It is a merit-cum-means scholarship run by Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries. “Merit-cum-means” simply means two things are weighed together: how well you perform, and how much your family needs the support.
The programme is large and well established. In December 2022, the Foundation committed to 50,000 scholarships over 10 years, and more than 33,000 students have received Reliance scholarships so far. Last year’s undergraduate cohort had 5,100 scholars from 1,350 institutions across 27 states and seven Union Territories, according to the Foundation’s 2026-27 announcement.
The money matters, but it is not the whole package. Selected scholars also get mentorship, leadership development, networking with other scholars, and sessions with industry experts. For a first-year student from a small town or a first-generation college family, that network can be as useful as the funds.
Eligibility criteria for 2026-27
You can apply if you meet all of these conditions:
- Citizenship: You are a resident Indian citizen.
- Class 12 marks: You scored 60% or more in your Class 12 board exams.
- Year of study: You are in the first year of an undergraduate degree in the 2026-27 academic year.
- Course type: Your degree is full-time and regular. Any stream counts, including arts, commerce, science, engineering, medicine, law and management.
- Family income: Your total household income is below ₹15 lakh a year.
- Aptitude test: You complete the mandatory online aptitude test. An application without the test is not considered.
Who gets preference
The income cap is ₹15 lakh, but applicants from households earning below ₹2.5 lakh a year get preference. If your family falls in this bracket, make sure your income proof is clear and signed by an authorised official. It directly affects how your application is weighed.
The Foundation also says it looks for qualities like excellence, leadership potential, integrity, commitment to community, a growth mindset and courage. Your achievements, awards and activities section is where you show these.
Who is not eligible
This is where many applicants slip up. You cannot apply if you are:
- In the second year or later of your degree
- Studying through online, distance or correspondence mode
- Enrolled in a diploma course, including those who took a diploma after Class 10 instead of Class 12
- Enrolled in a degree that runs for two years, or one that runs for six years
If you are unsure whether your course fits, check the official guidance on the portal before you start. It takes five minutes and saves you from a rejected application.
Scholarship amount and benefits
Selected students receive up to ₹2 lakh in total over the duration of their undergraduate degree. It is not ₹2 lakh per year, which is a common misunderstanding.
Scholarship guides such as IndiaScholarships report that roughly 80% of the funds are released upfront at the start of the academic year. The remaining 20% can be requested for professional development, such as attending a conference. Treat this split as a guide and confirm the final terms in your selection letter.
The award is also reported to need annual renewal, with documents submitted each year. So keep your grades steady and your paperwork organised after you are selected.
Beyond the money, scholars get:
- One-on-one and group mentorship
- Leadership and skill-building programmes
- A peer network of thousands of scholars across India
- Interactions with industry leaders and experts
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 14 August 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 5 October 2026, 11:59 PM IST |
| Aptitude test | Online, on the slot you choose while applying |
| Results declared | By 28 December 2026 |
A few websites list 15 October as the deadline. The Foundation’s official UG guidance document says 5 October 2026, so plan around that date. Deadlines are sometimes extended, but you should never count on it.
Documents required
Keep scanned copies of these ready before you open the form. Clear, readable scans in the right format save a lot of back-and-forth later.
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of permanent address
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 12 marksheet
- Bonafide student certificate from your college, confirming first-year admission for 2026-27
- Household income proof, issued by an authorised official (for example, an income certificate from the tehsildar or a salary certificate or ITR)
- Disability certificate, if applicable
- PAN and bank account details (these are asked for after the main application)
You will also need a personal email ID and mobile number that you check regularly. All updates, test links and results come through them.
How to apply for the Reliance Foundation scholarship
The whole process is online and free. Set aside about an hour for the form, plus another hour on test day.
- Go to the official portal. Visit scholarships.reliancefoundation.org and open the Undergraduate Scholarship section. You may also reach it through partner platforms like Buddy4Study, which redirect you to the official form.
- Register. Sign up with your personal email ID and mobile number. Use contact details you will still have access to in December.
- Fill in the application. Add your personal details, family and income details, academic record, and your achievements, awards and activities.
