The Vidyadhan Scholarship run by the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation (SDF) continues to support meritorious Class 10 passouts entering Class 11 across more than 20 Indian states. Since the programme runs state-wise rather than on a single national timeline, some state deadlines for the 2026 cycle have already closed, while a few, including Maharashtra, remain open into August. Students should confirm their exact state deadline directly on the official portal before assuming the window is shut.
What the Scholarship Offers
Selected students receive up to Rs 10,000 per year for both Class 11 and Class 12, disbursed either directly by SDF or through a registered external sponsor, depending on the state. In several states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, the amount is fixed slightly lower at Rs 6,000 annually. Students who continue to perform well through Class 12 may also become eligible for graduation-level support, which can range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 75,000 a year depending on the course and duration. The foundation currently supports well over 14,000 students nationwide and pairs financial aid with structured mentoring for scholars through their school years.
Eligibility Criteria for Class 11 Students
To qualify, applicants must have passed their Class 10 or SSLC examination in 2026 from a recognised state board and be currently enrolled in, or seeking admission to, Class 11. Academic cutoffs differ by state, generally falling between 80 and 90 percent, or 8 to 9 CGPA, with a relaxed threshold for students with disabilities. Annual family income must fall below Rs 2,00,000 from all sources in most states, though a handful of programmes permit slightly higher limits. Applicants can only apply under the Vidyadhan Scholarship programme of the state where they completed Class 10; applications for any other state are not accepted.
State-Wise Deadlines: Check Before You Apply
Since the Vidyadhan Scholarship operates through separate state programmes, deadlines vary considerably. Uttar Pradesh’s window closed on 15 July 2026, while Maharashtra’s application deadline extends to 10 August 2026. States including Odisha and Punjab have interview and test schedules running through mid-to-late August, suggesting their application windows remain active a little longer. Rather than relying on a single date, students should visit the official portal, select their state, and check the program page for the exact closing date that applies to them.
