Tata Scholarship 2025

The goal of the Tata Trusts' grant programs is to empower intelligent Indian students by providing financial assistance for college, both in India and abroad. Through their Individual Grants Program, the Trusts help students from underserved areas who are studying at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level in a wide range of fields. 

The Tata Scholarship at Cornell University is an important program that ensures the best Indian students can go there, no matter how much money they have. Tata has given 305 awards to 89 Indian students, mostly from schools that aren't the norm, as of the most recent school year. The Trust's efforts demonstrate its dedication to promoting quality and fairness in education. 

For those looking to pursue higher education globally, especially in countries like the USA and Germany, Tata’s initiatives open up invaluable opportunities. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to educational equity and excellence. In collaboration with upGrad, Indian students can also access end-to-end support for their study abroad journey.

Here, we explore everything about the Tata scholarships 2025.

Tata Scholarship 2025: Highlights

In 2025, the Tata Trusts fulfilled their promise to support study and higher education through various grant and scholarship programs.

• The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship (2025–2026) is for Indian women who have graduated from high school and have worked professionally for at least two years. It helps pay for college in countries where women and children can benefit from it. These countries offer courses in public health, child health, gender studies, law, public policy, psychology, social work, and other related fields. For the term of 2025–2026, the application process is now over. 
• The Tata Trusts Education Grants (2025–2026) are available to students in Maharashtra who are currently enrolled in college. People who want to apply must have passed their last test without any extra points or ATKT, and they can only be children from the same family. You need to bring a signed application letter, mark sheets from the 2024–2025 school year, original fee receipts for the 2025–2026 school year, ID proof (such as an Aadhaar or PAN card), and proof of family income (such as an IT Return or Form 16). Emailing igpedu@tatatrusts.org is the only way to send an application. 
• The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) 2025–2026 from the Lady Tata Memorial Trust supports Indian students pursuing research related to diseases. The goal of the fellowship is to promote high-level scientific study. From February 1, 2025, to March 25, 2025, you have time to send in your job application. Also they will announce the winner on August 1, 2025. 

Types of Tata Scholarships Offered

Tata Trusts, one of India's most renowned charitable organizations, offers various funds to assist students in paying for college. The goal of these grants is to empower people from diverse backgrounds and academic fields, both in India and globally. Through its scholarship programs, the Trust shows its dedication to improving education by helping needy students and pushing girls to go to school. The following places have information about these important Tata grants:

Tata Housing Scholarship for Meritorious Girl Students

The goal of this grant is to support deserving girls in pursuing higher education, particularly in fields such as architecture and civil engineering. It's for first-year college students taking courses in these areas at well-known schools.

The primary goal is to close the gender gap in technical education and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder young women with abilities. The grant typically covers school supplies, tuition, and other educational expenses associated with attending school.

Eligibility:

• Women in their second year of a B.Arch or B.Tech (Civil) school
• Minimum of 50% in the last school year
• Not more than ₹3 lakh a year for a family

Application Period:

• Usually made public once a year through Tata Housing or Tata Trusts' means of communication.

Note: The main Tata Trusts website does not currently list this award. Those who want to apply should contact Tata Housing or check sites like Vidyasaarathi for updates.

Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship

Indian women who have graduated and wish to pursue further education abroad can apply for a prestigious scholarship from the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust. This grant helps cover some of the costs associated with attending school abroad for women residing in socially or traditionally underserved areas.

Fields of Study:

• Social work
• Public health
• Gender studies
• Education
• Development communication
• Child health and welfare

Eligibility:

• Indian women who have graduated from well-known Indian universities
• At least two years of work experience in the field
• Getting into a well-known foreign university for the next school year

Application Period:

• Usually, people can apply between February and April of each year.

J N Tata Endowment Scholarship

The J. N. Tata Endowment has been in existence since 1892 and provides loan grants to Indian students seeking to pursue their master's, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies abroad. You must repay some of this scholarship, but the terms are favorable compared to standard grants.

Features:

• Loan scholarships ranging between ₹1,00,000 and ₹10,00,000
• Additional gift scholarships up to ₹7,50,000 for exceptional students
• Travel grants may also be provided

Eligibility:

• Indian people younger than 45 years old
• Must have a bachelor's degree with at least 60%
• Must have gained entry to a college or university in a foreign country

Fields of Study:

• Open to all fields and courses, even those leading to professional or study degrees.

