Scheme Name: Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence (formerly Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship)
Sponsor: Government of Rajasthan
Funding: Up to ₹50,00,000 (Tuition) + Living Expenses
Target: Students from Rajasthan (Study Abroad or Top Indian Institutes)
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Application Status: Open Now
Overview of the Scheme
The Government of Rajasthan has launched the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence Scheme 2025 (previously known as the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence). This is one of the most generous state-funded scholarships in India.
The scheme is designed to support meritorious students from Rajasthan who wish to pursue Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Ph.D., or Post-doctoral studies at the world's top universities. Whether you want to study at Oxford, Harvard, or a top NIRF-ranked institute in India, the government will cover your tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following strict requirements:
1. Domicile & Age
- Resident: You must be a resident (bonafide) of Rajasthan.
- Age Limit: You must be below 35 years of age as of July 1st of the relevant financial year.
2. University Ranking (Crucial)
You must hold an admission/offer letter from an institution that meets one of the following rankings:
- Study Abroad: Universities ranked in the Top 150 globally (QS World University Rankings).
- Study in India: Institutions ranked 1–50 overall in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
3. Income Categories (E1, E2, E3)
Your family income determines your benefit level. You must provide Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for FY 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
- E1 Category: Annual family income is less than ₹8,00,000.
- E2 Category: Annual family income is between ₹8,00,000 – ₹25,00,000.
- E3 Category: Annual family income is above ₹25,00,000.
Financial Benefits & Coverage
The scholarship covers tuition fees up to a massive ₹50 Lakhs per annum for all categories, but living expenses vary.
1. Tuition Fees (All Categories: E1, E2, E3)
- The government covers full tuition fees (including bench fees) up to ₹50,00,000 per year.
2. Living Expenses (Stipend)
For E1 Category (Income < ₹8L)
- Study Abroad:
- First Year: ₹75,000/month + One-time payment of ₹3,00,000.
- Second Year Onwards: ₹1,00,000/month.
- Study in India: ₹25,000/month (Total ₹3,00,000 annually).
For E2 Category (Income ₹8L - ₹25L)
- Study Abroad: ₹50,000/month.
- Study in India: ₹15,000/month.
For E3 Category (Income > ₹25L)
- You receive Tuition Fee support only (up to ₹50 Lakhs). No living expenses are provided.
3. Additional Coverage (For E1 & E2)
- Visa Fees.
- Medical Insurance Premium.
- Economy class Airfare (to and from the study location).
- Laptop Allowance.
- Annual Maintenance & Book Allowance.
Required Documents
Ensure you have these documents ready before applying:
- Jan Aadhaar Number (Mandatory for Rajasthan residents).
- Passport and Visa (if applicable).
- Unconditional Admission Letter from a top-ranked university.
- Class 10th Marksheet.
- Latest Degree/Marksheet of the last qualifying exam.
- Domicile Certificate (Bonafide Resident of Rajasthan).
- Income Proof: Notarized Affidavit + ITRs for the last 3 financial years.
- Affidavit regarding income from company/firm (if applicable).
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Rajasthan Government's higher education portal.
- Deadline: January 15, 2026
- Note: Provisionally selected candidates must submit unconditional admission letters within 2 months.