Arvind Foundation Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Amount, Deadline & Complete Application Guide

By Rishi Pal | January 21, 2026

Arvind Foundation Scholarship 2026: If you are a meritorious student from a financially disadvantaged background struggling to afford quality education, the Arvind Foundation Scholarship 2026 offers a genuine lifeline. This merit-cum-means scholarship from Arvind Limited, one of India’s leading textile manufacturers, supports Class 11 to Postgraduate students across diverse courses including ITI, Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programmes. With scholarship amounts ranging from Rs. 5,000 for Class 11-12 to Rs. 40,000 for engineering courses, and a strong preference for girl students through 50 per cent reservation, this CSR initiative has already transformed the lives of thousands of Indian students. Applications typically open in late December or January each year, and this comprehensive guide walks you through every crucial detail you need to apply successfully before the deadline closes.

What Is the Arvind Foundation Scholarship?

The Arvind Foundation Scholarship represents a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Arvind Limited, a prominent player in India’s textile industry. According to the official Arvind Foundation scholarship page, this initiative is dedicated to supporting deserving and underprivileged students who face financial barriers to accessing quality education, primarily due to the high cost of tuition. The scholarship operates through collaboration with the Vidyasaarathi portal, India’s trusted scholarship management platform.

Unlike purely merit-based scholarships that favour only top academic performers, the Arvind Foundation Scholarship follows a merit-cum-means approach. This means selection considers both your academic performance and your family’s financial situation. The fundamental philosophy behind this scheme is straightforward: financial hardship should never become a barrier to quality education for talented and hardworking students.

The Arvind Foundation Scholarship is run by Arvind Limited’s CSR initiative and is officially managed through the Vidyasaarathi Scholarship Portal, ensuring transparency and authenticity in the entire selection and disbursement process. The scholarship is completely legitimate, verified, and free to apply for.

Also read:- Joseph Mundassery Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Amount, Deadline & Complete Application Guide

Key Scholarship Amounts

The financial support under the Arvind Foundation Scholarship varies based on the course level you are pursuing. Understanding these amounts helps you plan your education expenses better.

Scholarship Amount by Course Category:

Course Level	Scholarship Amount per Year	Duration	Total Support
Class 11 and Class 12	Rs. 5,000	1 year	Rs. 5,000
ITI Courses	Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000	2-3 years	Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000
Diploma (ANM/GNM and Others)	Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000	2-3 years	Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000
Undergraduate (BA/BSc/BCom)	Rs. 20,000	3 years	Rs. 60,000
B.E./B.Tech Engineering	Rs. 40,000	4-5 years	Rs. 160,000 to Rs. 200,000
Postgraduate (MA/MSc/MBA)	Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000	2 years	Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 80,000

These amounts are transferred directly into your bank account through electronic fund transfer, eliminating any middlemen or delays. The amount is usually transferred directly to the student’s bank account or adjusted against fees.

Complete Eligibility Criteria

Before investing time in your application, verify you meet every single eligibility requirement. The Arvind Foundation maintains clear, straightforward criteria that thousands of students successfully meet every year.

General Eligibility Requirements:

You must be an Indian citizen and permanent resident. You must be currently enrolled or newly admitted in an eligible course (Class 11, Class 12, ITI, Diploma, Undergraduate, or Postgraduate). Your family annual income should be less than Rs. 5,00,000. If your family income exceeds this threshold, you are not eligible regardless of academic performance.

You must have scored at least 50% marks in the previous examination. This is a mandatory minimum academic performance requirement. Some specific courses may require higher marks. You must have a valid bank account in your name. The scholarship amount is credited only through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to your personal bank account.

You are not eligible if you are a child of Arvind Foundation employees or Arvind Limited employees. This restriction ensures the scholarship reaches students outside the company’s direct network.

Course Specific Eligibility:

For Class 11 and Class 12:

You must have passed Class 10 with minimum 50% marks. You must be enrolled as a full-time student in a recognised school or junior college. You can be studying any stream: Science, Commerce, or Arts.

For ITI Courses:

You must have passed Class 10 with minimum 50% marks. You must be enrolled in a Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) or recognised private ITI. The course duration must be between 1.5 to 3 years.

