Are you an Indian arts student ready to elevate your creative journey after 12th grade? The academic year 2025-2026 brings forth a wealth of opportunities! This comprehensive guide explores “25 Scholarships For Indian Arts Students After 12th Grade,” designed to support your passion in fields like fine arts, performing arts, design, and humanities. Discover how these scholarships can alleviate financial burdens, allowing you to focus on honing your artistic talents and achieving your academic aspirations. Let’s unlock your potential!
Table of Contents
- ICCR Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme
- Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CCRT)
- Amrita Chancellor Scholarship / Amrita Meritorious Scholarship
- Pondicherry University Merit Scholarship / Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship
- Government Scholarships for Arts Students (e.g., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu)
- DNP Foundation for Cultural Promotion Graphic Culture Research Grant
- HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme
- Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship Programme
- Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship Scheme
- LIC HFL Vidyadhan Scholarship
- Vidyadhan Scholarship Program (State-specific, e.g., Vidyadhan Bihar Plus 2, Vidyadhan Maharashtra Class 11 and 12)
- Nirankari Rajmata Scholarship Scheme
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships
- Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes (State Governments)
- Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields
- Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
- Swami Dayanand Education Foundation Scholarship
- KC Mahindra Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies Abroad (for future reference)
- Lila Poonawalla Foundation Scholarship (for female students)
- JSPN Scholarship (Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship)
- Savitribai Phule Scholarship Scheme (Maharashtra)
- Tata Trusts Means Grant
- Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship (Maharashtra)
- Post-Matric Scholarship for Persons with Disability
- Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship (National Academy of Art)
1. ICCR Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme
This scholarship, offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), aims to promote Indian culture globally. It provides opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses in various Indian cultural fields like dance, music, performing arts, theatre, sculpture, Indian languages, and Indian cuisine.Eligibility Criteria:
Typically, applicants should be between 18 and 40 years old for UG/PG courses (as of July 1, 2025, for 2025-26 cycle). They must meet academic requirements of the chosen course and demonstrate English proficiency.Amount:
Including Tuition fees, Living allowance (stipend), Hostel accommodation.Deadline:
April 30, 2025Application Website: Click Here To Apply
2. Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CCRT)
This scheme by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) identifies and nurtures talented children in the age group of 10–14 years in various cultural fields, like traditional music, dance, drama, painting, and sculpture. While primarily for younger students, it supports their continued specialized training which can lead to higher education in arts.Eligibility Criteria:
Students aged 10 to 14 years, studying in recognized schools or belonging to families practicing traditional performing arts. Family income limits apply (e.g., less than INR 8000 per month in previous cycles).Amount:
Scholarship amount of INR 3600 per year, plus reimbursement of actual tuition fee paid to the Guru/Teacher, up to a ceiling of INR 9000 per year.Deadline:
June 30, 2025Application Website: Click Here To Apply
3. Amrita Chancellor Scholarship / Amrita Meritorious Scholarship
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham offers merit-based scholarships for students pursuing various undergraduate programmes, including those in arts and humanities fields. These are university-specific scholarships.Eligibility Criteria:
Varies by programme and scholarship type, but generally requires a strong academic record (merit-based).Amount:
Varying levels of tuition fee waivers.Deadline:
May-June 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
4. Pondicherry University Merit Scholarship / Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship
Scholarships are offered to students at Pondicherry University based on merit, including those in humanities and arts disciplines.Eligibility Criteria:
Based on academic performance (merit) and/or financial need (merit-cum-means). Specific criteria depend on the scholarship type and year of study.Amount:
Varies, but can include tuition fee waivers and/or a fixed scholarship amount.Deadline:
June 13, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
5. State Government Scholarships for Arts Students (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu)
Many state governments in India offer scholarships for students pursuing various courses, including arts, within their respective states. These are often merit-based or category-specific (e.g., for minority students, specific castes).Eligibility Criteria:
Varies significantly by state and specific scholarship. Usually requires domicile of the state and admission to an eligible institution within the state.Amount:
Varies. Can cover tuition fees, maintenance allowance, etc.Deadline:
May 31 or June 30 deadlines for the 2025-26Application Website: Click Here To Apply
6. DNP Foundation for Cultural Promotion Graphic Culture Research Grant
This grant supports research in graphic culture. While not directly for 12th pass, it’s relevant for those pursuing higher studies in design or related fields.Eligibility Criteria:
Generally for researchers or those pursuing higher academic degrees.Amount:
Partial funding for research.Deadline:
June 16, 2025Application Website: Click Here To Apply
7. HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme
