Azim Premji Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Amount, Last Date & Application Process

By Rishi Pal | January 21, 2026

Azim Premji Scholarship 2026: For countless girl students across India, financial constraints remain the single biggest barrier between their Class 12 completion and their dream of higher education. The Azim Premji Scholarship 2026 arrives as a lifeline precisely at this critical juncture. If you are a girl student from a government school, have recently taken admission in the first year of an undergraduate or diploma course, and come from one of the 18 eligible states in India, this scholarship offering Rs. 30,000 per year could transform your educational journey. With applications now open for Round 2 until 31 January 2026, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect you need to know about eligibility criteria, scholarship amounts, the step-by-step application process, required documents, and critical deadlines so you do not miss this opportunity.

What Is the Azim Premji Scholarship 2026?

The Azim Premji Scholarship stands as one of India’s most significant private scholarship initiatives dedicated to advancing educational equity. According to the official Azim Premji Foundation website, this initiative represents the Foundation’s deep commitment to improving both the quality and equity of education across India. Rather than focusing purely on academic merit, this scholarship centres on supporting girl students from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue their first undergraduate degree or diploma course.

In 2024-25, the scholarship was piloted across select states and touched the lives of over 25,000 girl students. This expansion demonstrates the Foundation’s growing confidence in the program’s impact and effectiveness in removing financial barriers to higher education for deserving young women across the nation. The scholarship’s design reflects a broader understanding that ability and potential remain distributed equally across all economic strata, but opportunity does not.

Also read:- Bank of Baroda AVP Recruitment 2026 Out: Salary, Eligibility & Apply Online Details Inside

Scholarship Amount and Duration

Under the Azim Premji Scholarship 2026, selected candidates receive Rs. 30,000 annually. This financial assistance covers the entire duration of your first undergraduate degree or diploma course, typically spanning two to five years. The amount is disbursed in two equal instalments of Rs. 15,000 each, credited directly into your registered bank account.

The Rs. 30,000 per year provides meaningful financial relief for multiple education-related expenses. You can utilise these funds for tuition fees, course materials and textbooks, examination fees, hostel accommodation if applicable, travel expenses for attending college, and other essential academic requirements. Unlike some scholarships with rigid restrictions, this fund offers flexibility in addressing your actual educational needs.

Importantly, the scholarship continues for the entire duration of your course, subject to successful renewal each year. Renewal depends on maintaining continuous enrolment at your institution and demonstrating satisfactory academic progress. This multi-year commitment ensures sustained support throughout your undergraduate journey, not merely a one-time grant.

APF is now accepting applications for Round 2 of the Azim Premji Scholarship for the academic year 2025–26.

Apply between 10 January and 31 January 2026. Visit the website to know more: https://t.co/vN7G4tkkiY pic.twitter.com/yPLnUEpvF3

— Mohammad Mohsin I.A.S (@mmiask) January 21, 2026

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Azim Premji Scholarship 2026, you must fulfil every single criterion listed below. The Foundation assesses eligibility based on strict compliance with these requirements rather than competitive merit comparison.

Fundamental Requirements:

You must be a girl student. The scholarship is exclusively designed for female applicants. You must be a permanent resident or citizen of India. You must have completed both Class 10 and Class 12 as a regular student from a government school or government college. This requirement emphasises supporting students from the public education system. You must not have studied in private schools for your Class 10 and 12.

Current Academic Status:

You must have taken admission in the first year of an undergraduate degree or diploma course for the 2025-26 academic session. This means second, third, fourth, or final year students cannot apply, even if they were not previously receiving this scholarship. Your course must be a regular, full-time programme lasting between two and five years. Distance learning, correspondence courses, open universities, and part-time programmes do not qualify. You must be enrolled in a recognised government institution or a credible and bona fide private college or university anywhere in India.

Geographic Eligibility:

The scholarship is available only to students from these 18 states and Union Territories: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Your Class 10 and 12 school must be located in one of these states. However, your undergraduate college can be anywhere in India.

Specific Disqualifications:

Students admitted to any programme of Azim Premji University are ineligible for this scholarship. If you are already receiving or have previously received a Wipro scholarship (such as the Santoor award), you cannot apply for this scholarship. The Foundation aims to prevent duplicate support to the same individual.

Eligible States for This Scholarship

The Azim Premji Scholarship 2026 covers 18 states and Union Territories across India. These regions were carefully selected based on the Foundation’s existing on-ground presence and educational focus areas.

