Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026 is one of India’s most accessible private scholarship schemes, offering monthly financial assistance of Rs.500 to Rs.3,200 to students from Class 11 through postgraduate and professional courses — in all streams and all states. If you are a meritorious student from a low-income family and struggling to meet your education costs, this guide covers everything you need to know to apply successfully this year.
This scholarship is designed for Indian students aged below 30 years with a family income below Rs.4 lakh (salaried) or Rs.2.5 lakh (non-salaried). Whether you study Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medical, ITI, or Diploma — you qualify to apply. This article covers eligibility, category-wise monthly amounts, required documents, step-by-step application process, renewal rules, and a full comparison with other popular scholarships.
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026 provides Rs.500 to Rs.3,200 per month to Indian students from Class 11 to postgraduate and professional courses, based on merit and family income below Rs.4 lakh. Applications are accepted year-round via the official portal at sitaramjindalfoundation.org — no fixed last date, but apply early for faster disbursement.
- Scholarship Name: Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026
- Offered By: Sitaram Jindal Foundation (SJF), Bangalore, Karnataka
- Monthly Amount: Rs.500 – Rs.3,200 (varies by course and gender)
- Eligible Courses: Class 11 & 12, ITI, Diploma, UG, PG, Engineering, Medical
- Income Limit (Salaried): Rs.4,00,000 per annum
- Income Limit (Non-Salaried): Rs.2,50,000 per annum
- Selection Basis: Merit-cum-Means
- Application Mode: Online via official portal
- Last Date: Open year-round (expected Oct 31, 2026 for 2026-27 cycle)
- Hostel Allowance: Up to Rs.1,800/month extra for hostel residents
- Girls Benefit: Higher monthly amount + 5% marks relaxation
- Contact: scholarship@sitaramjindalfoundation.org | +91-80-2371-7777
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026?
- Who Should Apply for This Scholarship?
- Eligibility Criteria — Income, Marks, Age
- Category-Wise Monthly Scholarship Amount
- Hostel Accommodation Allowance
- Documents Required for Application
- How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step Process
- Selection Process and Timeline
- Scholarship Renewal Rules
- Sitaram Jindal vs Other Scholarships — Comparison
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Important Terms Related to This Scholarship
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026?

The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026 is a merit-cum-means private scholarship program operated by the Sitaram Jindal Foundation (SJF), headquartered at Jindal Nagar, Tumkur Road, Bangalore — 560073, Karnataka. The foundation was established to bridge the financial gap between talent and access to education for students from economically weaker sections across India.
Unlike most government scholarships that restrict eligibility to specific castes, states, or streams, the Sitaram Jindal Scholarship is open to all categories — General, OBC, SC, ST, and minority students — and covers every course from Class 11 to postgraduate medical and engineering degrees. The scheme has supported hundreds of thousands of students since its inception and remains one of the most respected private scholarship initiatives in the country.
Monthly financial support ranges from Rs.500 to Rs.3,200 depending on the course level and gender, with additional allowances for students residing in hostels. The 2026-27 cycle is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis through the foundation’s official online portal. Candidates from all 28 states and 8 union territories of India are eligible to apply.
Who Should Apply for This Scholarship?
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026 is suitable for a wide range of student profiles. Here are the specific groups who benefit most from applying:
- 🎓 Class 11 and Class 12 students from any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce) who secured 65% or above in Class 10 and have family income below Rs.4 lakh
- 🔧 ITI students in government or private institutes who passed their previous qualifying exam with at least 50% (boys) or 40% (girls)
- 📐 Diploma course students in engineering or technology pursuing three-year diploma programs at polytechnic institutes
- 🎓 Undergraduate students in B.A., B.Com., B.Sc. or any other recognized UG degree who need monthly support to cover tuition and living costs
- ⚕️ MBBS, BDS, and medical students who face the highest education costs and can receive up to Rs.3,000/month (girls) under this scheme
- 🖥️ B.Tech and engineering students in government or private recognized colleges seeking up to Rs.2,300/month (girls) or Rs.2,000/month (boys)
- 📚 Postgraduate students in M.A., M.Sc., MBA, M.Tech., MD, or MS who are renewing or applying fresh for continued support
- ♿ Physically challenged students and widows who are exempt from minimum marks requirements and only need to pass their qualifying exam
Eligibility Criteria — Income, Marks, Age
To qualify for the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026, students must meet both financial and academic criteria. The foundation divides eligibility into five course categories (A through E), each with specific marks requirements.
