Free Education for Sports Medal Winners Or Participants of National Or International Events

University Grants Commission runs a scheme to provide free education to sports medal winners and participants of national or international events pursuing higher studies in universities and colleges across India.

This initiative by the Ministry of Education supports talented athletes who have won medals at national games or represented the country at recognised international sporting events. The scheme covers tuition fees, hostel expenses, and provides kit allowances based on the level of sporting achievement.

Free Education for Sports Medal Winners Or Participants of National Or International Events

The scheme provides financial assistance to medal winners of national games and participants in recognised international sporting events who are enrolled in full-time regular courses at approved institutions. UGC reimburses the funds directly to the university, which then disburses the benefit to eligible students through DBT mode.

Universities are also expected to make special arrangements for students who miss classes due to sporting commitments, including help with syllabus completion and attendance management.

Highlights

Benefits

The financial assistance depends on your sporting achievement level. UGC reimburses these funds to your university. Universities are also encouraged to organize special sessions to help you complete your syllabus and manage attendance if you miss classes due to sporting commitments.

For M.Phil and Ph.D. students, additional monthly stipends ranging from ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 7,500 plus actual costs are provided based on the specific performance level. MBA and other professional course students also receive monthly stipends of ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 7,500 plus actual fees.

Eligibility

You are eligible for this scholarship if you are a medal winner in national games or a participant in recognised international sporting events sanctioned by bodies like the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Committee of Asia, or World University Service. You must be admitted to one of the following institutions:

• Universities or colleges covered under sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956
• Deemed universities under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956
• Institutions funded by central or state governments
• Institutes of national importance

Continued eligibility in subsequent years depends on your performance in both sports and academics.

Exclusions

UGC may terminate your scholarship under specific circumstances:

(i) If the university or college reports any misconduct on your part.

(ii) If your academic progress is unsatisfactory, such as failing examinations frequently.

(iii) The commission reserves the right to terminate the scholarship at any time based on university recommendations, and their decision remains final.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Download the official application form from the UGC website or collect it from your university authorities.

STEP 2 - Fill in all necessary personal and academic details in the prescribed format.

STEP 3 - Attach a copy of your participation or medal-winning certificate, which must be attested by your Registrar or Principal.

STEP 4 - Review your application for accuracy to avoid rejection due to incomplete data.

STEP 5 - Submit your completed application through your university or college authorities, who will coordinate with UGC for processing.

Documents

Documents from You:

1. A completed application form in the prescribed format.

2. A valid certificate of participation or medal win attested by your Registrar or Principal.

Documents from Your University:

1. A list of students selected for the scholarship with payment receipts.

2. A progress report after the first year regarding academic and sports success.

3. A utilization certificate for the previous grant received.

4. A recommendation letter from the Department Head forwarded by the Principal confirming your continued eligibility.

References

India Science and Technology Portal - Scheme Details

University Grants Commission Official Website

FAQ's

What documents must I submit to the university?

You need to submit a completed application form and an attested copy of your participation or medal-winning certificate verified by your Principal or Registrar.

Are there recurring submission requirements for the university?

Yes, your university must submit an annual statement of selected students, progress reports, utilization certificates, and justification letters for the continuation of your scholarship.

Can I apply for this scheme offline?

You must submit your application through your university or college authorities who will coordinate with UGC as per the prescribed process.

How will I receive the financial assistance?

UGC directly reimburses the financial assistance to the concerned university using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

What if my application is incomplete?

Incomplete applications will not be processed, so please ensure all details are correctly filled before submission.

Is there an age limit for this scheme?

No, there is no specific age criteria for this scheme.

Can I receive other scholarships alongside this one?

Yes, you are not prohibited from accepting other scholarships while receiving benefits under this program.

What happens if I stop my studies without informing UGC?

If you discontinue your education without prior approval, UGC will ask you to refund the total amount disbursed as your fellowship.

In what scenarios can UGC stop my scholarship?

UGC can terminate your scholarship due to reports of misconduct, unsatisfactory academic results (frequent failure), or upon the recommendation of your university.