For Diploma Courses (Including ANM and GNM):

You must have passed Class 12 with minimum 50% marks. You must be enrolled in a Government polytechnic or recognised private polytechnic. Diploma courses in fields like nursing, hotel management, fashion design, and information technology all qualify.

For Undergraduate Courses:

You must have passed Class 12 with minimum 50% marks. You must be enrolled in the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme. The course must be at least three years long. You must not have any ATKT (Absent To Keep Terms) or backlog in your previous academics for some scholarships.

For B.E./B.Tech Courses:

You must have passed Class 12 with minimum 50% marks. You must be enrolled in the first or renewal year of a full-time engineering degree. The scheme is available only to students whose family income is less than Rs. 5,00,000.

For Postgraduate Courses:

You must have completed your Bachelor’s degree or diploma. You must be enrolled in the first year of a full-time Master’s programme (MA, MSc, MBA, M.Tech, MCA). Your previous academic performance must be satisfactory (usually 50% or above).

Special Preferences:

50 per cent of available scholarship slots are reserved for female students. Girl students receive preferential treatment in selection. Students residing in Santej and Kalol (in Gujarat’s Kheda district) receive preference during the selection process due to Arvind Limited’s stronger presence in these regions. However, students from across India can apply.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

The Arvind Foundation Scholarship opens for fresh applications at specific times each year. Understanding the typical timeline helps you prepare in advance.

Typical Application Calendar:

Applications usually open between January to March, but exact dates depend on the yearly announcement. In recent years, the pattern has been:

Recent Years’ Deadlines:

September-October 2024: Applications were open for 2024-25 scholarship cycle. The last date for fresh applications was typically 15 November 2024 for some categories and extended deadlines for others.

January 2026: Applications for 2025-26 scholarship cycle are expected to open in late December 2025 or early January 2026. The deadline is typically 31 January 2026, though this varies by category.

Important Timeline Tips:

Always check the Vidyasaarathi portal regularly for live status and deadlines. Official announcements come through the Vidyasaarathi portal, not through emails or unofficial channels. Applications are processed on first-come-first-served basis after the deadline closes. Submit your application well before the deadline to ensure you are not excluded due to technical issues, document verification delays, or portal congestion. Missing the deadline by even one minute results in automatic rejection.

Required Documents

Before starting your application, gather all required documents and scan them properly. Incomplete documentation is the leading cause of application rejection.

Essential Documents You Must Submit:

1. Proof of Identity: Your Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport. Submit a clear, legible scan of the document with all details visible. Blurry or partially cut documents lead to rejection.
2. Proof of Address: A recent utility bill (electricity, water, gas), rental agreement, property deed, or bank statement showing your residential address. The document must be from the past 6 months. Post office address proof is also acceptable.
3. Class 10 Marksheet: Official marksheet from your board showing your score, name, and roll number. Submit the original marksheet or an attested photocopy from your school. Digital or downloaded copies from board websites must be official.
4. Class 12 Marksheet: Official marksheet showing your percentage, stream, and subject details. Many applications are rejected for missing or unclear Class 12 marksheets.
5. Previous Academic Marksheet: If you are in Class 12 or above, attach your previous year’s marksheet showing at least 50% marks. For undergraduate students, attach your previous semester or year’s marksheet.
6. Income Certificate: An income certificate issued by your local municipality, taluka office, or village head confirming your family’s annual income is below Rs. 5,00,000. This is critical for establishing your economic eligibility. Alternatively, you can submit Income Tax Return (ITR) or salary certificate from your parents’ employer.
7. College Admission Letter or Bonafide Certificate: Your letter of admission to your current college or a bonafide certificate issued by your college. This proves you are a current student. The document must show your course name, year of study, and admission date.
8. Current Year Fee Receipt or Fee Structure Document: A copy of your fee receipt for the current academic year, or your college’s official fee structure document. This confirms your enrolment status.
9. Student Bank Passbook: The first page of your bank passbook clearly showing your account number, IFSC code, bank branch name, and your name. It is mandatory for candidates to have a bank account in order to receive the scholarship amount. The account holder’s name must match your Aadhaar card exactly.
10. Photograph: A recent colour passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm) with a plain background. Ensure your face is clearly visible. Professional photographs perform better than casual selfies.
11. Caste Certificate (if applicable): If you belong to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, submit the official certificate. However, there is no preferential treatment based on caste during the student selection process.