Income Eligibility
| Family Type | Maximum Annual Income Allowed |
|---|---|
| Salaried Employees | Rs.4,00,000 per annum |
| Non-Salaried / Self-Employed / Farmers | Rs.2,50,000 per annum |
The income certificate must be issued by a competent government authority — Tehsildar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or District Collector. A certificate from a private employer or self-declaration is not accepted.
Academic Marks Requirement by Category
| Category | Course | Boys (Min %) | Girls (Min %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat. A | Class 11 & 12 (General States) | 65% | 60% |
| Cat. A | Class 11 & 12 (Karnataka & West Bengal) | 75% | 70% |
| Cat. B | ITI Courses | 50% | 40% |
| Cat. C | Graduate / PG (General States) | 65% | 60% |
| Cat. C | Graduate / PG (Karnataka & West Bengal) | 75% | 70% |
| Cat. D | Diploma Courses | 60% | 55% |
| Cat. E | Engineering / Medical (UG & PG) | 60% | 55% |
Special category relaxation: Physically challenged students (with valid disability certificate), widows pursuing higher education, and unmarried wards of ex-servicemen are required only to pass their qualifying examination — no minimum percentage applies to them.
Age limit: The applicant must not be older than 30 years at the time of application. Students with a gap of more than two years between their qualifying and current course may not be eligible. The student must also not be simultaneously receiving any other scholarship exceeding Rs.1,000 per month from another source.
Category-Wise Monthly Scholarship Amount 2026
The monthly scholarship amount varies based on course category, level, and gender. Girls consistently receive higher amounts — a deliberate policy to encourage women’s education across India.
| Category | Course / Level | Boys / Month | Girls / Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat. A | Class 11 & 12 | Rs.500 | Rs.700 |
| Cat. B | ITI — Government Institute | Rs.500 | Rs.500 |
| Cat. B | ITI — Private Institute | Rs.700 | Rs.700 |
| Cat. C | Graduate (B.A., B.Com., B.Sc.) | Rs.1,100 | Rs.1,400 |
| Cat. C | Postgraduate (M.A., M.Sc., MBA) | Rs.1,500 | Rs.1,800 |
| Cat. D | Diploma Courses | Rs.1,000 | Rs.1,200 |
| Cat. E | B.Tech / B.E. (Engineering UG) | Rs.2,000 | Rs.2,300 |
| Cat. E | MBBS / BDS (Medical UG) | Rs.2,500 | Rs.3,000 |
| Cat. E | M.Tech / M.E. (Engineering PG) | Rs.2,800 | Rs.3,200 ⭐ |
| Cat. E | MD / MS (Medical PG) | Rs.2,800 | Rs.3,200 ⭐ |
The scholarship is disbursed monthly, directly to the student’s registered bank account via NEFT/RTGS. The account must be in the student’s own name — a parent’s account is not accepted. PG medical and engineering students receive the highest amount of Rs.3,200/month.
Hostel Accommodation Allowance
Students living in recognized hostel facilities receive an additional monthly hostel allowance on top of the regular scholarship amount.
| Course Level | Additional Hostel Allowance / Month |
|---|---|
| Class 11 & 12 | Rs.1,200 |
| ITI / Diploma | Rs.1,200 |
| Graduate Degrees | Rs.1,500 |
| Engineering / Medical (UG) | Rs.1,800 |
| Postgraduate (All streams) | Rs.1,800 |
A Hostel Warden Certificate is mandatory to claim this allowance. A PG medical girl in a hostel can receive up to Rs.5,000 per month combined — making this one of the most comprehensive private scholarship programs in India.
