Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 – Rs.6 Lakh for PG, Apply by Oct 5

The Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 is one of India’s most generous private scholarship programmes, selecting up to 5,000 undergraduate and 100 postgraduate scholars from across the country. This guide covers every eligibility condition, selection stage, document checklist, and step of the application process — so you can apply with full confidence before the October 5, 2026 deadline.

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This guide is for first-year UG and PG students — aged 18 to 28 — who want significant financial support without loans or collateral. Whether you cleared Class 12 with 60% marks or hold a GATE score of 550+, read on to find out if you qualify and exactly how to apply.

What Is the Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27?

The Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 is a merit-cum-means scholarship programme run by Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited. It funds talented Indian students at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, offering substantial financial grants along with mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities.

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For 2026-27, the programme runs two distinct tracks: an Undergraduate Scholarship covering any degree stream for students from economically weaker backgrounds, and a highly competitive Postgraduate Scholarship targeting future-ready fields like Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Both tracks require an online aptitude test as part of the selection process.

Since its launch, the Reliance Foundation Scholarship has disbursed funding to thousands of students annually, making it one of the highest-value private scholarship programmes available to Indian students today. The 2026-27 cycle received applications from over 1.25 lakh students in previous years, with only the top performers selected — making early and complete applications critical.

Who Should Apply for This Scholarship?

This scholarship is designed for a specific profile of student. Check if any of these 8 descriptions match you:

• 🎓 First-year UG students enrolled in any regular full-time degree in 2026-27 with Class 12 marks of 60% or above
• 🔬 First-year PG students in AI, Computer Science, Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Life Sciences with a GATE score of 550–1,000 or UG CGPA of 7.5+
• 💰 Students from low-income families with household income below Rs.15 lakh per year (priority given to those below Rs.2.5 lakh)
• 📚 High-aptitude students who can perform well in a 60-minute online test covering verbal, analytical, logical, and numerical reasoning
• 🏆 Students with extracurricular achievements — leadership, community service, innovation, or sports records strengthen PG applications significantly
• 🌱 First-generation college students whose parents did not attend higher education — Reliance Foundation actively prioritises such applicants
• 👩‍💻 Students pursuing STEM and tech fields who need financial support to avoid part-time work that distracts from academics
• 🇮🇳 Resident Indian citizens only — NRIs, OCI cardholders, and foreign nationals are not eligible for either track

Scholarship Amount and Financial Benefits

The Reliance Foundation Scholarship provides one of the largest private scholarship grants available to Indian students, with no repayment obligation. Here is the complete financial breakdown:

Beyond the direct financial grant, both UG and PG scholars receive access to the Reliance Foundation Scholars alumni network, industry mentorship sessions, skill development workshops, and leadership programmes. PG scholars additionally get access to internship opportunities and networking events with industry professionals and Reliance Foundation leadership.

For UG students, bank accounts must be Aadhaar-seeded and mapped on the NPCI mapper to receive disbursements via Direct Benefit Transfer. Ensure this is done before the final selection stage to avoid delays in fund release.

Eligibility Criteria for UG and PG Students

Eligibility differs significantly between the two tracks. Confirm which set of criteria applies to you before starting the application.

UG Scholarship Eligibility

• Must be a resident Indian citizen
• Passed Class 12 with a minimum of 60% marks (all boards accepted)
• Enrolled in the 1st year of a regular full-time undergraduate degree in academic year 2026-27
• Any stream accepted — Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Law, etc.
• Household income less than Rs.15 lakh per annum; preference for income below Rs.2.5 lakh
• Must complete the mandatory online aptitude test after submitting the application

PG Scholarship Eligibility

• Must be a resident Indian citizen
• Enrolled in the 1st year of a full-time postgraduate programme in 2026-27
• Eligible disciplines: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable & New Energy, Material Science & Engineering, Life Sciences
• Must meet one of the following academic benchmarks:
  • GATE score of 550 to 1,000, OR
  • Undergraduate CGPA of 7.5 or above (or equivalent percentage normalised to CGPA) if GATE was not attempted
• No income restriction for PG — selection is purely merit-based
• Must submit two letters of reference (one academic, one leadership/character) by October 12, 2026