- Upload your documents. Attach the scans listed above. Check each file opens correctly before you move on.
- Add bank and PAN details. These are collected as part of the process so funds can be transferred if you are selected.
- Pick your aptitude test slot. Choose a date and time when you can sit in a quiet place with a stable internet connection.
- Take the online aptitude test. Your application is only complete once the test is done.
- Submit and track. After submission, watch your email and the portal for verification requests and results.
There is no application fee at any stage. If anyone asks you to pay to “confirm” or “speed up” your scholarship, it is a scam.
Aptitude test: pattern and preparation tips
The aptitude test is the part most students worry about, but it is designed to check general reasoning, not syllabus knowledge. Guides from Careers360 and IndiaScholarships describe it like this:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online, taken from home |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Questions | About 60 multiple-choice questions |
| Sections | Verbal ability, analytical and logical ability, numerical ability |
| Mock test | Reported to be available about a week before your test |
| Score | Sent directly to the Foundation, not shown to you |
With roughly one minute per question, speed matters as much as accuracy. A few habits help:
- Take the mock test seriously. It shows you the interface and the pace you need, so there are no surprises on the day.
- Practise mixed sets. Short daily drills of reading comprehension, number series, percentages, ratios, and syllogisms build speed quickly.
- Do not get stuck. If a question takes more than 90 seconds, move on and return later if time allows.
- Prepare your setup. Charge your laptop or phone, check your internet, and keep ID handy. Close other tabs and apps.
A student who does a 20-minute practice set every day for a week will usually walk in far calmer than one who crams the night before.
Selection process
Selection happens in stages. First, your application is checked against the basic eligibility rules. Next, your aptitude test score and your financial background are weighed together, which is the merit-cum-means part. Shortlisted students then go through document verification before final results are announced, by 28 December 2026.
The Foundation does not publish a cut-off score. Your best strategy is simple: submit a complete, honest application, prepare for the test, and make sure your income documents are accurate.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most rejected applications fail on small, avoidable details rather than test scores.
- Waiting for the last day. Portals slow down near deadlines. Aim to finish by the first week of October at the latest.
- Uploading blurry scans. If a verifier cannot read your income certificate, it may not count.
- Using a parent’s email or number. You need to see every update yourself, quickly.
- Skipping the test. Filling the form without taking the test leaves your application incomplete.
- Guessing about course eligibility. Diploma, distance and two-year programmes are not covered.
What about the postgraduate scholarship?
Reliance Foundation also runs a separate postgraduate scholarship. It offers up to ₹6 lakh each to 100 students in fields such as engineering, technology, energy and life sciences, selected on academic excellence and aptitude. If you see “up to ₹6 lakh” in headlines, that figure belongs to the PG programme, not the UG one.
Helpline and contact details
- Email: RF.UGScholarships@reliancefoundation.org
- WhatsApp: 7977 100 100
- Phone: (011) 4117 1414
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for the Reliance Foundation UG Scholarship 2026-27?
A. The official deadline is 5 October 2026, at 11:59 PM IST.
How much money does the Reliance Foundation scholarship give?
A. Undergraduate scholars receive up to ₹2 lakh in total across their full degree, not per year.
Can second-year students apply?
A. No. Only students in the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree in 2026-27 are eligible.
Is the aptitude test compulsory?
A. Yes. Your application is not complete until you take the online aptitude test.
What is the income limit?
A. Your annual household income must be below ₹15 lakh. Applicants with income below ₹2.5 lakh get preference.
Is there an application fee?
A. No. The application is free at every stage.
Can students from any stream apply?
A. Yes. Students in any full-time, regular degree programme can apply, as long as the course is not two or six years long.
When will results be announced?
A. Results are expected by 28 December 2026.
Final word
If you are a first-year student with 60% or more in Class 12 and a family income under ₹15 lakh, this scholarship is worth an hour of your time. Gather your documents today, register on the portal, and book a test slot that gives you a few days to practise. Up to ₹2 lakh and a strong mentor network is a real head start for your degree.