State/Union Territory	Region	Primary Focus
Arunachal Pradesh	Northeast	Expansion tier
Assam	Northeast	Expansion tier
Bihar	East	Core tier
Chhattisgarh	Central	Expansion tier
Jharkhand	East	Core tier
Karnataka	South	Expansion tier
Madhya Pradesh	Central	Core tier
Manipur	Northeast	Expansion tier
Meghalaya	Northeast	Expansion tier
Mizoram	Northeast	Expansion tier
Nagaland	Northeast	Expansion tier
Odisha	East	Expansion tier
Puducherry	South	Expansion tier
Rajasthan	West	Core tier
Sikkim	Northeast	Expansion tier
Telangana	South	Expansion tier
Tripura	Northeast	Expansion tier
Uttar Pradesh	North	Core tier
Uttarakhand	North	Expansion tier

If you completed your Class 10 and 12 in any of these states from a government school, you are eligible. The scholarship is part of the Foundation’s three-year expansion plan to reach 2.5 lakh girl students across India.

Application Deadline and Important Dates

The Azim Premji Scholarship application process for 2025-26 is divided into two rounds with distinct deadlines. Understanding these dates is crucial to avoid missing the opportunity.

Round 1 (Now Closed):

Registration and application submission: 10 September 2025 to 30 September 2025 This round received overwhelming response, with many eligible candidates registering during this window.

Round 2 (Currently Open):

Registration and application submission: 10 January 2026 to 31 January 2026 This is your current opportunity if you missed Round 1.

For Renewal Applicants (Cohort 2024):

Scholarship renewal deadline: Extended to 31 January 2026 Students who received the scholarship in 2024-25 must submit their renewal application by this date to continue receiving financial support in 2025-26.

Critical Advice on Deadlines:

Never wait until the final day to submit your application. The official portal experiences heavy traffic as the deadline approaches, which can cause technical delays or failures. Submit your application at least two to three days before the deadline to ensure smooth processing. The Foundation does not consider late applications under any circumstances. A delay of even one minute past 11:59 PM IST on 31 January 2026 will result in automatic rejection.

Required Documents

The Azim Premji Foundation requires specific documents during the online application process. All documents must be uploaded in PDF, PNG, or JPG format with a file size between 30KB and 500KB. Preparing these documents well in advance eliminates last-minute stress and errors.

Essential Documents:

1. Photograph: A clear, recent passport-sized colour photograph (preferably 4×6 cm). The photograph must have a plain background and show your face clearly.
2. Signature: A scanned image of your signature in black ink on white paper. Avoid signatures that are too large or too faint.
3. Aadhaar Card: A clear photocopy or scan of both sides of your Aadhaar card. This is mandatory for identity verification and bank account linkage.
4. Class 10 Marksheet: Scanned copy of your official Class 10 marksheet or certificate from the government school.
5. Class 12 Marksheet: Scanned copy of your official Class 12 marksheet or certificate from the government school. These must show your regular student status.
6. College Admission Proof: Your letter of admission, fee receipt from your current college, bonafide certificate from your institution, or official enrolment document proving you are studying in the first year.
7. Bank Passbook: Scanned copy of the first page of your bank passbook showing your account number, IFSC code, and your name. This is essential since the scholarship amount is directly credited to your bank account.
8. Income Certificate (if applicable): Some states may request a certificate confirming you come from an economically disadvantaged background, though this is not a strict income limit.

Important Document Guidelines

All documents must be original, unedited, and clearly legible. Blurry, partially cut, or obscured documents will result in application rejection. Do not submit attested or notarised copies unless specifically requested. Ensure your name is spelled consistently across all documents. Any spelling variations may cause verification delays or rejection.

Eligibility Criteria Summary Table

Criterion	Requirement	Acceptable	Not Acceptable
Applicant Gender	Girl students only	Female students	Male students
Class 10 School	Government institution	Government school/college	Private school/international school
Class 12 School	Government institution	Government school/college	Private school/international school
Stream	Any stream	Science, Commerce, Arts, Vocational	Correspondence/Distance
Undergraduate Year	First year only	1st year 2025-26	2nd year onwards
Course Type	Full-time, regular	Degree/Diploma 2-5 years	Part-time, distance, open university
College Location	Any in India	Government or credible private college	Unrecognised institutions
Azim Premji University	Must not be admitted	External students only	APU students
Wipro Scholarship	Must not have received	Eligible applicants	Previous Wipro scholarship recipients

Application Process

The Azim Premji Scholarship application is entirely online. There are no offline or manual application submission options. Follow these detailed steps carefully.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Azim Premji Foundation website at azimpremjifoundation.org. Search engines occasionally display unofficial or fraudulent scholarship websites. Always verify you are on the genuine Foundation website before proceeding.

