The dream of higher education is a powerful motivator. For many students in India, it represents a bridge to a better life, a way to lift their families out of financial hardship, and a path toward professional fulfillment. However, for far too many, that bridge is blocked by the rising costs of tuition, books, and living expenses. This is where the JSW Foundation steps in.
As we move into 2026, the JSW Udaan and JSW Umeed (often referred to by students as Umeen) scholarship programs continue to be a beacon of hope for thousands of meritorious students. These initiatives are not just corporate social responsibility (CSR) checkmarks; they are life-changing investments in the human capital of India.
In this detailed guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the JSW Scholarship programs for 2026, from eligibility and benefits to the step-by-step application process.
The Vision: Empowering the Communities
The JSW Foundation, the social development arm of the JSW Group, operates with a simple yet profound philosophy: “Better Everyday.” This vision extends to the communities living near their plant locations. Recognizing that financial constraints should never stifle a bright mind, the foundation designed the Udaan and Umeed schemes.
While Udaan focuses on students pursuing professional and higher education degrees, Umeed was originally conceptualized to support those whose families were hit hard by economic crises (including the aftermath of the pandemic), ensuring that primary and secondary education remains uninterrupted.
JSW Udaan Scholarship: Your Wings to Higher Education
The JSW Udaan Scholarship is the flagship program for students pursuing a wide range of professional courses. Whether you are aiming to be an engineer, a doctor, or a postgraduate scholar, Udaan provides the financial “wings” required to reach your destination.
Eligible Courses and Financial Benefits
The scholarship amount is tailored to the specific course level, ensuring that the most capital-intensive degrees receive significant support.
| Course Level | Scholarship Amount (Approx. Per Year) |
| Medical (MBBS/BDS) | Up to ₹50,000 |
| Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) | Up to ₹50,000 |
| Postgraduate (MA, MSc, M.Com) | Up to ₹50,000 |
| Undergraduate (BA, BSc, B.Com, BCA, BBA) | Up to ₹30,000 |
| Diploma Courses | Up to ₹10,000 |
| ITI Courses | Up to ₹10,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Udaan 2026
To ensure the scholarship reaches those who truly need and deserve it, the foundation has set specific criteria:
- Academic Excellence: Applicants typically need a minimum of 60% marks in their previous qualifying examinations (Class 10, Class 12, or Diploma).
- Financial Need: The annual family income must not exceed ₹8,00,000 (8 Lakhs). This ensures that the support is directed toward the middle and lower-income groups.
- Community Focus: This is a localized scholarship. Applicants must reside near JSW plant locations (detailed in the “Geographical Scope” section below).
- Exclusions: Children of JSW employees are not eligible for this particular community-based scholarship.
JSW Umeed Scholarship: Protecting the Foundation
The word Umeed means “Hope.” This program is specifically designed for students who are at risk of dropping out due to sudden financial crises. While Udaan targets the “stars” of higher education, Umeed protects the “roots”—students in primary, secondary, and general undergraduate programs.
Scholarship Tiers for Umeed
Primary & Secondary (Class 1 to 10): Support up to ₹10,000 per year.
Higher Secondary (Class 11 & 12): Support up to ₹12,000 per year.
General Undergraduate: Up to ₹20,000 for students pursuing non-professional degrees.
Why Umeed Matters
What makes Umeed special is its human touch. It recognizes that sometimes a family’s financial stability can crumble overnight. By covering basic tuition fees and academic expenses, it ensures that a child’s schooling doesn’t become the first casualty of a family’s economic struggle.
Geographical Scope: Where Can You Apply?
Since these scholarships are part of JSW’s CSR initiative, they are restricted to students living in the vicinity of JSW operational areas. If you live in or near the following regions, you are likely eligible:
- Karnataka: Vijayanagar, Dolvi, Mangalore
- Maharashtra: Mumbai, Vasind, Kalmeshwar, Dolvi, Palghar, Ratnagiri
- Odisha: Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jagatsinghpur
- Tamil Nadu: Salem, Dharapuram, Ennore, Tuticorin
- Rajasthan: Barmer
- Other Locations: Goa, Patiala, Sholtu (Himachal Pradesh)
The Checklist: Documents Required
Before you sit down to apply on the Vidyasaarathi portal (the official partner for JSW scholarships), ensure you have scanned copies of the following documents. Clear, legible documents are the key to a successful application.
- Identity & Address Proof: Aadhaar Card is mandatory.
- Academic Records: Marksheets of Class 10, Class 12, and the latest semester/year of your current course.
- Income Certificate: A valid certificate issued by a government authority (Tehsildar/SDM).
- Admission Proof: Admission letter or a Bonafide Certificate from your current college/school.
- Fee Receipt: Proof of fees paid for the current academic year.
- Bank Passbook: A copy of the student’s bank passbook (the account must be in the student’s name).
- Passport Size Photo: A recent, clear photograph.
Step-by-Step Application Process (2026 Cycle)
The application process is entirely online through the Vidyasaarathi website. Here is a simple guide to help you navigate it:
- Register: Visit the Vidyasaarathi Portal. Create an account using your email and mobile number.
- Complete Your Profile: Fill in your personal details, academic history, and financial background. This “Common Profile” will help the system suggest scholarships you are eligible for.
- Search for JSW: Once your profile is 100% complete, go to the “Browse Available Schemes” section and search for “JSW Udaan” or “JSW Umeed.”
- Upload Documents: Attach the required documents in the specified format (usually JPEG or PDF).
- Submit and Track: After a final review, submit your application. You will receive an application ID. Use this to track your status periodically.
Important Dates for 2026
While dates can vary slightly by region and course, the general window for the 2025-2026 academic cycle is:
- Applications Open: Usually in the last quarter of the previous year or January.
- Last Date to Apply: For many 2026 renewals and fresh applications, the deadline falls around February 8, 2026.
- Verification Period: February to April.
- Disbursement: Usually starts by mid-year after thorough document verification.
Tips for a Winning Application
The “Bonafide” Detail: Ensure your Bonafide Certificate is on the college letterhead and signed by the principal/dean. Handwritten notes are usually rejected.
The Income Certificate: Check the validity of your income certificate. If it has expired, get a new one before the deadline.
Maintain Your Marks: For those applying for Renewal, your scholarship amount often depends on your performance. Scoring above 65% ensures you receive 100% of the sanctioned amount, whereas lower scores might lead to a partial scholarship.
Bank Account Linking: Ensure your bank account is active and linked to your Aadhaar. This prevents failures during the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Final Thoughts:
To the students reading this: We know that applying for scholarships can feel like a daunting, bureaucratic task. It involves gathering papers, chasing officials for certificates, and waiting anxiously for a response. But remember, this effort is an investment in yourself.
The JSW Foundation isn’t just giving away money; they are building a community of scholars who will one day lead industries, heal patients, and design the infrastructure of tomorrow. If you meet the criteria, do not let this opportunity pass you by. Your education is your greatest asset, and the JSW Udaan and Umeed scholarships are here to ensure that your financial status doesn’t determine your altitude in life.
Good luck with your application! Keep your dreams high and your determination higher.
While securing a scholarship is a massive step toward your future, ensuring your family has access to essential government benefits is equally important. If you haven’t updated your documentation yet, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to apply for a ration card online to streamline your family’s administrative needs
Scholarship application
Request scholarship
My name D.Sarumathi,
Help me scholarship.
Thanks.
Help to schlorship
Thank you for God 🙏