Embarking on a commerce degree after 12th grade is an exciting journey filled with potential. However, the financial demands of higher education can be a significant hurdle for many students. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to support aspiring commerce students in India, easing the financial burden and enabling them to focus on their academic and professional goals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated a list of 25 scholarships specifically tailored for Indian commerce students who have completed their 12th grade. These scholarships, offered by government bodies, private organisations, and international institutions, provide financial assistance based on merit, necessity, or a combination of both. By exploring these opportunities, you can find the support you need to pursue your commerce education without financial constraints.
Table of Contents
- HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme
- Commerce Ka Arjun Scholarship
- Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship
- Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
- Azim Premji Scholarship
- Reliance Foundation UG Scholarships
- PM Narendra Modi Scholarship
- NSF Scholarship
- G.P. Birla Scholarship
- SBIF Asha Scholarship (Overseas)
- Central Sector Scheme (NSP)
- Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC)
- AICTE Pragati Scholarship
- MOMA Merit-cum-Means
- Jnanabhumi Scholarship
- ICCR Scholarships
- Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program
- ACCA Simpson Scholarship
- Satya Scholarship Program (Ludhiana District Only)
- ‘LIFE’S GOOD’ Scholarship Program
- JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
- Ruma Devi Gulab Ben Akshara Scholarship
- Vidya Samunnathi Scholarship (Kerala)
- Anjali Scholarship
- All India Youth Scholarship Entrance Examination (AIYSEE)
1. HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme
HDFC Bank’s ECSS Programme offers financial aid to students from underprivileged backgrounds facing educational crises. Eligible candidates include school students from Class 1 to 12 and those pursuing diploma, ITI, polytechnic, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. The scholarship aims to prevent dropouts due to financial constraints by providing monetary support to continue education.
Eligibility Criteria:
Family income ≤ ₹2.5 LPA, min. 55% in Class 12.
Amount:
₹30,000 (UG), ₹35,000 (PG).
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
2. Commerce Ka Arjun Scholarshi
The Commerce Ka Arjun Scholarship is a merit-based programme for Class 12 commerce students aspiring to pursue CA or CMA Foundation courses. Through a competitive exam, students can earn a fee waiver ranging from 10% to 100% for coaching programmes. This initiative aims to support and encourage talented commerce students in their professional journey.
Eligibility Criteria:
Class 12 appearing students.
Amount:
10–100% fee waiver based on marks.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
3. Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship
Tata Capital’s Pankh Scholarship supports economically weaker students pursuing higher education in India. Open to students from Class 11 to undergraduate courses, applicants must have a family income below ₹4 lakhs per annum. The scholarship provides financial assistance to help cover tuition and other academic expenses, promoting inclusive education.
Eligibility Criteria:
Income ≤ ₹2.5 LPA, min. 60% in Class 12.
Amount:
Up to ₹12,000/year.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
4. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation offers scholarships to students from Class 11 to postgraduate levels across India. Eligibility criteria vary by category, with specific percentage requirements for male and female students. The scholarship provides monthly financial assistance ranging from ₹500 to ₹3,200, aiming to support students in continuing their education without financial hindrance.
Eligibility Criteria:
55% (men), 50% (women) in Class 12.
Amount:
Monthly allowance (₹1,000–₹3,500).
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
5. Azim Premji Scholarship
The Azim Premji Foundation’s scholarship supports girls from government schools across 18 Indian states pursuing higher education. Eligible candidates are those who have completed Class 10 or 12 in government schools and secured admission in recognised institutions. Each selected student receives ₹30,000 annually to assist with educational expenses, aiming to reduce gender disparity in higher education.
Eligibility Criteria:
Govt. school students, admitted to UG courses.
Amount:
₹30,000/year.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
6. Reliance Foundation UG Scholarships
Reliance Foundation offers scholarships to first-year undergraduate students across all streams in India. Applicants must have scored at least 60% in Class 12 and have a household income below ₹15 lakhs, with preference for incomes under ₹2.5 lakhs. Selected students receive up to ₹2 lakhs over the course of their degree to support their academic pursuits.
