The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) provides a platform for over 200 courses through Distance and Online Distance Mode. Being the largest open university globally, IGNOU aims to cater to a diverse set of students. This commitment goes beyond just the provision of a varied curriculum. It also extends to financial assistance for students hailing from underprivileged backgrounds or those facing various challenges. This financial assistance comes in the form of scholarships, fee exemptions, and fee remission. These are offered to students from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and physically challenged category. Moreover, jail inmates and economically disadvantaged students are also eligible for these benefits. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with detailed insights into the various scholarships offered by IGNOU.
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IGNOU- Scholarship 2024
The IGNOU Scholarship 2024 is a financial aid program designed to assist students coming from SC, ST, economically weaker sections, jail inmates, transgender, and those from the Weaver community. The selection of students for the scholarship is conducted on a first-come-first-serve basis. To gain this scholarship, students are required to fill 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
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. 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 2.5 lakhs INR per annum.
IGNOU- Scholarship Application Process
Applying for an IGNOU 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 at 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
Students at IGNOU 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 2.5 lakhs per annum. Student should have at least 50% of marks in the previous final examination | Scholarship worth 20,000 INR every year for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Maintenance allowance up to 1000 INR per month for hostlers and 500 INR 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 six lakhs 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 5000 per year. Maintenance allowances will be covered. 3000 INR per month for a hostler and 1500 INR per month for a day scholar. Tuition fee will be covered up to 2 lakhs per annum. 45,000 INR, 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 8 lakhs 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 |
