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Several government and corporate scholarships open when you enter Class 11. Most are merit-cum-means, meaning they look at both your Class 10 marks and your family's income.
Which scholarships can Class 11 science students apply for?
PM YASASVI: The Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India offers up to ₹1,25,000 per year for students in Classes 11 and 12. It is open to OBC, EBC and DNT students whose annual family income is below ₹2.5 lakh (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment).
Vidyadhan Scholarship: Run by the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation, this gives up to ₹10,000 per year in Class 11 and 12. You need at least 90% in Class 10 and a family income under ₹2 lakh to apply, though the cut-off is 75% for students with disabilities (Sarojini Damodaran Foundation).
HDFC Bank Parivartan's ECSS: This corporate scheme offers ₹18,000 per year for school students. You need 55% in Class 10 and a family income under ₹2.5 lakh, with preference given to families facing a recent crisis (HDFC Bank Parivartan).
How do you qualify for the CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship?
If you are the only child in your family and study in a CBSE school, you might be eligible for the CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child. The rules were updated in 2024.
You must have scored 60% or more in your Class 10 board exams to apply (CBSE Official Guidelines). The scholarship pays ₹500 per month for two years, transferred directly to your bank account. Your school tuition fees must be under ₹1,500 per month for Class 10, though recent guidelines allow up to ₹3,000 per month in Class 11.
To renew it for Class 12, you must maintain at least 50% in your Class 11 finals. If you are aiming for these high cut-offs but struggle to start your study sessions, Fermi's AI tutor can work out what you already know and build a plan for the session, so you sit down to a clear next step.
What happened to the NTSE and KVPY exams?
Many older students took the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) or the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) in Class 10 and 11. Both have changed.
The NTSE has been stalled by NCERT since the 2020–21 session, pending a revamp by the government (NCERT Notification). Until it resumes, there are no new applications.
The KVPY aptitude test was discontinued in 2022 and merged into the INSPIRE scheme to reduce the examination burden on students. While the main INSPIRE scholarship for higher education starts after Class 12, Class 11 science students who scored in the top 1% of their Class 10 board can attend 5-day residential INSPIRE Internship science camps to meet leading researchers and science icons (DST INSPIRE).
What documents do you need for scholarship applications?
Most scholarship deadlines fall between July and November. Keep a folder ready with these documents so you can apply quickly:
Income Certificate: This must be issued by a government authority (like a Tehsildar or SDM). Ration cards are rarely accepted as proof of income.
Bank Account: An account in your own name, linked to your Aadhaar card, is required for direct benefit transfer (DBT).
Class 10 Marksheet: Have scanned copies of your original board marksheet ready.
Current School Proof: A fee receipt, ID card or bonafide certificate signed by your principal to prove you are enrolled in Class 11.
If you are struggling with a specific concept in physics or chemistry while preparing for these cut-offs, the Fermi Concept Library contains every concept in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computing, each with its own lesson and its place in the map. Balancing board exams and JEE preparation takes time, but getting your documents sorted early means you will not miss out on financial support. For more advice on managing your time, read our guide on whether an AI tutor or private tutor is right for your schedule.
