The Azim Premji Foundation Deepika Scholarship also known as the Deepika Student Scholarship is a major initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in higher education. This program is launched in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, for providing financial security to girl students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The name “Deepika” (meaning “lamp” or “light”) symbolises the foundation’s goal to light the path for young women to pursue their dreams without the shadow of financial debt.
About Azim Premji Foundation Deepika Scholarship
This is a merit-cum-need-based scholarship is designed for girls who have completed their schooling in government institutions. Unlike many one-time grants, this scholarship provides multi-year support, ensuring the student is funded from the first day of college until they graduate.
Objective of Azim Premji Foundation Deepika Scholarship
The Scholarship aims of the Azim Premji Foundation Deepika Scholarship aims to supports girls in pursuing higher education and works towards gender equality, women’s empowerment and freedom of knowledge.
Key Highlights of Azim Premji Foundation Deepika Scholarship
| Scholarship Name | Azim Premji Foundation Deepika Scholarship |
| Amount | ₹ 30,000 per year |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Application End | 31 January 2026 |
| Article Category | Scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria
- Girl Applicants must have completed Class 10 or Class 12 from government schools.
- Candidates must have secured admission to a higher education institution for the academic year of 2025–26.
- The duration of the course must be a minimum of three years.
- Eligible programs include, diploma courses, general degree courses, professional degree courses.
Assessment Process
The selection is highly competitive and follows a holistic review:
- Verification
- Automated screening of documents.
- Socio-economic Check
- Priority is given to students from rural areas and families with limited financial means.
- Confirmation
- Shortlisted candidates receive notification via SMS/Email followed by bank account verification
Financial Assistance
Azim Premji Foundation Deepika Scholarship 2025 provides ₹30,000 per year for the entire diploma or degree to the girl students, and students can use it for college fees, books, hostel charges, or other educational expenses.
Important Dates
- Application Start: 10 January 2026.
- Deadline: January 31, 2026.
Required Documents
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- Proof of college admission
Features
The Key features includes:
- Guaranteed Multi-year support:
- Unlike many one-time financial grants, the Deepika Scholarship is a full-course commitment. Once a student is selected in her first year of college, the foundation ensures she receives ₹30,000 every year until she completes her degree or diploma. This provides long-term financial predictability, allowing students to focus on their studies for the entire 2 to 5 year duration of their program.
- Universal Eligibility Model:
- In a collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, the program aims for Universal Coverage. While the Azim Premji Foundation funds a massive quota (approximately 37,000+ girls), the state government has committed to providing a State Supplementary Scholarship to any eligible girl who meets the criteria but falls outside the Foundation’s direct quota. This ensures that no qualified girl student is left behind due to a lack of “slots.”
- Focus on Equity over just merit:
- While students must pass their exams, the selection process is primarily need-based and background-focused. It specifically targets girls who have completed their Class 10 and Class 12 (PUC) in Government Schools and Government Colleges. The feature emphasises educational equity prioritising students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who face the highest risk of dropping out after school.
- Zero Cost Transparent Direct Benefit Transfer:
- The entire application process is completely free, and the foundation maintains a strict no fee policy to protect vulnerable families from scams. Once verified, the scholarship amount is disbursed in two installments annually via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account.
Application Process of Azim Premji Foundation Deepika Scholarship
- Check the official website
- Applicants should click ‘Register (New Applicants Round 2 Cohort 2025).
- Enter the required details carefully and click on ‘Check Eligibility’ to proceed.
- Now, enter your mobile number and click ‘Send OTP
- Enter the received OTP to verify your number.
- Complete the registration by filling in all details and creating your account.
- Then log-in using the username and password created during registration.
- Fill in your basic personal information and save.
- Click ‘Create Your Application’ to start the scholarship application.
- Upload your passport-size photograph and scanned signature.
- Upload a clear copy of your Aadhaar card.
- Fill in your bank account details and upload a copy
- Upload a clear copy of your Class 10 mark-sheet.
- Upload a clear copy of your Class 12 mark-sheet
- Upload a clear scanned copy of your admission letter
- Review all entered information and uploaded documents carefully and submit the application form.
Helpline Number
- Website: azimpremjifoundation.org
FAQs
Sam is a dedicated scholarship writer who helps students find genuine financial aid opportunities. He explains eligibility, benefits, and application steps in simple English so students can easily apply without confusion. His goal is to make quality educational support easier to access for everyone.