Tata Scholarship for Cornell University, NY

The Tata Education and Development Trust gives this prestigious grant to Indian first-year college students who are accepted to Cornell University in the United States. Indian children who need financial assistance can attend this Ivy League school, as the Trust has established a $25 million fund to support them.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of India
• Had to get into Cornell University as a student.
• Must show that they need money and apply for financial help

Fields of Study:

• Every undergraduate major that Cornell University has to offer

Application Process:

• Fill out the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile when you apply to get a scholarship.

Tata Trusts Means Grant for College

The goal of this grant is to support college students from low-income families in Mumbai. If a student is deserving, the grant can help cover their tuition and other school-related expenses. It is not course-specific.

Eligibility:

• College students in Mumbai who are in school
• Applicants must demonstrate a need for the funds and have a strong academic record

Required Documents:

• Proof of income, like a pay stub or an IT return
• Receipt for college fees
• Mark sheets from past school years
• Passbook for the bank and Aadhaar card

Application Process:

• Individuals interested in applying must download the form, complete it, and submit it in person to the Tata Trusts office.

Tata Trusts Medical and Healthcare Scholarships

Tata Trusts also provides grants to students who wish to study medicine or healthcare. Scholarships for students in India's recognized medical schools are available to help offset the high costs of education in these fields.

Eligibility:

• Indian students taking medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing, and other health-related classes at the undergraduate or graduate level
• Must have a good score in school
• Must show that they need money

Application Process:

• When forms are open, people who want to apply can do so through the Tata Trusts website.

Tata scholarships continue to change lives and make a significant difference in educational development in India and around the world by providing individuals with financial support and opportunities. 

Eligibility Criteria for Tata Scholarships

Tata scholarships are among the most prestigious and valuable forms of financial aid for Indian students. Tata Trusts and Tata Capital are providing these grants to students who deserve them and have demonstrated academic excellence yet require financial assistance. There are specific requirements for each school to make sure that only the best candidates are chosen.

Indian Citizenship

To be eligible for a Tata grant, applicants must be Indian citizens. This is a basic requirement for all Tata scholarships. For example, only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarship, which is designed for Indian women seeking to pursue higher education abroad. The goal is to equip Indian students and professionals with the tools they need to make a positive impact in society and the workplace upon completing their studies.

Academic Performance

For Tata scholarships, academic achievement is highly valued. To qualify, students must have a strong academic history that has remained consistent. On the other hand, individuals who wish to apply for the Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship Program must have achieved a minimum score of 60% on their most recent qualifying examination. That way, the scholarship will only be awarded to students who have demonstrated their deservingness and the ability to excel academically. 

University Admission

Those who wish to be considered must already be enrolled or have been admitted to a college or university. For instance, students who want to apply for the Tata Trusts Education Grants must be currently enrolled in college in Maharashtra and have completed the previous school year. This ensures that the grant is only awarded to students who are actively pursuing an education.

Financial Need

Students from lower-income families can get Tata grants. The applicant's family's income is significant. For the Pankh Scholarship, for example, the family income can't exceed ₹2,50,000 per year. This situation ensures that financial aid is only given to those who genuinely need it, which helps prevent students from dropping out because they can't afford it.

Age Criteria

Although age limits aren't always clearly defined, most scholarships are typically aimed at students within the standard academic age range. For instance, the Lady Meherbai D. Tata Trust Scholarship is available to women who have graduated, making it accessible to individuals in their early to mid-20s. Applicants should be within the appropriate age range for the course they wish to take.

UG & PG Eligibility

There is a wide range of school levels that Tata scholarships help. Students in senior high school, college, a diploma program, or an advanced program are eligible to apply for the Pankh Scholarship. The Lady Meherbai Trust, on the other hand, only funds advanced studies abroad. This range makes it possible for a wide range of students to receive financial aid, whether they are just starting school or attending school abroad.

