The Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2025-26, one of India’s most impactful educational initiatives, are designed to nurture and empower talented youth, allowing them to reach their full potential through financial and academic support. With a legacy spanning more than 25 years, Reliance Foundation stands at the forefront of educational transformation, inspired by the vision of its Founder-Chairman, Shri Dhirubhai Ambani: “The best way to ensure the nation’s progress is to invest in its youth.”
Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2025-26: Introduction
India’s thriving future is reliant on the empowerment of its young minds. Every year, lakhs of students aspire to secure financial aid and scholarships from prestigious foundations. The Reliance Foundation Scholarships are a beacon of hope for meritorious students who lack the financial resources to pursue their dreams. Since its inception, the program has touched the lives of more than 23,000 youth across India and continues to expand its reach, providing an unparalleled opportunity for academic and professional growth.
Reliance Foundation: A Legacy of Nurturing Talent
Reliance Foundation is a philanthropic initiative of Reliance Industries Limited, aimed at catalyzing positive and sustainable change for India’s youth. The scholarships program focuses on fostering a culture of merit, commitment, and diversity. From assisting children in remote villages to aspirants in urban centers, the Foundation’s mission is unwavering: to build a nation of leaders, professionals, and change-makers.
By providing targeted support for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students, the Reliance Foundation Scholarships are structured to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder excellence. With robust selection processes and dedicated alumni networks, these scholarships empower students not just financially, but also by creating pathways for mentorship and professional development.
Section 1: Overview of Reliance Foundation Scholarships
1 Scholarship Categories
For the academic year 2025-26, the Reliance Foundation offers two flagship scholarship programs:
- Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
- Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships
Each program caters to different segments of students and academic disciplines, with specific eligibility criteria and rewards.
2 Impact and Reach
- More than 5,100 students are supported annually, including 5,000 undergraduates from underprivileged backgrounds and 100 of India’s brightest postgraduates in future-ready fields.
- So far, over 23,000 youth have benefited from the scholarship, spread across diverse regions and demographics of India.
3 Vision and Objective
The key objectives of the Reliance Foundation Scholarships are:
- To nurture meritorious students regardless of their financial background.
- To promote gender, regional, and socioeconomic diversity.
- To create robust alumni networks for continued support and engagement.
- To enable scholars to become successful professionals and leaders who drive India’s growth.
Section 2: Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
1 Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be first-year undergraduate students enrolled in any stream—arts, commerce, science, engineering, law, management, etc.—in a recognized Indian institution.
- Students must demonstrate academic excellence in their Class 12/equivalent board exams.
- Preference is given to candidates from disadvantaged or underprivileged backgrounds.
- The scholarship is open to Indian citizens only.
2 Benefits of the Undergraduate Scholarship
- Up to INR 2,00,000 over the course of the degree program.
- Financial support for tuition fees, academic resources, and other education-related expenses.
- Access to workshops, webinars, and expert sessions from Reliance Foundation.
- Mentorship and guidance from professionals linked to the Foundation’s alumni network.
- Opportunity to join a vibrant community of scholars from across the country.
3 Application Process for Undergraduate Scholarship
- Applications are submitted online through the Reliance Foundation scholarships portal.
- Students are required to furnish academic transcripts, identity documentation, and proof of enrolment.
- A detailed statement of purpose and personal background is expected.
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in an interview or additional assessments.
4 Key Dates and Deadlines
- Applications typically open in July or August and run until September or October of the academic year.
- Selection and announcement of results usually occur within two months of the application deadline.
- Disbursement of scholarship funds follows verification of documents and acceptance of the scholarship offer.
Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships
1 Eligibility Criteria
- Open to students pursuing eligible master’s or postgraduate degrees, including M.Tech, MSc, MBA, and similar courses.
- Applicants must be enrolled in recognized Indian institutions at the time of application.
- Selection prioritizes academic merit, leadership skills, and commitment to societal improvement.
- The PG scholarship targets those specializing in Engineering, Technology, Life Sciences, Energy, and related future-ready fields.
2 Benefits of the Postgraduate Scholarship
- Up to INR 6,00,000 for the entire duration of the postgraduate program.
- Comprehensive coverage for tuition, research, living expenses, and more.
- Exclusive access to advanced learning modules, field visits, and networking opportunities.
- Development workshops and personalized mentorship from industry leaders.
