Free Education For Sports Medal Winners / Participants Of National/ International Events 2026

The University Grants Commission (UGC) runs a scheme to provide free education to sports medal winners and Read More... participants of national and international events pursuing higher studies in universities and colleges. Read less

Details

Excelling in sports is a matter of pride for India. Recognizing this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a fantastic scheme to support our talented athletes. If you've won medals at national games or represented India internationally, this scheme is for you!

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative, called "Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National/ International Events," is designed by the Ministry of Education to help sportspersons who are pursuing higher education. It aims to ensure they can focus on both their athletic careers and academic goals without financial strain.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is open to students who have achieved medals in national-level sports events or have participated in recognised international sporting competitions. This support extends to those enrolled in full-time regular courses at universities and colleges across India.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By covering educational expenses, this scheme removes a significant barrier for many talented athletes. It encourages them to continue their studies while excelling in their chosen sport, fostering a holistic development that benefits both the individual and the nation's sporting future.

Objective

The University Grants Commission (UGC) runs a scheme to provide free education to sports medal winners and participants of national and international events pursuing higher studies in universities and colleges.

Benefits

Medals at Olympics, World Championship (more than 20 countries)Tuition Fee and Other Funds:Bachelor's degree: Actual; PG: Actual; Diploma: Actual; PG Degree: Actual; M. Phil: ₹ 7500/- per month + Actual; Ph.D.: As per with JRF scale (UGC); MBA orother professional courses (*): ₹ 7500/- per month + Actual.Hostel Facilities (Boarding and Lodging):ActualAllowances for special courses abroad:As per Govt of India’s normsKit:₹ 15000 per annumParticipations at Olympics, World Championship (more than 20 countries); Medal at Common Wealth, Asian, Afro-Asian GamesTuition Fee and Other Funds:Bachelor's degree: Actual; PG: Actual; Diploma: Actual; PG Degree: Actual; M. Phil: ₹ 7500/- per month + Actual; Ph.D.: As per with JRF scale (UGC); MBA orother professional courses (*): ₹ 7500/- per month + Actual.Hostel Facilities (Boarding and Lodging):ActualAllowances for special courses abroad:As per Govt of India’s normsKit:₹15000 per annumParticipation at World Championship (less than 20 countries), CommonWealth, Asian, and Afro-Asian, Games; Medal at Asian Championship (excluding Asian games)Tuition Fee and Other Funds:Bachelor's degree: Actual; PG: Actual; Diploma: Actual; PG Degree: Actual; M. Phil: ₹7500/- per month + Actual; Ph.D.: As per with JRF scale (UGC); MBA orother professional courses (*): ₹ 7500/- per month + Actual.Hostel Facilities (Boarding and Lodging):ActualAllowances for special courses abroad:As per Govt of India’s normsKit:₹ 10000 per annumParticipation at Asian Championship, World university games; Medal at SAF GamesTuition Fee and Other Funds:Bachelor's degree: Actual; PG: Actual; Diploma: Actual; PG Degree: Actual; M. Phil:₹7500/- per month + Actual; Ph.D.: As per with JRF scale (UGC); MBA orother professional courses (*): ₹ 7500/- per month + Actual.Hostel Facilities (Boarding and Lodging):ActualAllowances for special courses abroad:As per Govt of India’s normsKit:₹7500 per annumParticipation at SAF Games; Medal at National level CompetitionsTuition Fee and Other Funds:Bachelor's degree: 75% of Actual; PG: 75% of Actual; Diploma: 75% of Actual; PG Degree: 75% of Actual; M. Phil: ₹ 5000/- per month + Actual; Ph.D.: Rs. 7500/- per month +Actual; MBA or other professional courses (*):₹. 5000/- per month + Actual.Hostel Facilities (Boarding and Lodging):ActualAllowances for special courses abroad:As per Govt of India’s normsKit:₹ 6000 per annum(i) The pattern of assistance will be as per the chart mentioned above depending upon the level of performance of the concerned sportsperson.(ii) The financial assistance depending upon the eligibility will be reimbursed by the UGC to the university concerned. The university will be responsible for submitting all relevant documents as per the guidelines and the proformas of the scheme.(iii) For the loss of the classes of the concerned sports persons because of their engagement in sporting activity, the university concerned will make special efforts in terms of completion of syllabus and attendance.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be:

