STEM Scholars Program 2025 For UG and PG Students | Last Date to Apply

STEM Scholars Program 2025 For UG and PG Students : The STEM Scholars: Shaping the Next Generation of Innovators scholarship is a heartfelt initiative by Nasscom Foundation in collaboration with Optum as part of their CSR efforts. This scholarship is designed to uplift bright students from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing STEM education, and to empower them to build big futures. By offering financial support, removing barriers, and providing mentorship and internship opportunities, the programme aims to nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders in engineering, pharmacy and life sciences.

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Eligibility Criteria for STEM Scholars Program

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in 3rd or 4th year of a B.E./B.Tech program in Computer Science, Pharmacy, or Life Sciences.
• Alternatively, students in the 4th or 5th year of a 5-year Integrated Engineering Programme (e.g., B.Tech + M.Tech or B.E. + M.E) are eligible.
• Institute location: The student must be studying in a government or private institute located in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, or Hyderabad.
• Preference is given to students from SC / ST / OBC categories, PwD, girls, single-parent families, or orphans.
• Academic requirement: Minimum 65% marks in Class 12th.
• Family income: Annual family income from all sources should be up to ₹8,00,000 (eight lakh rupees).
• Exclusion: Children of employees, partners, or donors associated with the programme are not eligible.

Benefits of STEM Scholars Program

If selected under this programme, you stand to receive:

• Financial assistance of ₹ 30,000 as scholarship support.
• The scholarship aims to help cover academic-related expenses — such as tuition, study materials, possibly living costs — reducing the financial load on students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• In addition to financial aid, the programme offers mentorship and internship opportunities, which can significantly boost your career growth prospects by providing industry exposure and guidance (as mentioned in the programme description).

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Documents Required for STEM Scholars Program

When applying for the scholarship, you’ll need to upload the following documents as part of your application. Ensure that all documents are clear, valid, and as per the specified format.

• Recent passport-size photograph
• College admission or current enrollment proof — e.g., Admission Letter or Institution ID Card
• Class 12th marksheet (to verify eligibility criteria)
• Previous academic year’s marksheet (to confirm ongoing academic status)
• Address proof (for example, Driving License, Electricity Bill, etc.)
• Identity proof (PAN Card, Driving License, or other government-issued ID)
• Proof of annual family income (income certificate, ITR, etc.)
• Bank passbook copy (for scholarship disbursement)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Death certificate (in case of single-parent / orphan status, if applicable)

How to Apply for STEM Scholars Program

Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:

1. Click on the “Click Here To Apply” button provided at the end.
2. Carefully review the scholarship details provided.
3. Complete the application form and ensure all required information is accurately filled out.
4. Attach the necessary documents as specified in the scholarship requirements.
5. Finally, click the “Submit” button to submit your scholarship application.

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Last Date to Apply for STEM Scholars Program

The deadline to apply for the STEM Scholars: Shaping the Next Generation of Innovators scholarship is 26 December 2025.

Be sure to complete and submit your application well before this date to avoid last-minute technical issues or delays.

Contact Details for STEM Scholars Program

If you have any questions or face difficulties during application, you can reach out to the scholarship administrators using the following:

• Phone: 011-430-92248 (Extension: 378) — available Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (IST)
• Email: stemscholars@buddy4study.in (you can write any time).

Top 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid

Applying for scholarships often involves careful attention to detail. Here are the top five mistakes many students make when applying for “STEM Scholars,” and how you can avoid them:

1. Missing or uploading incorrect documents
   • Mistake: Uploading blurry or incomplete scans, or missing required documents (like income proof, caste certificate, or previous marksheet).
   • How to avoid: Before uploading, double-check all documents. Use a scanner or high-resolution camera. Ensure all required fields are covered and file formats/sizes follow Buddy4Study’s instructions. Keep a checklist handy.
2. Applying despite not meeting income or academic criteria
   • Mistake: Many students apply even though their family income exceeds ₹8 lakh or they scored less than 65% in Class 12 — resulting in rejection.
   • How to avoid: Honestly evaluate your eligibility before applying. If you don’t meet the criteria, consider alternative scholarships that suit your profile.
3. Procrastinating and missing the deadline
   • Mistake: Starting the application at the last minute and missing the 26 December 2025 deadline due to document gathering, upload issues, or site traffic.
   • How to avoid: Begin the process early. Collect required documents ahead, scan them, and keep them ready. Submit at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute hurdles.
4. Mistakes or typos in application form (personal details / academic data)
   • Mistake: Entering incorrect name, institution, marks, income — leading to mismatches during verification and possible rejection.
   • How to avoid: Fill in all details carefully, and review the form in “Preview” step before submitting. Cross-verify with your official documents.
5. Not checking eligibility or exclusion criteria thoroughly
   • Mistake: Some applicants belong to ineligible categories — for example, children of employees/partners/donors of the sponsoring organisations — but still apply.
   • How to avoid: Read the eligibility and exclusions section carefully. If any exclusion applies to you, avoid applying — or reach out to contact support for clarification.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is this scholarship only for engineering students or does it include other courses like pharmacy or life sciences?

Yes — this scholarship is open not only to B.E./B.Tech engineering students (in 3rd or 4th year) but also to those pursuing Pharmacy or Life Sciences. Additionally, students enrolled in 5-year integrated engineering programmes (e.g., B.Tech + M.Tech / B.E + M.E) who are in their 4th or 5th year are also eligible.

Q2: What if my family income is slightly above ₹8 lakh? Can I still try applying?

Unfortunately, the scholarship explicitly states that the annual family income from all sources should be up to ₹8,00,000. If your income exceeds this, you are not eligible. It’s better to look for other scholarships with different income criteria rather than risk rejection.

Q3: When will the scholarship amount of ₹ 30,000 be disbursed? Is it one-time or yearly?

According to the official description, the award is a fixed scholarship of ₹ 30,000. The listing does not explicitly mention recurring disbursements across multiple years, which suggests it may be a one-time grant. It’s wise to assume it’s a one-time award unless otherwise communicated.

Q4: Can I apply even if I am from a ‘general’ category (i.e., not SC/ST/OBC/PwD), and not a girl, orphan or from a single-parent family?

Yes — the scholarship is not strictly limited to reserved categories. However, the listing mentions that preference will be given to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, girls, single-parent, and orphan candidates. That means general-category applicants can apply, but admission may be more competitive compared to priority groups.

Q5: I am doing a 5-year integrated engineering degree. I am currently in 3rd year. Am I eligible now or should I wait until 4th year?

For 5-year Integrated Engineering Programmes (e.g. B.Tech + M.Tech / B.E + M.E), only students currently in their 4th or 5th year are eligible. If you’re in 3rd year right now, you’ll need to wait until you’re in 4th year to apply.

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Overview of STEM Scholars Program

Scholarship id	CPSA25120900960
Scholarship Name	STEM Scholars Program 2025
Scholarship Open for	Boys and Girls
Scholarship Offered by	Nasscom Foundation in collaboration with Optum (Optum CSR initiative)
Who can Apply ?	Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (≤ ₹8 lakh family income), in 3rd/4th year (or 4th/5th year for integrated courses), in BE/BTech/Pharma/Life-Sciences — from eligible cities. Preference to SC/ST/OBC/PwD, girls, orphans, single-parent families.
Location of Students eligible	Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hydrabad
Scholarship Benefits	Up to Rs.30,000/- Per Student
Last Date to Apply	26 December 2025
Application Link	Click Here to Apply