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting your application — uploading incomplete documents is a common reason for disqualification:

How to Apply for Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 — Step-by-Step

The entire application is free and conducted online. Follow these 7 steps carefully to complete a strong application:

1. Visit the Official Portal — Go to scholarships.reliancefoundation.org. You can also WhatsApp “Hi” to +91 79771 00100 or call (011) 4117 1414 for helpline support during registration.
2. Select Your Category — Choose either the UG Scholarship or PG Scholarship section based on your current degree enrolment. Do not cross-apply.
3. Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire — The portal first checks your basic eligibility with 4–5 quick questions. Only eligible students can proceed to the full form.
4. Register and Fill the Application Form — Enter your personal details, contact information, academic record, achievements, and awards. PG applicants must also upload their Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose at this stage.
5. Upload All Required Documents — Attach scanned copies of marksheets, income certificates, Aadhaar, admission proof, and (for PG) recommendation letters and essays. Ensure each file is under the size limit and in the accepted format (PDF/JPG).
6. Take the Mandatory Aptitude Test — After your application is screened, you will be assigned an online aptitude test slot. The test is 60 minutes and consists of 60 MCQs covering verbal ability, analytical and logical reasoning, and numerical ability. No negative marking is mentioned in official guidelines.
7. Submit Before October 5, 2026 — Review all entries, verify document uploads, and submit. PG applicants must also ensure both reference letters are submitted by October 12, 2026. Results are expected in December 2026.

UG vs PG Scholarship — Complete Comparison

Both tracks are run by Reliance Foundation but differ substantially in amount, competition, selection process, and eligibility. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you identify exactly which track applies to you:

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Reliance Foundation Scholarship

Advantages

• ✅ Highest private scholarship grant in India — Rs.6 lakh for PG is unmatched by most non-government programmes
• ✅ Zero repayment obligation — unlike education loans, this is a grant with no interest, no EMI, and no collateral
• ✅ Free to apply — no application fee, registration charge, or processing cost
• ✅ Mentorship and networking included — scholars gain access to industry leaders, alumni, and Reliance Foundation’s nationwide network
• ✅ Open to all UG streams — arts, commerce, and vocational students are eligible, not just STEM scholars

Disadvantages

• ❌ Very high competition for PG — only 100 slots nationwide means less than 0.1% selection rate from a large applicant pool
• ❌ Mandatory aptitude test — students who struggle with standardised logical and numerical tests may be filtered out regardless of academic record
• ❌ Strict income limit for UG — students from families earning above Rs.15 lakh are fully ineligible, even with outstanding merit

Important Terms and Concepts Related to This Scholarship

Understanding these 9 key terms will help you navigate the application confidently and avoid common mistakes:

• Merit-cum-Means: A selection method that considers both academic performance and financial background. For the UG track, this means top aptitude test scores combined with lower household income receive higher priority.
• GATE Score (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering): A national-level exam score required for PG scholarship eligibility. Scores between 550 and 1,000 are accepted; GATE scores below 550 do not qualify for this programme.
• CGPA 7.5: The minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average required for PG applicants who did not appear for GATE. This is typically equivalent to approximately 71%–75% depending on the university’s grading scale.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A 500–700 word essay explaining your academic goals, research interests, and why you are applying for the PG scholarship. This is a primary evaluation criterion at the expert panel review stage.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The government’s digital payment system used to disburse UG scholarship funds directly into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account. Accounts not seeded with Aadhaar will face disbursement delays.
• Aptitude Test (Online MCQ): A 60-minute, 60-question test assessing verbal ability, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and numerical ability. All applicants — both UG and PG — must take this test as part of selection.
• Letter of Recommendation: A formal endorsement required from two referees for PG applicants — one focusing on academic capability and one on character and leadership. These must be submitted by October 12, 2026, even if the main application closes October 5.
• Resident Indian Citizen: A person who holds Indian citizenship and resides in India. NRIs, OCI cardholders, and foreign passport holders are not eligible for either track of this scholarship.
• Reliance Foundation Scholars Network: The exclusive alumni community of past Reliance Foundation scholars. Membership provides ongoing mentorship access, peer networking, and event invitations long after the scholarship period ends.

