The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has opened applications for the ICCR Scholarship 2026–27 for Nepali students who wish to pursue higher education in India. These scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for students to study at recognized Indian universities and institutions with financial support.

If you are planning to study in India with a scholarship, this guide explains the available schemes, eligibility, application process, and important deadlines.

ICCR Scholarship Schemes for 2026–27

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu invites applications from Nepali students under the following scholarship schemes:

Scheme 01

Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme

Available for students pursuing Undergraduate programs in India.

Scheme 02

Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme

Supports students pursuing Postgraduate and doctoral (PhD) programs at Indian universities.

Scheme 03

Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme

Designed for students interested in Indian culture and performing arts.

Students applying under the Lata Mangeshkar scheme may be required to provide evidence of prior knowledge or experience. Eligible performing art disciplines include:

  • Dance
  • Music
  • Theater
  • Sculpture
  • Indian languages
  • Yoga
  • Indian cuisine

Important Dates

Portal Opens
27 February 2026
Applications accepted from this date
Application Deadline
15 April 2026
All documents must be submitted

Students are encouraged to apply early and carefully review all instructions before submitting the application.

How to Apply for ICCR Scholarship

Students must apply online through the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal. Applicants should carefully read the guidelines and fill out the online application form with accurate information.

🔗
Application Portal
www.a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in

Application Fee

NPR 400 application fee must be deposited in favor of the Education Wing, Embassy of India, Kathmandu at any branch of Nepal SBI Bank. After depositing, write your online application registration number and name on the payment receipt, then submit the original receipt along with the printed application and documents to the relevant office.

Documents Required for Application

Students should prepare the following documents before applying:

  • Academic transcripts and certificates (Class 10 and 10+2 or higher)
  • Passport copy
  • Passport-size photograph
  • English translation of documents if the originals are not in English
  • A 500-word essay in English on a topic provided on the portal
  • Proof of English proficiency or an undertaking from the last attended institution

Students should ensure all documents are complete and properly uploaded, as incomplete applications may be rejected.

Age Criteria

Applicants must meet the following age requirements as of 1 July 2026:

Program Level Min Age Max Age
Undergraduate 18 years 35 years
Postgraduate 18 years 35 years
PhD / Doctoral 18 years 40 years
Cultural courses 18 years No upper limit*

*Some cultural courses may not have an upper age limit, depending on the institution.

Important Notes for Applicants

🚫 Medical, paramedical, and integrated law courses are not covered under this scholarship.
🔬 Students applying for science or engineering programs must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in high school.
📊 For MBA programs, a GMAT score is mandatory.
📄 Applications must include all required documents in English or with English translation.

Final Thoughts

The ICCR Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for Nepali students to pursue quality education in India across various academic and cultural fields.

With proper preparation and timely application, students can benefit from this prestigious scholarship and gain international academic exposure.

If you are interested in applying for the ICCR Scholarship 2026–27, make sure to prepare your documents early and submit your application before the deadline. If you need any more guidelines, please connect with Team Admizz Education!