Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship 2026–27 for AI, CS and Engineering

If you have just started a master’s in AI, computer science or core engineering, the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship 2026-27 is one of the most valuable awards you can apply for this year. It offers up to Rs 6 lakh for your full postgraduate programme, and applications close on October 5, 2026.

The scholarship is merit-based. You qualify with either a GATE score between 550 and 1,000 or an undergraduate CGPA of 7.5 or above. There is no family income cap, so strong students from any background can apply.

Money is only part of the offer. Up to 100 scholars are selected each year, and they get access to mentors, workshops and an alumni network that many students find just as useful as the grant. Below, we break down who can apply, which courses count, how selection works, and how to put together an application that stands out.

Reliance Foundation PG Scholarship 2026-27 at a glance

Detail	What you need to know
Scholarship amount	Up to Rs 6,00,000 for the entire PG programme
Number of awards	Up to 100 scholars
Who can apply	Resident Indian citizens in the first year of a full-time PG programme (2026-27)
Academic criteria	GATE score of 550 to 1,000, or UG CGPA of 7.5+ (or equivalent)
Income limit	None
Selection	Online aptitude test, expert panel review, virtual interview
Applications opened	August 14, 2026
Last date to apply	October 5, 2026
Official portal	scholarships.reliancefoundation.org

Dates and criteria are taken from the 2026-27 call as listed by Buddy4Study and Careers360. Always confirm on the official portal before you submit.

Which courses are eligible?

The PG scholarship focuses on fields that shape India’s technology and energy future. For 2026-27, the eligible disciplines are:

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mathematics and Computing
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Renewable and New Energy
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Life Sciences

For AI and CS students, this usually means an M.Tech, M.E., M.Sc. or MS by Research in computer science, data science, machine learning or AI. Core engineering students in electrical, chemical, mechanical and materials programmes are covered too.

If your course has an unusual name (for example, “Intelligent Systems” or “Energy Systems Engineering”), check whether it maps clearly to one of the listed disciplines. When in doubt, contact the Reliance Foundation scholarship team through the official portal before you apply, rather than guessing.

Eligibility criteria

The rules are short, but each one is strict. You must meet all of the following:

1. Citizenship: You are a resident Indian citizen.
2. Year of study: You are enrolled in the first year of a full-time postgraduate programme in the 2026-27 academic year. Second-year students cannot apply.
3. Discipline: Your programme falls under one of the eligible fields listed above.
4. Academic merit (any one):
   • A GATE score between 550 and 1,000, or
   • An undergraduate CGPA of 7.5 or above. If your university uses percentages, convert your marks to the CGPA equivalent.

Is there an income limit?

No. Unlike the Reliance Foundation undergraduate scholarship, the PG scholarship is purely merit-based. That said, you may still be asked for income proof, and applicants from underprivileged backgrounds and students with disabilities may receive additional consideration during selection.

GATE or CGPA: which should you use?

You only need one. If you have a GATE score of 550 or more, include the scorecard, since it gives the panel a standard national benchmark. If you did not take GATE, or scored below 550, a CGPA of 7.5+ is enough to qualify. Students who joined IISc, the IITs or NITs through GATE and also have a strong CGPA should submit both.

Scholarship benefits: what you actually get

Up to Rs 6 lakh in financial support

The grant covers the full length of your postgraduate programme, up to a total of Rs 6,00,000. According to IndiaScholarships, about 80% is released at the start of the academic year for tuition and direct academic costs. The remaining 20% or so can be requested for professional development, such as presenting a paper at a conference.

For an M.Tech student at a government institute, that can cover most or all of the fees. At a private university, it can take a real bite out of a much larger bill.

Mentorship and a scholar community

Scholars get access to mentorship from industry and academic experts, workshops, volunteering opportunities and a growing alumni network. For AI and CS students, this matters. A mentor who has shipped ML systems in production, or who sits on a hiring panel, can shape your thesis topic and your first job search in ways a grant cannot.

