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

The University Grants Commission (UGC) offers free education support to medal winners and participants of national and Read More... international sporting events who are pursuing full-time regular courses in universities and colleges. Read less

Details

Are you a sportsperson who has brought laurels to India at national or international events and is looking to pursue higher education? The University Grants Commission (UGC) has a special scheme to support you!

What Is This Scheme?

This scheme, introduced by the UGC under the Ministry of Education, is designed to help sportspersons who have won medals or participated in major national and international competitions. The goal is to ensure that your academic journey doesn't take a backseat while you excel in sports, and to encourage excellence in both fields.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is for talented athletes who have achieved recognition at national games and participated in recognized international sporting events. If you are admitted to eligible universities, colleges, or institutions, you could be eligible for this support.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This initiative by the UGC is crucial for the holistic development of sportspersons. It removes financial barriers to higher education, allowing athletes to focus on their training and studies without worrying about educational expenses. By supporting both academic and sports pursuits, the scheme aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who can excel in various aspects of life.

Objective

The University Grants Commission (UGC) offers free education support to medal winners and participants of national and international sporting events who are pursuing full-time regular courses 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 meet the following criteria:

Medal Winners and Participants: You must be a medal winner in national games or a participant in recognized international sporting events. These events should be recognized by bodies like the World University Service, International Olympic Committee, and the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA).
Educational Institutions: You must be admitted to one of the following types of institutions:
- Universities, Institutions, or Colleges listed under Sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956.
- Deemed-to-be Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 that are eligible to receive UGC grants.
- Universities, Institutions, or Colleges funded by the Central or State Government.
- Institutes of National Importance.
Subsequent Performance: In the years following your initial award, your continued eligibility for the scholarship will depend on your subsequent sports performance.

How To Apply

The application process is managed through your university or college. Here's what you need to know:

Submit Application: You are required to submit an application in the prescribed format. This is typically done through your college or university.
University Submission: Your university/college will then forward your application and necessary documents to the UGC.
University's Role: The university concerned is responsible for submitting all relevant documents as per the scheme's guidelines and proformas to the UGC for reimbursement.
Online Portal: While the initial application is through the institution, for details and guidelines, you may refer to the UGC website. ([http://www.ugc.ac.in/page/XII-Plan%0A%0A%0A%0AGuidelines.aspx](http://www.ugc.ac.in/page/XII-Plan%0A%0A%0A%0AGuidelines.aspx) - Note: This link might be outdated, please check the official UGC website for the latest portal).

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documents Required

As a candidate, you need to provide the following documents to your University/College:

Application Form: A completed application form in the prescribed format.
Proof of Achievement: An attested certificate proving your participation or medal-winning status, as per the eligibility criteria. This should be attested by the Registrar or Principal of your institution.

Your University/College will then submit a comprehensive statement to the UGC annually, including:

Names of selected students and the scholarship amounts received.
Progress Report (academic and sports performance) after the first year.
Utilization certificate for previously released grants.
A justification certificate for the continuation of the scholarship, issued by the Director/Head of the Department and forwarded by the Registrar/Principal.

FAQ’s

Can I receive other scholarships along with this one?

Yes, absolutely! If you are awarded this scholarship, you will not be prevented from accepting any other scholarships you might be eligible for from other sources or funding agencies.

What happens if I stop studying without UGC's permission?

If you decide to discontinue your studies without getting prior approval from the UGC, you will be required to refund the entire fellowship amount that you have received.

What is the main aim of this scheme?

The primary goal of this scheme is to provide financial help to medal winners and elite sports persons studying full-time regular courses in universities and colleges. It also aims to encourage athletes to reach higher levels of achievement by supporting their education and sports development.

Does the scheme have any age limits?

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

What documents do I need to submit as a student?

You will need to submit an application in the format required and a certificate that proves your participation or medal-winning status. This certificate must be attested by your Registrar or Principal.

How is the scholarship money given out?

The UGC will disburse the financial assistance directly to the university concerned, likely through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. The university then manages the distribution to the eligible students.

What criteria must I meet to be eligible for this scholarship?

You need to be a medal winner at national games or a participant in recognized international sporting events. You must also be admitted to universities, colleges, or institutions that are recognized by the UGC under Sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956, or are Deemed Universities eligible for UGC grants, government-funded institutions, or Institutes of National Importance. Your scholarship in subsequent years will depend on your continued sports performance.

Can my scholarship be cancelled? If so, under what conditions?

Yes, the UGC can terminate the scholarship. This can happen if there are reports of misconduct from your university/college, if your progress reports (academic or sports) are unsatisfactory, or if you frequently fail in examinations. The Commission also reserves the right to terminate the scholarship based on recommendations from the university, and their decision will be final.

What documents does the university need to send to the UGC?

Every year, the university or institution must submit a complete list of students who have received the scholarship, along with details of the amounts disbursed. They also need to provide a progress report after the first year, a utilization certificate for previous grants, and a certificate justifying the continuation of the scholarship, duly forwarded by the Registrar/Principal.

What kind of support is provided for my education and living expenses?

The scheme covers your tuition fees and other educational costs for various full-time courses. It also includes actual expenses for hostel accommodation (boarding and lodging). Additionally, you may receive an annual allowance for sports kits, the amount of which depends on the level of your achievements.