A wide-ranging scholarship program supporting students from Class 1 to postgraduate levels, including commerce undergraduates. It mainly aims to assist the students from economically weaker sections of society.Eligibility Criteria:
Minimum 55% marks in the previous qualifying examination. Annual income should be less than or equal to ₹2.5 LPA.Amount:
Up to ₹30,000 for general undergraduate programs.Deadline:
October 30, 2025,Application Website: Click Here To Apply
8. Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship Programme
This program provides financial assistance to meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education, including commerce streams.Eligibility Criteria:
Students from economically backward sections of society. Specific academic criteria and income limits would apply.Amount:
Aims to provide opportunities for higher education. Specific amounts vary.Deadline:
January 2026(Application Start Date: Likely around September 2025Application Website: Click Here To Apply
9. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship Scheme
This is a broad scholarship scheme covering various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including commerce. It aims to support deserving students who face financial constraints.Eligibility Criteria:
Open to Indian nationals. Age limit typically under 30 years. Specific academic performance criteria apply based on the course level.Amount:
Varies based on the course and eligibility, typically a monthly stipend.Deadline:
June 20, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
10. LIC HFL Vidyadhan Scholarship
Offered by LIC Housing Finance Limited, this scholarship supports students from economically weaker sections pursuing education from Class 11 up to postgraduate levels, including commerce.Eligibility Criteria:
Students from financially disadvantaged families, with specific academic performance criteria.Amount:
Assistance for academic expenses.Deadline:
September 30, 2025- October 15, 2025Application Website: Click Here To Apply
11. Vidyadhan Scholarship Program (State-specific, e.g., Vidyadhan Bihar Plus 2, Vidyadhan Maharashtra Class 11 and 12)
Sarojini Damodaran Foundation (SDF) offers Vidyadhan scholarships in various states for students from economically challenged families who have completed Class 10 and are entering Class 11 or 12, including commerce streams. These scholarships continue for undergraduate studies if academic performance is maintained.Eligibility Criteria:
Varies by state, but generally requires a strong academic record in Class 10 and a low family income.Amount:
Annual scholarship amount (e.g., INR 10,000 for Class 11/12) and mentoring.Deadline:
July 20, 2025Application Website: Click Here To Apply
12. Nirankari Rajmata Scholarship Scheme
Run by the Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation, this scheme supports meritorious and needy students pursuing technical or professional courses, which can include certain commerce-related professional degrees.Eligibility Criteria:
Students pursuing specific professional/technical courses after 12th. Academic merit and financial need are the primary criteria.Amount:
Financial assistance to cover academic expenses.Deadline:
November 30, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
13. National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships
The National Scholarship Portal hosts various central and state government scholarships for minority students, OBC, SC, ST, and general categories. Many post-matric scholarships are available for students after 12th, across all streams.Eligibility Criteria:
Varies significantly based on the specific scholarship scheme (e.g., Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC, Scholarship for Top Class Education for SC/ST students, Central Sector Scholarship Scheme of Top Class Education for SC Students). Generally based on category, income, and academic merit.Amount:
Varies widely, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, book grants, etc.Deadline:
October 2025 to December 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
14. Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes (State Governments)
Most state governments in India offer Post-matric scholarships for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and sometimes Economically Backward Classes (EBC). These scholarships support students pursuing higher education after Class 10/12.Eligibility Criteria:
Domicile of the respective state, belonging to the specified caste/category, and meeting income criteria. Minimum academic performance may be required.Amount:
Include tuition fees, and other academic expenses.Deadline:
Open around July-August 2025 and close towards the end of 2025 or early 2026.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
15. Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (Ministry of Culture)
The Ministry of Culture’s scheme provides financial aid to young artists who specialize in various cultural fields for advanced training.Eligibility Criteria:
Generally targets young artists with demonstrated talent. Specific age and training criteria apply.Amount:
Approximately INR 5,000 per month for a period of two years.Deadline:
Deadlines vary annually.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
16. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
The PMSS, under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, provides financial assistance to the wards of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel for technical and professional education after 12th.Eligibility Criteria:
Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel. Minimum 60% marks in 10+2.Amount:
₹2,500 for boys and ₹3,000 for girls per month.Deadline:
October 31, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
17. Swami Dayanand Education Foundation Scholarship
This foundation provides scholarships to meritorious and financially backward students to pursue undergraduate courses in Engineering, Medical, Architecture, IT, and other professional courses. While not exclusively for commerce/arts, it often includes a broad range of professional programmes.Eligibility Criteria:
