The race for educational scholarships in India has entered its final lap this week. The Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship 2025 is closing its registration process today, September 30, and students across the country are scrambling to complete their applications before the portal shuts down. Alongside this, the Deepika Student Scholarship, another significant program for financially challenged learners, is also wrapping up its application phase. For many young aspirants, these opportunities could be life-changing, providing not just financial relief but also a sense of recognition and hope.
The demand for scholarships in India has surged over the past decade as the cost of education continues to climb. A postgraduate degree or even a simple professional diploma can weigh heavily on middle-class families, and for students from rural or economically weaker sections, such expenses often feel out of reach. This is where scholarships backed by private foundations and government schemes step in. As one guidance counselor from Bengaluru, Ritu Sharma, remarked, “For a bright child from a modest family, a scholarship isn’t just a cheque—it’s a ticket to dignity and opportunity.”
Who Can Apply for Azim Premji Scholarship 2025?
The Azim Premji Foundation has long been known for its focus on education and social development, and its scholarship reflects those values. The 2025 program is open to students pursuing higher studies in areas linked to education, development studies, and related fields. Applicants must demonstrate a solid academic record, but grades alone don’t guarantee selection. The Foundation emphasizes commitment to social change and a willingness to contribute back to communities. In other words, they’re looking for students who can become educators, reformers, or grassroots leaders, not just degree holders.
Many past recipients share stories of how the program encouraged them to think beyond personal career goals. One former scholar, now working in a rural school in Madhya Pradesh, explained, “I always wanted to teach, but financial pressure made me think of giving up after graduation. This scholarship made sure I could continue my studies and later return to my village to educate children who face the same struggles I once did.”
Deadline Pressure
The deadline of September 30, 2025, has created a sense of urgency. Scholarship portals have reported higher-than-usual traffic in recent days, and counseling centers are receiving last-minute requests for help with forms. Missing this date means waiting until next year, which can be devastating for students mid-way through an academic year. Many applicants have been juggling between semester exams and the scholarship process, making this week particularly stressful.
What About the PM Scholarship?
At the same time, students are also keeping an eye on the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), which operates independently of the Azim Premji initiative. The PMSS supports the wards of defence personnel, paramilitary staff, and police officers, covering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Under the scheme, eligible students typically receive financial aid between ₹30,000 and ₹36,000 annually, depending on the program.
This overlap of multiple scholarships often confuses students, but the silver lining is that it expands the safety net. While the PMSS carries the government’s backing and has a long track record, the Azim Premji Foundation’s scholarship stands out for its focus on social development and educational reform.
Are Azim Premji Schools Expensive?
One common question parents ask is whether the Azim Premji schools themselves are costly. The reality is quite the opposite. Unlike many private schools in urban India that demand hefty fees, Azim Premji schools operate on a not-for-profit basis. Most charge little to nothing in tuition, and parents are usually responsible only for minimal costs like uniforms or books. This affordability ensures that children from disadvantaged families can access high-quality education without being pushed into debt.
Education activists see this model as a refreshing alternative. A parent from Raipur, whose daughter attends an Azim Premji school, shared, “I could never have afforded a private English-medium school. Here, my child studies in modern classrooms, but we don’t pay the kind of fees that break families.”
The Bigger Picture
Scholarships like these highlight the widening gap between the aspirations of India’s young population and the financial realities their families face. According to surveys, more than 60 percent of Indian households with school-going children spend over a third of their income on education. When higher education enters the picture, the costs only rise further. For students who are the first in their family to attend college, dropping out due to money troubles is sadly common.
By stepping in at this crucial juncture, programs like the Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship do more than pay bills. They give young people confidence that someone believes in their potential. The Foundation’s emphasis on social commitment also means that beneficiaries are encouraged to return the favor by working in education or development, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.
Looking Ahead
As the September 30 deadline ticks closer, thousands of students will hit the submit button, hoping for a positive outcome. Results will decide who gets to continue their studies without the constant worry of fees and who may need to look for other options.
Whether through private philanthropy like the Azim Premji Foundation or government initiatives such as the PMSS, the momentum for scholarships in India is growing. With education costs unlikely to drop, this momentum is not just welcome—it’s essential. For many students, the acceptance letter won’t just mean financial support; it will mean the chance to dream bigger, study harder, and maybe, one day, change someone else’s life.