Pharmacy Scholarships in India: How to Fund Your Studies

Introduction To The Pharmacy Scholarship In India:

Pharmacy school can be expensive, and many students struggle to find ways to finance their education. Luckily, there are several scholarship opportunities available for pharmacy students. In this guide, we'll break down the different types of scholarships available, eligibility requirements, and tips for applying to help you pay for your education.

Types of Pharmacy Scholarships:

There are various types of scholarships available for pharmacy students, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and scholarships based on specific demographics or affiliations.

Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, while need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need.

Some scholarships may be specific to certain ethnic groups, gender, or geographic locations. It's important to research and apply to as many scholarship opportunities as possible to increase your chances of receiving funding.

In this article, we will discuss some of the top pharmacy scholarships in India and how you can apply for them.

Here are some scholarship programs in India that pharmacy students can apply for:

AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme:

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offers the Pragati Scholarship Scheme for female students pursuing a diploma or degree course in pharmacy. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 50,000 per annum and is available to students whose family income is less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum. The application process typically opens in the month of September and interested students can apply online through the AICTE website.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship: 

The APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship is offered by the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala (IIITM-K) to students pursuing a postgraduate degree in pharmacy. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 30,000 per annum and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Interested students can apply online through the IIITM-K website.

DBT Junior Research Fellowship: 

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) offers the Junior Research Fellowship to students pursuing a postgraduate degree in biotechnology or allied areas, including pharmacy. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 31,000 per month and is awarded based on academic merit and research aptitude. Interested students can apply online through the DBT-JRF website.

UGC PG Scholarship for Professional Courses for SC/ST Students:

The University Grants Commission (UGC) offers the PG Scholarship for Professional Courses for SC/ST Students to students pursuing a postgraduate degree in pharmacy. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 5,000 per month and is available to students belonging to the SC/ST category. Interested students can apply online through the UGC website.

EBC Scholarship:

The Government of India offers the Economically Backward Classes (EBC) Scholarship to students pursuing a degree or diploma course in pharmacy. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 25,000 per annum and is available to students whose family income is less than Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum. Interested students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal.

 OP Jindal Engineering and Management Scholarships :

The OP Jindal Group offers engineering and management scholarships to meritorious students pursuing a degree in pharmacy. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 lakh per year to students who have secured at least 60% marks in their last qualifying examination. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a recognized institution in India and have a family income of less than Rs. 4.5 lakhs per year. Interested students can apply through the OP Jindal website. The application deadline for the scholarship is typically in the month of July each year.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Junior Research Fellowship:

 The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) offers Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) to students pursuing postgraduate courses in various fields of medical research, including pharmacy. The fellowship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 31,000 per month, along with a contingency grant of up to Rs. 20,000 per year. To be eligible, students must have completed their Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy with at least 55% marks and be below the age of 28. Interested students can apply through the ICMR website. The application process for the JRF typically begins in the month of April each year.

Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship:

The Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship is offered by the University of Cambridge in collaboration with the St. John’s College. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 35 lakhs per year to Indian students pursuing a PhD in any field, including pharmacy, at the University of Cambridge. To be eligible, students must have secured at least 60% marks in their last qualifying examination and be below the age of 35. Interested students can apply through the St. John’s College website. The application deadline for the scholarship is typically in the month of January each year.

INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE):

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) offers the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) to students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in natural and basic sciences, including pharmacy. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 80,000 per year to meritorious students who have secured at least 60% marks in their last qualifying examination. To be eligible, students must be within the top 1% of students in their respective board or university examination and be enrolled in a recognized institution in India. Interested students can apply through the INSPIRE website. The application deadline for the scholarship is typically in the month of November each year.

 Conclusion:

Scholarships are an excellent way for pharmacy students to pay for their education. By researching scholarship opportunities, meeting eligibility requirements, and submitting a strong application, you can increase your chances of receiving funding. Remember to start early, tailor your application to each scholarship program, and practice good time management to give yourself the best chance of success. Good luck with your scholarship applications!