Students pursuing professional undergraduate degrees, with strong academic performance and demonstrated financial need.Amount:
Financial aid to cover academic expenses.Deadline:
December 31, 2025Application Website: Click Here To Apply
18. KC Mahindra Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies Abroad (for future reference)
This scholarship helps Indian students pursue postgraduate studies abroad in various fields. While it’s for international postgraduate studies, it’s a significant one for those who complete their undergraduate studies in India and aspire to study abroad.Eligibility Criteria:
Indian citizens who have a first-class degree from a recognized Indian university and have secured admission to a postgraduate program abroad.Amount:
Loan scholarship up to ₹10 lakh (interest-free).Deadline:
May 31, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
19. Lila Poonawalla Foundation Scholarship (for female students)
This foundation offers scholarships to deserving Indian girls for pursuing various academic programs, including undergraduate degrees in arts, commerce, and other professional fields.Eligibility Criteria:
Female students, typically for specific degree programs, with academic merit and financial need.Amount:
Financial support to cover academic expenses.Deadline:
February 20, 2026 June 20, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
20. JSPN Scholarship (Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship)
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund offers scholarships for PhD studies. While not directly for 12th pass, it’s a prestigious scholarship for those aiming for higher academic pursuits after their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.Eligibility Criteria:
Indian citizens with a good academic record who wish to pursue PhD studies.Amount:
Financial assistance for PhD research.Deadline:
June 20, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
21. Savitribai Phule Scholarship Scheme (Maharashtra)
A state-specific scholarship in Maharashtra for girl students belonging to backward classes pursuing various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.Eligibility Criteria:
Girl students from specific backward classes in Maharashtra, pursuing higher education.Amount:
Financial assistance towards tuition fees and other expenses.Deadline:
June 15, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
22. Tata Trusts Means Grant
Tata Trusts offers various grants and scholarships based on financial need, which can be applicable to students pursuing undergraduate studies in various fields, including arts and commerce.Eligibility Criteria:
It mainly based on financial need, with academic performance. Specific eligibility criteria vary by the type of grant.Amount:
Financial assistance to cover educational expenses.Deadline:
January 31, 2025Application Website: Click Here To Apply
23. Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship (Maharashtra)
The Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship, offered by the Government of Maharashtra, supports Scheduled Caste (SC) students. It provides ₹300 monthly for 10 months to those in Class 11 and 12 who scored 75% or more in their Class 10 exams. This initiative aims to encourage meritorious SC students to pursue higher secondary education by easing financial burdens.Eligibility Criteria:
Students from VJNT & SBC categories in Maharashtra, pursuing higher education.Amount:
Financial assistance.Deadline:
June 15, 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
24. Post-Matric Scholarship for Persons with Disability
This is a central sector scheme providing financial assistance to students with disabilities for pursuing post-matriculation courses, including undergraduate degrees in arts and commerce.Eligibility Criteria:
Indian citizens with a disability (as defined by the Persons with Disabilities Act), pursuing post-matriculation courses from a recognized institution. Parental/guardian income ceiling applies.Amount:
Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, reader allowance, and other disability-related allowances.Deadline:
October 2025 or November 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
25. Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship (National Academy of Art)
The Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship, which is sponsored by India’s National Academy of Art, is a great chance for young visual artists. This scholarship aims to foster artistic growth by offering financial support and a dedicated workspace at the Academi’s regional centers (such as Garhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, and Shimla).Eligibility Criteria:
Age: 21 to 35 years, Indian citizens, Minimum qualification for Visual Arts is BFA or equivalent.Amount:
₹20,000 per month for 12 months (one year).Deadline:
2025-26 cycle applications would likely open later in 2025.Application Website: Click Here To Apply
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide illuminated 25 diverse scholarship opportunities for the 2025-2026 academic year. From merit-based to need-based and those supporting specific art forms, these scholarships empower aspiring artists to pursue their passion without financial burden. Seize these opportunities to unlock your creative potential and build a vibrant career in the arts! Regularly check official scholarship portals and institution websites for updated deadlines and remember a career in the arts is a vibrant and fulfilling path, and with the right support, your creative journey can truly flourish. Don’t let financial hurdles deter your artistic dreams; explore these scholarships and invest in your future as an Indian artist.About Shilna KK
I am a career and higher education enthusiast with 3+ years of experience. I believe in the power of knowledge and strive to provide valuable insights and resources to help individuals make informed decisions about their future.