Free Education For Sports Medal Winners / Participants Of National/ International Events
The UGC's Free Education for Sports Medal Winners scheme provides full tuition fee waivers and financial support to elite athletes — medal winners at National Games and participants in recognized international events — who are enrolled in UGC-affiliated universities or colleges. Support covers full-time regular degree programmes from undergraduate through PhD levels. Contact your university's sports department or the UGC to apply.
About This Scheme
The UGC's Free Education for Sports Medal Winners scheme provides full tuition fee waivers and financial support to elite athletes — medal winners at National Games and participants in recognized international events — who are enrolled in UGC-affiliated universities or colleges. Support covers full-time regular degree programmes from undergraduate through PhD levels. Contact your university's sports department or the UGC to apply.
Full official description
The scheme "Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National/ International Events", introduced by the University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, aims to assist medal-winning sportspersons pursuing higher education and motivate them to achieve excellence in sports and academics. Applicable to national medalists and international participants, it ensures their holistic development.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver (actual fees) for undergraduate, PG, diploma, and doctoral programmes
- ₹7,500 per month plus actual fees for M.Phil and professional courses abroad
- PhD stipend at JRF scale (as per UGC norms)
- Hostel (boarding and lodging): actual cost covered
- Annual kit allowance: ₹15,000 per year
- International course allowances as per Government of India norms (for courses abroad)
- Specific amounts vary by medal type (Olympics/World Championship, National Games, etc.)
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a medal winner at recognized National Games OR a participant in recognized international events recognized by the World University Service, IOC, or Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA)
- Must be enrolled in a full-time regular course at a UGC-affiliated university, deemed university, or institution under Section 2(f) or 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956
- Applies from undergraduate through PhD and professional degree programmes
- The specific international event must be officially recognized by the relevant international sporting body
Exclusions
CANCELLATION OF SCHOLARSHIP UGC may terminate the scholarship of any student in the case of the: (i) Misconduct of the candidate, if any, reported by the University/College/Institution. (ii) Unsatisfactory progress report i.e. if the candidate frequently fails in his/her examination will not be given further assistance. (iii) The scholarship may be terminated by the Commission, on the recommendation of the University at anytime during the tenure and the decision of the Commission will be final and binding.
How to Apply
Step 1: Download the prescribed application form (Refer Page No. 5 ). Step 2: Fill in the application form with accurate details. Step 3: Attach a certificate of participation or medal-winning as proof of eligibility, attested by the Registrar or Principal of your institution. Step 4: Verify the form and attached documents for completeness and accuracy. Step 5: Submit the completed application form and required documents to the designated authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A List Of Documents That Are To Be Submitted By The Candidate Through The University/College?
Yes, the list of documents is given below -
- The candidate is required to submit an application in the prescribed format for availing of the scholarship.
- A Certificate of the participation/medal winner as per the eligibility mentioned above as proof (Attested By Registrar/Principal).
Is There A List Of Documents That Are To Be Submitted By The Concerned University/College/Institution To The UGC?
Yes, every year University/Institution will submit a complete statement of the following:
- Statement giving the names of the students selected for the scholarship along with their receipt of the scholarship amount.
- Progress Report to be submitted after the completion of the first year in terms of sports performance and academics.
- Utilization certificate for the previous grant released.
- A certificate giving justification for the continuance of the scholarship issued by the Director/Head of the Department duly forwarded by the Registrar/Principal.
Can The Applications Also Be Submitted Offline?
No, the candidate is required to submit an application through an online portal i.e. http://www.ugc.ac.in/page/XII-PlanGuidelines.aspx for availing of the scholarship.
How Will The Amount Of Financial Assistance Be Disbursed?
The amount will be reimbursed by UGC through DBT mode.
Can Incomplete Applications Be Considered?
No, incomplete applications will not be considered.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For This Scheme?
(i) The Scholarship will be provided to the Medal winners of National games and participants in recognized international sporting events recognized by the World University Service, International Olympic Committee, and Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) who have taken admitted to the Universities/Colleges/Institutions as indicated below: Universities/Institutions/Colleges included under sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956. Deemed to be Universities under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 which are eligible to receive grants in aid from UGC. Universities/Institutions/Colleges funded by Central/ State Govt. Institutes of National Importance. (ii) In the subsequent years this scholarship shall depend on their subsequent sports performance.
Is There An Age Criterion For This Scheme?
No, There is no Age Criterion For This Scheme.
What Are The Objectives Of This Scheme?
- The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the medal winners\ elite sports persons who are studying in Universities/Colleges leading to all the full-time regular courses including PG Diploma and other professional courses.
- To motivate the sports persons to achieve higher levels of performance by assisting them financially in relation to education and sports development. The scheme would be applicable to sportspersons who are medal winners in national games or participants in recognized international sporting events.
Can The Student Who Is Awarded The Above Scheme Be Debarred From Accepting Any Other Scholarships?
No, the student who is awarded the above scheme will not be debarred from accepting any other scholarships from any other source/funding agency.
What Are The Consequences If The Student Decides To Discontinue The Studies Without Prior Approval Of The UGC?
Any student who discontinues the studies without prior approval of the UGC will be asked to refund the amount disbursed as a fellowship.
In What Case Can The UGC Terminate The Scholarship?
UGC may terminate the scholarship of any student in the case of - a) Misconduct of the awardees, if any, reported by the University/College/Institution. b) Unsatisfactory progress report i.e. if the candidate frequently fails in his/her examination will not be given further assistance as mentioned above. c) The scholarship may be terminated by the Commission, on the recommendation of the university at any time during the tenure and the decision of the commission will be final and binding.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- To Be Submitted by the Candidate through University/College -
- 1. The candidate is required to submit an application in the prescribed format for availing of the scholarship.
- 2. A Certificate of the participation/medal winner as per the eligibility mentioned above as proof (Attested By Registrar/Principal).
- To Be Submitted by the concerned University/College/Institution to the UGC -
- Every year University/Institution will submit a complete statement of the following:
- 1. Statement giving the names of the students selected for the scholarship along with their receipt of the scholarship amount.
- 2. Progress Report to be submitted after the completion of the first year in terms of sports performance and academics.
- 3. Utilization certificate for the previous grant released.
- 4. A certificate giving justification for the continuance of the scholarship issued by the Director/Head of the Department duly forwarded by the Registrar/Principal.