Sir Ratan Tata Scholarship

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Manik

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated on - Jul 24, 2025

Tata Trusts offer multiple scholarships to Indian students for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-level studies in India and abroad. Key programs include the JN Tata EndowmentMeans GrantLady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust, and Lady Tata Memorial Trust scholarships.

These scholarships support fields like science, public health, social work, education, and biomedical research. Awards are mostly for full-time, degree-based courses. Funding varies—up to ?10 lakh for overseas postgraduate studies under the JN Tata Endowment and ?60,000 to ?80,000 under the Means Grant.

Deadlines for 2025 intakes ranged between February and May 2025, depending on the scholarship. For example, the Lady Meherbai D Tata Scholarship closed on March 15, 2025, and the JN Tata Endowment on March 31, 2025.

The application process includes form submission, academic records, income proof (for need-based grants), and a statement of purpose. Some scholarships also require an interview or expert review.

Selection depends on academic merit, financial need, interview performance, and long-term societal impact.


Highlights

Scholarship TypeCollege-Specific, Merit-Based
Offered byTrust
OrganizationN/A
Application Deadline Mar 23 ,2025
Number of ScholarshipsN/A
AmountVariable Amount
RenewabilityNo
International Student EligibleYes
Scholarship Website Linkhttps://www.tatatrusts.org/our-work/individual-grants-programme/education-grants
Application FormClick Here

Eligibility Criteria

Below are the eligibility details for the four main Tata Trust scholarships for the academic year 2025–26. Each program has distinct focus areas and applicant profiles.

  1. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

For: Higher Education Abroad (Master’s, PhD, Postdoc)

  • Open to Indian nationals pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies abroad.
     
  • No restriction on field of study.
     
  • Selection is strictly merit-based.
     
  • Candidates must have a strong academic record and demonstrated potential.
     
  • Scholarship is a loan of up to ?10 lakh, repayable in five instalments starting from the third year.
     
  1. Tata Trust Means Grant for College

For: School and College Students in Maharashtra

  • Applicable to students pursuing studies in Maharashtra (Class 8 onward, up to graduation).
     
  • Only valid for academic year 2025–26.
     
  • Must have secured at least a “Pass” class in the previous exam.
     
  • ATKT, grace marks, or condoned results are not accepted.
     
  • Only two siblings per family can apply.
     
  • Students must possess the original annual fee receipt at the time of application.
     
  1. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship 

For: Indian Women Pursuing Overseas Master’s (Social Sector Fields)

  • Open to Indian women graduates with a strong academic and professional background.
     
  • Must be seeking admission to a Master’s program abroad.
     
  • Fields: Social work, child welfare, education (including special education), and related areas.
     
  • Typically supports 10 scholars annually through a rigorous selection process.
     
  1. Lady Tata Memorial Trust – Young Researcher Award 

For: Early-career Indian Scientists (Biomedical Research)

  • Open to Indian researchers working in the field of leukemia, blood disorders, and related biomedical sciences.
     
  • Applicants should be engaged in scientific research at recognized Indian institutions.
     
  • Supports both individual research and institutional projects.
     

Focus areas: Cancer biologybioinformaticshealthcare materials, and disease mitigation.


Application Process

Each Tata Trust scholarship has a separate application process, typically conducted online. Below is the step-by-step guide:

  1. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
  • Apply online at application.jntataendowment.org.
     
  • Upload scanned copies of:
    • Passport-size photo
    • Aadhaar card and passport
    • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
    • Statement of Purpose (max 800 words)
    • Work experience (if applicable)
    • Latest ITR/payslip (for working professionals)
       
  • No edits allowed post-submission. For corrections, email with reference number.
     
  • Application Deadline (2025–26): March 23, 2025
  1. Tata Trust Means Grant for College
  • Apply online at tatatrusts.goodera.com.
     
  • Register and fill the form with academic and personal details.
     
  • Upload:
    • Latest mark sheet
    • Original annual fee receipt
       
  • Must be studying in Maharashtra, with a minimum pass class.
     
  • Application Deadline (2025–26): February 15, 2025
  1. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship
  • Apply online at tatatrusts.org.
     
  • Register and fill the online application form.
     
  • Required:
    • Academic records
    • Proof of admission or application to a Master’s program abroad
    • Statement of purpose and resume
       
  • For Indian women only, in social-sector fields.
     
  • Application Deadline (2025–26): May 2, 2025 
  1. Lady Tata Memorial Trust – Young Researcher Award
  • Apply via ladytatatrust.org.
     
  • Download and submit the application as per instructions.
     
  • Submit:
    • Research proposal
    • CV
    • Letter from host institution
      Publications (if any)
       
  • Open to early-career Indian researchers in biomedical sciences.
     
  • Application Deadline (2025–26): March 25, 2025

Selection Process

Each scholarship offered by Tata Trusts follows a merit-based and/or need-based evaluation process. Here’s how candidates are selected:

  1. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
  • Candidates must submit a complete application with all supporting documents.
     
  • Shortlisting is based on academic meritstatement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
     
  • Shortlisted applicants may be called for a personal interview.
     
  • The interview assesses career goalsclarity of purpose, and potential social impact.
     
  • Final selection is based on academic recordinterview performance, and future potential.
     
  • Selected candidates are notified by the Trust.
  1. Tata Trust Means Grant for College
  • Applications are evaluated based on the completeness of the form and financial documents.
     
  • The Trust reviews the applicant’s family incomeexpenses, and overall financial condition.
     
  • In some cases, candidates may be called for an interview.
     
  • Final selection is based solely on financial need and eligibility.
  1. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship
  • Applications are shortlisted based on academic excellence and purpose of study.
     
  • Selected candidates may be invited for a personal interview.
     
  • The interview evaluates goalsmotivation, and career impact.
     
  • Final selection is based on:
  • Awardees are directly notified by the Trust.
  1. Lady Tata Memorial Trust (Young Researcher Award)
  • Application Review: Based on research proposalscientific merit, and alignment with trust themes
     
  • Shortlisting: By expert committees
     
  • Evaluation: Scientific relevance, impact potential, and applicant's research background
     
  • Final Selection: Made by the Trust based on overall merit and project value

Grant Details

Tata Trusts provide merit- and need-based scholarships for Indian students pursuing studies in India or abroad. Key scholarships for 2025 are listed below:

  1. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
  • Type: Merit-based loan scholarship (up to ?10 lakh)
     
  • Purpose: For overseas Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies in any field
     
  • Repayment: Begins in the 3rd year after award, repayable in 5 equal installments over 7 years
     
  • Impact: Over 5,700 scholars supported since 1892, including national leaders, scientists, and academics
  1. Tata Trust Means Grant for College
  • Type: Need-based grant (partial fee assistance)
     
  • Eligibility: For students in Maharashtra, from Std VIII to undergraduate college level
     
  • Criteria: Family income, fee receipts, academic pass grade (not ATKT/grace)
     
  • Note: Max two siblings from a family may apply
  1. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship
  • Type: Merit-based scholarship for women pursuing overseas Master’s
     
  • Fields: Social work, child welfare, education (including special needs)
     
  • Awarded: To 10 outstanding women annually
     
  • Established: In 1933; known for its rigorous selection and trustee involvement
  1. Lady Tata Memorial Trust – Young Researcher Award
  • Type: Competitive research grant
     
  • Focus: Research in leukemia, blood disorders, and allied biomedical fields
     
  • Support: Junior Research Fellowships, Institutional Research, and International Awards
     
  • Notable Grants (2021-22):
     
    • ?1.84 crore for 5 global research projects
    • 15 Indian students awarded JRFs
    • 2 national teachers’ training programs held

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