Top 8 Skill-Based Scholarships for Indian Students

Most of us are aware of merit-based scholarships, but there are various opportunities for students in the form of skill-based scholarships as well. The best aspect of these programmes is that they identify a student’s strengths and abilities in different areas of interest aside from academics. Therefore, opting for these scholarship programmes not only enhances a student’s talent but also acts as a major confidence booster for him/her.

Talent or Skill-Based Scholarship can be in various forms such as:

• Music
• Dance
• Drama/Acting
• Sports
• Art/Drawing

Here’s a list of the top 8 Skill-Based Scholarships that a student can choose from: -

Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Artistes in the Fields of Culture

This Award comes under the Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture. It offers help to young artists of exceptional promise for advanced training within India in the field of Indian Classical Music, Theatre, Indian Classical Dance, Visual Art, Mime, Folk, Light Classical Music and Traditional and Indigenous Arts.

The age limit to apply for this programme initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India is 18 to 25 years.

Official Website: - https://indiaculture.nic.in/award-scholarships-young-artists-different-cultural-fields

Airports Authority of India (AAI) Sports Scholarships

The Airport Authority of India invites applications from excellent sportspersons for the AAI Sports Scholarship Scheme. Players over 14 years of age are eligible for this scholarship. The aim of this scheme is to encourage young talent and improve the sporting standards in AAI.

The amount of scholarship for players over 14 years and under 18 years is ₹ 12,000 per month whereas for players above 18 years of age is ₹16,000 per month.

Official Website: - https://www.aai.aero/en/node/73649

National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India encourages outstanding talent of Indian children in the form of National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement. Students excelling in fields such as; academics, arts, culture, design and sports etc. are rewarded.

The age criteria for this award is 5 to 18 years.  Thus, any child residing in India with scholastic or cultural achievements can apply and stand a chance to win a gold/silver medal.

Official Website: http://www.wcd.nic.in/award

Kalakriti Fellowship

Kalakriti Fellowship offered by the Sanskriti Foundation is for young performing artists from age 25 to 40 years. The Sanskriti Pratishthan is conducting similar programmes for the last 25 years. Its objective is to support young artists to develop their potential and expand their skills.

Candidates receive the scholarship amount of ₹50,000 in two instalments i.e. ₹25,000 on the commencement of the programme and ₹25,000 after completion of the project proposal. 

Official Website: http://www.sanskritifoundation.org/Kalakriti-Fellowship.htm

Symbiosis Society Foundation Sports Scholarship

Symbiosis International University invites applications from student-athletes across India. The programme organized by the Symbiosis Society Foundation offers great financial benefits to the candidates.

The objective of this scholarship is to recognize talented young sportspersons and reward them on the basis of their contribution to the national, state or university level tournaments.

Official Website: http://www.symbiosissocietyfoundation.org/

Madhobi Chatterji Memorial Fellowship

Madhobi Chatterji Memorial Fellowship is also an initiative by the Sanskriti Foundation. Young artists from the field of Indian Classical Music (Vocal and Instrumental) and Dance are eligible for this programme.

It is a residency programme for 3 months which can be further spread to a period of 10 months.  Thus, artists with some years of formal training are most suitable for this fellowship.  Simply send your two-page CV, CD and a 500 words write-up to apply and stand a chance to win the scholarship.

Official Website: http://www.sanskritifoundation.org/Madhobi-Chatterji-Memorial.htm

Toto Music Award

Young musicians and bands can send in their entries and stand a chance to win the Toto music award. This event focuses on recognizing young talent from age 18 to 29 years and invites applications from all parts of India in any language or genre.

An NGO called Toto Funds the Arts funds this programme and appreciates original musical compositions. Furthermore, a talented jury with years of experience screens and judges the event.

Official Website: http://totofundsthearts.blogspot.com/2018/06/toto-award-for-music-2019-call-for.html

Youva Master Stroke All India Drawing Competition

The Youva Master Stroke All India Drawing Competition is an exciting opportunity for all school students in India. Students from Nursery to class 10^th can present their creative talents on a regional level through their innovative drawings. Participants receive appreciation in the form of multiple awards.

The event organized by Navneet Education Limited allows students to participate through their respective schools only. Moreover, each participant can submit only one entry.

Official Website: http://masterstroke.navneet.com/