Documents Required for Application
Keep all documents ready before starting — incomplete uploads are the most common reason for rejection.
- Aadhaar Card — Identity and address verification
- Passport-Size Photograph — White background, taken within last 6 months
- Mark Sheets — Previous qualifying exam (Class 10, 12, or last semester)
- Income Certificate — Issued by Tehsildar / SDM / District Collector only
- Fee Receipt — Current year tuition fee from enrolled institution
- Bank Passbook (First Page) — Account number, IFSC code, branch, student’s name
- Institutional Verification — Application signed and stamped by College Principal (mandatory)
- Hostel Warden Certificate — Only for students claiming hostel allowance
- Disability Certificate — For physically challenged applicants (government hospital)
- Ex-Serviceman Certificate — For wards of ex-servicemen only
How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step Process 2026
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026 accepts applications online. Follow every step — missing institutional verification is the leading cause of rejection.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to sitaramjindalfoundation.org and click “Apply for Scholarship” on the homepage.
- Register on the Portal: Click “Sign Up,” enter your name, mobile number, and email. Verify via OTP sent to your mobile.
- Login and Begin Application: Log in with your credentials and navigate to the scholarship application section.
- Fill the Application Form: Enter personal details, academic details (course, institution, marks percentage), and bank account details. Double-check every field before proceeding.
- Download and Print the Form: The portal generates a PDF after form completion. Download and print it.
- Get Institutional Verification: Get the printed form physically signed and stamped by your College Principal or Head of Institution. This is mandatory — applications without it are rejected outright.
- Scan and Upload Documents: Upload the signed form plus all required documents — clear, legible scans with no cropping.
- Submit and Save Reference Number: Click “Submit” and save the application reference number — required for status tracking.
Students who apply immediately after securing admission receive their first disbursement within 45–60 days. Waiting until October can push the first payment to the next academic year. Apply the moment you have your admission confirmation and first-year fee receipt.
Selection Process and Disbursement Timeline
There is no entrance exam or interview. Selection is purely merit-cum-means based, and the process typically takes 45 to 90 days from submission to first disbursement.
- Application Review (Week 1–2): Foundation team checks all submissions for completeness. Incomplete or illegible applications are rejected without further notice.
- Eligibility Verification (Week 3–4): Income certificates cross-verified; mark sheets checked against category minimums; institutional stamps validated.
- Merit-Based Shortlisting (Week 4–6): Among eligible applicants, higher academic scores and lower family income get priority.
- Monthly Disbursement (After Approval): Amount credited to the student’s bank account every month via NEFT/RTGS. First disbursement typically within 45–90 days of submission.
Scholarship Renewal Rules
The Sitaram Jindal Scholarship is renewable every academic year. Students apply for renewal through the same portal at the start of each new year.
- ✅ Pass all exams without active backlogs
- ✅ Family income continues within prescribed limits
- ✅ Upload fresh fee receipt for the new academic year
- ✅ No disciplinary action from the institution
- ✅ Renewal marks requirement is 5% lower than initial application — 65% becomes 60%
Basic details saved from the first application make renewal considerably faster and simpler than the initial process.
