FAEA Scholarship 2025: Eligibility, Application and Benefits

Did you know? After filling the application form online successfully, candidates will be allotted a 9-digit auto-generated "Confirmation Code" to be kept for future correspondence with FAEA.

The FAEA Scholarship (Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access) has supported nearly 1,800 students since its inception in 2002, helping meritorious candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds access quality higher education in India. 

It typically awards 50 scholarships annually to Class 12 pass-outs or first-year undergraduates across various streams, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, and Medicine.  

The program doesn't just cover tuition; it also provides allowances for books, clothing, maintenance, and hostel expenses, easing financial burdens and enabling scholars to focus on academic success. This holistic support model has made FAEA a crucial lifeline for students aiming to bridge economic gaps, pursue their ambitions, and build a brighter future.

What is the FAEA Scholarship? 

The FAEA Scholarship is more than just financial aid it’s a step towards creating equal opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds in India. 

Established by the Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA), this scholarship aims to support students like you pursuing undergraduate studies by covering various education-related expenses.

Here’s a closer look at what the scholarship stands for:

• Empowerment through excellence: FAEA aims to help you transform your life by giving you the tools and opportunities to succeed academically and personally.
• Equality of opportunities: By removing financial barriers, this scholarship ensures you can focus on your education, explore extracurricular activities, and build the skills you need to thrive.
• Skill development: Beyond financial aid, FAEA offers access to workshops and mentorship programs that enhance leadership, communication, and other essential skills. You’ll also get the chance to engage in peer learning and exchange ideas with other scholars.
• Promoting educational attainment: This scholarship is designed for students from marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and those below the BPL (Below Poverty Line) level.

Here’s a quick overview to get you started.

Key Details	Information
Scholarship Name	FAEA Scholarship
Offered By	Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA)
Offered To	Students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in India
Mode of Application	Online
Scholarship Starting Date	To be announced for 2025, usually the first quarter of the year.
Scholarship Closing Date	To be announced for 2025
Number of Scholarships	50
Selection Based On	Merit and socio-economic background

This scholarship is perfect for you if you’re looking for support to fund your undergraduate education and overcome financial hurdles.

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Ready to learn more? Let’s explore the benefits of the FAEA Scholarship 2025 next.

What are the benefits of the FAEA scholarship 2025? 

The FAEA Scholarship 2025 offers more than just financial aid—it’s a complete support system to help you focus on your studies and make the most of your undergraduate journey. 

Whether you’re pursuing a degree in arts, commerce, science, medicine, engineering, or other professional disciplines, this scholarship has you covered.

Here’s a detailed look at what the scholarship offers.

Allowance	Amount
Tuition fee	Applicable as per fee certificate
Hostel and Mess Allowance	Applicable as per hostel and mess charges
Maintenance Allowance	INR 18K per annum
Miscellaneous Allowance	INR 3K per annum
Book Allowance	Up to INR 2K per annum
Clothing Allowance	INR 1K per annum
Travel Allowance	INR 1K per annum

Source: FAEA Scholars Manual

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Additional Benefits:

1. Scope of Scholarship: You can use this scholarship to study at any university, college, or institution in India that best meets your academic needs.

2. Duration of Support: The scholarship can last up to five years, depending on your course length, and is renewed annually based on your academic performance and the availability of funds.

3. Transparent Fund Disbursement: Tuition and hostel fees are directly paid to the educational institution, while other allowances are credited to the scholar’s account.

4. Travel Allowance for Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are provided with second-class travel reimbursement for one round trip to attend the scholarship interview. Female candidates can also claim reimbursement for one accompaniment.

5. Flexibility for Deferment: If needed, you can defer your scholarship for up to one year due to personal or family reasons, provided you submit proper documentation to the FAEA office.

With such comprehensive financial and logistical support, the FAEA Scholarship ensures you can focus entirely on your academic and personal growth. But what happens after the first year? 

Maintaining your scholarship or needing to defer it requires meeting certain conditions and following specific processes. Let’s explore the FAEA Scholarship’s renewal and deferment policies to help you stay prepared.

