In a pioneering effort to facilitate higher education for students, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur has launched a special scholarship programme aimed at assisting academically gifted individuals from financially underprivileged backgrounds. Named 'Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Full Scholarship for Top 100 JEE (Advanced) Rankers', this initiative is the first of its kind among the Indian Institutes of Technologies nationwide.
The scholarship offers full financial support to students securing a position among the Top 100 in the JEE Advanced examination, provided their gross annual income falls below Rs 20 Lakhs.
This scholarship encompasses all expenses throughout the student's BTech Programme at IIT Kharagpur, covering tuition fees, institution fees, hall expenses, textbooks, meals, gadgets, and various other miscellaneous expenses including relocation costs, personal expenditures, and living expenses. The aim is to relieve students of financial constraints, allowing them to fully concentrate on their studies and social life without financial worries.
Professor VK Tewari, Director of IIT Kharagpur, expressed the institution's commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is deprived of education due to economic circumstances. He emphasised the institute's responsibility and privilege in supporting talented individuals with limited financial means to access higher education.
"At IIT Kharagpur, we believe that no deserving student should have their education limited due to financial constraints. It is our responsibility and our privilege and immense pleasure to support all such talented and meritorious but economically challenged students to access higher education," said Prof Tewari.
This full-ride scholarship not only enables students to pursue their aspirations but also empowers them to achieve their academic and career objectives by eliminating financial barriers. It reflects IIT Kharagpur's dedication to fostering inclusivity and academic excellence.