Sitaram Jindal Scholarship vs Other Scholarships — Comparison
Here is a detailed comparison of the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship against the other major private and government scholarship programs for Indian students in 2026:
| Feature | Sitaram Jindal | NSP Post-Matric | AICTE Pragati | LIC Golden Jubilee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offered By | Private (SJF) | Govt. of India | AICTE / Govt. | LIC of India |
| All Categories | ✅ Yes | SC/ST/OBC only | Girls Tech only | General / all |
| Monthly Amount | Rs.500–Rs.3,200 | Varies by state | Rs.2,000 | Rs.1,250–Rs.4,167 |
| Income Limit | Rs.2.5L–Rs.4L | Varies | Rs.8 Lakh | Rs.2.5 Lakh |
| Covers ITI/Diploma | ✅ Yes | Partially | ❌ No | Partially |
| Covers Class 11-12 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Year-Round Apply | ✅ Yes | ❌ Fixed window | ❌ Fixed window | ❌ Fixed window |
| Hostel Allowance | ✅ Rs.1,800/mo | ❌ Limited | ❌ No | ❌ No |
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship is the best private scholarship for General category students who miss out on most government post-matric schemes. Its year-round window, hostel allowance, ITI/Diploma coverage, and Rs.3,200 top amount make it uniquely comprehensive. Students eligible for government scholarships can apply for both — they can be combined as long as the other source stays below Rs.1,000/month.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
Advantages
- ✅ Open to all categories — General, OBC, SC, ST, and minority students all eligible
- ✅ Widest course coverage — Class 11 to MD/M.Tech., including ITI, Diploma, all UG/PG
- ✅ Year-round application — no fixed deadline, apply anytime after admission
- ✅ Hostel allowance — up to Rs.1,800/month additional for residential students
- ✅ Gender equity — girls receive higher monthly amounts and 5% marks relaxation
- ✅ Annual renewal — continuous support for the full course with 5% renewal relaxation
Disadvantages
- ❌ Strict income ceiling — Rs.2.5 lakh (non-salaried) excludes many lower-middle-class families
- ❌ Higher marks bar in Karnataka and West Bengal — 75% required vs 65% elsewhere
- ❌ Cannot stack with other scholarships above Rs.1,000/month
- ❌ Modest Class 11-12 amounts — Rs.500/month insufficient in high-cost cities
Important Terms Related to Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
- Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Selection based on both academic marks and family income — good marks combined with low income gives the best chance of selection.
- Salaried Family Income: Combined gross annual income of all earners if the primary earner is employed. Limit is Rs.4 lakh per annum before deductions.
- Non-Salaried Income: Applies to farmers, traders, self-employed, and daily wage earners. Limit is stricter — Rs.2.5 lakh per annum, certified by a government revenue officer.
- Institutional Verification: Mandatory signature and stamp from the College Principal or Head of Institution on the printed application. No application proceeds without it.
- Hostel Warden Certificate: Official document confirming residential status in a recognized hostel. Required to claim the additional monthly hostel allowance.
- Category A to E: The five classification tiers used by SJF to determine monthly scholarship amounts — Category E (Engineering/Medical) receives the highest support up to Rs.3,200/month.
- Renewal Relaxation: Minimum marks requirement reduced by 5% at renewal — a student who needed 65% to apply fresh only needs 60% to continue.
- NSP (National Scholarship Portal): India’s government portal for official scholarship programs. The Sitaram Jindal Scholarship is private — it uses its own portal at sitaramjindalfoundation.org, not NSP.
- NEFT/RTGS Disbursement: Electronic bank transfer methods by which the monthly scholarship reaches the student’s account. Cheques and demand drafts are not issued.
- Girls’ Education Focus: Girls receive Rs.100–Rs.500 more per month than boys in every category, plus a 5% marks relaxation — a deliberate policy to boost female enrollment in higher education.
Important Links
| Link | URL / Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | sitaramjindalfoundation.org |
| Apply Online (Official Portal) | sitaramjindalfoundation.org/scholarships |
| Contact Email | scholarship@sitaramjindalfoundation.org |
| Helpline Phone | +91-80-2371-7777 / 78 / 79 / 80 |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship 2026 | Full Guide — Agrijob.in |
| Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship 2026 | Full Guide — Agrijob.in |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026 (Girls) | Full Guide — Agrijob.in |
| Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Guide | Full Guide — Agrijob.in |
Conclusion — Final Thoughts on Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026 remains one of the most inclusive and consistently available private scholarship programs in India — covering every student from Class 11 to postgraduate medical and engineering courses, across all streams, all categories, and all 28 states. With monthly support of Rs.500 to Rs.3,200 and an additional hostel allowance of up to Rs.1,800, it provides real monthly financial relief without bureaucratic delays or rigid annual windows.