Step 2: Find the Scholarship Section

On the homepage, locate the “What We Do” section in the main navigation menu. Click on “Education” to expand the education programmes. Look for “Azim Premji Scholarship” or “Apply Now” option. For Round 2 applications, you may see “Azim Premji Scholarship Cohort 2025, Round 2.”

Step 3: Register as a New Applicant

If you are applying for the first time, click on “Register (New Applicants, Cohort 2025, Round 2)” button. You will be directed to a registration page. Enter a valid, active mobile number that you check regularly. The Foundation will send an OTP (One Time Password) to this number for verification. Click “Send OTP” and enter the OTP you receive within the specified time frame (usually 10 minutes).

If you have already registered in a previous round or cycle, click “Login (Already Registered Applicants)” and use your existing credentials (Gmail, email ID, or mobile number) to log in directly.

Step 4: Check Your Eligibility

The portal includes an eligibility checker tool. Answer questions about your state, school type, current course details, and other criteria. This self-assessment helps you confirm you meet all requirements before investing time in filling the complete form. If the checker indicates you are ineligible, do not proceed further.

Step 5: Complete Personal Details

The application form requests your personal information: Full name (as per Aadhaar), Date of birth, Current age, Mobile number, Email address, and Complete address. Fill every field accurately and carefully. Ensure spelling matches your official documents.

Step 6: Provide Educational Background

Enter details about your Class 10 and 12: School name and location, Year of passing, Stream selected, and Percentage or division obtained. Verify these details against your marksheets before entry.

Step 7: Enter Current College Details

Provide information about your present institution: College or university name, Course name and specialisation, Duration of the course, Year of admission, and Type of institution (government or private). Ensure your college is recognised by the government or a credible accreditation body.

Step 8: Create Bank Account Details

The scholarship amount is transferred directly into your bank account via electronic fund transfer. Provide: Bank account number, IFSC code of your bank branch, Account holder name (must match your Aadhaar), and Bank branch address. Double-check the bank details as errors will cause disbursement failures.

Step 9: Upload All Required Documents

The form includes specific sections for uploading each document. Upload documents in the exact format and size specified (30-500 KB, PDF/PNG/JPG). Upload one document at a time and verify it has been successfully uploaded before moving to the next. Ensure documents are properly scanned, not photographed with a mobile camera, as quality matters for verification.

Step 10: Review and Verify

Before submission, review the entire application form carefully. Check that all information is accurate, complete, and consistent with supporting documents. Ensure all mandatory fields are filled. Verify that document uploads are successful and visible.

Step 11: Submit Your Application

Once you are completely satisfied with the application, click the “Submit” button. After submission, you will receive a confirmation message on screen and via your registered email and mobile number. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page or print it for your records.

Step 12: Save Confirmation Details

The Foundation will provide you with an application reference number or confirmation ID. Save this number. You can use it to check your application status on the portal or contact the Foundation’s helpline if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Application

Even small errors can result in application rejection. These are the most frequent mistakes observed by the Foundation and how to avoid them.

1. Uploading Poor Quality Documents:

The most common rejection reason is illegible or incomplete document uploads. Ensure documents are clearly scanned (not photographed), properly oriented, and completely visible. Test your scanner or mobile app for document quality before uploading.

2. Spelling Mismatches Across Documents:

If your name is spelled differently on your Aadhaar versus your Class 10 marksheet, this mismatch will delay verification. Always spell your name consistently. If your name genuinely differs (for example, maiden versus married name), mention this in the “Additional Information” field.

3. Incorrect or Outdated Bank Details:

Providing a closed bank account number or an inactive account results in failed disbursement. Verify your current account details are correct. If you plan to change your account, update the bank details before the scholarship is disbursed.

4. Missing or Incomplete Admission Proof:

The Foundation cannot verify your college enrolment if you do not provide clear admission proof. A simple fee receipt or bonafide certificate should suffice. Do not assume the Foundation will contact your college.

5. Submitting Photocopy Certificates Instead of Official Documents:

Always upload official marksheets, certificates, and documents issued by your school or college, not personal photocopies. Personal copies often lack security features and are rejected during verification.

6. Providing Incorrect File Formats or Sizes:

The portal specifies file size limits (30-500 KB) and formats (PDF, PNG, JPG). Files exceeding these limits or in other formats (Word documents, scanned images over 500KB) may fail to upload or cause errors. Compress your files if necessary using free online tools before uploading.

7. Applying from an Ineligible State:

Before submitting, verify your Class 10 and 12 school was in one of the 18 eligible states. Applying from an ineligible state wastes effort and results in automatic rejection.