Important Dates and Timeline for 2026-27

All dates are as per the official 2026-27 notification. For last-minute updates, check scholarships.reliancefoundation.org directly before submitting your application.

Important Links

Conclusion

The Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 offers Indian students one of the most financially significant and career-enriching scholarship opportunities available outside the government sector. With up to Rs.2 lakh for UG students and Rs.6 lakh for PG scholars, plus mentorship and alumni benefits, this programme rewards both merit and need. If you meet the eligibility criteria, do not delay — gather your documents, prepare for the aptitude test, and submit your complete application on the official portal before October 5, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026

What is the last date to apply for Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27?

The last date to apply for the Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 is October 5, 2026 for both UG and PG applicants. PG applicants have an additional deadline of October 12, 2026 to submit both letters of recommendation. No applications are accepted after the stated deadline under any circumstances.

How much is the Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 amount?

The Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 provides up to Rs.2 lakh over the degree duration for UG students (approximately Rs.50,000 per year for a 4-year programme) and up to Rs.6 lakh over the degree duration for PG students (approximately Rs.3 lakh per year for a 2-year programme). The PG grant is disbursed as 80% advance for tuition and 20% for professional development.

What is the eligibility for the Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship?

To be eligible for the Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship 2026-27, a student must be a resident Indian citizen, have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 60% marks, be enrolled in the first year of a regular full-time undergraduate degree in 2026-27, and have a household income of less than Rs.15 lakh per annum. Students with income below Rs.2.5 lakh are given preference in the merit-cum-means selection.

Is the Reliance Foundation Scholarship application free?

Yes, the Reliance Foundation Scholarship application is completely free for both UG and PG tracks. There is no application fee, registration charge, or any hidden cost at any stage of the process. Beware of third-party websites that claim to charge a processing fee — the only official portal is scholarships.reliancefoundation.org.

What is the aptitude test for Reliance Foundation Scholarship?

The Reliance Foundation Scholarship aptitude test is a mandatory 60-minute online test consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. It assesses students on three areas: verbal ability, analytical and logical ability, and numerical ability. All applicants — both UG and PG — must take this test. The test is scheduled after the initial application screening, and applicants are individually notified of their test slot.

Which streams are eligible for the Reliance Foundation PG Scholarship?

The Reliance Foundation PG Scholarship 2026-27 is available for first-year students in the following streams: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable & New Energy, Material Science & Engineering, and Life Sciences. Students in other PG disciplines are not eligible for the PG track but may be eligible for the UG track if they were previously enrolled in a UG programme.

Can a student apply for both UG and PG Reliance Foundation Scholarships?

No. A student can apply for only one track — either the UG Scholarship or the PG Scholarship — based on their current enrolment. Cross-applications are not permitted. If you are currently enrolled in a first-year postgraduate programme in an eligible field, you must apply under the PG track even if you also completed an undergraduate degree last year.

How many students are selected under the Reliance Foundation Scholarship each year?

For 2026-27, Reliance Foundation will select up to 5,000 undergraduate scholars and up to 100 postgraduate scholars. Based on previous cycles, the programme receives applications from over 1.25 lakh students annually, making the UG acceptance rate approximately 1 in 25 and the PG acceptance rate significantly more competitive at fewer than 1 in 100 eligible applicants.

What documents are required for Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27?

For UG applicants, the required documents include the Class 12 marksheet (60%+), domicile or citizenship proof, family income certificate (below Rs.15 lakh), college admission confirmation, Aadhaar card, and passport-size photograph. PG applicants additionally need their UG transcript or GATE scorecard, two recommendation letters, a Personal Statement, and a Statement of Purpose. All documents should be scanned as clear PDFs or JPGs before beginning the online application.

When will Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 results be announced?

The Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 results are expected to be announced in December 2026. Selected scholars will be notified directly through the registered email and mobile number. There is no separate merit list published publicly. Always check your registered email and the official portal at scholarships.reliancefoundation.org for result updates.

Last Updated: September 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest result announcements and scholarship news from Agrijob.in.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All scholarship details, eligibility conditions, and dates are based on official Reliance Foundation announcements and verified secondary sources as of September 2026. Always cross-verify the latest information on the official portal before submitting your application. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with Reliance Foundation or Reliance Industries Limited.

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