNOU offer scholarships for M.Phil and PhD students?
Yes, IGNOU offers scholarships for M.Phil and PhD students at IGNOU. M.Phil students receive INR 5,000 per month, while PhD students receive INR 8,000 per month, provided they meet IGNOU’s eligibility criteria.
