Reliance Foundation opens applications for 5,100 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for 2026-27, with awards up to Rs 2 lakh and Rs 6 lakh.
Mumbai, August 14: Reliance Foundation has opened applications for its 2026-27 scholarship programmes, offering financial support to 5,100 first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in full-time degree programmes across India.
The programme will provide 5,000 undergraduate scholarships and 100 postgraduate scholarships. Selected undergraduate scholars will receive financial support of up to Rs 2 lakh over the duration of their programme, while postgraduate scholars can receive up to Rs 6 lakh.
The applications were announced on August 14, ahead of Independence Day, as Reliance Foundation reiterated its focus on supporting young students pursuing higher education and developing skills for future careers.
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded through a merit-cum-means selection process. The programme is intended to support meritorious students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds who are pursuing undergraduate degree programmes.
The postgraduate scholarship programme is aimed at 100 exceptional students studying future-oriented disciplines, including engineering, technology, energy and life sciences. Selection is based on academic excellence, aptitude and other selection parameters, with the programme focused on developing researchers, innovators and professionals.
Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship programme includes mentorship, leadership development opportunities, networking and interactions with industry experts. Scholars also become part of a wider community intended to help them develop professional skills, confidence and broader perspectives.
According to Reliance Foundation, more than 33,000 students have received its scholarships so far. The foundation stated that the scholarships have been supporting students for more than three decades, while a separate commitment announced in December 2022 expanded the programme substantially.
In December 2022, on the 90th birth anniversary of Reliance founder-chairman Dhirubhai Ambani, Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita M Ambani announced a commitment to provide an additional 50,000 scholarships over 10 years. The foundation described the initiative as one of India's largest private scholarship programmes.
Last year, the 5,100 selected scholars came from 1,350 institutions across 27 states and seven Union Territories, according to the foundation. The geographic spread reflected participation from students across different parts of the country.
For undergraduate applicants, the selection process includes an aptitude assessment and evaluation of financial background. Postgraduate applicants will be assessed on academic merit, aptitude and other criteria specified under the programme.
There is no application fee at any stage. Eligible students can submit their applications online through the Reliance Foundation scholarship portal.
The foundation said its scholars have gone on to work across fields including technology, healthcare, research, academia, entrepreneurship and public leadership. It said the scholarship programme is intended not only to ease the financial burden of higher education but also to provide opportunities for students to build networks and leadership capabilities.
Reliance Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited. Its stated areas of work include rural transformation, education, health, sports for development, disaster management, women empowerment, urban renewal, and arts, culture and heritage. The foundation said its programmes have reached more than 100 million people across India, covering more than 98,000 villages and urban locations.