Important Document Submission Rules:

All documents must be uploaded in .jpeg or .png format only. PDF files are often rejected by the system. The file size for each document should be between 50KB and 500KB. Compress large scans using free online tools if necessary. Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, properly oriented, and completely visible. Partially cut-off or upside-down documents will be rejected during verification. Your name must be spelled consistently across all documents. Any spelling variations cause verification failures.

Application Process

The Arvind Foundation Scholarship application is entirely online through the Vidyasaarathi portal. Follow these exact steps to ensure successful submission.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Open your web browser and go directly to https://www.vidyasaarathi.co.in. Ensure you are on the official Vidyasaarathi portal by searching for “Vidyasaarathi Scholarship” on Google. Fraudulent websites sometimes mimic the original portal. Always verify the URL before entering any personal information.

Step 2: Find Arvind Foundation Scholarship

On the homepage, look for “Browse Available Scholarships” or search for “Arvind Foundation” directly. You will see multiple Arvind Foundation scholarship categories like “Arvind Foundation Fresh Scholarship,” “Arvind Foundation Renewal Scholarship,” “Arvind Foundation for Class 11-12,” and so on. Select the scholarship category matching your current educational status.

Step 3: Register as a New Applicant

If you are applying for the first time, click on “Register Now” or “New Registration” button. Enter your email address or mobile number to create an account. Verify your email or mobile number through the OTP (One Time Password) sent by the portal. Create a strong password with at least 8 characters, including numbers and special symbols.

If you have already registered in a previous year, click “Login” and use your existing credentials.

Step 4: Complete Personal Information

Fill in your full name exactly as shown in your Aadhaar card. Enter your date of birth. Provide your current mobile number and email address. Enter your complete residential address including pincode. Select your gender (this is important for the girl student preference).

Step 5: Provide Educational Background

Indicate your current educational level: Class 11, Class 12, ITI, Diploma, Undergraduate, or Postgraduate. If you are currently studying, select your course level. Enter your previous examination details: Class 10 marks, Class 12 marks, or previous semester marks if in college.

Step 6: Fill Income Details

Enter your family’s annual income. Be honest about this figure as income certificates will be verified. Select the income range that matches your family’s annual earnings. Provide details about your parents’ occupation or primary source of income.

Step 7: Enter College/Institute Details

If you are currently enrolled in college or higher education, provide your institution’s name, course name, year of study, and stream (if applicable). For Class 11-12 students, provide your school’s name and expected completion year.

Step 8: Upload Required Documents

The portal displays sections for each required document. Upload one document at a time in .jpeg or .png format. After uploading each document, the portal shows a preview. Verify the uploaded document is clear and complete before moving to the next. Upload documents in this sequence: Aadhaar card, proof of address, Class 10 marksheet, Class 12 marksheet, income certificate, college admission letter, bank passbook, and photograph.

Step 9: Review Your Entire Application

Before submission, scroll through your entire form and review every entry. Check that all information is accurate and consistent. Verify that all mandatory documents have been uploaded. Look for any spelling errors or missing information.

Step 10: Accept Terms and Conditions

Read the terms and conditions of the Arvind Foundation Scholarship. Check the declaration box confirming that the information you provided is true and complete. Click the checkbox confirming you understand this scholarship will be used only for educational purposes.

Step 11: Submit Your Application

Click the “Submit” button prominently displayed at the end of the form. After successful submission, you will receive a confirmation message with your application reference number. The portal also sends a confirmation email to your registered email address.

Step 12: Save Your Confirmation Details

Screenshot or print your application confirmation page showing the reference number. Save your login credentials in a secure location. Note the reference number, as you will need it for status tracking and communication with the Foundation.

