Assam University, Silchar – Scholarships (Complete Guide 2025)

Introduction

Assam University, Silchar, a Central University in the heart of Northeast India, is known not only for its quality education and research excellence but also for its commitment to making education accessible and affordable. One of the key pillars supporting this mission is the wide range of scholarships and financial assistance programs offered to students across various disciplines and backgrounds.

This comprehensive guide presents detailed and up-to-date information about all scholarship schemes available at Assam University, Silchar for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. From central and state government scholarships to special provisions for SC/ST/OBC/Minority and merit-based awards, this article covers every scholarship scheme in depth.

Why Scholarships Matter at Assam University

• Support for economically disadvantaged students from rural and tribal regions of Northeast India.

• Encouragement of academic excellence and research innovation through merit-based scholarships.

• Promotion of inclusion and equal opportunities for underrepresented communities.

• Reduction of dropout rates by easing financial pressure on students and families.

Types of Scholarships Available at Assam University, Silchar

Assam University provides scholarships through the following channels:

1. Central Government Scholarships

2. State Government Scholarships

3. University-Specific Scholarships

4. SC/ST/OBC/PwD Scholarships

5. Minority Community Scholarships

6. Merit-Based Scholarships

7. Research Fellowships and Grants

8. Scholarships for Women

9. Private and NGO Scholarships (External)

1. Central Government Scholarships

i. Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) for SC/ST/OBC Students

• Eligibility: Students belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories with family income less than ₹2.5 lakh (SC/ST) or ₹1 lakh (OBC).

• Courses Covered: UG, PG, Diploma, PhD.

• Benefits:

  • Tuition fee reimbursement

  • Maintenance allowance

  • Book and transport allowances

• Application Portal: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

ii. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students

• Eligibility: Top 20th percentile scorers in Class 12 in their respective board exams.

• Family Income Limit: Below ₹8 lakh per annum.

• Award: ₹10,000 per year (UG), ₹20,000 per year (PG)

• Renewable based on academic performance.

2. State Government Scholarships

Students hailing from Assam or other northeastern states are eligible for state-sponsored scholarships.

i. Assam Government Post Matric Scholarship

• Eligibility: SC/ST/OBC/MOBC students domiciled in Assam.

• Documents Needed:

  • Caste certificate

  • Income certificate

  • Bonafide certificate

• Benefits: Tuition fees, living allowance, study materials reimbursement.

ii. NEC Merit Scholarship (North Eastern Council)

• Eligibility: Students of North-Eastern states pursuing professional courses.

• Income Limit: ₹8 lakh per annum.

• Award Amount:

  • Diploma: ₹20,000 per annum

  • UG: ₹22,000 per annum

  • PG: ₹25,000 per annum

  • MPhil/PhD: ₹30,000 per annum

3. Assam University Specific Scholarships and Fellowships

Assam University also offers university-internal scholarships and grants.

i. Assam University Merit Scholarship

• Eligibility: Top-performing students in each department.

• Award: Annual scholarship ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.

• Selection: Based on university examination performance.

ii. Financial Assistance Scheme for Needy Students

• Eligibility: Economically weaker students with proof of income and academic standing.

• Benefits:

  • Partial fee waiver

  • Mess fee assistance

  • Hostel concession

4. Scholarships for Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)

The university ensures implementation of national reservation and scholarship policies.

i. National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)

• Funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

• For full-time MPhil and PhD scholars.

• Monthly Fellowship: ₹31,000 (JRF), ₹35,000 (SRF)

• Contingency and HRA included.

ii. National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students (NFST)

• For ST category MPhil and PhD students.

• Covers tuition, fellowship, contingency.

iii. OBC Post Graduate Scholarships

• Eligibility: OBC students pursuing postgraduate studies.

• Amount: ₹4,500 to ₹6,000 annually.

5. Minority Scholarships

Students from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities are eligible.

i. Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)

• Applicable for PhD and MPhil candidates.

• Includes monthly stipend and contingency.

ii. Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities

• Eligibility: Minority students with income below ₹2 lakh.

• Covers tuition, maintenance, and study materials.

iii. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Technical & Professional Courses

• For UG/PG students in engineering, management, law, etc.

