Abdul Kalam Scholarship 2024-25 | Eligibility, Awards & Application Process

Abdul Kalam Scholarship program seeks to empower students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to achieve their educational dreams and become the future leaders, innovators, and visionaries that Dr. Kalam himself exemplified.

In this article, we will delve into the Abdul Kalam Scholarship, its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and the profound impact it has on the lives of students.

Objectives of the Abdul Kalam Scholarship

The Abdul Kalam Scholarship program is rooted in the following objectives:

  1. Empowering the Underprivileged: One of the primary goals of the scholarship is to provide financial support to students who face economic barriers to pursuing higher education.
  2. Honoring Dr. Kalam’s Legacy: The scholarship program pays homage to the late President’s commitment to education and his vision for a better India.
  3. Promoting Education: The program aims to encourage students to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, and innovation, in line with Dr. Kalam’s vision.
  4. Recognizing Merit: Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and the potential for students to make a positive impact on society.

Types of Abdul Kalam Scholarships

Abdul Kalam Scholarships can vary in terms of eligibility, award amount, and duration. Some common types include:

  1. Abdul Kalam Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship is often awarded to students pursuing postgraduate degrees, especially in fields like science, engineering, and technology.
  2. Abdul Kalam Merit Scholarship: Given to high-achieving students, this scholarship recognizes academic excellence at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
  3. Abdul Kalam Research Scholarship: For students pursuing research and innovation projects in areas of national importance, carrying forward Dr. Kalam’s legacy in science and technology.

Abdul Kalam Scholarship 2024 – Awards

The candidates selected for any of the Abdul Kalam Scholarships funded by different organizations receive financial assistance to pursue a quality education. Find below the details of rewards offered to the students by each of the scholarships and fellowships mentioned above.

Award Details of Abdul Kalam Scholarship

Scholarship Name Reward
APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship, Kerala The selected students receive a scholarship amount of ₹ 6,000 per annum for pursuing a 3-year diploma course in government or aided polytechnics.
Dr Abdul Kalam Scholarship for Medical and Engineering Aspirants ₹ 20,000
Dr Abdul Kalam International Undergraduate Scholarships This scholarship covers 50% of the tuition fees of the selected candidates for one year only.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Summer Training Program
  • A total of 20 candidates are selected for this program and receive a fellowship worth ₹ 25,000 for a period of two months.
  • Candidates also get a travel allowance of ₹ 5,000.
Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship
  • Under this Abdul Kalam fellowship, the candidates receive a fellowship amount of ₹ 25,000 per month.
  • The selected candidates also get a research grant of ₹ 15 Lakh per annum to be used for engineering, research and innovation activities including consumables, manpower hiring, national and international travel for research purposes, etc.
  • Also, an overhead amount of ₹ 1 Lakh per annum is given to the hosting institutes.
President APJ Abdul Kalam Postgraduate Fellowship
  • The selected candidates get a tuition fee waiver for a maximum period of 4 years.
  • The students also receive a stipend of USD 22,000.
  • Also, the University of South Florida pays full-tuition (up to 12 credits per semester) for graduate-level credit hours taken at USF that count towards the student’s graduate degree.
Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship Under this fellowship offered by USIEF, the selected candidates become eligible to avail multiple benefits such as J-1 visa support, round trip airfare between India and US, a monthly stipend, professional allowance and many more.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards The students get to display their project in an exhibition. Also, the students receive travel expenses of the train.

Abdul Kalam Scholarship 2024 – Eligibility Criteria

Each scholarship/fellowship mentioned in this article asks for different eligibility criteria. These schemes can be availed by school students, undergraduates, or postgraduates. Given below is eligibility conditions that the applicants must fulfill in order to avail of scholarship benefits.

