The Inlaks Scholarship is one of the most reputable awards aimed at cultivating the potential of outstanding graduates from India – concerning their academic qualifications, personal characteristics, and drive for success. The Inlaks scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for students to gain advanced education from the best institutions in Britain, Europe or the USA.
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The Purpose of the Inlaks Scholarship
Every student awarded this scholarship is at a pivotal moment in his life, and this is also the objective of the Inlaks Scholarship Scheme. The scholarship facilitates them to delve into their higher education in world-class institutions overseas, broadening their educational level and perspective and learning how to use their abilities to better society. It aims to turn scholars into change-makers who can create positive transformation within their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Inlaks Scholarship are designed to select only the most talented and motivated individuals. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality
Applicants must hold an Indian passport and must be residing in India at the time of application.
Age Limit
For the 2025 scholarships, only those born on or after January 1, 1995, will be eligible.
Education
Applicants must hold a degree from a recognized Indian university. Those in their final year of graduation and awaiting results can also apply. Graduates from foreign universities must have spent at least two years living, studying, or working in India post-graduation to be eligible.
Academic Scores
- For Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture, and related fields, applicants must have a minimum academic grade of 65%, CGPA 6.8/10, or GPA 2.6/4 from a recognized institution.
- For Mathematics, Sciences, Environment, and related fields, a minimum grade of 70%, CGPA 7.2/10, or GPA 3/4 is required.
For University Admission
Applicants must have already secured admission to the institution and program of their choice at the time of application. Those with conditional offers requiring an English language certification must meet that condition before applying for the scholarship.
Applicants with a deferred offer of admission must ensure their offer is valid for the academic year they intend to study, as the scholarship is awarded only for that year.
Scholarship Duration and Awards
The Inlaks Scholarship covers a wide range of courses that last between nine months and four years. The total value of the scholarship depends on the specific course and institution, and it covers:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- One-way travel
- Health allowance
The scholarship provides funding up to USD 100,000. For courses where the costs exceed this amount, applicants must demonstrate proof of additional funds to cover the difference. Acceptable forms of proof include personal investment documents, sponsorship letters from relatives, or approval letters for educational loans.
Exclusions: Who Cannot Apply?
While the Inlaks Scholarship is generous in its support, there are several exclusions. Applicants are ineligible if they already hold a postgraduate degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) from a foreign institution, or if they have already begun their postgraduate education abroad. Additionally, the scholarship does not cover certain fields of study, including:
- Medicine, Dentistry, and related therapies
- Film and Film Animation (except for Documentary Filmmaking)
- Public Health
- Indian Studies without Contemporary Relevance
- Computer Science
- Engineering (except for those applying to Imperial College, London)
- Music (except for Western Classical Singing)
- Fashion Design
- Business and Finance
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Management Studies (such as MBA programs)
Application Process
The application window for the Inlaks Scholarship opens annually in February. Interested applicants can apply via the ‘Apply Now’ link on the official website.
The application form has seven sections:
- Personal Information
- Proposed Programme
- University Education
- Work Experience/Projects pursued
- Statement of Purpose
- References
- Declaration
Required Documents
- Updated Resume/CV
- Admission/Offer letter
- Proof of additional funding
- Photograph (JPEG/PNG)
- Course-related portfolio/links/writing samples
- Passport
- Fee Statement
- Degree certificates and mark sheets
Optional Documents
- Academic distinctions, grants, scholarships
- Extracurricular achievements (if any)
- TOEFL/IELTS/GRE score sheets (if applicable)
Ensure your documents are in the correct format, and take care to fill out all sections accurately.
Documents for Proof of Additional Funds
For applicants whose course fees exceed USD 100,000, they will need to provide proof of additional funding. Acceptable documents for additional financial support include:
- A sponsorship letter from a parent or relative
- Personal investment documents (excluding property)
- An approval letter for an educational loan
- Proof of an additional scholarship or fee waiver from the institution or another organization
During the application process, compile and upload these documents as a single PDF file.
The Selection Process
The selection process for the Inlaks Scholarship is rigorous and consists of three stages:
- Review of eligible applications
- Online preliminary interviews
- Final in-person interview
The Inlaks Selection Committee assesses applicants based on their past achievements, present abilities, and future potential. Candidates applying for arts and design subjects are primarily evaluated on their portfolios.
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Final Remarks
The Inlaks Scholarship is an unparalleled opportunity for Indian graduates to pursue further studies at international universities of great repute. It helps the recipients perform better in whatever discipline they choose to prepare them to become leaders who inspire positivity in society. If you are eligible to apply and have a passion for education – the Inlaks Scholarship would be your last step to achieving that dream.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the Inlaks Scholarship?
Applicants must be Indian passport holders residing in India, born on or after January 1, 1994, and hold a degree from a recognized Indian university.
What academic score is required to apply?
For Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, and related subjects, a minimum of 65% or CGPA 6.8/10 is required. For Mathematics, Sciences, and related fields, a 70% or CGPA 7.2/10 is required.
Does the scholarship cover all expenses?
The Inlaks Scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, one-way travel, and health insurance, up to USD 100,000.
Which courses are excluded from the scholarship?
Fields like Business, Finance, Medicine, Computer Science, and Fashion Design are not eligible, except for specific exceptions in Engineering and Documentary Filmmaking.
Can I apply if I already have a postgraduate degree?
No, applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree from a foreign institution or have started their postgraduate studies abroad are not eligible.
When can I apply for the 2025 scholarship?
Applications for the Inlaks Scholarship open in February.
