Introduction – A Landmark Step Towards Educational Equality
In a country where education often determines the course of a young person’s life, scholarships play a transformative role. For millions of students, especially girls from government schools, financial barriers are the biggest obstacle to pursuing higher education. Recognising this challenge, the Azim Premji Foundation — one of India’s most respected philanthropic organisations — has launched the Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship 2025.
The initiative aims to support up to 2.5 lakh girl students across 18 states in India, helping them pursue undergraduate and diploma programmes. With an annual scholarship of ₹30,000, the programme is designed to ensure that talented and deserving young women do not abandon their academic dreams due to financial hardship.
The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM, making this one of the most significant educational opportunities of the year.
About the Azim Premji Foundation
The Azim Premji Foundation was established in 2001 by Azim Premji, the former chairman of Wipro and one of India’s leading philanthropists. The foundation is dedicated to improving the quality and equity of education in India. Over the past two decades, it has worked extensively in rural and disadvantaged regions, training teachers, supporting schools, and strengthening state education systems.
This scholarship initiative is an extension of its broader mission: to create an India where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education.
What is the Azim Premji Scholarship 2025?
The Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship 2025 is a merit-cum-means scholarship specifically targeted at girl students from government schools. It is meant to help students who have successfully completed Class 10 and Class 12 and are now seeking to enroll in undergraduate or diploma courses.
The programme covers students from 18 states and union territories and provides financial support of ₹30,000 per year, renewable for the full duration of their studies (2–5 years), provided the student continues her education without interruption.
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Scholarship Benefits – What Students Will Receive
The Azim Premji Scholarship 2025 goes beyond being a one-time award. It provides sustained financial assistance throughout the duration of a student’s academic journey.
- Annual Scholarship Amount – ₹30,000 per student.
- Duration – Covers the entire course (2 to 5 years).
- Eligible Courses – Undergraduate degree programmes and diploma courses.
- Eligible Institutions – Government colleges, universities, and select private institutions approved by the Foundation.
- Continuity – Scholarship continues every year as long as the student remains enrolled.
This sustained support helps cover tuition fees, learning resources, hostel charges, or other expenses, reducing dropout rates among girl students.
Eligibility Criteria for Azim Premji Scholarship 2025
To ensure fairness and target the students who need it most, the Foundation has laid down specific eligibility rules.
- Educational Background –
- Must have completed Class 10 and Class 12 from a government school.
- State of Residence/Study –
Eligible states and UTs include:- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Chhattisgarh
- Jharkhand
- Karnataka
- Madhya Pradesh
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Odisha
- Puducherry
- Rajasthan
- Sikkim
- Telangana
- Tripura
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Current Academic Status –
- Must be enrolled as a first-year student in the 2025–26 session.
- Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or diploma programme (2–5 years).
- Institution must be a government college/university or select private college.
Application Process – How to Apply Online
The scholarship application is completely online, ensuring accessibility even for students in remote regions.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
- Go to the Azim Premji Foundation official scholarship portal.
Step 2: Register as a New User
- Provide name, mobile number, email ID, and create login credentials.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Enter personal details, academic qualifications, and details of the institution.
- Upload scanned documents (Class 10 & 12 marksheets, admission proof, ID, bank account details).
Step 4: Review and Submit
- Carefully review all entries.
- Submit the form before September 30, 2025, 11:59 PM.
Step 5: Acknowledgment
- Download acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
Required Documents
Applicants will need to upload:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets.
- Admission letter/ID card from current institution.
- Government school certificate (if applicable).
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID).
- Bank account details (for scholarship transfer).
- Passport-sized photograph.
Why the Focus on Girl Students?
India has made great progress in improving female literacy, but higher education for girls still faces challenges:
- Financial Barriers – Many families cannot afford college fees.
- Early Marriages – Education is often sacrificed for household responsibilities.
- Social Constraints – Girls are still expected to limit ambitions.
By focusing exclusively on girls from government schools, the Foundation is ensuring that financially weaker, first-generation learners get a fair chance at higher education.
The Wider Impact of the Scholarship
The scholarship will have ripple effects far beyond the immediate financial support:
- Reduced Dropouts – Girls will be less likely to abandon studies after Class 12.
- Increased Employability – More women completing degrees will strengthen the workforce.
- Social Empowerment – Educated women uplift entire families and communities.
- Equity in Education – Bridging the gap between private school students and government school students.
Case Studies – Imagining the Lives It Will Change
- Asha from Bihar – Daughter of a farmer, completed Class 12 with distinction but lacked funds for college. The scholarship allows her to study nursing.
- Rekha from Karnataka – Aspires to be an engineer. With the scholarship, her tuition fees and hostel stay are covered.
- Meena from Rajasthan – First-generation learner, now pursuing a B.Ed degree to become a teacher in her village.
These stories reflect the transformational power of targeted financial aid.
Comparison with Other Scholarships
Unlike generic scholarships, the Azim Premji Scholarship focuses on:
- Government school students only
- Exclusive support for girls
- Large-scale coverage (2.5 lakh students)
This makes it unique compared to schemes like the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) or Post-Matric Scholarships, which often have smaller outreach or broader eligibility.
Expert Reactions
Educationists and social activists have praised the initiative:
- ICAI Chairperson on Education – “This is a bold step that addresses systemic inequality.”
- Women’s Rights Activist – “Such scholarships ensure that girls are not left behind in India’s growth story.”
- Economist’s View – “Empowering 2.5 lakh girls each year will have a measurable impact on GDP in the long term.”
- Azim Premji Scholarship 2025
- Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship
- Girl Students Scholarship India
- Higher Education Scholarship for Girls
- Undergraduate Scholarship India 2025
- Diploma Scholarship for Girls India
- Azim Premji Scholarship Apply Online
- Azim Premji Scholarship Last Date September 30
- Azim Premji Foundation Education Support
- Scholarship for Government School Students
Conclusion – A Step Towards a Brighter Future
The Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship 2025 is not just a financial aid programme. It is a social revolution in progress. By targeting government school girls, the Foundation is giving wings to thousands of young women who otherwise might have been forced to give up their education.
As the deadline of September 30, 2025 approaches, eligible students across 18 states must act quickly to seize this opportunity. The scholarship is not merely ₹30,000 per year — it represents hope, empowerment, and the promise of a more equitable India.