Overview
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships are offered by the Government of India to international students from eligible countries, enabling them to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at Indian universities and institutions. ICCR is an autonomous body under India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and its scholarship programme is one of the key tools of India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power outreach.
ICCR scholarships are available across a wide range of disciplines — from humanities and social sciences to science, technology, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and fine arts. India’s higher education system is one of the largest in the world, offering scholars access to prestigious institutions and a rich academic and cultural environment.
What’s Included?
ICCR Scholarships cover the key expenses of studying in India. Typical benefits include:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Tuition fees at the host Indian institution are fully waived for ICCR scholars.
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly living allowance is provided to cover daily expenses in India.
- Accommodation: Scholars are provided with accommodation support (hostel/dormitory or housing allowance depending on the institution).
- Medical Insurance/Benefits: Basic medical support or insurance coverage is provided.
- Airfare: Round-trip international air travel may be included depending on the scholarship category and bilateral arrangement (confirm in the official call or with the Indian Embassy in your country).
Eligibility
ICCR scholarships are offered to citizens of eligible countries under bilateral, regional, and general category agreements. General eligibility criteria include:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country listed in the ICCR scholarship call (check the official ICCR portal or your local Indian Embassy/High Commission).
- Must not hold Indian citizenship or be a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) applying under certain categories.
- Must meet the academic qualification requirement for the chosen level (secondary school certificate for undergraduate; bachelor’s degree for master’s; master’s degree for PhD).
- Must meet the age requirements specified in the annual call for each level.
- Must be proficient in English (the primary medium of instruction in most programmes).
How to Apply
Applications for ICCR Scholarships are typically processed through the Indian Embassy or High Commission in the applicant’s country, and submitted through the official ICCR scholarship portal. The process generally involves:
- Step 1 – Check the call: Visit the official ICCR scholarship portal at scholarships.iccr.gov.in to review available scholarships, eligible countries, and deadlines (typically March–April).
- Step 2 – Register online: Create an account and register on the ICCR scholarship portal.
- Step 3 – Complete the application: Fill in all required fields and upload supporting documents including academic transcripts, passport, photograph, medical certificate, and any other documents listed in the call.
- Step 4 – Submit before deadline: Submit the completed application before the annual deadline (varies by country and scholarship category — typically March or April).
- Step 5 – Selection and placement: Applications are reviewed by ICCR. Selected candidates receive admission offers to Indian institutions based on their academic preferences and ICCR placement decisions.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | January – February (approximately) |
| Application Deadline | March – April (varies by country and category) |
| Selection and Placement | After deadline (timing varies) |
| Academic Year Begins | July – August (India academic calendar) |
Contact Information
For official programme details, available scholarship categories, and application instructions, visit the ICCR scholarship portal at scholarships.iccr.gov.in or the main ICCR website at iccr.gov.in. You can also contact the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your home country for country-specific scholarship opportunities and application procedures.
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