The steps to apply are: Visit the official website, click on register, login and apply, fill the required details in the form, upload relevant documents, and review and submit the application.

Scholarship Selection Process

After submitting your application before the deadline, the Arvind Foundation’s verification team reviews all submissions. Understanding this process helps you know what to expect.

Initial Eligibility Check (1-2 Weeks):

The Foundation’s system performs an automated check to ensure all mandatory documents are uploaded and basic eligibility criteria are met. If your application is incomplete, you may receive an email asking you to submit missing documents. Respond promptly to avoid rejection.

Detailed Verification (2-4 Weeks):

The Foundation’s team manually verifies your documents, including authenticity of income certificates, college enrolment status, and academic marks. They contact your college or school to confirm your admission. They verify your bank account details with your bank.

Selection and Announcement (4-8 Weeks):

Selected candidates are announced in batches. You receive notification through email and SMS to your registered mobile number. The portal displays your selection status. Rejected applications also receive notification with reasons for rejection (if specified).

Disbursement Timeline:

After selection, scholarship amounts are disbursed in one or two instalments. First instalment: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 credited within 2-4 weeks of selection announcement. Second instalment: The remaining amount credited after 2-3 months (if applicable). Funds are transferred directly to your bank account via DBT.

Tracking Your Application:

You can check your application status anytime by logging into the Vidyasaarathi portal with your registered credentials. Select “My Applications” or “Application Status” to view whether your application is under review, selected, or rejected.

Scholarship Renewal

If selected in 2025-26, you can apply for renewal in 2026-27 to continue receiving financial support throughout your course duration.

Renewal Eligibility:

You must remain enrolled in the same course and institution. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students with zero attendance or academic probation may lose renewal eligibility. You must not have any major disciplinary action against you.

Renewal Documents:

Submit an updated bonafide certificate for the new academic year. Provide a fee receipt or fee structure for the new year. Submit your bank passbook if your account details have changed. Provide an updated income certificate if your family’s income has changed significantly.

Renewal Timeline:

Renewal applications typically open 4-6 weeks before the new academic year. You receive email notifications about renewal deadlines. The renewal process is faster than fresh applications, usually completing within 3-4 weeks.

Key Advantages of This Scholarship

Beyond the direct financial assistance, this scholarship brings multiple benefits to selected students.

Financial Relief:

The scholarship covers 40-60% of undergraduate fees in most government institutions. For engineering courses providing Rs. 40,000 annually, it covers majority of college expenses. Girl students with 50% reservation have significantly higher selection chances.

No Repayment Obligation:

Unlike education loans, this is a pure scholarship requiring no repayment. Selected students do not need to take education loans or work while studying.

Multi-Year Support:

Unlike one-time scholarships, this provides support for your entire course duration (2-5 years). This sustained financial security enables focused academic performance.

Institutional Recognition:

Being a scholarship recipient adds credibility to your academic profile. This recognition boosts confidence and motivation during challenging academic periods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Application

Learning from common rejection reasons helps you submit a flawless application.

Mistake 1: Uploading Blurry or Incomplete Documents:

Many applications are rejected because scanned documents are too faint, upside-down, or partially cut off. Solution: Use a good quality scanner or mobile app like CamScanner to create clear PDFs. Test scan a sample document before scanning all originals.

Mistake 2: Spelling Inconsistencies Across Documents:

If your name is “Priya” in your Aadhaar but “Priyaa” in your marksheet, verification gets delayed or rejected. Solution: Carefully verify spelling across all documents. If legitimate spelling variations exist, explain them in the application’s remarks section.

Mistake 3: Incorrect or Outdated Bank Details:

Submitting an old or closed bank account number causes disbursement failure. Solution: Verify your current active bank account details. Ensure the account holder’s name matches your Aadhaar exactly.

Mistake 4: Missing Income Certificate:

Many students submit pay slips or informal proof instead of official income certificates. Solution: Obtain an official income certificate from your municipal corporation office, taluka office, or village head. This is mandatory, not optional.

Mistake 5: Uploading Wrong Document Format:

Some portals reject PDF files or file sizes exceeding 500KB. Solution: Convert all documents to .jpeg or .png format. Use free online tools like TinyPNG to compress large files.