Eligibility Criteria:
Income ≤ ₹15 LPA, min. 60% in Class 12.
Amount:
Up to ₹2 lakhs total.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
7. PM Narendra Modi Scholarship
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme supports meritorious students from economically weaker sections pursuing professional courses. Applicants must have scored at least 60% in their qualifying examination and have a family income below ₹6 lakhs per annum. Selected candidates receive ₹20,000 annually to assist with tuition and other educational expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian citizens, income ≤ ₹6 LPA.
Amount:
₹20,000/year.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
8. NSF Scholarship
The National Scholarship Foundation (NSF) offers financial assistance to high-achieving students who have scored at least 85% in Class 12 and come from families with an annual income below ₹6 lakhs. The scholarship provides ₹8,000 to help cover educational expenses, aiming to support talented students in their academic endeavours.
Eligibility Criteria:
≥85% marks, income ≤ ₹6 LPA.
Amount:
₹8,000
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
9. G.P. Birla Scholarship
The G.P. Birla Scholarship supports meritorious students from West Bengal and Jharkhand pursuing undergraduate studies. Applicants must have achieved a minimum of 85% in WBCHSE or 90% in CBSE/ISC examinations. Selected students receive up to ₹50,000 annually to assist with tuition and other academic expenses, promoting higher education among deserving candidates.
Eligibility Criteria:
85% (WBCHSE) or 90% (CBSE/ISC).
Amount:
Up to ₹50,000/year.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
10. SBIF Asha Scholarship (Overseas)
The SBIF Asha Scholarship supports SC/ST students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. Eligible candidates must have secured 75% in their undergraduate degree and have a family income below ₹6 LPA. The scholarship offers financial aid up to ₹20 lakhs, easing the burden of international education costs.
Eligibility Criteria:
75% in UG, income ≤ ₹6 LPA (SC/ST).
Amount:
Up to ₹20 lakhs.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
11. Central Sector Scheme (NSP)
The Central Sector Scheme under NSP provides financial assistance to EWS students for higher education. Applicants must meet income criteria and enrol in recognised institutions. The scholarship offers ₹10,000–₹20,000 annually, supporting academic expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
EWS category, enrolled in UG/PG.
Amount:
₹10,000–₹20,000 per year.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
12. Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC)
This state-specific scholarship aids SC/ST/OBC students in post-secondary education. Eligibility varies by state, but generally requires enrollment in recognized courses. Benefits include tuition fees and maintenance allowances.
Eligibility Criteria:
SC/ST/OBC, state-specific criteria.
Amount:
Varies by state.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
13. AICTE Pragati Scholarship
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship empowers girls pursuing technical education in AICTE-approved institutions. Applicants must have a family income below ₹8 LPA. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides ₹50,000/year for other expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
Girls in technical courses, income ≤ ₹8 LPA.
Amount:
₹50,000/year.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
14. MOMA Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
This scholarship aids minority community students (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, etc.) pursuing professional or technical courses. Eligibility includes a minimum of 50% marks and family income below ₹2.5 LPA. Benefits include fee reimbursement and maintenance allowances.
Eligibility Criteria:
Minority students, income ≤ ₹2.5 LPA.
Amount:
Varies by course.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
15. Jnanabhumi Scholarship
The Jnanabhumi Scholarship supports Andhra Pradesh students from economically weaker sections. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in Class 10 to PG courses. Benefits include financial aid for tuition and academic expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
Andhra Pradesh residents, income-based.
Amount:
Varies by course.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
16. ICCR Scholarships
ICCR Scholarships facilitate international UG/PG studies for Indian students. Eligibility varies by country and course. Benefits include tuition, airfare, and living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
Merit-based, course-specific.