Eligibility Conditions of Abdul Kalam Scholarship

Scholarship Name Eligibility
APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship, Kerala
  • This is a minority scholarship and thus can be applied by students belonging to minority communities such as Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Jain
  • Annual family income must be less than ₹ 8 Lakh
  • Only native of Kerala can apply
  • The applicant must be pursuing diploma courses from government/aided polytechnic on merit basis
  • While disbursing this scholarship, BPL candidates are given preference.
Dr Abdul Kalam Scholarship for Medical/Engineering Aspirants
  • Indian students appearing for national/state-level medical or engineering entrance exams are eligible.
  • An applicant must have passed Class 12 board with minimum 55% marks (Those appearing in board exam in 2024 are eligible to apply. However, they will have to present the result-sheet after their results are announced).
  • The annual family income of the candidates must not exceed ₹6 lakh.
Dr Abdul Kalam International Undergraduate Scholarships
  • International students are eligible for this scholarship.
  • The candidates must have an unconditional offer for any UG program in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies at the University of Sydney.
  • A candidate must have completed either an Australian Year 12 qualification or an international senior secondary qualification equivalent to an ATAR of at least 98.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Summer Training Program
  • Applicants studying in the first-year MSc program (minimum first-class at pre-MSc degree level) are eligible.
  • The applicants in the third to the pre-final year of Integrated MSc program or equivalent with a GPA score of 6.0 on a scale of 10 can also apply.
  • First-year students of ME/MTech program or equivalent having a GPA score of 8.0 on a scale of 10 or GPA 7.0 on a scale of 10 for CFT is at B.E/B.Tech level or GATE Score ≥ 600 or NET (Engineering) rank from 1 to 100) can also apply.
  • A candidates studying in BE/B.Tech program or equivalent (with PA 8.0 on a scale of 10 or GPA 7.0 on a scale of 10) are eligible to apply
  • The third to the pre-final year students of Integrated ME/MTech program or equivalent (GPA 8.0 on a scale of 10 OR GPA 7.0 on a scale of 10 for CFTIs or GATE Score ≥600 or NET) are also eligible
Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship
  • The applicants must be Indians working in India in different capacities in the field of engineering at reputed public-funded institutions
  • An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and a competent professional qualification
  • The candidates must have at least 5 years of service left at the parent organisation as on the date of award of this fellowship
President APJ Abdul Kalam Postgraduate Fellowship
  • The applicants must have completed/completing their graduation from an Indian university
  • An applicant must have submitted the graduate application form of the University of South Florida and have received university ID number before submitting their fellowship application
  • The applicants must be willing to pursue a PhD degree in the following subjects – Applied Anthropology, Applied Physics, Business PhD programs, Cell Biology, Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science & Engineering, Engineering, Criminology, Integrative Biology, Marine Science, and Psychology
Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship
  • The applicants must be Indian citizens
  • An applicant must have an excellent academic background
  • The candidates must be proficient in the English language
  • An applicant applying for doctoral research must be registered in a PhD program in India and have conducted adequate research in the relevant field, especially in the identification of resources in India and the U.S.
  • The candidates applying for postdoctoral research must have obtained PhD degree within the past four years
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards
  • This Abdul Kalam award can be applied by the students of up to Class 12
  • Applicant’s age must not be above 17-18 years
  • The applicants who are out of school the maximum age limit is 17 years

Abdul Kalam Scholarship 2024 – Application Process

Each of the Abdul Kalam scholarships listed in this article has its own application procedure. Most of these scholarships can be applied through the online application system. The table given below tells you about how and where to apply for these scholarships before their deadline ends.

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Application Process for Abdul Kalam Scholarship

Scholarship Name Application Process
APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship, Kerala Interested candidates can apply online for this scholarship through the Minority Welfare Scholarships Portal of the state government.
Dr Abdul Kalam Scholarship for Medical/Engineering Aspirants The application for this program can be made through the official website of Buddy4Study
Dr Abdul Kalam International Undergraduate Scholarships The students can apply online through the online application system of the University of Sydney.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Summer Training Program The application for this program can be applied online through the official website of AcSIR.
Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship The applicants can send their application/nomination through the Heads of their organizations/institutions.
President APJ Abdul Kalam Postgraduate Fellowship The applicants can send their completed application form through email at [email protected].
Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship The candidates can apply online through the Institute of International Education portal.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards The students can apply for this award either through online or by email/post

Impact of Abdul Kalam Scholarship

The Abdul Kalam Scholarship has a profound impact on the lives of students, and society as a whole:

  1. Empowering the Disadvantaged: It offers a lifeline to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing them to access quality education and pursue their dreams.
  2. Honoring a Visionary: The scholarship serves as a fitting tribute to Dr. Kalam’s vision and legacy, promoting the values he held dear.
  3. Nurturing Talent: By recognizing and supporting students with exceptional potential, the scholarship contributes to the growth of future leaders, scientists, and innovators.
  4. Social and Economic Progress: The scholarship program, by enabling access to higher education, plays a role in the overall development of the nation.

Conclusion

The Abdul Kalam Scholarship is not just a financial aid program; it is a powerful symbol of the enduring legacy of a great visionary. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s commitment to education, science, and innovation continues to inspire countless students across India.

Through this scholarship, his vision lives on, nurturing talent and ensuring that students, regardless of their financial background, have the opportunity to pursue education and contribute to a brighter future. In honoring Dr. Kalam, the Abdul Kalam Scholarship program plays a vital role in empowering the youth and fulfilling the dreams of a remarkable leader.

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