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What is the eligibility criteria to Apply for FAEA Scholarship 2025?

Before applying for the FAEA Scholarship 2025, it’s important to check whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s a breakdown of who can apply.

1. Who Can Apply?

• You’ve passed Class XII from a recognized board in India.
• You’re a first-year undergraduate student enrolled in a recognized college, university, or institution.
• Haven’t received your Class XII results yet? No problem! You can apply once your results are out.

2. Who is This Scholarship For?

This scholarship is specially designed for students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. If you belong to any of these groups, you’re eligible to apply.

• Scheduled Castes (SC)
• Scheduled Tribes (ST)
• Other Backward Classes (OBC)
• Families living below the BPL (Below Poverty Line) threshold.

General category students can also apply for need-based financial grants with a merit component. For this you must have either scored above 90% marks in their Higher Secondary Exam or secured admission to a top-ranked Institution of Excellence in India.

Recommended Read: Education loan to study abroad

Next, let’s walk you through the application process for the FAEA Scholarship 2025—everything from the steps to the documents you’ll need.

How to Apply for FAEA Scholarship 2025?

Applying for the FAEA Scholarship 2025 is simple if you follow the steps carefully. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the FAEA official website to access the application form.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Provide all required details, including personal information, academic background, and socioeconomic details.
3. Save Your Confirmation Code: After successfully submitting your form, you’ll receive a 9-digit confirmation code. Save this code—it’s crucial for any future correspondence with FAEA.
4. No Documents Required Yet: At this stage, you don’t need to upload or send any documents. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to present their documents later.
5. Submit the Form: Double-check everything and hit the submit button to complete your application.

Documents Required 

While you don’t need these right away, here’s what you’ll need if you’re shortlisted.

• Signed copy of the Grant Letter.
• Attested photocopies of Class X and Class XII mark sheets and certificates.
• Three recent passport-size photographs, attested by the Principal or a Gazetted Officer.
• Recent Family Income Certificate issued by an authorised government agency.
• Caste Certificate (if applicable) for SC/ST/OBC students, issued by a government authority.
• Signed Scholarship Declaration Letter, attested by your college Principal.
• Fully filled forms for
  • College details
  • Course details
  • Bank details
  • Permanent and current mailing addresses
• Certificate of expenditure or fee certificate from the college Principal (or self-prepared and attested).
• Annual Hostel and Mess Certificate attested by the Principal (if applicable).

Important Instructions for the FAEA Scholarship 2025 

Before applying, it’s crucial to follow these guidelines carefully to avoid disqualification and ensure your application is processed smoothly.

• Save your confirmation code immediately after submission—it’s your unique application identifier.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, where they’ll need to present original documents.
• Incomplete or late applications won’t be considered, so double-check everything before submitting.
• Withdrawal of Awards: Scholarships can be revoked under these circumstances

1. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
2. Physical or mental illness that prevents the scholar from continuing their studies.
3. Submission of false information or declarations during the application process.

Important Dates

The exact application timeline for 2025 is yet to be announced, but keep an eye on the FAEA website for updates. Typically, applications open in the first quarter of the year.

Contact Information and Support 

If you have any questions while filling out your application, email inquiry@faeaindia.org for clarification. Note that no other form of communication, like phone calls or postal mail, will be accepted.

Applying might feel a bit overwhelming, but if you follow these steps, you’re all set to put your best foot forward.

Now, let’s break down the selection process.

What is the Selection Procedure for the FAEA Scholarship in 2025?

The selection process for the FAEA Scholarship 2025 is designed to ensure fairness and transparency while identifying the most deserving candidates. Here’s a detailed look at how the selection works.

1. Initial Screening 

After you submit your application, the FAEA office conducts an initial review to ensure that:

• You meet the eligibility criteria.
• Your application form is complete and submitted before the deadline.

Only eligible candidates are sent further information regarding the next steps. Applications submitted after the due date are not considered.

