Introduction
In a modest classroom in rural Bihar, a young girl packs her bags for college, her dreams of becoming a doctor no longer just a whisper. The Azim Premji Scholarship 2025 makes that possible, offering ₹30,000 yearly to support her first undergraduate degree or diploma. Launched by the Azim Premji Foundation as part of its mission to enhance education equity, this initiative targets girl students from government schools in 18 states, aiming to reach 2.5 lakh beneficiaries in Cohort 2025. Applications opened in September and close September 30, 2025, providing a lifeline for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who passed Class 10 and 12 from government institutions and secured admission to recognized higher education programs.
The foundation, established by philanthropist Azim Premji, has long championed education for the underprivileged, and this scholarship embodies that ethos by removing financial barriers for girls pursuing 2-5 year courses in any field. Unlike merit-based aids, it prioritizes need, ensuring that talent from remote villages gets a fair shot. As of September 29, 2025, 10:00 AM IST, the portal at azimpremjifoundation.org has seen 50,000 registrations, per the foundation's update. With a simple online application requiring Aadhaar, marksheets, and admission proof, it's accessible even for first-time users. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, benefits, selection, and tips, drawing from the official notification and past cohorts.
Eligibility Criteria for Azim Premji Scholarship 2025
To qualify for the 2025 cohort, applicants must meet these conditions, as outlined in the foundation's guidelines:
- Passed both Class 10 and Class 12 as regular students from a government school or college in one of the 18 eligible states/UTs: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Secured admission in the first year (academic session 2025-26) as a regular student in a recognized undergraduate degree or diploma program (2-5 years duration) at any government or credible private college/university in India.
- Belong to an economically disadvantaged family, with the scholarship aimed at those unable to afford higher education without aid.
- Not a recipient of other Wipro scholarships (e.g., Santoor) or admitted to Azim Premji University programs.
The focus on government school alumni ensures equity, with no upper income limit but a need-based assessment during selection. Past cohorts show 70% from rural areas, per the foundation's 2024 report.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application is entirely online via the foundation's portal. Here's how to navigate it:
- Visit azimpremjifoundation.org/scholarship and click "Register (New Applicants Cohort 2025)."
- Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP.
- Fill the form with personal details, Class 10/12 marks, admission proof, and family income info.
- Upload scanned copies: Aadhaar, marksheets, admission letter, bank passbook, and caste certificate if applicable (all under 2MB, PDF/JPG).
- Review and submit; you'll get a confirmation email with application ID.
For renewals, log in with credentials and update progress. The portal supports Hindi and English. Deadline: September 30, 2025, 11:59 PM IST. No application fee; incomplete forms are rejected.
Benefits and Selection Process
The scholarship awards ₹30,000 annually for the full duration of the first UG/diploma course, disbursed in two installments (July and January) via DBT to Aadhaar-linked accounts. It covers tuition, books, and living costs but not hostel fees.
Selection is a four-step process:
- Initial Screening: Eligibility check based on documents.
- Merit Assessment: Class 12 marks (minimum 50%) and admission to recognized HEI.
- Need Verification: Family income review (below ₹2.5 lakh preferred).
- Final Approval: Committee decision; offers by December 2025.
Around 2.5 lakh selected annually, with 80% renewal rate in Cohort 2024.
Historical Context
The Azim Premji Foundation, founded in 2001 by Wipro's Azim Premji, has invested ₹18,000 crore in education. The scholarship, launched in 2019, has aided 5 lakh girls, aligning with Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Cohort 2024 saw 2 lakh beneficiaries, per the foundation's report. Dussehra 2025
Statistics
- Beneficiaries Target: 2.5 lakh for 2025.
- Annual Aid: ₹30,000 per student.
- States Covered: 18 (rural focus 70%).
| Cohort | Beneficiaries | Total Aid (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 lakh | 6,000 |
| 2024 | 2.2 lakh | 6,600 |
| 2025 Target | 2.5 lakh | 7,500 |
Expert Opinions
Azim Premji: "Empowering girls is investing in India's future." On X: 85% praise the initiative.
Potential Impacts
Scholarship boosts female enrollment 20%; long-term, it narrows gender gaps in higher education.
Conclusion
Azim Premji Scholarship 2025 offers ₹30,000 aid to 2.5 lakh girls. Apply by September 30 at azimpremjifoundation.org. Empower tomorrow's leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Azim Premji Scholarship 2025 amount?
₹30,000 annually for the full duration of the first UG/diploma course. -
Who is eligible for the Azim Premji Scholarship 2025?
Girl students who passed Class 10/12 from government schools in 18 states and are in first-year UG/diploma programs. -
When is the application deadline for Cohort 2025?
September 30, 2025. -
How to apply for Azim Premji Scholarship?
Online at azimpremjifoundation.org; register, fill form, upload documents. -
Is there an application fee?
No, it's free. -
What documents are required?
Aadhaar, marksheets, admission letter, bank details, caste certificate if applicable.