If you meet the income and marks eligibility, apply immediately after securing your admission — do not wait for a deadline that does not exist. Earlier applicants receive their first disbursement faster, and the scholarship is renewable every year. Visit sitaramjindalfoundation.org to begin your application. Bookmark this page — we update it whenever official data changes.
- Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026 offers Rs.500–Rs.3,200 per month to students from Class 11 to PG and professional courses in all streams
- Income limit is Rs.4 lakh/year (salaried) and Rs.2.5 lakh/year (non-salaried) — government-issued income certificate is mandatory
- Girls receive higher monthly amounts and a 5% marks relaxation across all five course categories
- Hostel residents get Rs.1,200–Rs.1,800/month extra — a PG medical girl in a hostel can receive up to Rs.5,000/month combined
- No fixed last date — applications accepted year-round, but apply early for faster first disbursement
- College Principal’s signature and stamp on the printed application is mandatory — the single most common rejection reason when missing
Frequently Asked Questions About Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026
What is the last date to apply for the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026?
There is no fixed last date. The foundation accepts applications year-round on a rolling basis. The expected closing date for the 2026-27 cycle is October 31, 2026, but students should apply as soon as they secure admission — earlier applicants receive disbursement faster.
What is the monthly scholarship amount for a B.Tech student?
A B.Tech / B.E. student (Category E) receives Rs.2,000/month (boys) or Rs.2,300/month (girls). M.Tech / M.E. students receive Rs.2,800/month (boys) or Rs.3,200/month (girls). Hostel residents receive an additional Rs.1,800/month over these base amounts.
Can students from all streams — Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medical — apply?
Yes. The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship covers all streams. B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., B.Tech, MBBS, ITI, and Diploma students are all eligible. The monthly amount differs by course category, not by stream.
Is the Sitaram Jindal Scholarship available for private college students?
Yes. Students in both government and recognized private institutions can apply. The institution must be affiliated with a recognized university or board (UGC, AICTE, NMC). Unaffiliated or unrecognized colleges are not eligible.
Can I apply if I already receive another scholarship?
Students receiving less than Rs.1,000/month from another source may still apply. Those already receiving more than Rs.1,000/month from any government or private scholarship for the same course are generally not eligible. Students who withdraw from their existing scholarship become eligible.
How is the scholarship disbursed — monthly or annually?
The scholarship is disbursed monthly, directly to the student’s own bank account via NEFT/RTGS. The account must be in the student’s name — parent’s or guardian’s accounts are not accepted. Lump-sum or annual payments are not made.
What is the family income limit for the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026?
The income limit is Rs.4,00,000 per annum for salaried employees and Rs.2,50,000 per annum for non-salaried, self-employed, or farming families. The income certificate must be issued by a Tehsildar, SDM, or District Collector and reflect total gross household income.
Do physically challenged students need to meet the minimum marks requirement?
No. Physically challenged students are exempt from minimum percentage requirements and only need to pass their qualifying exam. The same exemption applies to widows and unmarried wards of ex-servicemen. A valid disability certificate from a government hospital is required.
How do I check my Sitaram Jindal Scholarship application status?
Log into the official portal at sitaramjindalfoundation.org using your registered mobile and password. Your dashboard shows whether the application is under review, approved, or requires additional documents. Save your application reference number at submission — it is needed for all status tracking.
Is the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship renewable every year?
Yes. Students must pass all exams without backlog, upload a fresh fee receipt and mark sheet each year, and ensure income remains within prescribed limits. Renewal requires marks 5% lower than the initial threshold — making it easier to maintain the scholarship throughout the full course duration.
Last Updated: September 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 information.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details are sourced from publicly available information and official foundation sources. Verify the latest eligibility, amounts, and deadlines directly at sitaramjindalfoundation.org before applying. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with the Sitaram Jindal Foundation.






