With only nine days remaining for the first round of the Deepika Scholarship, officials report a low turnout of only 11,000 applicants. The Azim Premji Foundation-backed initiative aims to support 37,000 female students pursuing higher education.
- Only 9 days left for the first round of Deepika Scholarship applications.
- Current application count stands at 11,000, well below the 37,000 target.
- Eligible female students can receive ₹30,000 annually.
Bengaluru: The window for the first round of the Deepika Scholarship, an initiative provided by the Azim Premji Foundation (APF), is set to close in just nine days. Department of Higher Education officials have expressed concern as only 11,000 applications have been received from female students seeking to pursue higher education after II PU, significantly lagging behind the intended reach.
According to official department circulars, the application window opened on August 10, leaving a very narrow timeframe for eligible students to complete their submissions. The scholarship program is designed to provide ₹30,000 every year—until the completion of a degree or diploma—to 37,000 female students who completed their 10th and 12th grades in government schools and colleges.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the primary bottleneck for this impactful scheme is a critical lack of grassroots awareness. Despite the government's efforts to coordinate with college principals, the short application window and information gap are preventing thousands of deserving female students from accessing vital financial support for engineering, medical, and other professional courses.
It is essential to change the mindset of society and to educate our girls to bring gender equality to the education system and the workplace.
Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi emphasized the social necessity of this initiative. He noted that while the department has identified over 51,000 successful candidates from the Karnataka State Examination and Assessment Board, many remain unaware of the opportunity. The government is actively working with 440 first-grade and 421 aided government college principals to ensure students are assisted in the application process.
Scholarship Overview & Eligibility
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Grant | ₹30,000 per year |
| Target Beneficiaries | 37,000 Female Students |
| Educational Background | Government School/College (Class 10 & 12) |
| Eligible Courses | Degree/Diploma (including Engineering & Medical) |
The eligibility criteria are specifically tailored to support first-time learners. Applicants must be pursuing a degree or diploma for the first time and cannot be repeaters. Crucially, the scholarship requires annual renewal, and students who fail an academic year will lose eligibility for the subsequent year. The program is inclusive of students who may have dropped out after class 12 but wish to resume their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What documents are required for the application?
A: Students need their Class 10 and 12 marks cards/certificates, Aadhaar card, a passport-size photo, and a fee receipt or bona fide certificate from their college.
Q2: Is there another chance to apply?
A: Yes, the second application window for the 2026-27 academic year will open from January 10 to January 31, 2027.
