Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 2026-27: Eligibility, Benefits & Apply Online
The Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 2026-27 are now open for applications from eligible first-year postgraduate students pursuing selected future-ready programmes in engineering, technology and life sciences.
The scholarship programme aims to support talented young students who have the potential to contribute to research, technology, innovation and nation-building. According to the provided Reliance Foundation material, up to 100 postgraduate scholars will be selected on the basis of merit and each selected scholar can receive up to ₹6 lakh over the duration of the degree programme.
The programme is designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to give scholars opportunities for expert interactions, industry exposure, mentoring, internships, volunteering and participation in a strong scholar community.
What is the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship?
The Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is intended to nurture the next generation of scientists, technologists and changemakers who can contribute to India’s future development.
The programme focuses on areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Renewable & New Energy, Material Science & Engineering and Life Sciences.
The Foundation states that it seeks students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also qualities such as leadership potential, integrity, community commitment, a growth mindset and courage.
Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27: Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 2026-27 |
| Scholarships Available | Up to 100 |
| Maximum Scholarship Amount | Up to ₹6 lakh |
| Target Students | First-year postgraduate students |
| Mode of Study | Full-time, regular PG programmes |
| Selection Basis | Merit |
| Aptitude Test | Mandatory online test |
| Test Duration | 60 minutes |
| Test Questions | 60 MCQs |
| Interview | Virtual interview |
| Application Status | Applications for 2026-27 are open |
The scholarship material specifies that 80% of the scholarship funds are provided in advance at the beginning of each academic year for tuition and direct academic expenses. The remaining 20% can be requested for professional, indirect academic and personal development expenses, including conference-related expenses.
How Much Scholarship Amount is Available?
One of the major attractions of the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is its financial support.
Selected scholars can receive up to ₹6 lakh over the duration of their degree programme. The funds are structured as follows:
- 80% is granted in advance at the beginning of each academic year.
- The advance amount can be used for tuition and direct academic expenses.
- The remaining 20% can be requested for professional development and other eligible indirect academic and personal development expenses.
- Conference-related expenses are also specifically mentioned in the scholarship information.
This support can help eligible postgraduate students concentrate more effectively on their studies, research and professional development.
Who Can Apply for Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 2026-27?
The scholarship is intended for first-year postgraduate students enrolled full-time in eligible degree programmes.
According to the provided eligibility information, applicants must:
- Be a resident Indian citizen.
- Be a first-year postgraduate student.
- Be enrolled in a qualifying programme on a full-time, regular basis.
- Meet the specified academic eligibility requirement.
- Complete the mandatory online aptitude test.
- Be pursuing one of the eligible degree programmes listed by the Foundation.
Academic Eligibility
A first-year PG student can qualify through either of the following routes mentioned in the scholarship material:
- GATE score between 550 and 1,000, or
- Undergraduate CGPA of 7.5 or above, or the equivalent percentage normalised to CGPA.
Applicants should carefully check the official programme list and the latest eligibility requirements before submitting the application.
Eligible Courses for Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
Students pursuing postgraduate programmes in the following areas are invited to apply:
1. Computer Science
Postgraduate students in eligible Computer Science programmes can apply.
2. Artificial Intelligence
AI is specifically included among the future-ready fields covered by the scholarship.
3. Mathematics & Computing
The scholarship covers eligible programmes under Mathematics & Computing. However, students pursuing only Mathematics cannot apply under the Mathematics & Computing category.
4. Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering
Eligible PG programmes in Electrical and Electronics Engineering are included.
5. Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is one of the specified eligible fields.
6. Mechanical Engineering
Students pursuing eligible postgraduate programmes in Mechanical Engineering can apply.
7. Renewable & New Energy
The scholarship supports eligible programmes associated with Renewable & New Energy.
8. Material Science & Engineering
Material Science & Engineering is another important area covered by the scholarship.
9. Life Sciences
Eligible postgraduate programmes in Life Sciences are also included.
Important: The provided document refers applicants to the full list of eligible programmes. Students should verify that their exact degree programme appears on that list before applying.
Who is Not Eligible?
The provided scholarship document identifies several categories of students who are not eligible.
Students are not eligible if they:
- Are already in the second year of their postgraduate programme.
- Are pursuing their degree through online, remote, distance, hybrid, part-time or another non-regular mode.
- Are pursuing only Mathematics rather than an eligible Mathematics & Computing programme.
- Do not complete the mandatory aptitude test.
- Are found cheating during the aptitude test.
Therefore, students should carefully review the eligibility requirements before beginning the application.
Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 Application Process
The application process consists of several stages.
Step 1: Registration
Students first need to register on the Reliance Foundation scholarship website.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Applicants need to submit their application through the application portal.