Mistake 6: Incomplete Application Submission:

Filling the form but forgetting to click “Submit” button means your application is not registered. Solution: After clicking submit, wait for the confirmation page showing your reference number. Take a screenshot or print the confirmation.

Mistake 7: Exceeding Income Limit:

Declaring family income above Rs. 5 lakh automatically disqualifies you. Solution: Be honest about income. If you genuinely exceed the limit, do not apply as you will be rejected anyway.

Mistake 8: Missing Deadline:

Applications received after the deadline are rejected outright. Solution: Submit at least 2-3 days before the deadline to allow buffer for technical issues.

Mistake 9: Not Providing Complete Educational Details:

Vague or incomplete course information causes verification delays. Solution: Provide exact course names, institution names, enrolment numbers, and admission dates.

Mistake 10: Forging Documents:

Submitting false documents discovered during verification results in permanent rejection and legal consequences. Solution: Submit only genuine, original documents.

FAQs About Arvind Foundation Scholarship 2026

Contact Information and Resources

Official Scholarship Portal: vidyasaarathi.co.in

This is the only official portal for Arvind Foundation scholarship applications. Never apply through any other website.

Email for Queries:

• Scheme-related queries: vidyasarathi@proteantech.in
• Grievance-related queries: vidyasaarathi@proteantech.in

Helpline Number: 022-40904484

Available during business hours (Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM IST).

How to Find Your Scholarship on the Portal:

Visit https://www.vidyasaarathi.co.in and click “Browse Available Scholarships.” Search for “Arvind Foundation” to view all available Arvind Foundation scholarship categories. Each scholarship has a separate application link based on course level.

Final Tips for Success

Start Early: Do not wait until the last week of the deadline. Begin document gathering and scanning immediately after the application window opens.

Verify Everything: Cross-check every piece of information you enter against your original documents. A single spelling error can delay verification.

Keep Digital Copies: Save digital copies of all documents you upload. This helps if you need to reapply or clarify any information.

Monitor Your Email: Check your registered email address regularly from the deadline date onward. The Foundation sends important communications, requests for additional documents, and selection announcements via email.

Track Your Application: Log into the Vidyasaarathi portal periodically to check your application status. Do not rely solely on email notifications.

Respond Promptly: If the Foundation requests additional information or documents, provide them within the specified timeframe (usually 7-10 days). Delayed responses result in rejection.

Be Truthful: Honesty is non-negotiable. Fabricated documents or false information discovered during verification results in permanent rejection and potential legal consequences.

Conclusion

The Arvind Foundation Scholarship 2026 represents a genuine opportunity for meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. With scholarship amounts up to Rs. 40,000 annually for engineering courses, 50 per cent reservation for girl students, and a straightforward application process through the official Vidyasaarathi portal, thousands of students successfully secure this support every year.

Your path forward requires three essential steps. First, carefully verify you meet all eligibility criteria, especially the family income limit of Rs. 5,00,000 and minimum 50% marks in previous academics. Second, gather all required documents well before the deadline and ensure they are clear, complete, and properly formatted. Third, submit your complete application through https://www.vidyasaarathi.co.in at least 2-3 days before the 31 January 2026 deadline to avoid any technical mishaps.

The scholarship will not find you. You must actively search for it, understand your eligibility, prepare meticulously, and apply before the opportunity closes. This investment of a few hours in thorough application preparation could result in receiving Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 200,000 in scholarship support over your course duration.

Begin your application process today. Check your eligibility using the criteria outlined in this guide. Gather your documents. Register on the Vidyasaarathi portal. Fill your application with care and accuracy. Submit before the deadline. Then monitor your email for updates and verification requests.

Financial constraints should not limit your educational aspirations. With the Arvind Foundation Scholarship, they do not have to. Apply now and take control of your academic future.

Have questions about your specific eligibility or the application process? Share them in the comments section below, and I will provide personalised guidance based on your situation. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with fellow students who might benefit from this opportunity. Your share could change someone’s educational journey.

Your future begins with your decision today. Make it count.