Bengaluru, May 15: The Azim Premji Foundation has officially launched the Azim Premji Scholarship, aimed at supporting up to 2.5 lakh girl students from government schools across 18 states in India for higher education in the 2025-26 academic year.
Scholarship Details:
Eligibility:
- Open to girls who have completed Class 10 and 12 in government (public) schools.
- Must have secured admission in a bona fide higher education institution (HEI), covering government HEIs and selected private institutions.
Scholarship Benefits:
- ₹30,000 annually for the duration of the degree or diploma program.
- Funds will be transferred directly to the student’s bank account in two installments per year.
- Recipients may use the money for academic and living expenses without restrictions.
Impact and Vision
The Azim Premji Scholarship builds on a successful pilot program conducted in 2024-25, which awarded scholarships to over 25,000 girls in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand. The 2025-26 expansion extends the program to 18 states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Anurag Behar, Chief Executive Officer of Azim Premji Foundation, highlighted the critical need for financial support for girls in higher education. Despite near-equal primary school enrollment rates for boys and girls, higher education participation remains lower among girls due to financial constraints beyond tuition fees, such as commuting costs, books, and other personal expenses.
“Good school education is foundational for life, while higher education significantly impacts social and economic prospects. This scholarship aims to ease financial burdens for girls so they can confidently pursue their aspirations,” Behar stated.
Application Process and Future Prospects
The application process for the 2025-26 cycle will begin in September 2025, with details published at that time. The Azim Premji Foundation has committed ₹2,250 crore over the next three years to fund the initiative. The program is expected to expand nationwide in the coming years.
This initiative represents a major step toward gender equality in higher education, empowering thousands of girls with greater financial freedom and access to quality education, shaping their futures for a stronger, more equitable India.
For further details: Azim Premji Scholarship