8. Missing the Application Deadline:

Submitting even one minute after 11:59 PM IST on 31 January 2026 will result in rejection. Calculate time zone differences if you are in a different time zone (for example, IST is UTC+5:30). Aim to submit at least 2-3 hours before the deadline.

9. Incomplete Application Submission:

Filling out the form but not clicking the final “Submit” button means the application is not officially submitted. Always confirm the submission page appears, showing your application has been received.

10. Using Someone Else’s Documents:

Upload only your own authentic documents. Any fraudulent or altered document discovered during verification will result in permanent disqualification and possible legal consequences.

Selection and Verification Process

After you submit your application by 31 January 2026, the Azim Premji Foundation’s verification team reviews each application to confirm eligibility and authenticity. Understanding this process helps manage your expectations.

Verification Timeline:

The Foundation typically completes initial eligibility checks within 2-3 weeks of the deadline. Some applications are selected for additional verification, which may involve contacting your college to confirm your enrolment or reaching out to your bank to verify account details. This extended verification can take up to 6-8 weeks.

College Verification:

The Foundation contacts your college to verify: That you are genuinely enrolled as a regular student in the first year, that your admission is for the 2025-26 academic year, and that you are pursuing a recognised degree or diploma course. Ensure your college has your correct contact details and responds promptly to Foundation inquiries.

Disbursement Process:

Selected students receive their first scholarship instalment (Rs. 15,000) directly into their bank account during March-April 2026. The second instalment (Rs. 15,000) is typically disbursed during August-September 2026, pending renewal and verification. Direct bank transfer means no cheques, demand drafts, or physical payments. Your bank account is credited, and the amount appears as an inward fund transfer.

Communication:

The Foundation communicates selections and any required actions via your registered mobile number and email address. Monitor both channels carefully during February to May 2026. If the Foundation requests additional information, respond within the given timeframe (usually 7-10 days) to avoid rejection.

Scholarship Renewal

If you are selected for the scholarship in 2025-26, you can apply for renewal in subsequent years to continue receiving Rs. 30,000 annually throughout your course duration (up to the 5-year limit for diploma courses).

Renewal Requirements:

To renew your scholarship in the following academic year, you must: Continue your enrolment as a regular, full-time student, maintain satisfactory academic progress (no academic probation or expulsion), stay enrolled in the same course or institution (major course changes may affect renewal), and submit your renewal application by the specified deadline (typically 4-6 weeks before the new academic year begins).

Renewal Documents:

For renewal, you will need to submit: Updated college bonafide certificate for the new academic year, fee receipt or proof of fee payment for the new year, updated bank passbook if your account has changed, and any other documents the Foundation requests. Renewal is not automatic. You must actively submit the renewal application each year.

Common Renewal Issues:

Students sometimes lose scholarship support because they missed renewal deadlines or failed to submit required documents. Maintain a calendar reminder for renewal dates. Some students change colleges or take gap years, which can affect renewal eligibility. Plan your academic timeline accordingly.

Benefits Beyond Financial Support

While the primary benefit is the Rs. 30,000 annual financial support, the Azim Premji Scholarship brings additional advantages to selected students.

Educational Empowerment:

Being awarded this scholarship signals official recognition of your merit and potential. This recognition can boost your confidence and motivation during challenging academic periods. The scholarship demonstrates that your academic journey has institutional support and belief.

Financial Security:

For many girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, Rs. 30,000 per year transforms educational possibilities. This amount covers 40-60% of undergraduate course fees in many government institutions, substantially reducing the financial burden on your family.

Access to Higher Learning:

By reducing financial stress, the scholarship allows you to focus fully on your studies without the constant worry of meeting educational expenses. This focused engagement often translates to better academic performance and deeper learning.

Social Recognition:

Scholarship recipients often experience improved social standing within their communities. Your success becomes an inspiration for younger girls in your family and neighbourhood, creating a ripple effect of educational aspiration.

Foundation Resources:

As a scholarship recipient, you gain access to the Azim Premji Foundation’s broader educational resources, webinars, and networking opportunities (though this varies by location and programme phase).

FAQs About Azim Premji Scholarship 2026

Tips for a Successful Application

Tip 1: Complete Application Preparation (Two Weeks Before Deadline):

Gather all required documents and scan them at good resolution (300 DPI minimum for clarity). Test scanning equipment with a sample document to ensure quality. Create a folder on your computer organising all documents by category. This preparation prevents last-minute rush and errors.

