IIT Kanpur offers a range of scholarships to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students, helping them overcome financial barriers to their education. The Bright Mind Scholarship provides INR 3 lakh per year to top-ranking JEE Advanced students. The Merit cum Means Scholarship offers a full tuition waiver and a pocket allowance to students with parental income under INR 4.5 lakh, subject to maintaining a minimum CPI of 6.5. The INSPIRE Scholarship proivde INR 30,000 per semester and a INR 20,000 research grant to students with a rank under 10,000 in specific science departments.
Other IIT Kanpur scholarships include Donor Scholarships, Free-Basic-Mess Scholarship for SC/ ST students, and Sports Scholarships. The Institute also helps students apply for external scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal. Additionally, academic achievements are recognized through Academic Excellence Awards and Convocation Medals. The India-Bhutan Friendship Scholarship offers M.Tech opportunities for Bhutanese students. These scholarships ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students’ academic growth and success.
IIT Kanpur Scholarships 2025
IIT Kanpuroffers a variety of scholarships and financial assistance schemes to make sure that meritorious students are not deprived of their opportunities due to financial constraints. These scholarships are offered to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and are meant to recognize academic achievement, assist economically weaker sections, and promote talent in different areas such as sports and research. From need-based programs such as the Merit cum Means Scholarship to performance-based scholarships like the Bright Mind and INSPIRE Scholarships, the institute seeks to develop an inclusive and inspiring academic atmosphere. Special arrangements are also provided for SC/ST students, sportsmen, and foreign students like Bhutanese students.
Below is a list of major scholarships and awards provided by IIT Kanpur.
Scholarship/Award | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
Bright Mind Scholarship | Top 100 ranks inJEE Advanced | INR 3 lakh per year; covers all undergraduate expenses |
Merit cum Means Scholarship | Parental income < INR 4.5 lakhs; CPI ≥ 6.5 | Full tuition waiver; INR 1,000/month pocket allowance |
INSPIRE Scholarship | AIR < 10,000 in CML (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics); CPI ≥ 6.0 | INR 30,000/semester + INR 20,000 research grant |
Donor Scholarships | Based on merit and financial need | Awarded to 129 students; amount varies |
Free-Basic-Mess Scholarship | SC/ST students; parental income < INR 4.5 lakhs | Free basic mess + pocket allowance |
External Scholarships | Varies by scheme | Support in applying for scholarships via NSP |
Sports Scholarships | Excellence and leadership in sports | INR 1,000/month for 9 months (up to 20 students/year) |
Academic Excellence Awards | CPI ≥ 8.5 | Recognition for academic excellence |
Convocation Medals/Awards/Prizes | Exceptional academic performance | Awards, medals, and prizes given during convocation |
IIT Kanpur India-Bhutan Friendship Scholarship
This scholarship is for Bhutanese students who want to pursue M.Tech programs at IIT Kanpur. The scholarship is offered to three meritorious Bhutanese engineers for the academic year 2025-26. Applicants are exempt from GATE and can apply through the IIT Kanpur admission portal.
Foreign National (FN) applicants seeking to apply for MTech, MDes, MS (Research), or PhD programmes are required to apply online via the link available on the "apply online" page. It is mandatory for all foreign students to register at the Study in India (SII) portal, since such registration is attached to obtaining their study visa. FN applicants do not require payment of any application fee and, therefore, may disregard any such requests through payment on the Pingala Portal upon submission of the form. Also, GATE qualification is exempt for foreign national applicants. Final selection takes place on the basis of video-conference interviews.
IIT Kanpur Scholarship FAQs
What is the Bright Mind Scholarship at IIT Kanpur?
The Bright Mind Scholarship gives INR 3 lakh annually to students who get under 100 ranks in JEE Advanced. It pays for all undergraduate costs for high-ranking students.
Who is eligible for the Merit cum Means Scholarship at IIT Kanpur?
This scholarship can be availed by students having parental income of less than INR 4.5 lakh. It provides full waiver of tuition fees and a pocket allowance of INR 1,000 per month, as long as the student has a minimum CPI of 6.5.
What is the INSPIRE Scholarship eligibility at IIT Kanpur?
The INSPIRE Scholarship comes for students who have an AIR less than 10,000 in the Common Merit List of Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry departments. Students are awarded INR 30,000 per semester and a research grant of INR 20,000.
Through what procedures can students apply for Donor Scholarships at IIT Kanpur?
Donor Scholarships are given to students who are deserving and in need. Students are eligible to apply on the basis of merit as well as need, and the Institute gives details of the process of application.
Who is eligible to take advantage of the Free-Basic-Mess Scholarship in IIT Kanpur?
SC/ST students with parental income not exceeding INR 4.5 lakh can avail the Free-Basic-Mess Scholarship that offers a free basic mess bill and a pocket allowance.
How does IIT Kanpur support students with external scholarships?
IIT Kanpur supports students in applying for external scholarships, such as those offered through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) of the Government of India.
What is the eligibility for the Sports Scholarships at IIT Kanpur?
The Institute grants up to 20 sports scholarships annually, INR 1,000 monthly for 9 months, to students demonstrating leadership and sporting excellence.
What is the criterion to get Academic Excellence Awards at IIT Kanpur?
Academic Excellence Awards are awarded to students securing a CPI of 8.5 or higher in recognition of their exceptional academic performance.
How can students earn Convocation Medals, Awards, or Prizes at IIT Kanpur?
Convocation Medals, Awards, and Prizes are given to students with exceptional academic achievements during the convocation ceremony.
Who is eligible for the India-Bhutan Friendship Scholarship at IIT Kanpur?
India-Bhutan Friendship Scholarship is for Bhutanese students studying M.Tech courses at IIT Kanpur. Three meritorious Bhutanese engineers will be granted the scholarship for the 2025-26 session.