Azim Premji Scholarship 2026-27: Eligibility, ₹30,000 Scholarship & Apply Online

Azim Premji Scholarship 2026-27: Supporting Girls in Higher Education

The Azim Premji Scholarship 2026-27 is an education support initiative of the Azim Premji Foundation aimed at helping girl students pursue higher education by reducing financial barriers.

According to the Foundation, the scholarship is designed around equity and quality in education and provides financial assistance to shortlisted girl students pursuing undergraduate degree or diploma programmes.

The scholarship provides ₹30,000 per year, with total financial support of up to ₹1.5 lakh depending on the duration of the undergraduate programme. The support can be used towards tuition fees or other out-of-pocket educational expenses.

The official Foundation website is currently inviting applications for the 2026-27 cohort.

Key Highlights of Azim Premji Scholarship 2026-27

What Is the Azim Premji Scholarship?

The Azim Premji Scholarship is part of the Azim Premji Foundation’s effort to improve access to higher education for girls.

The Foundation states that the programme has simple eligibility criteria and an easy application process. The scholarship is not based on academic merit, caste, income or religion; however, applicants must satisfy the specified eligibility conditions.

The objective is to reduce financial barriers that can prevent girls from continuing their education after school.

Scholarship Amount: ₹30,000 Every Year

One of the major attractions of the Azim Premji Scholarship is its financial assistance.

Selected girl students can receive:

• ₹30,000 every year
• Financial support for the full duration of the eligible undergraduate programme
• Up to ₹1.5 lakh in total
• Support for programmes lasting between 2 and 5 years

The scholarship amount may be used for tuition fees or other out-of-pocket expenses associated with completing education.

Who Can Apply for Azim Premji Scholarship 2026-27?

For the 2026-27 cohort, the Foundation’s application page specifies that eligible applicants must be girl students who:

1. Have passed Class 10 and Class 12 as regular students from a government school or college in one of the eligible states/UTs.
2. Have taken admission in the first year of a recognised undergraduate degree or diploma programme for the 2026-27 academic session.
3. Are studying as regular students.
4. Are enrolled in a recognised degree or diploma programme of 2 to 5 years’ duration.
5. May study at a government institution or a credible and bona fide private college/university anywhere in India.

The Foundation’s current FAQ also states that there is no age limit, provided the applicant meets the other eligibility requirements.

Important

The scholarship is not a merit-based scholarship, but applicants still need to satisfy the Foundation’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible States and Union Territories for 2026-27

The scholarship is being expanded in phases across India.

For the 2026-27 cohort, the eligible regions listed by the Foundation are:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Assam
• Bihar
• Chhattisgarh
• Delhi (NCT)
• Jharkhand
• Karnataka
• Madhya Pradesh
• Manipur
• Meghalaya
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
• Odisha
• Puducherry
• Rajasthan
• Sikkim
• Telangana
• Tripura
• Uttar Pradesh
• Uttarakhand

The Foundation’s scholarship page notes that Andhra Pradesh and Delhi were added for 2026-27.

Expansion of the Scholarship Programme

The programme has expanded significantly since its launch.

According to the Foundation:

• In 2024-25, the scholarship was rolled out in more than 100 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.
• In 2025-26, it expanded to 18 states and one Union Territory.
• For 2026-27, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi were added.

The Foundation says that the scholarship has so far supported 1.95 lakh girls and that it intends to eventually award scholarships to 5 lakh girls every year. Assuming an average three-year higher education programme, the Foundation expects around 15 lakh girls to be on the scholarship in a given year.

Azim Premji Scholarship 2026 Application Date

The official application page currently states that Round 1 applications for the 2026 cohort are open from 10 August 2026 to 31 August 2026.

Therefore, eligible students should complete the online application before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

The Foundation also states that scholarship renewal for the 2024 and 2025 cohorts for the 2026-27 academic year is scheduled to open in September 2026.