3 Application Process for Postgraduate Scholarship
- Online application via the Reliance Foundation Scholarships portal.
- Submission of academic records, identification, institution verification, and reference letters.
- Applicants must present a compelling personal statement, outlining career plans, leadership vision, and alignment with national priorities.
- Final selection often includes interviews, aptitude assessments, and validation of documented claims.
4 Important Dates and Announcement
- The application window is generally announced in August, with closing dates in October.
- Selections are declared in late November or December.
- The scholarship funds are issued shortly after completion of due diligence and formal acceptance.
Becoming a Reliance Foundation Scholar
1 Selection Process
The selection process is competitive, focusing on academic achievements, personal background, extracurricular activities, and future vision. A multi-stage evaluation ensures that only the most deserving candidates are awarded:
- Screening of academic and financial documents.
- Detailed review of statements and supporting materials.
- Personal interviews, group discussions, or written assessments (for some categories).
- Final merit-based shortlist and announcement.
2 Building Alumni Networks
Selected scholars become members of a nationwide alumni network. This provides:
- Ongoing support, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities.
- Networking with professionals and fellow recipients across disciplines.
- Invitations to exclusive events, seminars, and collaborative projects.
- Opportunities to mentor future scholars or participate in outreach activities.
3 Scholar Responsibilities and Expectations
Scholars are expected to:
- Maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout their course.
- Engage proactively with mentorship and development programs.
- Represent Reliance Foundation in public forums and at events.
- Contribute to community welfare and uphold values of leadership and service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Reliance Foundation Scholarships?
Any meritorious student enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate or eligible postgraduate program in India, meeting all specified criteria, is welcome to apply.
How much financial aid is offered?
The undergraduate program offers up to INR 2,00,000 per scholar, while the postgraduate program offers up to INR 6,00,000, covering tuition and additional academic expenses.
Are students from any stream eligible?
Yes, all streams are eligible for undergraduate scholarships. Postgraduate scholarships focus on select advanced fields including Engineering, Technology, Life Sciences, and Energy.
What is the selection timeline?
Applications open and close in the academic year’s initial months. Selections, interviews, and announcements follow within two to three months of application closure.
Is work experience required for postgraduate applicants?
No, fresh graduates as well as those with prior work experience can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can existing scholarship holders apply for other Reliance Foundation programs?
Each candidate is permitted to apply for only one program per academic year.
How to Maximize Your Scholarship Application Success
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early and gather all required documents.
- Craft a compelling statement of purpose, highlighting achievements and future aspirations.
- Seek references from mentors and teachers who can validate your credentials.
- Prepare for interviews by researching Reliance Foundation’s mission and previous scholar success stories.
- Double-check submissions to avoid errors or missing information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete applications or missing documents.
- Submitting weak or generic personal statements.
- Providing inaccurate or unverifiable information.
- Missing the application deadline.
The Role of Buddy4Study and Expert Portals
Buddy4Study provides up-to-date information, guides, and tips for students seeking scholarships. Online platforms and forums often share peer experiences, application strategies, and expert advice, making them invaluable resources during the scholarship season.
Life After Receiving the Reliance Foundation Scholarship
Academic Enrichment
Access to financial aid means scholars can participate in extra academic activities, research projects, and workshops that may have been financially inaccessible before.
Professional Development
Scholars are supported beyond financial aid; they receive guidance, skill training, and career counselling through Reliance Foundation’s robust network.
Alumni Engagement
Ongoing alumni activities, such as seminars, group mentoring sessions, and national conferences, help scholars stay connected and continually grow.
Giving Back to Society
Many scholarship recipients go on to initiate social projects, support disadvantaged communities, and participate in national development efforts.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2025-26 offer far-reaching benefits for aspiring students from all walks of life. By rewarding merit and commitment, the program helps India’s brightest youth shine while promoting equity and inclusion in higher education. Whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, the scholarships nurture leaders who will innovate and contribute significantly to nation-building.
Interested students should closely monitor the Reliance Foundation and Buddy4Study portals for official notifications, updated criteria, and application tips. By preparing diligently and presenting a compelling case, hundreds of candidates will realize their educational dreams in the coming year.
For all queries related to PG Scholarships, contact: RF.PGScholarships@reliancefoundation.org
For UG Scholarships, reach out: RF.UGScholarships@reliancefoundation.orgbuddy4study