A medal winner at National Games or a participant in recognised international sporting events. These events must be recognised by bodies like the World University Service, International Olympic Committee, and Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA).
Admitted to universities, institutions, or colleges that are:
- Included under sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956.
- Deemed to be Universities under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 eligible for UGC grants.
- Funded by Central or State Governments.
- Institutes of National Importance.
Your continuation of the scholarship in subsequent years will depend on your ongoing sports performance.

How To Apply

Applications for this scholarship need to be submitted through your University or College. Here’s the general process:

Apply through University/College: Candidates must submit an application in the prescribed format through their university or college.
University Submission to UGC: The concerned University/College/Institution will then submit a complete statement to the UGC annually. This statement includes:
- Names of selected students and details of scholarship amounts received.
- A progress report covering sports performance and academics after the first year.
- Utilization certificate for the previously released grant.
- A justification certificate for continuing the scholarship, issued by the Head of Department and forwarded by the Registrar/Principal.

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. The UGC disburses the financial assistance through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

Official Link: For more details, please refer to the UGC guidelines available at http://www.ugc.ac.in/page/XII-PlanGuidelines.aspx.

Documents Required

For Candidates (To be submitted through University/College)

Application in the prescribed format.
Attested certificate of participation or medal win, as proof of eligibility (Attested by Registrar/Principal).

For Universities/Colleges/Institutions (To be submitted to UGC annually)

Statement of students selected for the scholarship and the amounts they received.
Progress Report (sports and academics) after the first year.
Utilization certificate for the previous grant.
Justification certificate for the continuation of the scholarship, signed by the Director/Head of Department and forwarded by the Registrar/Principal.

FAQ’s

What is the purpose of this free education scheme for athletes?

The scheme aims to provide financial aid to medal winners and participants in national and international sports events who are pursuing higher education. It supports their academic and sports development goals.

Can a student receive this scholarship along with other scholarships?

Yes, a student awarded this scholarship is not prevented from accepting other scholarships from any other source or funding agency.

What happens if a student stops studying without UGC's approval?

If a student discontinues their studies without prior approval from the UGC, they will be required to refund the entire scholarship amount disbursed to them.

Which institutions are eligible for students under this scheme?

Students can be admitted to universities, institutions, or colleges that are recognised under sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956, Deemed Universities eligible for UGC grants, institutions funded by the Central/State Government, or Institutes of National Importance.

How are the scholarship amounts disbursed?

The financial assistance is reimbursed by the UGC to the universities, and then disbursed to the students, typically through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

Are there any age limits for applying to this scholarship?

No, there is no specific age criterion mentioned for this scheme.

What proof do candidates need to submit for their sports achievements?

Candidates need to submit an application and a certificate that proves their participation in recognised international events or their medal-winning status at national games. This certificate must be attested by the Registrar or Principal of their institution.

Can the UGC cancel the scholarship, and under what conditions?

Yes, the UGC can terminate a scholarship. This can happen in cases of misconduct, unsatisfactory academic or sports progress (like frequent failures in exams), or at any time based on the university's recommendation. The Commission's decision in such matters is final.

What specific financial support is provided under this scheme?

The scheme covers actual tuition fees, hostel boarding and lodging expenses, and provides monthly stipends for certain courses (M.Phil, Ph.D., MBA/professional courses) and annual allowances for sports kits. The exact amounts vary based on the level of sports achievement.

What is the process for universities to report to the UGC?

Each year, universities must submit a statement listing the scholarship recipients, details of amounts received, a progress report on academics and sports, a utilization certificate for funds, and a justification for continuing the scholarship for selected students.