• Up to ₹25,000 per annum.

6. Merit-Based Scholarships

i. University Topper Scholarships

• Top 3 students of each program receive annual merit awards.

ii. Inspire Scholarship (for Science Stream)

• Offered by DST, Government of India.

• ₹80,000 per year for eligible BSc/MSc students.

iii. AICTE Pragati and Saksham Scholarships

• Pragati: For girls in technical programs.

• Saksham: For differently-abled students.

• ₹50,000 per year + contingency.

7. Scholarships for Women Students

Assam University promotes gender equality through:

i. Pragati Scholarship (by AICTE)

• For female students in technical UG/PG courses.

• ₹50,000 per annum for up to 4 years.

ii. UGC Single Girl Child Scholarship

• PG-level scholarship for single daughters.

• ₹3,100 per month for 2 years.

8. Research Fellowships

Assam University’s research departments offer grants and fellowships:

i. UGC-NET JRF Fellowship

• For students qualifying UGC-NET/JRF.

• ₹31,000/month (JRF), ₹35,000/month (SRF)

• Contingency and HRA support.

ii. DST-INSPIRE Fellowship

• For doctoral candidates in science disciplines.

• ₹80,000 annual scholarship with research funding.

9. External/Private/NGO Scholarships

Many Assam University students also benefit from private scholarship providers:

i. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarships

• Open to all students based on merit and income.

• Up to ₹2,000/month.

ii. Fair & Lovely Foundation Scholarship (now Glow & Lovely)

• For female UG/PG students.

• Covers tuition, books, coaching support.

iii. Tata Trusts, Azim Premji Foundation, and more

• Offer grants to students pursuing higher education in select streams.

How to Apply for Scholarships at Assam University

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Identify eligible scholarships (from university portal or NSP).

2. Register on National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or relevant state portal.

3. Fill out the online application form and upload required documents:

   • Income certificate

   • Caste certificate

   • Bonafide from the university

   • Aadhaar, bank passbook, previous marksheets

4. Submit before deadline.

5. Track application status via portal or university helpdesk.

Documents Required

• Admission letter from Assam University

• Recent passport-sized photographs

• Proof of residence

• Income certificate (within one year)

• Academic transcripts

• Caste/minority/disability certificate (if applicable)

• Bank account details

Scholarship Renewal Process

Scholarships must be renewed annually based on:

• Satisfactory academic performance

• Minimum attendance

• No disciplinary record

• Updated income and academic proof

Failing to meet renewal requirements may lead to cancellation.

Scholarship Disbursement Timeline

• Application Period: Usually between July – October each year.

• Verification: Institution and district-level checks

• Disbursement: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account.

Contact for Scholarship Assistance

Scholarship Helpdesk – Assam University, Silchar

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: +91-3842-270806

• Address: Finance Department, Assam University, Silchar – 788011

• Website: https://www.aus.ac.in

Tips for Securing a Scholarship

• Apply early before the deadline.

• Double-check documents before uploading.

• Maintain a strong academic record.

• Follow up with the university scholarship office for application tracking.

• Explore multiple scholarships, including external ones.

Impact of Scholarships at Assam University

• Increased retention and graduation rates among underprivileged students.

• Greater participation of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities in higher education.

• Boost in research output due to availability of fellowships.

• Empowerment of female students through gender-specific funding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can a student apply for more than one scholarship at Assam University?
A: Yes, but generally only one government-funded scholarship can be availed at a time.

Q2. Do Assam University scholarships cover hostel and mess expenses?
A: Some scholarships include maintenance allowances which help cover hostel/mess fees.

Q3. What happens if I fail an exam during the scholarship period?
A: Many scholarships require students to pass all subjects; failure may affect renewal.

Q4. Are international students eligible for these scholarships?
A: Most are only for Indian nationals, but there are some external schemes for foreign students.

Conclusion

Assam University, Silchar stands as a beacon of affordable and inclusive education through its extensive scholarship and financial aid system. With numerous opportunities for students from diverse economic and social backgrounds, the university ensures that no deserving student is deprived of education due to financial constraints. Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, or a doctoral scholar, there’s a scholarship scheme designed to support your academic journey.