Amount:
Full/partial funding.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
17. Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program
The Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program, a CSR initiative by Group Legrand India, provides financial and mentorship support to meritorious girls, differently-abled students, LGBT candidates, and students from marginalized backgrounds (e.g., single-parent families or Covid-affected households). It aims to foster diversity in higher education, particularly in STEM, finance, and architecture fields. Since 2018, over 500 students have benefited from this program
Eligibility Criteria:
General Category: – Girl students enrolled in B.Tech/B.E./B.Arch/B.Sc/B.Com/BBA in India. Minimum 70% in Classes 10 & 12, family income < ₹5 LPA
Amount:
60% of the annual course fee, up to INR 60,000 per year
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
18. ACCA Simpson Scholarship
The ACCA Simpson Scholarship is a prestigious annual award designed to support exceptional ACCA students in India and worldwide. It provides comprehensive financial assistance, covering exam fees, annual student and affiliate subscription fees, membership admission fees, and study materials from ACCA-approved content providers.
Eligibility Criteria:
Achieved an average of 80% or higher in Applied Knowledge exams on the first attempt.
Amount:
Covers all ACCA exam fees, annual subscription fees, membership admission fees, and provides study materials from approved content providers.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
19. Satya Scholarship Program
The Satya Scholarship offers full tuition coverage for UG/integrated master’s students in Commerce, Engineering, or Medical fields in Ludhiana district. Applicants must have passed Class 12 and enrolled in selected colleges.
Eligibility Criteria:
Class 12 pass, Ludhiana residents.
Amount:
Full tuition fees.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
20. LIFE’S GOOD Scholarship Programme
The LIFE’S GOOD Scholarship by LG Electronics India aids meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds. Eligible candidates must be pursuing UG/PG courses at select institutes. The scholarship provides financial support of up to ₹1,00,000 for one year, easing academic expenses and encouraging higher education.
Eligibility Criteria:
UG/PG students at select institutes.
Amount:
Up to ₹1,00,000/year.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
21. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
This merit-based loan scholarship assists Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. Applicants must be Indian nationals planning higher education overseas. The award amount varies, with selected candidates also eligible for an additional gift scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian nationals pursuing PG abroad.
Amount:
Varies (loan + possible gift scholarship).
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
22. Ruma Devi Gulab Ben Akshara Scholarship
This scholarship supports underprivileged students pursuing higher education. Open to all students, it provides financial aid up to ₹75,000, helping bridge the gap for those from economically weaker backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria:
Open to all (specific criteria may apply).
Amount:
Up to ₹75,000.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
23. VidyaSamunnathi Scholarship (Kerala)
Offered by Kerala State Welfare Corporation, this scholarship supports economically backward forward-community students. Eligible candidates must be Kerala residents pursuing UG/PG courses, receiving up to ₹50,000 annually.
Eligibility Criteria:
Forward-community students in Kerala (UG/PG).
Amount:
Up to ₹50,000.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
24. Anjali Scholarship
Designed for students with disabilities, this scholarship aids those in Class 11, 12, ITI, Diploma, Engineering, Medical, or Bachelor’s courses. It provides variable financial assistance, ensuring inclusive education opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Students with disabilities (Class 11 to Bachelor’s).
Amount:
Varies by courses.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
25. All India Youth Scholarship Entrance Examination (AIYSEE)
A national-level merit-based scholarship for Class 12 pass students enrolled in professional courses. It awards up to ₹2,00,000, easing financial burdens and encouraging academic excellence.
Eligibility Criteria:
Class 12 pass students in professional courses.
Amount:
Up to ₹2,00,000.
Application Website: Click Here To Apply
Conclusion
These scholarships are designed to support students based on various criteria, including academic excellence, financial need, and specific demographics. For instance, the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship aims to assist meritorious and needy students across India , while the ACCA Scholarship Programme recognises students who have demonstrated merit and distinction in ACCA exams. Similarly, the HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme supports underprivileged students.
By exploring these opportunities and applying to the scholarships that align with your qualifications and needs, you can alleviate the financial challenges associated with higher education. This support enables you to focus on your studies and achieve your academic and professional aspirations in the field of commerce.
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.