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Ashoka University Scholarships: Overview

The video encourages prospective students not to rule themselves out because of Ashoka University’s fees. According to the narrator, roughly 45–50% of Ashoka students receive scholarships, and some awards cover up to 100% of certain costs.

The video describes three broad scholarship categories: need-based, merit-based, and merit-cum-means. Meeting a stated threshold does not guarantee an award; applicants should check each scholarship’s eligibility criteria and, for some awards, perform strongly throughout the admissions process.

Scholarship Categories

Need-Based Scholarships

Students can begin the need-based scholarship process only after receiving an offer of admission. Ashoka sends an application form, which must be submitted within one week of receiving the acceptance letter.

The form asks for detailed information about the family’s financial circumstances, which may include:

• Income tax returns (ITRs)
• Bank statements and salary slips
• Property information
• Loan statements
• Household and family income details

Awards are assessed according to the family’s ability to pay. Depending on financial need, scholarships may range from 25% to 100% and may cover tuition and residence costs.

Practical advice: If you expect to apply for aid, begin gathering family financial documents once you are shortlisted for an interview. This can help avoid rushing after an offer arrives.

Merit-Based Scholarships

The video describes two merit-based scholarships.

Special Merit Scholarships

• 50 awards are available.
• These scholarships are intended for students seeking to study sciences at Ashoka.
• The narrator says a 100% tuition scholarship may be awarded for exceptional performance in JEE Main, the IISER Aptitude Test, CMI, or the Indian National Olympiads.
• The subtitles do not provide exact score or performance criteria; viewers are directed to the criteria shown onscreen.

Achievers Merit Scholarships

• 150 awards are available, with no restriction to a particular course.
• Awards can cover up to 100% of tuition fees.
• The video names two criteria:
  1. An exceptional academic record—98% or above in both Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations.
  2. Strong performance in Ashoka’s admissions process.

The speaker notes that grades alone do not represent the whole application. A strong application may also include meaningful non-academic engagements, a well-written personal essay, the on-the-spot aptitude essay, and a good interview.

Merit-Cum-Means Scholarships

These scholarships consider both academic merit and financial need.

Arun Kumar and Ramniklal Mehta (ARRA) Scholarship

The video says this scholarship supports two exceptional students who demonstrate genuine financial need. It covers 100% of tuition and residence costs and provides a stipend. The narrator directs viewers to the scholarship’s information page for details.

College Board India Scholars Program Partnership

Students need an SAT score of 1300 or higher and significant financial need to qualify. The stated award is a full tuition scholarship.

Suggested Steps for Applicants

• Apply through Ashoka’s regular admissions process rather than ruling yourself out because of cost.
• If seeking need-based aid, prepare to provide comprehensive and accurate financial documentation.
• Start collecting relevant family documents when shortlisted for an interview, rather than waiting until admission.
• For merit awards, work on both academic performance and the broader application, including essays, activities, and interview preparation.
• Verify the precise eligibility conditions for each scholarship, especially where the video refers to criteria shown onscreen.

Speakers and Sources

The main speaker’s name is not stated in the subtitles. The narrator says they consulted more than 30 Ashoka friends and peers who had received financial support, as well as Ashoka’s director of admissions. These sources are not heard speaking directly in the provided subtitles.

The institutions and programs discussed include Ashoka University, the College Board India Scholars Program, and the examinations named as potential merit-scholarship criteria.