The scholarships are designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to support students through mentorship, leadership development, networking opportunities, interaction with industry experts and participation in a wider scholar community. The official Reliance Foundation announcement dated 14 August 2026 confirms that applications are open for the 2026-27 cohort.
Important: Students should apply only through the official Reliance Foundation scholarship websites and application portal. The Foundation has specifically cautioned applicants against individuals or agencies asking for money in the name of scholarship selection.
Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026-27 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026-27 |
| Scholarship Categories | Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) |
| UG Scholarships | 5,000 students |
| PG Scholarships | 100 students |
| UG Scholarship Amount | Up to ₹2,00,000 for the duration of the degree programme |
| PG Scholarship Amount | Up to ₹6,00,000 for the duration of the degree programme |
| UG Selection | Merit-cum-means |
| PG Selection | Merit-based, including academic record, aptitude and other evaluation parameters |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Academic Year | 2026-27 |
About Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026-27
The Reliance Foundation Scholarships are among the major private scholarship initiatives supporting higher education in India. Reliance Foundation states that more than 33,000 students have been supported through Reliance scholarships to date. The programme forms part of the Foundation's longer-term commitment announced in December 2022 to provide an additional 50,000 scholarships over 10 years.
The Undergraduate Scholarship focuses on meritorious first-year students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. It follows a merit-cum-means approach, combining academic and aptitude assessment with financial circumstances. The programme is open to students pursuing eligible regular full-time undergraduate degree programmes across different streams.
The Postgraduate Scholarship is more specialised. It supports first-year PG students in selected future-ready areas such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Renewable & New Energy, Material Science & Engineering and Life Sciences.
Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026-27 Scholarship Benefits
- UG: Financial support of up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of the degree programme.
- PG: Financial support of up to ₹6 lakh over the duration of the degree programme.
- Mentorship and interaction with experts and industry professionals.
- Leadership and professional development opportunities.
- Networking and engagement with the Reliance Foundation scholar community.
- Opportunities for volunteering and community engagement.
- No application fee at any stage of the application process.
For PG scholars, the programme information states that 80% of the scholarship funds are provided in advance at the beginning of each academic year for tuition and direct academic expenses, while the remaining 20% can be requested for professional and personal development-related expenses, including conference-related expenditure, subject to the programme's terms.
Important Dates – Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026-27
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| 2026-27 Scholarship Announcement | 14 August 2026 |
| Online Application | Opened |
| Last Date for Application | Will be informed soon |
| Selection / Test / Interview | As per the schedule communicated to eligible applicants |
The official 14 August 2026 media release confirms the opening of applications but does not state a final closing date in the release. Since application deadlines can change, applicants should rely on the live scholarship portal for the final deadline rather than using an old year's closing date.
Categories of Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026-27
1. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
The UG scholarship is intended for first-year undergraduate students. Up to 5,000 students are selected each year through a merit-cum-means process. Students from different subject streams can apply, provided they satisfy the academic, course, income and other eligibility requirements.
2. Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships
The PG scholarship is intended for first-year postgraduate students enrolled in selected future-ready disciplines. Up to 100 scholars are selected annually. Unlike the broad UG scholarship, the PG programme is restricted to specified areas of study and places greater emphasis on academic excellence, aptitude, essays, references and the overall profile of the applicant.
Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship – Detailed Eligibility
A candidate generally needs to satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Must be a resident Indian citizen.
- Must have passed Class 12 with at least 60% marks.
- Must be studying in the first year of a regular, full-time undergraduate degree programme for the relevant academic year.
- The household income must be less than ₹15 lakh. Preference is given to applicants with household income below ₹2.5 lakh.
- The degree programme must satisfy the scholarship's course-duration and programme requirements.
- The mandatory online aptitude test must be completed.
The official UG eligibility information also excludes students already in the second year or higher, students studying through online, hybrid, remote, distance or other non-regular modes, students who entered through a diploma after Class 10, and students pursuing two-year or six-year undergraduate degree programmes. Applicants who fail to complete the mandatory aptitude test or are found cheating can also be disqualified.
Reliance Foundation PG Scholarship – Detailed Eligibility
The Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is designed for first-year PG students in specified future-ready disciplines. Candidates must be Indian citizens and enrolled in a full-time eligible postgraduate programme.
Academic requirement: Applicants can qualify through either of the following routes, subject to the programme's eligibility conditions:
- GATE route: A first-year PG student with a GATE score between 550 and 1,000.
- UG academic route: A minimum undergraduate CGPA of 7.5, or equivalent percentage normalised to CGPA, where applicable.
Eligible areas include Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Renewable & New Energy, Material Science & Engineering and Life Sciences. Students studying only Mathematics are not eligible under the Mathematics & Computing category. Second-year PG students and students pursuing online, remote, distance, hybrid, part-time or other non-regular programmes are not eligible.
Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026-27 Required Documents
UG Applicants
Applicants should keep clear digital copies of the documents requested in the application portal. Depending on the application stage, applicants may be asked for documents relating to identity, address, Class 10/Class 12 academic records, current college enrolment and financial background.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate.
- Class 12 marksheet/certificate.
- Proof of current college enrolment/admission.
- College identity card, enrolment letter or other accepted student-status proof.
- Address/identity proof as requested by the portal.
- Income/financial information and supporting proof, wherever required.
- Any additional documents specifically requested during verification.
Students should not upload random certificates unless requested. The final document checklist displayed inside the 2026-27 application portal should be treated as authoritative.
PG Applicants
The official PG FAQ lists a more detailed document set, including:
- Passport-size photograph.
- Address proof.
- Current resume/CV.
- Class 10 board examination marksheet.
- Class 12 board examination marksheet.
- Bona fide student certificate, enrolment letter, student ID or accepted fee receipt proving current admission.
