The Reliance Foundation, one of India’s largest philanthropic initiatives, has announced the recipients of its Undergraduate Scholarships for the academic year 2023-24. Out of a nationwide application pool, 5000 students have been selected to receive the scholarship, which is one of the country’s most inclusive and diverse higher education initiatives.
The scholarship awards each undergraduate student a grant of up to Rs. 2 lakh and offers them the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and supportive alumni network. The selection process was rigorous, with 58,000 students from more than 5,500 educational institutions across 35 states and Union Territories of India applying for the scholarships. The final 5000 were selected through a systematic merit-cum-means process, taking into account their performance in an aptitude test, their Grade 12 marks, and their financial need. Notably, 75% of the selected students come from households with an annual income of less than Rs. 2.5 lakh.
The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships aim to support students across all streams of study, enabling them to uplift themselves and their communities, and contribute to India’s future socio-economic development. The scholarships alleviate the financial burden of undergraduate studies, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits.
As part of its overarching vision for education, excellence, and innovation, the Reliance Foundation is intensifying efforts to select a strong, diverse cohort of undergraduate students based on merit and means, unlocking the potential of youth and propelling the nation towards greater heights. To date, the foundation has awarded 23,136 student scholarships, with 48% of recipients being girls and 3,001 being students with disabilities.
This year’s cohort includes students from a wide range of subject streams, including Commerce, Arts, Business/Management, Computer Applications, Science, Medicine, Law, Education, Hospitality, Architecture, Engineering/Technology, and other undergraduate degrees.
The Reliance Foundation has been awarding scholarships since 1996. In December 2022, on the 90th birth anniversary of Reliance’s Founder-Chairman Dhirubhai Ambani, Nita Ambani, Reliance Foundation Founder & Chairperson, announced that the foundation will award 50,000 scholarships over the next 10 years. This recent announcement of the 5000 selected scholars for 2023-24 underscores Reliance’s consistent commitment to education and nurturing students towards building India’s future.
