The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, has launched 640 fully-funded scholarships for international students under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (41201) for the academic year 2025–26. This prestigious opportunity invites global scholars to pursue UG, PG, and Ph.D. programs at top Indian public universities.
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🎯 Objective
To strengthen India’s diplomatic and cultural ties globally by offering quality higher education to international students through scholarships in recognized Indian institutions.
🗓️ Key Dates and Deadlines
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Portal Opens for Applications | 20 February 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 April 2025 |
| University Decision Deadline | 31 May 2025 |
| Scholarship Allocation & Offer Letters | 15 June 2025 |
| Last Date for Student Acceptance | 22 June 2025 |
| Second-Round Allocation (if needed) | 01 July 2025 |
| Deadline for Second-Round Acceptances | 10 July 2025 |
🎓 Courses & Universities
• 131 Public Indian Universities/Institutes empanelled
• Courses include Arts, Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities
• Medical, paramedical, fashion, law, and 5-year integrated courses are not eligible
✅ Eligibility Criteria
• Age Limit:
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UG/PG: 18–40 years (as on 01 July 2025)
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Ph.D.: Max 50 years
• Must be an international student
• Must have completed 12 years of schooling for UG courses
• Science/Engineering applicants must have studied PCM or PCB at Higher Secondary
• Medium of instruction is English – proficiency required
• Must submit a 500-word English essay or TOEFL/IELTS scores
• Must purchase medical insurance (minimum ₹5 lakh coverage)
💡 Application Process (Online Only)
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Visit the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal: https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in
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Choose up to 5 preferred Universities/Institutes
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Fill application, upload documents (with English translations if required)
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Await university shortlisting and scholarship offer
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Accept offer by 22 June 2025
Note: Incomplete or improperly translated documents will lead to rejection.
📌 Important Notes
• Scholarship valid only in state/central government-recognized public universities
• No scholarships for private institutions
• Scholars are not allowed to work part-time/full-time
• Science students must bear lab and incidental charges
• Visa and FRRO registration must be done via the SII portal
📞 Contact for Help
• AIU Helpline: +91-11-23230059 / 23231097 / 23232305 (Extn. 210, 234, 252)
• Email: studentinfo@ aiu.ac.in, ds_international@ aiu.ac.in
👉 Apply before 30 April 2025 and accept your offer by 22 June 2025 to secure your academic future in India!