2. Regional Evaluation by Experts 

Eligible applications are reviewed by a regional panel consisting of scholars and practitioners from academia, NGOs, and other professional fields. This panel evaluates applications based on

• Academic merit
• Socio-economic background

3. Shortlisting and Regional Interviews 

Candidates shortlisted by the regional panel are invited for interviews conducted in metropolitan cities across India. These cities are selected to be as close as possible to the candidate’s domicile.

• Candidates must bring original documents for verification during the interview.
• FAEA reimburses second-class travel expenses for one round trip to the interview location. 

4. Final Selection by National Panel 

After the regional interviews, a national panel reviews all shortlisted candidates and makes the final selection.

• The national panel’s decisions are final, and any attempt to influence the outcome will result in disqualification.
• The scholarship award and duration are determined during this stage and are subject to the candidate being accepted by their chosen institution.

5. Final Results

Once the national panel completes its review, the final list of selected candidates is announced on the official website. Use your confirmation code to check your application status.

This multi-stage selection process ensures that only the most deserving candidates receive support to pursue their academic aspirations.

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Next, let’s discuss how you can check the 2025 FAEA Scholarship results once they’re declared.

How to Check the 2025 FAEA Scholarship Results?

Once you’ve completed the application process, the next step is to find out whether you’ve been selected. Checking your results is straightforward if you follow these steps

1. Visit the Official FAEA Website: Head to the FAEA official website, where all results are published.
2. Locate the Results Section: Look for the "Scholarship Results" or a similar tab on the homepage.
3. Enter Your Confirmation Code: Use the 9-digit confirmation code provided to you during the application process.
4. Access Your Status: Once you’ve entered the code, you’ll see your application status—whether you’ve been selected.

The results reflect the efforts of a thorough selection process, so don’t forget to check and stay updated!

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Next, explore how upGrad can assist in your academic journey and scholarship preparation.

FAEA Scholarship: Renewal and Deferment Policies 

Once you’ve been awarded the FAEA Scholarship, it’s essential to understand how to maintain it throughout your undergraduate journey and what to do if you need to defer it. 

Here’s everything you need to know.

Scholarship Renewal Conditions

The FAEA Scholarship is renewable every year for up to five years, provided certain conditions are met. Here's what you need to know.

1. Annual Renewal Requirements:
To renew your scholarship, you must submit the following documents:

• An attested mark sheet from the previous academic year, certified by your college principal.
• A recommendation letter from the principal confirming satisfactory academic performance.
• A declaration stating that you are not receiving any other scholarships.
• An annual expenditure certificate detailing the estimated costs for the upcoming academic year, also attested by the principal.

2. Performance Monitoring

You are required to maintain satisfactory academic performance. Failure to meet the expected academic standards may lead to the discontinuation of the scholarship.

3. Funding Availability

Renewal is also dependent on the availability of funds from FAEA, making it essential to adhere to all scholarship guidelines.

Rules for Scholarship Deferment 

Life can be unpredictable, and FAEA provides flexibility in case you need to defer your scholarship. Here’s how it works.

1. Deferment Duration: You can defer the scholarship for up to one year.

2. Conditions for Deferment
You can defer your scholarship for up to one year under specific circumstances, such as

• Preparing for competitive exams like MBBS or engineering.
• Dealing with serious illness or personal emergencies affecting your or your immediate family.

3. Request Process
To request a deferment, you must

• Submit a written request to the FAEA office in New Delhi.
• Include all relevant supporting documentation, such as medical certificates or proof of circumstances.

4. Approval: Deferment requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and approval is at the discretion of FAEA.

Why Renewal and Deferment Policies Matter?

These policies are in place to give you the flexibility to manage unexpected challenges, like personal emergencies or preparation for competitive exams. By following these guidelines and staying on top of the requirements, you can ensure that your scholarship support from FAEA remains uninterrupted.

Also Read: SVMCM Scholarship: A Complete Guide

Ready to see what’s next? Let’s move on to understanding the eligibility criteria for the FAEA Scholarship 2025.

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