The Reliance Foundation scholarship for undergraduates gives selected first-year students up to ₹2 lakh over the length of their degree. The 2026-27 application window closed on 5 October 2026. Consequently, this guide explains what happens next and how to prepare for the next cycle.
Key Takeaways
- The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship supports first-year students from low-income households, with up to ₹2 lakh over the degree.
- Selection combines an online aptitude test with academic merit and financial need.
- The 2026-27 deadline passed on 5 October 2026, so late applications are not accepted.
- Applications open each year on the official Reliance Foundation scholarship portal.
- This scholarship is separate from the National Scholarship Portal, so you can apply to both if you meet each set of rules.
Reliance Foundation Scholarship at a Glance
| Detail | What recent cycles showed |
|---|---|
| Name | Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships |
| Run by | Reliance Foundation |
| Number of awards | Up to 5,000 scholars in recent cycles |
| Award value | Up to ₹2 lakh over the course of the degree |
| Who can apply | First-year students in a full-time undergraduate degree |
| Family income | Below ₹15 lakh a year, with priority for lower incomes |
| Selection | Online aptitude test, merit and financial need |
| 2026-27 deadline | 5 October 2026 (closed) |
However, Reliance Foundation can change any of these terms. Therefore, confirm each detail on the official scholarship portal when the next cycle opens.
Who Can Apply?
Reliance Foundation targets students at the start of their degree. Applicants usually need to meet four conditions.
- You are an Indian citizen.
- You have enrolled in the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree at a recognised institution.
- Your family income falls under the published ceiling.
- You meet the minimum marks listed in the notification.
Additionally, the foundation gives priority to students from families with very low incomes. In contrast, students already holding a large scholarship for the same degree may face limits. Read the current rules before you decide.
What Happens After the Deadline?
The deadline has passed, but the process continues for registered applicants. In recent cycles, the sequence looked like this:
- The foundation screens applications for basic eligibility.
- Eligible applicants receive an invitation to an online aptitude test.
- The foundation ranks candidates using test scores and academic records.
- It shortlists students, then verifies documents and income details.
- It announces the final list and sends award communication by email.
As a result, applicants should check their registered email and the portal dashboard regularly. Dates for the test and results are announced on the portal, so verify them there.
How the Aptitude Test Works
Secondary sources describe the test as an online, proctored exam of about an hour. It covers general aptitude topics such as reasoning and quantitative skills. However, the foundation publishes the official pattern, so treat this description as a guide and check the instructions on your dashboard.
Practical preparation tips follow:
- Practise logical reasoning and basic maths for 20 minutes daily.
- Test your internet connection and webcam a day before the exam.
- Keep a government photo ID ready.
- Sit in a quiet room, because proctoring tools flag interruptions.
How to Prepare for the Next Cycle
Students who missed 2026-27 can plan ahead. Moreover, a prepared application improves your chances.
- Keep your income proof current. Request a fresh income certificate when applications open.
- Scan your documents early. You will need Class 12 marksheets, admission proof, Aadhaar and bank details.
- Track the portal. Register for updates on the official website.
- Write clear answers. Applications often ask for short responses about your goals.
Our NSP documents checklist covers the files most scholarships ask for, so you can reuse that preparation.
Planning Timeline for the Next Cycle
The foundation opens applications once a year. Therefore, use this planning timeline. It is our suggestion, not an official schedule.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| After Class 12 results | Save marksheets and start income certificate paperwork |
| At admission | Keep the admission letter and fee receipt in one folder |
| Two weeks before applications open | Check the portal, test your webcam and update your email |
| During the open window | Register, complete the form and submit early |
| After submission | Monitor email for test invitations and document requests |
Benefits Beyond the Cash Award
Recent announcements described more than money. Selected scholars joined a community of peers and accessed mentoring and guidance programmes. However, the foundation decides these extras each year. As a result, read the award letter to see what your cohort receives.
Reliance Foundation vs NSP
Many students ask whether they should pick Reliance Foundation or the National Scholarship Portal. They are different programmes with different rules.
| Feature | Reliance Foundation | National Scholarship Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Funding source | Private foundation | Central and state governments |
| Selection | Aptitude test plus merit and need | Eligibility rules and category criteria |
| Award | Up to ₹2 lakh over the degree | Varies by scheme |
| Application window | Once a year, short | Varies by scheme |
Therefore, apply to both when you qualify. Our Buddy4Study comparison and our list of NSP scholarship alternatives explain how private and government options fit together. You can also review the NSP eligibility criteria to see if you qualify for a government scheme.
Reliance Foundation Scholarship FAQs
What is the Reliance Foundation scholarship?
It is a private scholarship programme for first-year undergraduate students from low-income families. In recent cycles, it offered up to ₹2 lakh over the degree to as many as 5,000 students.
What was the last date for the Reliance Foundation scholarship 2026-27?
The deadline was 5 October 2026. The window is closed. Watch the official portal for the next cycle.
Who is eligible for the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship?
First-year students in a full-time undergraduate degree at a recognised institution can apply if their family income falls under the published ceiling and they meet the marks requirement.
How are Reliance Foundation scholars selected?
The foundation uses an online aptitude test, academic records and financial need. It then verifies documents before announcing the final list.
Where is the Reliance Foundation scholarship result announced?
The foundation communicates results through the scholarship portal and registered email. Check both, and verify dates on the official site.
Can I apply for Reliance Foundation and NSP together?
Yes, if you meet the rules of each scheme and no rule bars overlapping awards. Always read the terms of the scholarship you accept.
What to Do Now
If you applied, watch your email and dashboard for test or result updates. If you missed the window, prepare your documents and income proof now. Meanwhile, explore government options in our scholarship alternatives section and our Dr Ambedkar scholarship guide. Return to the homepage for fresh updates on deadlines.
This site is an independent information resource. We are not affiliated with Reliance Foundation or the Government of India. Verify every detail on the official portal before you apply.
