The Indian Institute of Science, located in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, offers a robust suite of scholarships and fellowships designed to reward merit, support need, and provide significant fee waivers across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. These awards are granted both by the institute and notable external agencies, ensuring access and excellence for students from diverse backgrounds. IISc’s array of scholarships benefit high-achievers, research-focused candidates, and those qualifying under specific categories, reaffirming its position as a leading research university in India.
Indian Institute of Science Scholarships Overview
Scholarships at Indian Institute of Science primarily aim to reduce financial barriers and incentivize academic and research excellence. Awards may come as monthly stipends for living costs, annual contingency grants, full or partial fee waivers, and special support for travel or conference participation. Percentages of fee waivers vary, with undergraduate research stipends typically covering substantial portions of living expenses and doctoral fellowships providing higher monthly support.
Merit-based waivers (board/CUET/entrance scores)
Need/EWS-based support (income thresholds and family economic backgrounds)
Category-based (domicile, single girl child, sports, defense wards, alumni)
Indian Institute of Science Eligibility
Eligibility for scholarships at IISc hinges on a combination of academic performance, entrance or qualifying examination scores, and fulfillment of specific background criteria. Undergraduate merit scholarships require high board or entrance test percentiles, while many research fellowships mandate top academic records in science streams. Need-based scholarships often apply an annual parental income cutoff (e.g., below INR 8 lakh). Special category awards may require region, gender, sports achievement, or service background documentation; doctoral and research fellowships require previous qualifying degrees and occasionally interviews or written tests. Most scholarships depend on minimum marks, score percentiles, and income limits set by the scholarship donor or the institute.
Indian Institute of Science Required Documents
Applicants applying for IISc scholarships must prepare a concise set of documents validating their eligibility for institute and external awards. Key materials typically include academic and identification proof, plus additional records for category-specific awards.
Mark sheets/transcripts from last qualifying examination
Proof of admission (IISc offer letter)
Cast/domicile/sports/defense certificates (if applicable)
Annual income certificate (for need/EWS)
Government-issued photo ID
Indian Institute of Science Application Process
Scholarship applications at IISc are generally completed during the admission process or within the initial semester window, via the institute’s official portal or designated administrative office. Applicants must strictly adhere to deadlines (often announced in July–August for undergraduate and doctoral entries) and ensure all required documents are submitted in correct format. Incomplete applications or missed deadlines may exclude candidates from consideration.
Indian Institute of Science Scholarship Details
The following table highlights core scholarships/fellowships available at IISc Bangalore, their key eligibility criteria, and the benefits offered. Major awards include institute merit scholarships, national research fellowships, and external agency grants. Awards are allocated after verification and may be subject to category or seat quotos.
Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit | Notes (if any) |
Institute Merit-Based UG Fellowship | B.Tech (Math & Computing) and B.Sc. (Research) students; good academic standing | ₹5,000/month (from first year); possible performance top-up | Performance top-ups may be offered by DST, DBT, KVPY |
KVPY, INSPIRE & DST Research Fellowships | Entry via KVPY/DST-INSPIRE; eligible UG students | ₹5,000–₹7,000/month; Annual contingency grant of ₹20,000–₹28,000 | Applies to select UG students in science streams |
Travel & Conference Grant (UG) | IISc undergraduates presenting at approved events | Reimbursement of travel, visa, and registration costs | Limited to 1–2 events during UG tenure |
Ph.D. Fellowships (JRF/SRF) | Admitted Ph.D. students; entry per agency rules; good academic records | ₹37,000/month (JRF, first 2 years), ₹42,000/month (SRF, subsequent years) | Typically awarded for 5 years |
M.Tech/M.Des Fellowships | Admitted to M.Tech/M.Des program; meet qualifying exam cutoffs | ₹12,400/month stipend | Duration: up to 2 years |
Integrated Ph.D. Fellowship | Selected for Integrated Ph.D.; good academic standing | ₹16,000–₹42,000/month (progressive) | Monthly amount increases by program phase |
NBHM Scholarship | Math-focused UG/PG at IISc; performance in NBHM test/interview | ₹37,000/month (Doctoral, first 2 years); ₹42,000 (subsequent years) | Offered for Masters and Doctoral students |
Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) | Top-tier Ph.D. candidates via PMRF criteria | ₹70,000/month (first 2 years); ₹75,000/month (next 3 years) | Flagship scheme; subject to government's PMRF quota |
IISc AANA Women's Undergraduate Scholarship | Female UG students; merit + need assessed | Amount varies; covers tuition and/or living costs | Alumni-funded endowment for UG women |
Indian Institute of Science Additional Notes
Most scholarships at IISc Bangalore require recipients to maintain a minimum CGPA and good conduct to qualify for renewal each year. Attendance above 75% is generally expected. Some scholarships may be combined with limited external awards, while others prohibit simultaneous claims to similar benefits. Major fellowships (Ph.D./PMRF/NBHM) have annual caps and quotas based on funding agency rules, as well as periodic progress reviews. Final disbursal and continuation depend on verification by both IISc and donor organizations.