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:
1. Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (ABVGSS)
This scholarship is available for students who want to pursue Undergraduate programs in India.
2. Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme (SSSJSS)
This scholarship supports students pursuing Postgraduate and Doctorate (PhD) programs at Indian universities.
3. Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme
This scholarship is designed for students interested in Indian culture and performing arts, including:
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Dance
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Music
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Theater
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Sculpture
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Indian languages
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Yoga
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Indian cuisine
Students applying under this category may be required to provide evidence of prior knowledge or experience in the respective field.
Important Dates
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Application Portal Opens: 27 February 2026
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Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
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.
Application Portal:
www.a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in
Applicants should carefully read the guidelines and fill out the online application form with accurate information.
Application Fee
Applicants must deposit an application fee of NPR 400 in favor of the Education Wing, Embassy of India, Kathmandu at any branch of Nepal SBI Bank.
After depositing the fee, students must write their online application registration number and name on the payment receipt.
The original receipt along with the printed application and documents must be submitted to the relevant office.
Documents Required for Application
Students should prepare the following documents before applying:
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Academic transcripts and certificates (Class 10 and 10+2 or higher)
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Passport copy
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Passport-size photograph
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English translation of documents if the originals are not in English
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A 500-word essay in English on a topic provided on the portal
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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:
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Minimum age: 18 years
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Maximum age for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses: 35 years
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Maximum age for PhD programs: 40 years
Some cultural courses may not have an upper age limit, depending on the institution.
Important Notes for Applicants
Students should keep the following points in mind:
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Medical, paramedical, and integrated law courses are not covered under this scholarship.
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Students applying for science or engineering programs must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in high school.
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For MBA programs, a GMAT score is mandatory.
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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!
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