Sports Scholarships in India are offered by Central Government (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports), State Governments, Sports Authority of India. The scholarships not only include financial aid but also facilitate access to high-quality coaching.
These scholarships cover 50+ schemes with amounts ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per year. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports provide scholarships through initiatives like Khelo India Scheme. This article offers a comprehensive guidance on sports scholarships in India including their providers, eligibility criteria, benefits and the application links.
Major Sports Scholarship Schemes (2025-2026)
This scheme aiming to build a strong sporting culture in the nation. It serves as a powerful tool to empower rising sports stars in India.
| Scheme Name | Amount/Year | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| National Sports Talent Search (NSTSS) | ₹30,000 | Age 8-16, District/State level players |
| Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund | ₹20,000-₹40,000 | National level athletes pursuing higher education |
| SAI Training Center Scholarship | ₹15,000-₹50,000 | Athletes training at SAI centers |
| Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) | ₹50,000+ | Elite athletes with Olympic potential |
| MYAS Scholarship for Sportspersons | ₹12,000-₹25,000 | Class 9-12, State/National level |
State Government Schemes (Examples)
| State | Scheme | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Chhatrapati Shahu Sports Scholarship | ₹15,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP Sports Scholarship Scheme | ₹10,000-₹20,000 |
| Karnataka | Ekalavya Sports Scholarship | ₹12,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | TN Sports Persons Scholarship | ₹18,000 |
| Haryana | Haryana Sports Scholarship | ₹25,000-₹30,000 |
Sports Scholarships in India: List of Available Scholarships
- DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship for Sportspersons
- Anjum Chopra Sports Scholarship
- Sports Global Excellence Scholarship
- ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme
- Jyoti Prakash Scholarship Program for Sportspersons
- Colgate Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship & Mentorship Programme for Sportspersons
Eligibility Criteria
✅ Indian citizen
✅ Currently studying in Class 9 to Post-Graduation
✅ Sports scholarships are available only for adult students
✅ Regular/Full-time student (not distance learning)
✅ Bank account in student’s own name
✅ Aadhaar card mandatory
Required Documents
General Documents (All Applicants)
✅ Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
✅ Bank Account Passbook (first page with account details)
✅ Passport-size Photograph (recent, colored)
✅ Student ID Card or Bonafide Certificate
✅ Previous Year Marksheet (Class 9+ onwards)
✅ Fee Receipt (current academic year)
✅ Domicile Certificate (for state scholarships)
Sports-Specific Documents
- 🏆 Sports Achievement Certificates:
- National Level: Certificate from National Sports Federation
- State Level: Certificate from State Sports Authority
- District Level: Certificate from District Sports Officer
- Inter-School/Inter-College: Certificate from organizing body
- 🏆 Participation Certificate (for tournaments/championships)
- 🏆 Medal/Prize Certificate (if won any position)
- 🏆 Coach Recommendation Letter (on letterhead)
- 🏆 Sports Authority Registration (if athlete is registered)
- 🏆 Medical Fitness Certificate (some schemes require)
Category-Specific Documents (If Applicable)
✅ Income Certificate (for merit-cum-means scholarships)
✅ Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC applicants)
✅ PWD Certificate (for differently-abled athletes)
✅ Minority Certificate (if applicable)
Sports Scholarship Amounts by Level (2025-2026)
| Achievement Level | Typical Amount/Year | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| International/Olympic Level | ₹50,000+ | TOPS, National Sports Welfare |
| National Level | ₹25,000-₹40,000 | MYAS, Deendayal Fund |
| State Level | ₹15,000-₹25,000 | State Sports Scholarships |
| District/Talent Search | ₹10,000-₹15,000 | NSTSS, District Schemes |
Sport scholarship is funded by the central and state government. It offers financial assistance, guidance to help students pursue their sporting aspirations while studing. Eligible students apply for Sports Scholarship in india and get benefits.
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