Important Dates and Application Deadlines

There are many scholarships and grants available from the Tata Trusts to help people attend college or pursue further studies. There are different due dates and requirements for each school. Here are the important events for the school year 2025:

Application Start and End Dates

For Tata scholarships and grants, the entry deadlines vary by program. Here are the specifics

Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust (2025–2026):

• Request for application links: March 22 – April 25, 2024
• Submission of online forms: April 27, 2024
• Submission of documents via email: May 2, 2024
• Submission of hard copies: May 10, 2024

Note: Fresh applications for the 2025–2026 academic year are now closed.

Lady Tata Memorial Trust (2025–2026):

• Application period: January 1 – March 25, 2025
• Awards announcement: August 1, 2025

Note: You could apply for a Junior Research Fellowship until March 25, 2025.

Means Grant (2025–2026):

• Application period: Not specified

Note: Applications are accepted via email to igpedu@tatatrusts.org.

J. N. Tata Endowment (2025–2026):

• Application period: Not specified

Note: Applications are accepted via the official website.

Interview or Essay Submission Dates

What are the time frames for interviews or essays? That depends on the scholarship program and the trust's judgment. The Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust, for example, holds interviews with shortlisted candidates, but the exact times are not given. Similarly, the Lady Tata Memorial Trust presents awards in July 2025 but doesn't specify when interviews or essays are due.

Result Announcement Timeline

The times that Tata will announce the winners of scholarships and grants are:

Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust (2025–2026):

• By the end of June 2024, the results should be out.

Lady Tata Memorial Trust (2025–2026):

• The awards ceremony will take place on August 1, 2025.

Means Grant (2025–2026):

• The release date of the results is not specified.

J. N. Tata Endowment (2025–2026):

• The release date of the results is not specified. 

How to Apply for the Tata Scholarship

As part of their Individual Grants Program, the Tata Trusts support children's education in India and other countries by providing them with scholarships. To help you through the entry process, here are the steps:

Research the Universities

Before submitting your application, ensure you meet the exact requirements for the scholarship you are applying for. For example, the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship is open to Indian women graduates who have been accepted or have sought to be accepted at well-known universities in the US, UK, or Europe for the 2025–2026 school year.

Prepare the Necessary Documents

Before you begin your application, ensure you have all the necessary documents. Frequently needed papers are:

• Marksheets: Certified copies for the appropriate school years.
• Fee Receipts: For this school year, the fee receipts are for.
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card or PAN card.
• Income Proof: Income proof can be provided through a tax return, Form 16, or a letter from your employer.
• Bank Details: A canceled check or the first page of the bank's passbook.

For the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship, you need to send extra things like a Statement of Purpose, a CV, and signed copies of your admission letters.

Financial Documents

Your financial records should indicate the annual income of your family. The Tata Trusts give the following papers the most weight:

• Income Tax Return: All the forms you need for the fiscal year 2024–25 are here.
• Form 16: Full set for the fiscal year 2024–25.
• Employer Letter: On business letterhead, give information about your income.
• Pension Statement: If applicable, a letter from the bank confirming the annual pension amount.
• Handwritten Statement: If you don't have any official proof of income, a clear handwritten or typed statement along with evidence of income in writing is acceptable.

Any files you send should be in PDF format and be easy to read. Documents that are unclear or have been altered won't be accepted.

Submit Your Application

Candidates must send their applications via email to the address given by the grant. For instance, to apply for the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship, you need to send your letter to lmdtet@tatatrusts.org.

This is how the subject line of your email should look: <<Student Name>> - <<Stream Name>>

Attach all the necessary files in PDF format and ensure each one has the correct name, such as MarksheetSem1.pdf or IncomeProof-Father.pdf. Don't send multiple emails for the same application; instead, include all your papers in a single email.

Attend the Interview (if applicable)

Individuals who make the shortlist may be invited to attend an interview. One example is an online interview for Master's students who wish to pursue careers as MD, MCh, DM, MS, or MDS. The goal of the interview is to see if the candidate is a good fit for the grant.

Review your application, think about your academic and career goals, and be ready to talk about how the grant will help you with your studies before the interview.

Tata Scholarship Selection Process

The Tata Trusts are one of India's oldest and most prestigious charitable groups. They help students from all walks of life by giving them scholarships and educational funds. The goal of these scholarships is to help deserving applicants access the financial resources they need to pursue higher education in various fields, including medicine, engineering, management, the arts, and more.

