Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Loan Scholarship

Unlocking Global Dreams: The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation PG Scholarship for Indian Students

As an Indian student eyeing postgraduate studies abroad for the Fall 2026 intake, funding can often feel like the biggest hurdle. Imagine securing an interest-free loan of up to ₹20 lakhs to pursue your Master's at a top university like Harvard, Oxford, or Stanford—without the burden of high interest rates. That's exactly what the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate (PG) Scholarship Programme offers. Established in 2002, this merit-based initiative empowers exceptional Indian talent to chase world-class education in India and abroad. With applications set to open in January 2026, now is the perfect time to prepare and position yourself for this life-changing opportunity.

What is the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation PG Scholarship?

The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, founded by industrialist Mr. Narotam Sekhsaria, is a non-profit dedicated to advancing education, health, and employment in India. Its flagship PG Scholarship Programme targets meritorious graduates, providing financial support as an interest-free loan to cover tuition and related expenses. Unlike traditional scholarships, this is a repayable loan with flexible terms, ensuring you invest in your future without long-term debt traps.

Since its inception, the programme has supported over 266 scholars across 64 prestigious institutions in seven countries. It's not just about money—selected scholars gain access to a dedicated mentorship programme and a vibrant alumni network, fostering professional growth and lifelong connections. For Indian students aiming for the 2026 intake, this scholarship bridges the gap between ambition and achievement, making elite global education accessible.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria Tailored for Aspiring Global Scholars

To qualify for the 2026 cycle, you must meet these straightforward yet competitive criteria. The Foundation prioritizes academic excellence and potential impact, so ensure your profile aligns before applying.

• Nationality and Residency: Must be an Indian national currently residing in India.
• Age Limit: Below 30 years as of January 31, 2026.
• Educational Background: Graduate from an accredited Indian university, or in the final year of your Bachelor's programme (with confirmed results by the application deadline).
• Admission Requirement: Secured or expecting to secure admission to a reputable postgraduate programme commencing in Fall 2026 at a prestigious institution in India or abroad.
• Academic Merit: Consistently high academic record, demonstrated through marks, standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT, IELTS), and extracurricular achievements.
• No Prior Funding: Not receiving any other major scholarship or fee waiver that covers the same expenses.

These criteria ensure the scholarship reaches driven individuals ready to contribute back to India post-studies. If you're a final-year engineering student from IIT eyeing an MS at MIT, or a commerce graduate from Delhi University dreaming of an MBA at LSE—this is for you.

Key Benefits: More Than Just Financial Aid

Beyond the monetary support, the NSF PG Scholarship equips you for success on a global stage. Here's what you stand to gain:

• Interest-Free Loan: Up to ₹20 lakhs to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel—disbursed directly to your institution.
• Flexible Repayment: Begins one year after course completion, spread over easy monthly installments (typically 48-60 months), with no penalties for early repayment.
• Mentorship Programme: Paired with an industry expert for personalized guidance on academics, career choices, and networking.
• Scholar Network: Join a community of past recipients for peer support, job referrals, and collaborative opportunities.
• Oversight and Growth: Mandatory orientation to build soft skills, plus annual check-ins to track progress.

For Indian students navigating the complexities of studying abroad, these perks translate to reduced stress and amplified opportunities. Imagine starting your MS in Data Science at UC Berkeley with a mentor from Google India— that's the NSF edge.

Eligible Fields of Study and Institutions

The scholarship is open across diverse disciplines, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to holistic development. Whether you're passionate about tech innovation or social policy, there's room for your field.

Supported Fields Include:

• Pure Sciences (e.g., Physics, Mathematics)
• Applied Sciences (e.g., Engineering, Biotechnology)
• Social Sciences (e.g., Economics, Psychology)
• Humanities (e.g., History, Philosophy)
• Management (e.g., MBA, Finance)
• Law (e.g., LLM)
• Architecture and Design
• And more—any postgraduate programme at a top-ranked institution.

Institutions must be prestigious and globally recognized. The Foundation favors QS or THE top-ranked universities. Below is a snapshot of commonly supported ones:

Region	Sample Institutions
India	IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, Indian School of Business (ISB), Delhi School of Economics
USA	Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
UK	University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), Imperial College London
Europe/Other	ETH Zurich (Switzerland), TU Delft (Netherlands), University of Heidelberg (Germany), Paris School of Economics (France)

This list isn't exhaustive—check the official site for updates. For the 2026 intake, focus on programmes starting August/September 2026 to align with disbursement timelines.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the 2026 Cycle

Applying is straightforward but requires meticulous preparation. The online portal opens in early January 2026, so bookmark pg.nsfoundation.co.in and gather documents early. Here's how to navigate it:

1. Registration: Visit the portal and create an account using your email. Verify via the confirmation link.
2. Application Fee: Pay a non-refundable ₹500 online to unlock the form—think of it as your commitment fee.
3. Fill the Form: Complete three parts: personal details, academic history, and a statement of purpose (SOP) outlining your goals and why NSF.
4. Submit: Review and submit by the deadline. You'll receive an automated email confirmation.
5. Document Upload (If Shortlisted): In April 2026, upload attested copies of mark sheets, test scores, admission letter with fee structure, two reference letters, parents' ITR, passport, and any other funding proofs.
6. Interview: Shortlisted candidates attend virtual or in-person interviews in May-June 2026, assessing your motivation and fit.
7. Orientation: Selected scholars must attend the July 2026 session for onboarding and mentorship kickoff.

Pro Tip: Tailor your SOP to highlight how your PG studies abroad will enable you to contribute to India's growth— the Foundation values this national perspective.

Timeline for the 2026 Intake: Mark Your Calendar

With the current date being November 2025, you have ample time to build a stellar application. Here's the projected schedule based on past cycles:

• January 6, 2026: Applications open.
• March 23-26, 2026: Application deadline (tentative—confirm on site).
• April-May 2026: Shortlisting and document submission.
• May-June 2026: Interviews.
• July 2026: Results and orientation.
• August/September 2026: Programme commencement and fund disbursement.

Stay updated via the official website or email newsletters. Early preparation, like taking GRE by December 2025, will give you an edge.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application for Abroad Studies

Competition is fierce—only a select few are chosen each year. Elevate your chances with these actionable strategies:

• Boost Academics: Aim for a GPA above 8.0/10 and top percentile scores in entrance exams. Highlight research projects or publications in your resume.
• Craft a Compelling SOP: Weave in your journey from India to global impact. Use specifics: "My work on sustainable energy at IIT Bombay inspired my MS at Stanford to tackle India's renewable goals."
• Secure Strong References: Choose professors or employers who can vouch for your intellect and leadership.
• Demonstrate Need: While merit-driven, subtly address financial constraints via family ITR without sounding desperate.
• Network Early: Connect with NSF alumni on LinkedIn for insider advice on interviews.
• Proofread Relentlessly: Errors can sink even the strongest profiles—use tools like Grammarly.

For Indian students, emphasize how studying abroad aligns with returning to contribute—perhaps in fintech at ISB or public policy at LSE.

Why This Scholarship is a Game-Changer for Your 2026 Abroad Journey

In a world where study abroad costs can exceed ₹50 lakhs, the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation PG Scholarship stands out as a beacon of support. It doesn't just fund your dreams; it nurtures them through mentorship and community, ensuring you thrive. As you gear up for Fall 2026 admissions, let this opportunity propel you towards prestigious campuses worldwide. Visit the official portal in January 2026, apply with confidence, and step into a future where your potential knows no borders. Your global chapter starts here—make it count.