- Two reference letters – one academic and one character reference.
- Experience/internship certificates, if applicable.
- Official disability certificate, if applicable.
- GATE marksheet, if applying through the GATE route.
The PG FAQ specifically states that an enrolment letter or fee receipt can be used where a student has not yet received a college ID, provided the document establishes the candidate's name, institution, programme and year of study.
Reliance Foundation Scholarship Selection Process
UG Selection Process
- Complete the online application and provide personal, academic and other required information.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Complete the mandatory online aptitude assessment.
- The application is evaluated using the aptitude result together with academic, personal and financial information.
- Applicants are assessed through the merit-cum-means framework.
- Up to 5,000 undergraduate scholars are finally selected.
The UG aptitude test information published by Reliance Foundation describes a 60-minute test containing 60 multiple-choice questions covering areas such as verbal ability, analytical/logical ability and numerical ability.
PG Selection Process
- Complete the eligibility questionnaire.
- Submit the online application with personal, academic and extracurricular information.
- Provide two reference letters and the required essays.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Complete the online aptitude assessment.
- Applications are evaluated by an expert panel involving industry experts, academicians and leaders.
- Shortlisted applicants proceed to the interview stage.
- Virtual interviews are conducted by the expert panel.
- Final scholars are selected on the basis of merit.
The PG aptitude test is described as a 60-minute assessment with 60 multiple-choice questions covering verbal, analytical/logical and numerical ability. The aptitude score forms one component of the wider evaluation along with academic performance, extracurricular activities, references and essays.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official Reliance Foundation Scholarship website.
- Select the appropriate UG Scholarship or PG Scholarship section.
- Read the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Complete the online eligibility questionnaire where applicable.
- Register/login through the official application portal.
- Enter personal, academic and course information carefully.
- Upload clear copies of the required documents.
- Complete the mandatory aptitude test.
- For PG applicants, complete the essays and arrange the required reference letters.
- Review every detail before final submission.
- Save the acknowledgement/application details for future reference.
Official application portal: https://scholarshipportal.reliancefoundation.org/
UG Scholarship: Official UG Scholarship Page
PG Scholarship: Official PG Scholarship Page
Frequently Asked Questions – Reliance Foundation Scholarships
1. Who can apply for the Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship?
First-year Indian students enrolled in eligible regular full-time undergraduate degree programmes can apply, subject to the Class 12, household-income, programme and aptitude-test requirements.
2. What is the maximum UG scholarship amount?
Selected UG scholars can receive up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of their degree programme.
3. What is the maximum PG scholarship amount?
Selected PG scholars can receive up to ₹6 lakh over the duration of their degree programme.
4. Is there an application fee?
No. Reliance Foundation states that there is no fee at any stage of the application process.
5. Can second-year students apply?
No. The scholarships are intended for students entering the first year of the relevant UG or PG programme.
6. Can students studying through distance or online mode apply?
No. The eligibility information excludes online, remote, distance, hybrid, part-time and other non-regular modes of study.
7. What is the UG household-income limit?
The household income must be below ₹15 lakh, with preference given to applicants whose household income is below ₹2.5 lakh.
8. What is the PG academic eligibility?
Eligible first-year PG students can qualify through a GATE score of 550–1,000 or an undergraduate CGPA of 7.5 or above/equivalent normalised percentage, subject to the programme's requirements.
9. Which PG subjects are eligible?
The listed areas include Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics & Computing, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Renewable & New Energy, Material Science & Engineering and Life Sciences.
10. Is the aptitude test compulsory?
Yes. The aptitude assessment is a mandatory part of the scholarship application. Failure to complete it can make the application incomplete or lead to disqualification.
11. Do PG applicants need reference letters?
Yes. The PG application requires two reference letters: one academic reference and one character reference.
12. Do PG applicants have to attend an interview?
The published PG selection process includes a virtual interview stage for shortlisted candidates, conducted by an expert panel.
13. Can students apply through an agent?
Students should apply only through the official Reliance Foundation scholarship channels. Reliance Foundation has cautioned that it does not authorise individuals or agencies to collect money or offer scholarships on its behalf.
14. Where can applicants check their application/login?
Applicants can use the official Reliance Foundation Scholarship Portal for application-related access and instructions.
Important Tips for Applicants
- Apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the closing date.
- Use the same spelling of your name and other personal details across your documents.
- Keep Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets ready before starting the application.
- UG applicants should prepare seriously for the aptitude test.
- PG applicants should arrange the two reference letters well in advance.
- Prepare a clear and updated resume if applying for PG.
- Make sure your college enrolment proof clearly shows the required details.
- Do not pay anyone claiming that payment is required to secure the scholarship.
- Always check the official portal for deadline extensions, test dates and further instructions.
- Save a copy of the completed application and important communication received from Reliance Foundation.
Final Words
The Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2026-27 provide a significant opportunity for talented Indian students beginning their undergraduate or postgraduate education. With 5,000 UG scholarships and 100 PG scholarships, the programme combines financial assistance with mentorship, leadership development, professional exposure and networking opportunities.
For UG students, the key factors are Class 12 performance, first-year full-time enrolment, household income and the mandatory aptitude assessment. For PG students, the focus is on eligible future-ready disciplines, strong undergraduate academic performance or GATE performance, aptitude, essays, references and the overall academic and personal profile.
Students who meet the eligibility conditions should make use of this opportunity and complete the application carefully. Since dates, document requirements and portal instructions may be updated during the application cycle, applicants should always verify the latest information on the official Reliance Foundation Scholarship portal before submitting their application.
Official Links:
UG Scholarship: Go to UG Scholarships
PG Scholarship: Go to PG Scholarships
Application/Login Portal: Reliance Scholarships Online Apply Link