The Tata Scholarship selection process is organized and methodical to ensure that only the most deserving applicants receive the funding. Here is a full explanation of each step in the choosing process:

Application Screening and Eligibility Check

The first and most crucial step in the selection process is to review the applications and ensure the applicants are eligible. A detailed application form is available on the Tata Trusts website during the application period and must be completed by all applicants. Along with the form, candidates must send the following PDFs that are easy to read:

• Certified copies of the last school year's grades
• Fees collected or set for the current year
• Proof of who you are, like an Aadhaar card or a PAN card
• Proof of family income for the year in question, such as a company letter, Form 16, or IT returns.
• Information about the bank, like a rejected check or the first page of a passbook

These papers are essential for ensuring that the applicant meets the basic eligibility requirements, including those for good grades, course approval, and financial need. Forms that are missing or unclear paperwork are usually not even reviewed.

Evaluation of Financial Need or Academic Merit

After the applications are screened, they are evaluated based on either their academic performance or their financial need, depending on the type of scholarship.

For instance, when someone applies for the Means Grant for College and School Education, the focus is on their financial resources. To demonstrate their eligibility, candidates must submit strong financial documents, such as income tax returns or employer income certificates.

However, scholarships for medical, engineering, and other professional fields put considerable pressure on students to excel academically. Students must meet specific CGPA or grade point average (GPA) requirements. Each type of grant has its standards and criteria for selecting winners.

Essay Submission or Personal Interview (if applicable)

Tata Trusts may ask applicants for some postgraduate scholarships to submit additional paperwork or attend an interview. This is usually the case for students pursuing careers in healthcare, the arts, or teaching abroad.

The papers needed might include:

• Curriculum vitae and resume: listing schooling, extracurricular activities, and work accomplishments
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is where the applicant discusses their career goals, explains why they are applying for the scholarship, and describes how it will benefit their studies.
• Details of Existing Stipend/Scholarship: If students are already getting any cash help

People sometimes do a virtual interview with a student to learn more about their motivation, communication skills, and plans for the future. This helps the selection committee gain a deeper understanding of the candidate beyond their papers.

Final Selection and Notification Process

It takes a great deal of work to compile the final list of chosen candidates. We contact these individuals directly via email. Therefore, individuals who wish to apply should ensure they use a genuine email address that is frequently checked.

Tata Trusts maintains an open and honest process, and they don't grant permission to any third party or agent to handle scholarship processing. The group is responsible for all internal and external communications. Candidates should be wary of outside groups that claim to help them for a fee.

Before receiving the money, students may need to complete additional paperwork, such as writing an acceptance letter or providing more information about their bank account. 

Documents Required for Application

To be eligible for the Tata Trusts Scholarship, applicants must submit specific documents to demonstrate their eligibility and financial need. The necessary paperwork includes:

Item	Description
Noncustodial Parent’s Email (if applicable)	If the applicant's parents are divorced or separated, the email address of the other parent may be required for communication purposes.
Income Details for the Application Year	Applicants must give complete information about their income for the application year. This is the complete set of Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the fiscal year 2024–25. It is necessary to send a letter from the employer on the company's original letterhead saying the same thing if the employer does not provide Form 16.
Recent Bank Statements	Although some sources don't explicitly state it, submitting recent bank statements can help support the cash information provided on the application.
Current Mortgage Details	Information about any current mortgages can help put the family's financial situation into a broader context, but the sites we use don't provide specifics.
Latest Income Tax Return	In addition to the most recent Income Tax Return, you also need the complete set of Income Tax Returns for the financial year 2024–25.
Records of Savings, Bonds, Stocks, and Trusts	Applicants should provide proof of any savings, investments, or trusts to provide a comprehensive picture of their financial situation.
Salary Slips of the Applicant’s Parents	Including pay stubs can help ensure the information about income is accurate.
Proof of Untaxed Income and Benefits for the Application Year	If necessary, there should be proof of any untaxed income or benefits received during the application year.

To strengthen your application, ensure that all your papers are accurate and up to date before submitting them. Failing to submit all the necessary or correct paperwork could result in your removal from the Tata Scholarship program. 