Documents Required

The Foundation’s application portal specifies online submission of documents. Current requirements include:

• Recent passport-size/2×2-inch colour photograph
• Aadhaar card
• Bank account/passbook details

The documents must meet the Foundation’s specified format, size and clarity requirements. The official application page should be checked before uploading documents because requirements can change.

How to Apply for Azim Premji Scholarship 2026-27?

Eligible students can apply online through the official Azim Premji Foundation scholarship portal.

Step-by-step application process

Step 1: Visit the official Azim Premji Scholarship application page.

Step 2: Select the option for new registration/application for the 2026 cohort.

Step 3: Check the eligibility criteria carefully.

Step 4: Keep the required documents ready in the prescribed format.

Step 5: Complete the online application form.

Step 6: Upload the required documents.

Step 7: Review all information before submission.

Step 8: Submit the application and retain the relevant application details for future reference.

Important: The Foundation states that there is no fee at any stage of the scholarship application process. Applicants should be cautious of anyone asking for payment in exchange for scholarship registration or selection.

Official Application Website

Apply for Azim Premji Scholarship 2026-27

Official Scholarship Page

Azim Premji Scholarship – Azim Premji Foundation

Is the Azim Premji Scholarship Based on Merit?

No.

The Foundation clearly states that the scholarship is not awarded on the basis of merit. However, applicants must meet the prescribed eligibility requirements.

This makes the scholarship particularly relevant for eligible girls who need financial support to continue their college education but may not qualify for conventional merit-based scholarships.

Can Students in the Second or Third Year Apply?

For the 2026-27 fresh application, the Foundation specifies that the applicant must have taken admission in the first year of an eligible undergraduate degree or diploma programme.

Therefore, students already studying in the second, third, fourth or fifth year are not eligible to submit a fresh application for the 2026-27 cohort under the stated criteria.

Existing scholarship recipients can instead follow the separate renewal process, subject to the Foundation’s renewal requirements.

Why This Scholarship Is Important

The cost of higher education can include tuition fees, books, transportation, accommodation and other educational expenses. Financial support can help students continue their studies without placing the entire burden on their families.

The Azim Premji Scholarship addresses this challenge by providing recurring annual financial assistance throughout the eligible programme period.

The programme’s phased expansion also indicates an effort to reach a much larger number of girl students across India. The Foundation’s stated long-term goal is to provide scholarships to 5 lakh girls annually.

Important Points Before Applying

Applicants should keep the following points in mind:

• Check the official eligibility criteria before registering.
• Ensure that Class 10 and Class 12 requirements are satisfied.
• Confirm that the college/course meets the specified conditions.
• Apply as a first-year regular undergraduate student where applicable.
• Keep Aadhaar, photograph and bank details ready.
• Upload clear and valid documents.
• Do not pay anyone for scholarship registration.
• Use only the official Azim Premji Foundation website.
• Keep application details safely after submission.
• Existing beneficiaries should follow the separate renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much money is given under the Azim Premji Scholarship?

Eligible shortlisted students receive ₹30,000 annually, with total support of up to ₹1.5 lakh, depending on the duration of the eligible programme.

2. Is the Azim Premji Scholarship for girls only?

Yes. The scholarship initiative is specifically intended to support girl students pursuing higher education.

3. Is the scholarship based on merit?

No. The Foundation states that it is not a merit-based scholarship, although applicants must satisfy the prescribed eligibility criteria.

4. Is there an application fee?

No. The Foundation states that there is no fee at any stage of the scholarship application process.

5. What is the last date to apply for the 2026 cohort?

The official application page currently lists 31 August 2026 as the closing date for Round 1 applications for the 2026 cohort.

6. Can students in any Indian state apply?

No. Eligibility for the 2026-27 cohort is linked to the specified states and Union Territory listed by the Foundation. Andhra Pradesh and Delhi were added for the 2026-27 cohort.

7. Can existing scholarship recipients renew their scholarship?

Yes. The Foundation has a separate renewal process for existing scholarship recipients. Renewal for the 2024 and 2025 cohorts for academic year 2026-27 is scheduled to open in September 2026.