Tip 2: Verify Eligibility Before Investing Time:

Use the Foundation’s eligibility checker tool on the portal. This quick assessment confirms you meet all basic requirements before filling out the lengthy application form. If you are ineligible, you avoid wasting time and effort.

Tip 3: Fill Out in Multiple Sessions (Don’t Rush):

The portal typically allows you to save incomplete applications and return to them later. Invest one session for personal details, another for educational information, and a third for document uploads. This approach reduces errors caused by rushed data entry.

Tip 4: Request College Documents Early:

Contact your college’s admission or records office early (ideally within the first week of January 2026). Request your bonafide certificate and fee receipt. College offices experience heavy workload towards session-end and may take time to issue documents. Requesting early prevents delays.

Tip 5: Set a Personal Deadline (Three Days Before Official Deadline):

Aim to complete your application by 28 January 2026, giving you three days buffer before the 31 January deadline. This buffer accommodates unexpected technical issues, document problems, or portal delays. Never gamble with the final day.

Tip 6: Use Desktop Rather Than Mobile for Application:

While the portal is mobile-friendly, desktop computers provide larger screens making document uploads and form filling easier and less error-prone. Use a stable internet connection (preferably broadband rather than mobile data) to avoid mid-application disconnections.

Tip 7: Keep Screenshots and Confirmation:

After successful submission, take screenshots of your application reference number and confirmation page. Email these to yourself for backup. Print a copy if you have a printer. These records are invaluable if you need to follow up with the Foundation.

Tip 8: Monitor Your Email and Mobile Consistently:

Starting from February 2026, check your registered email inbox and mobile messages daily. The Foundation sends important updates, requests for additional documents, or selection news via these channels. Use Gmail filters to ensure Foundation emails do not go into spam or promotional folders.

Tip 9: Respond Promptly to Foundation Requests:

If the Foundation requests additional information or documents, respond within the given timeline (usually 7-10 days). Delayed responses can result in rejection even for otherwise eligible applicants.

Tip 10: Be Truthful in Every Detail:

Honesty in your application is non-negotiable. Fraudulent or misrepresented information discovered during verification results in permanent rejection and potential legal consequences. The verification process is thorough, so falsification is almost always discovered.

Resources and Contact Information

For authentic information and support regarding the Azim Premji Scholarship 2026, use only official channels.

Official Website: azimpremjifoundation.org

Visit this website for complete, updated information, FAQs in multiple languages, and direct access to the application portal.

Application Portal: scholarship.azimpremjifoundation.org

Register and submit your application through this official portal only. Beware of fraudulent websites claiming to be scholarship portals.

Toll-Free Helpline: 1800 274 0101

This helpline is available during business hours for application-related queries, eligibility clarifications, and status updates.

Email Support: fellowship@azimpremjifoundation.org

Send written inquiries about your application, eligibility, or scholarship-related concerns. Allow 7-10 days for response.

Social Media Updates:

Follow the Azim Premji Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for announcements, updates, and eligibility reminders.

Official Documentation:

The Foundation provides detailed guidelines documents in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Kannada, Odia, Assamese, and Telugu. Download these from the official website for clarification on any aspect.

Conclusion: Your Pathway to Educational Empowerment

The Azim Premji Scholarship 2026 represents far more than financial support. It is an institutional commitment to the belief that a girl’s educational aspirations deserve backing regardless of her family’s economic circumstances. With Rs. 30,000 annually for your entire undergraduate journey, combined with the confidence that comes from formal scholarship recognition, you gain the breathing room to focus on learning rather than financial anxiety.

The current application window for Round 2 remains open until 31 January 2026. If you completed your Class 10 and 12 from a government school in one of the 18 eligible states and have taken admission in the first year of a recognised undergraduate or diploma course, you possess all the foundational qualifications needed. The remaining steps are straightforward: gather your documents, register on the official portal, complete the application form carefully, and submit before the deadline.

Do not procrastinate or assume you will handle this “next week.” Every day brings you closer to the 31 January deadline. Open the official Azim Premji Foundation website today, assess your eligibility, and begin document preparation. Aim to complete your application by 28 January 2026, giving yourself a safety margin.

Thousands of deserving girls across India will benefit from this scholarship this year. With focused effort and attention to detail, you can be one of them. Your education matters. Your aspirations deserve institutional support. Apply now, apply confidently, and take this significant step toward your educational dreams.

Have questions about your specific situation or eligibility status? Share them in the comments below, and I will respond with guidance based on official Foundation guidelines. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with fellow students who might benefit from this life-changing opportunity. Bookmark this page for future reference during renewal cycles.

Your future begins with the decision you make today. Make it count.