Scholarships for Class 8 Students 2024-25 - Opportunities & Eligibility

Class 8 students in India have access to a variety of scholarships, both government and private. The most prominent government scholarship for Class 8 students is the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS), which supports meritorious students from economically weaker sections. Also, many state governments offer scholarships for Class 8 students.

Private organizations, including NGOs, trusts, and corporations, also provide scholarships for Class 8 students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents. To increase their chances of securing a scholarship for Class 8, students should maintain good academic performance, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and explore various scholarship websites and platforms Some of the popular scholarship schemes that Class 8 students can apply for are given below

Government Scholarships for Class 8 Students

Government scholarships offer financial assistance to deserving students from economically weaker sections to continue their education. For Class 8 students, some of the top scholarships and olympiad exams in India are mentioned below:

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) scheme, initiated in 2008, is designed to assist academically promising students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Its primary objective is to reduce dropout rates after Class 8 and motivate students to pursue secondary education.

The scheme provides scholarships for Class 8 students annually to students whose families earn less than Rs 3.5 lakhs per year. However, students enrolled in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, government-run residential schools, and private schools are ineligible for this scholarship.

State Government Scholarships

Many state governments offer scholarships for Class 8 students from economically weaker sections. Specific eligibility criteria and benefits may vary from state to state.

Central Sector Scholarships

Central government departments and ministries may offer scholarships for Class 8 students for specific categories of students, such as those from minority communities or those with disabilities.

Scholarships from NGOs and Trusts

Many NGOs and trusts offer scholarships to deserving students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents. To explore these opportunities, students can check about these different scholarship of Class 8 students below.

SOF Scholarships and Olympiads

The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) is a renowned organization that conducts various Olympiad exams to assess the intellectual abilities of students. These exams are designed to stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

SOF conducts the following Olympiads:

1. International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO): Tests mathematical concepts and problem-solving abilities.

2. International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO): Assesses social and application skills.

3. National Science Olympiad (NSO): Focuses on foundational concepts in physics, chemistry, and biology.

4. International English Olympiad (IEO): Evaluates English language proficiency.

5. International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO): Tests computer science and programming skills.

6. International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO): Assesses general knowledge and current affairs.

SilverZone Olympiads

SilverZone conducts a series of Olympiads to assess students' academic abilities in various subjects. These Olympiads are designed to challenge students, foster critical thinking, and encourage a love for learning. Here are some of the popular Olympiads conducted by SilverZone:

• International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO): This Olympiad tests mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.

• International Olympiad of Science (IOS): This Olympiad assesses scientific knowledge and application skills.

• International Olympiad of English Language (iOEL): This Olympiad evaluates English language proficiency.

• International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO): This Olympiad tests knowledge of history, geography, civics, and economics.

• International Informatics Olympiad (iiO): This Olympiad tests aptitude in the field of computer science

• Smart Kid General Knowledge Olympiad (SKGKO): This Olympiad tests general knowledge and current affairs.

UCO (Unified Cyber Olympiad) Exams

The Unified Council conducts the Unified Cyber Olympiad (UCO) to assess students' mental abilities, logical reasoning, and computer knowledge. This Olympiad aims to identify and nurture young talent in the field of technology. The UCO is typically conducted at two levels and is open to students from Classes 2 to 10.

Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education

The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) is the nodal centre for the Mathematical Olympiad program in India. HBCSE plays a crucial role in organizing these stages, providing training materials, conducting camps, and selecting the Indian team for the IMO. By participating in these stages, students can enhance their mathematical skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking. It organises a series of stages to identify and nurture young mathematical talent.

Stages of the Mathematical Olympiad Program:

1. Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO): This is the first stage, conducted by the Mathematics Teachers' Association of India (MTAI). It's a screening test to identify potential talent.

2. Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO): The top performers from the PRMO qualify for the RMO, organized by HBCSE.

3. Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO): The top performers from the RMO qualify for the INMO, also organised by HBCSE.

4. International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC): The top performers from the INMO are invited to the IMOTC for intensive training.

5. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO): A select team of students from the IMOTC represents India at the prestigious International Mathematical Olympiad.

Corporate Scholarships:

Some companies support education by offering scholarships to students from underprivileged backgrounds. To stay informed about these opportunities, keeping track of corporate social responsibility initiatives and their associated scholarship programs is beneficial

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program

The SBIF Asha Scholarship Program is a significant initiative by the SBI Foundation to support meritorious students from low-income families across India. This scholarship program aims to ensure the continuity of education for deserving students from Class 6 to 12 and undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing courses from top institutions like IITs and IIMs.

DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship

The DXC Progressing Minds Scholarship is a CSR initiative by DXC Technology that aims to support the educational and sports expenses of students from marginalized groups.

Women and transgender students pursuing graduation in STEM-related fields are eligible for this scheme. Also, female athletes aged 13-25 who have represented the state/country at the state/national/international level in the last 2/3 years.

HDFC Bank Parivartan's ECSS Program

HDFC Bank Parivartan's Educational Crisis Scholarship Support (ECSS) Programme is a commendable initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to meritorious and needy students from underprivileged backgrounds. This program offers support to students facing personal or financial crises that could hinder their education. School students from Class 1 to 12 are eligible for this scheme. Those who are pursuing diploma, ITI, polytechnic, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs are also eligible for this.