Introduction
It’s a very thrilling feat that you are the first in your family to attend a university. But it is tough, to say the least, to forge the path sometimes due to financial reasons. Scholarships are available that can help first-generation college students like yourself. This blog discusses how to apply for a First-Generation Graduate Scholarship. The eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, and tips to boost your chances are outlined in brief. Education is the last mile away from you, so let’s make it happen! Don’t miss it check out our latest blog about Apply Online for College Admission
| Did You Know?About 25 to 30% of college students in India come from families that are first-generation learners.In Tamil Nadu, first-generation graduate students pursuing professional courses receive an exemption of 100% in tuition fees. Most of the scholarships to first-generation students include allowances for tuition, hostel, and books. |
Why First-Generation Graduate Scholarships Matter
- Filling The Education Gap
Many of the first-generation college students first came from poor or even socially disfavored families. The scholarships will open doors for such a group of students to enjoy access to higher education in a fair way and, through that, set the magic that would pass from one generation to another.
- Building the Society Through Education
Through funding, first-generation students are transformed into empowered individuals who will now contribute part of their lives to their families, communities, and the nation. It facilitates the integration of institutions and contributes to the enhancement of the human capital of the country.
Eligibility Criteria For First-Generation Graduate Scholarship
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for first-generation graduate scholarships, one must:
- Be the first person in one’s immediate family (parents/guardians) to pursue a graduate-level education.
- Be enrolled in an accredited school/college for an undergraduate/professional course.
- Belong to a family in which annual income usually falls below Rs. 2,00,000 (may differ according to state/scheme).
- Have successfully completed the previous academic level (12th or diploma) with at least the required passing marks.
- Documentary proof such as a First Graduate Certificate or an Income Certificate must be provided.
Popular Scholarship Programs For First-Gen Students
1. Tamil Nadu First Graduate Concession Scheme
- Eligibility:
First graduates in professional courses
- Benefits:
Complete waiver of tuition fees
- How to Apply:
Through your college submit your First Graduate Certificate
2. National Scholarship Portal (NSP) :
- Host schemes for first-generation, SCST and economically weaker students:
- Apply through https://scholarships.gov.in
- Aadhaar, income certificate, and educational marksheets are required.
3. UGC and AICTE Scholarships:
- Providing merit cum means extra scholarships.
- Check the website of UGC at – https://www.ugc.ac.in.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Apply For First-Generation Graduate Scholarship?
Step 1 – Prepare The Necessary Documents
- First Graduate Certificate by VAO or Tehsildar
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Educational Mark Sheets
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Account Passbook (student’s name)
- Admission Proof/Bonafide Certificate
Step 2: Choosing The Right Scheme Of Scholarship
- Check the following genuine portals:
- NSP-National Scholarship Portal Tamilnadu Government Scholarships
- The official portal of your college (like, Takshashila). Select the one for which you fulfil all the eligibility criteria.
Stage 3 – Completing The Application Form
- Register or login to the scholarship portal
- Enter personal, educational, and income information
- Upload the relevant scanned documents in the required format
- Review and submit before expiration
- Print the acknowledgement
Stage 4 – Institutional Verification
- Your institution (college/school) will check your documents
- Some schemes also require the approval of a district officer/taluk-level
- Keep in close contact with your scholarship coordinator.
Step 5 – Check Your Application
- The status of a scholarship can be tracked from here.
- NSP dashboard
- University notice board or website
- Alert notifications email/SMS from the portals.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Submitting incorrect or mismatched personal and academic details
- Uploading blurred, outdated, or illegible supporting documents
- Missing application deadlines or submitting incomplete forms
- Failing to renew the scholarship annually, if renewal is required
Strengthen Your Scholarship Chances
- Don’t Procrastinate:
When you submit your application early, you demonstrate initiative and avoid rushing at the last moment trying to rectify any technical issues.
- Ask For Help:
Talk to your college’s scholarship office or student affairs. They would have knowledge or new information that you might miss.
- Ensure Clarity Of Documents:
The blurring of scans or cropping might result in a rejection. Spend some time browsing through papers before emailing them.
- Save Everything:
Keep digital copies and also hard copies for everything you submit; something might come in handy someday.
- Follow All The Rules Observed:
Doing that allows for a correctly formatted file within the size limit. It’s a very minute detail but one that will make a huge impact.
Additional Financial Support Options
Institutions such as Takshashila University provide aid with How to Apply for First-Generation Graduate Scholarship? Students and families are bestowed with an immeasurable amount of financing aid to remove their burden.
- Fee waivers for eligible students from economically weaker sections.
- Merit scholarships are something to commend academic performance, achievement or defeat.
- Placement training and hostel fee concessions for students to prepare for jobs while easing living expenses.
Takshashila University For First-generation Graduates
First-generation students have always been cherished by Takshashila University;
- Providing full guidance for state- and central-level scholarships
- Maintaining a high acceptance rate of scholarships
- Internal assistance and merit-based awards
- Scholarships and counselling for students throughout their entire course
- We believe no dream should ever turn into a nightmare just because of financial problems.
Conclusion
Becoming a first generation graduate is not just a feat, it is almost an honor. Getting there is tough without proper support systems. Gaining knowledge about applying for the First-Generation Graduate Scholarship? An armful of powerful tools will transform your game plan into a college dream reality. With the right documentation, on time, and good guidance, funding can be put into place, allowing one to inspire family members to follow suit. Follow @TakshashilaCollege for more updates
FAQs On How To Apply For First-Generation Graduate Scholarship?
1. What is a First Graduate Certificate and from where can I procure it?
A First Graduate Certificate is a document that certifies and provides proof that one is the first graduate in his or her family. You could apply for the First Graduate Certificate from your village administrative officer (VAO) or Taluk Office.
2. If I’m in a private engineering college, will I be entitled to this scholarship?
Yes. Certain recognized private colleges or universities like the Takshashila University sponsor and support such scholarships.
3. Is there an upper set of ages at which applicants can make applications for these scholarships?
In most cases, there is no upper limit to the age of the applicants, but there are certain state schemes with an age limit (like 25 years).
4. What is the amount awarded as scholarship Money?
Different states have their own schemes which range from full tuition fee coverage (as in Tamil Nadu) to fixed annual amounts as high as Rs. 50,000.
5. Can I renew my scholarship every year?
Most scholarships need an annual renewal on account of performance and the updated income certificate.
