With a record-breaking 23 lakh students registering for NEET UG 2025, the aspiration to pursue a medical career continues to rise across India. Yet, for many students from economically disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds, financial constraints remain a formidable barrier. In response, a range of scholarships provided by the government, NGOs, and private organisations are offering critical support to meritorious candidates.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PM-USP)
The PM-USP scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Education, is designed to provide financial assistance to bright students from low-income families. Annually, 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including professional courses such as MBBS and engineering.
Eligibility & Application:
Selection is merit-based, relying on Class 12 board results. Applications are processed online via the National Scholarships Portal with digital verification through DigiLocker.
Disbursement:
Scholarships are credited directly to students’ bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The amount varies depending on the level and duration of study.
ONGC Scholarship Scheme
Managed by the ONGC Foundation, this scholarship targets students from SC/ST, OBC, and EWS categories pursuing professional degrees such as MBBS, engineering, MBA, and geology.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be in their first year of the specified programmes. Separate provisions are made for OBC and General (EWS) students.
Scholarship Amount:
In the 2019–20 batch, 500 OBC students received Rs 48,000 annually to aid their academic pursuits.
All India Pre-Medical Scholarship Test (AIPMST – Secondary)
The AIPMST (Secondary) supports students aiming to pursue MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS, and BUMS courses. Scholarships are awarded based on test performance.
Scholarship Tiers:
* Section A: ≥90% – 2-year tuition fee
* Section B: 80%–89% – 1-year tuition fee
* Section C: 70%–79% – Standard laptop
* Section D: <70% – Standard laptop
Additionally, the AIPMST (Primary) offers scholarships for health science courses through participating colleges.
Vidyavridhi Medical Scholarship by Yashoda Foundation
This Hyderabad-based scholarship supports deserving MBBS students through tuition coverage and additional financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 annually for four years.
Application & Selection:
Ten students are chosen each year based on merit and financial need. Applicants must register online and submit supporting documents, including academic records and income proofs.
As the cost of medical education continues to rise, these scholarship programmes provide a vital bridge for dedicated students determined to serve in the healthcare sector. With the combined efforts of the government and private foundations, India is steadily paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable medical education landscape.