A credential that recruiters recognise

Only up to 100 students are selected nationally across all eligible disciplines. Being a Reliance Foundation Scholar is a clear, verifiable signal of merit on your CV and LinkedIn profile, especially when you apply for research internships or PhD programmes.

Selection process

Selection happens in three stages. Each one filters the pool further, so treat every step seriously.

1. Online aptitude test. A mandatory 60-minute test with 60 multiple-choice questions. It covers verbal ability, analytical and logical reasoning, and numerical ability. You pick your test slot while applying, and your score goes straight to Reliance Foundation.
2. Expert panel evaluation. A panel of industry professionals, academics and leaders reviews your full application: academics, personal statement, statement of purpose, references and extracurriculars.
3. Virtual interview. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview-preparation webinars, then a virtual interview with the expert panel.

Final selection is merit-based, with up to 100 scholars chosen. The test is not about your subject knowledge. A brilliant deep learning student can still stumble on timed reading comprehension or data interpretation, so practise those formats before your slot.

How to apply for the Reliance Foundation PG Scholarship 2026-27

The application is online. Plan for at least two sittings: one to fill the form and one to upload documents after you have collected references.

1. Go to the official Reliance Foundation Scholarships portal (or start from the Buddy4Study listing, which redirects you there).
2. Register and complete the eligibility questionnaire.
3. Fill in your personal, academic and extracurricular details.
4. Write your personal statement and statement of purpose.
5. Add details for your two referees and upload the required documents.
6. Register for the online aptitude test and choose your exam date.
7. Review everything, submit before October 5, 2026, and take the test on your chosen date.

Documents checklist

Keep scanned copies ready before you start:

• Passport-size photograph
• Aadhaar card and address proof
• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
• Undergraduate transcript or marksheets
• GATE scorecard (if you are applying through GATE)
• Current student certificate or proof of PG admission
• Resume or CV
• Personal statement and statement of purpose
• Two reference letters (one academic, one on your character or leadership)
• Work experience certificates (if any)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Family income proof
• Bank account details

The reference letters take the longest, since they depend on someone else’s schedule. Ask your referees first, before you touch the form.

Tips for a strong application (especially for AI and CS students)

Most applicants will clear the GATE or CGPA bar. What separates the final 100 is the story your application tells. Here is where to focus.

Make your statement of purpose specific. “I am passionate about AI” tells the panel nothing. Compare that with: “My final-year project used a small transformer model to classify crop disease images for farmers in my district. I want to work on models that run on low-cost phones.” One concrete project, one clear problem and one direction for your master’s is far more convincing.

Connect your work to impact. Reliance Foundation is a philanthropic organisation. Panels tend to respond to candidates who think about who benefits from their work, whether that is energy access, healthcare, agriculture or public services.

Choose referees who know you well. A detailed letter from an assistant professor who supervised your project beats a generic note from a head of department who barely knows your name. Share your CV and SOP with referees so they can mention specific work.

Prepare for the aptitude test like a placement test. Spend a week on timed practice sets covering reading comprehension, logical puzzles and data interpretation. Many strong technical students lose marks here because they underestimate the time pressure.

Show evidence, not claims. Add links to your GitHub, published papers, Kaggle work or hackathon results where the form allows. For engineering students, lab work, internships and design competitions do the same job.

Rehearse the interview out loud. Be ready to explain your project in two minutes to a non-specialist, discuss why you chose your programme, and describe what you plan to do after graduating. Attend the preparation webinars if you are shortlisted.

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts

The Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship 2026-27 is a strong fit for first-year AI, CS and engineering students who have the grades and a clear sense of what they want to build. The bar to apply is reachable, a 7.5 CGPA or a GATE score of 550, but the competition for 100 places is real.

With the deadline on October 5, 2026, your best next step is simple: message your two referees today, draft your SOP this week, and book your aptitude test slot early. A focused, honest application gives you a far better shot than a polished but generic one.