The application requires information including:
- Personal details
- Academic details
- Extra-curricular information
- Academic/professional information
- Supporting documents
- Two letters of reference
- Personal Statement
- Statement of Purpose
Step 3: Submit Two Reference Letters
Applicants need to provide two letters of reference:
- One addressing their academic capabilities
- One addressing their character and leadership traits
Step 4: Write Two Essays
The application requires:
- Personal Statement
- Statement of Purpose
Applicants should use these essays to clearly communicate their academic journey, aspirations, motivation and future goals.
Step 5: Take the Aptitude Test
All applicants must take the online aptitude test.
The test consists of:
- 60 minutes
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- Verbal ability
- Analytical and logical ability
- Numerical ability
The aptitude test is an important part of the selection process, so applicants should prepare carefully.
Reliance Foundation Scholarship Selection Process
The selection process is competitive and merit-based.
Stage 1: Application Evaluation
Applications are evaluated by an expert panel consisting of:
- Industry experts
- Academicians
- Leaders in the relevant fields
Stage 2: Interview
Candidates who progress to the next stage participate in the interview process.
The Foundation states that interview preparation webinars will be conducted for all candidates. Interviews are conducted virtually by an expert panel.
Stage 3: Final Selection
Finally, up to 100 scholars will be announced.
The candidates are evaluated on the basis of merit.
What Does Reliance Foundation Look for in Scholars?
The scholarship is not focused only on academic marks. The programme highlights six key values.
Excellence
The Foundation seeks scholars who are committed to excellence and continuously look for better ways to approach challenges.
Leadership Potential
Applicants should demonstrate the potential and ambition to become future leaders in India and globally.
Integrity
Integrity involves honesty, accountability and responsibility for one’s actions and decisions.
Community Commitment
The programme values students who demonstrate a commitment to social good and contributing to their communities.
Growth Mindset
Students are expected to demonstrate a willingness to learn, grow and continuously improve themselves.
Courage
The Foundation seeks resilient and determined students who view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Benefits Beyond Financial Assistance
The Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship offers more than financial support.
Selected scholars can benefit from development opportunities such as:
- Expert talks and workshops
- Interaction with global experts
- Mentoring opportunities
- Internship opportunities
- Volunteering engagements
- Alumni network
- Scholar community and professional exposure
These opportunities can help students build professional networks and develop skills beyond the classroom.
How to Prepare for the Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27
Students planning to apply should prepare well in advance.
Prepare Your Academic Information
Keep your undergraduate marks/CGPA, PG admission details and other academic information ready.
Choose References Carefully
Select referees who can provide meaningful information about your academic capabilities, character and leadership qualities.
Work on Your Essays
The Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose are important components of the application. Write authentic, clearly structured responses that demonstrate your goals and motivation.
Prepare for the Aptitude Test
Since the aptitude test contains verbal, analytical/logical and numerical ability questions, applicants should practise these areas before attempting the test.
Prepare for the Interview
Candidates should be ready to discuss:
- Academic background
- Career aspirations
- Motivation for postgraduate study
- Leadership experiences
- Community involvement
- Future goals
- Why their chosen field matters
Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship 2026-27: Important Points
Before applying, remember these key points:
- Applications for 2026-27 are stated as open in the provided material.
- Only up to 100 scholars will be selected.
- The scholarship amount can be up to ₹6 lakh over the duration of the degree.
- The scholarship is merit-based.
- Applicants must be resident Indian citizens.
- Applicants must be first-year PG students.
- The programme must be eligible and pursued full-time.
- The online aptitude test is mandatory.
- The aptitude test contains 60 MCQs in 60 minutes.
- The selection process includes application evaluation and a virtual interview.
- Students studying through online, distance, hybrid or part-time modes are not eligible according to the provided document.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship 2026-27?
It is a merit-based postgraduate scholarship programme designed to support selected first-year PG students in specified future-ready fields.
2. How much scholarship can a student receive?
A selected scholar can receive up to ₹6 lakh over the duration of the degree programme.
3. How many students will receive the scholarship?
The programme will select up to 100 postgraduate scholars.
4. Who can apply?
First-year postgraduate students who are resident Indian citizens, enrolled full-time in eligible programmes and meeting the specified academic requirements can apply.
5. Is GATE mandatory?
The document provides two academic eligibility routes: a GATE score of 550–1,000 or an undergraduate CGPA of 7.5 or above (or equivalent percentage normalised to CGPA).
6. Is the aptitude test compulsory?
Yes. The scholarship information states that all applicants must answer the online aptitude test.
7. How many questions are in the aptitude test?
The test contains 60 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes.
8. Are second-year PG students eligible?
No. The provided eligibility criteria specifically exclude students who are in the second year of their PG programme.
9. Can students pursuing online or distance PG programmes apply?
No. Students pursuing their degree through online, remote, distance, hybrid, part-time or other non-regular modes are listed as ineligible.
10. What are the eligible fields?
The specified fields include Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable & New Energy, Material Science & Engineering and Life Sciences.