Indian students searching for financial support from top corporate houses have a major opportunity this month. The Reliance Foundation — the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited — has officially opened applications for its flagship Reliance Foundation Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships 2026.
With an aim to support 5,000 undergraduate and 100 postgraduate students across India, the program is one of the most generous corporate scholarship initiatives in the country. The undergraduate scholarship offers up to ₹2 Lakhs over the duration of the degree, while the postgraduate scholarship provides up to ₹6 Lakhs for students pursuing future-ready courses in technology and sciences.
💸 Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026 — Key Details
- 💰 Undergraduate Grant: Up to ₹2,00,000 (across 3-4 years of study)
- 💰 Postgraduate Grant: Up to ₹6,00,000 (across 2 years of study)
- 🎯 Total Scholars: 5,100 students selected nationwide each year
- 🎓 Academic Stream: Any stream for UG; STEM/Computer Science focus for PG
- 📅 Application Mode: 100% online through Reliance Foundation portal
- ⚠️ Income Cap: Household income must be below ₹15 Lakhs per annum for UG
1. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate (UG) Scholarship
The UG scholarship is designed to enable merit-driven students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to complete their undergraduate studies without financial strain. Unlike many corporate scholarships, the Reliance UG scholarship is open to all fields of study (Engineering, Medicine, Commerce, Arts, Science, Law, etc.).
Eligibility Criteria:
- 📌 Enrollment: Must be a first-year student enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree program at a recognized Indian college or university.
- 📌 Academic Performance: Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks.
- 📌 Financial Background: Preference is given to candidates with an annual household income of less than ₹2.5 Lakhs. The absolute upper income cap for eligibility is ₹15 Lakhs per annum.
- 📌 Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
Financial Benefits:
Selected scholars receive a total grant of up to ₹2 Lakhs, distributed annually over the course of their degree. The scholarship funds can be used for tuition fees, accommodation, books, exam fees, and other education-related expenses.
2. Reliance Foundation Postgraduate (PG) Scholarship
The PG scholarship aims to nurture future global leaders who will drive technological advancements in India. It is highly competitive and restricted to students pursuing postgraduate degrees in specific **future-oriented fields**.
Eligible Fields of Study:
- 💻 Computer Science & Information Technology
- 🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- 🧬 Biotechnology & Life Sciences
- 🔋 New Energy & Renewable Energy
- 🌐 Data Science & Mathematics
- 🩺 Healthcare Technology & Bio-engineering
Eligibility Criteria:
- 📌 Enrollment: First-year students enrolled in a full-time PG course (M.Tech, M.E., M.Sc, etc.) in one of the eligible fields listed above.
- 📌 Academic Performance: Must have secured a high percentile in GATE/GPAT or equivalent national level entrance exams, or scored 7.5 CGPA / 75% in graduation.
- 📌 Financial Cap: There is no household income cap for the PG scholarship — it is awarded purely on merit.
Financial & Career Benefits:
PG scholars receive a grant of up to ₹6 Lakhs. Beyond the financial aid, scholars gain access to a global alumni network, mentorship from industry experts at Reliance Industries, and opportunities to attend exclusive leadership workshops.
3. Selection Process & Evaluation Criteria
To ensure fairness and identify the most deserving candidates, Reliance Foundation follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process:
| Stage | Undergraduate (UG) Route | Postgraduate (PG) Route |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Online Application | Submit academic transcripts, income certificate, and personal essays. | Submit graduation transcripts, GATE/national test scores, and statement of purpose. |
| Stage 2: Online Aptitude Test | Mandatory 60-minute test evaluating verbal, analytical, and logical reasoning. | Aptitude test + domain-specific technical assessment (STEM). |
| Stage 3: Interview Round | ❌ None (Selection based on test score, academic history, and financial need). | ✅ Two rounds of panel interviews with leading academics and industry experts. |
| Final Selection | Merit-cum-means list published on portal. | Top 100 scholars announced. |
4. Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online
- Register on the Portal: Visit the official portal reliancefoundation.org and navigate to the "Scholarships" tab.
- Complete Eligibility Check: Take the quick 2-minute eligibility questionnaire to verify if your age, stream, and marks qualify.
- Fill out the Application: Provide personal details, academic scores, family income information, and co-curricular achievements.
- Upload Required Documents: Keep high-quality scans of the following documents ready:
- 📄 Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets (or Graduation transcripts for PG)
- 📄 Current College Admission Proof (Fee receipt / ID Card)
- 📄 Income Certificate (issued by competent government authority)
- 📄 Passport-size Photograph & Signature
- Submit and Prepare for Test: Once submitted, you will receive a mock test link on your registered email to practice for the online aptitude exam.
💡 Tips to Stand Out in Your Application
- 📌 Draft a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP): For PG applicants, clearly articulate how your chosen research field (AI, Renewable Energy, etc.) will contribute to India's technological future.
- 📌 Do Not Rush the Essays: Write the personal statement essays carefully. Describe your career goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Keep it honest and authentic.
- 📌 Practice for the Aptitude Test: The online aptitude test is the primary filter for UG applicants. Take mock tests seriously to improve your speed and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a student pursuing a dual degree (e.g., Integrated B.Tech-M.Tech) apply?
Yes. Students enrolled in integrated dual degree courses are eligible to apply. However, the scholarship grant will only cover the undergraduate portion of the course (usually the first 3-4 years) under the UG scheme. For PG-specific fields, students in the final years of their dual degree may be considered under PG guidelines.
2. Is there any bond or commitment to work for Reliance Industries after graduation?
No. The Reliance Foundation Scholarship is purely a philanthropic grant. There is absolutely no bond, contract, or commitment requiring selected scholars to work for Reliance Industries or its affiliates after completing their degree. Scholars are free to pursue their careers or higher education as they choose.
3. Can I apply for this scholarship if I am already receiving another government scholarship?
No. As per the policy rules of the foundation, candidates are not allowed to hold more than one scholarship concurrently. If you are selected for the Reliance Foundation Scholarship, you must withdraw from any other active scholarship programs or forfeit the Reliance grant.
4. How is the scholarship money disbursed?
The scholarship amount is disbursed directly into the verified bank account of the selected student via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The payment is made in yearly installments, subject to the student maintaining a good academic record (minimum pass marks/attendance) in subsequent years of college.