Benefits and Financial Coverage

The Tata Trusts support students in India and around the world who wish to pursue higher education by offering a range of awards and grants. The goal of these financial resources is to make paying for school, living costs, and other expenses easier for families. Here is a list of what the Tata scholarships cover and what they do for you:

Tuition Fee Support

• Partial Assistance for Tuition Fees: The Tata Trusts provide financial support to students from class 8th through graduation, covering some of their tuition fees. They focus on helping students from low-income families and areas of study where it's hard for them to get student loans.
• Support for Overseas Studies: Based on ability and need, scholarships are available for students who wish to pursue higher education abroad. These scholarships cover some or all of the tuition fees.

Living Expense Stipend 

• Means-Based Grants: The Trusts help low-income students cover their living expenses while in school by providing them with means-based grants.
• Support for Marginalized Communities: Children from underserved groups, like those orphaned by farmer suicides or who live on the streets or in native areas, get help with their living costs.

Travel and Other Allowances

• Travel Grants for Studies Abroad: College students interested in studying abroad may be eligible for travel grants to help cover the costs of international travel.
• Support for Special Needs: The Trusts also assist students with special needs by providing funding to cover expenses such as travel costs and other related costs. 

Renewal and Continuation Process

The Tata scholarship renewal and continuation process ensures that students who deserve it continue to receive funding. Recipients must meet specific academic and reporting requirements to keep their status. Here are the most critical parts of the restart process:

Renewal Eligibility

The Lady Tata Memorial Trust awards a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for two years. Before scholars can renew, they must demonstrate sufficient progress in their studies. There is a three-person Doctoral Committee at the scholar's school that looks over their work at the end of the first term.

After this review, the scholar may be asked to reapply and be reconsidered by the Trust's Indian Scientific Advisory Committee so that they can be promoted to a Senior Scholarship, which provides an additional three years of grant funding.

Annual Progress Reporting

Every year, scholars are required to submit a report on their progress. You have until July 15th to send this report online through the Lady Tata Memorial Trust's website. Punctuality in submitting these reports is essential for maintaining the grant.

Academic Performance Requirements

Applicants must hold a master's degree in science (M.Sc.) and have maintained a high grade point average of at least 60% from Class X onwards.

The best applicants are those who have performed well on national tests such as GATE or NET. For both the initial award and the grant renewal, the student must continue to excel academically. 

Tips to Get a Tata Scholarship

Students who wish to attend college may find that receiving a Tata Scholarship can have a significant impact on their lives. When there are a large number of applicants, it's essential to make your application stand out by presenting it in a strong and well-thought-out manner. Here are some essential tips that will help you succeed more often:

Start Your Application Early

It is essential to start the application process early. Applying for a Tata Trusts grant after the deadline is not possible. Starting to get ready early gives you plenty of time to gather the necessary papers and ensure they are accurate and complete.

You must complete an online application and then email the required documents within 24 hours.

Required documents include:

• Certified copies of the student's grade records from the appropriate school year.
• (or more) Receipts for fees for the present school year.
• Proof of identity (PAN card or Aadhaar card).
• Show proof of family income for the year.
• Expired check or the first page of the bankbook.
• A properly signed letter of application.

Tailor SOP to Scholarship Goals

A well-crafted Statement of Purpose (SOP) is crucial. It should align with the grant's goals and demonstrate what you aim to achieve.

• If you want to get the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship, you need to:
• Be Indian women who have graduated and have a good academic record.
• Please bring all your school records with you when you apply.

Demonstrate your interest in fields such as social work, public policy, or social development. 

Focus on Academics and Leadership

Academic success and leadership skills are essential selection factors. Drawing attention to these aspects can strengthen your application.

Often, you need to meet a specific number or CGPA to be eligible. As an example:

• To earn a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, you must achieve a CGPA of 8.5 or higher, equivalent to 80%.
• To be eligible for MBBS, you must have a CGPA of 70% or higher.
• In your application, emphasize leadership roles, community service, and other relevant activities.

Use Strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Letters of recommendation that are convincing can reveal a great deal about your skills and personality.

Pick referees who can attest to how well you did in school, how well you led, and how dedicated you are to your job.

Ensure the letters of recommendation (LORs) are clear, specific, and relevant to the scholarship's primary areas of interest.